These Cast Iron Skillet Recipes Will Give You New Respect for Your Pan (2024)

FAQs

Why do some recipes call for a cast iron skillet? ›

A cast-iron skillet accommodates a slew of cooking situations. It comes in handy when you're searing a steak over high heat to create a deep brown crust. It's also helpful if you want to melt down cheese over low heat for a dip, deep-fry at a consistent temp, or whip up a one-pan wonder.

Cast iron pans are extremely versatile. Probably the first thing you will notice when cooking with cast iron is that it actually takes a while to heat up, a surprise to many cooks new to it. Unlike other metals such as aluminum, iron does not conduct energy such as heat well, and so heating the cookware takes patience.

We recommend starting with vegetables as they are more forgiving than most proteins - they taste delicious and won't stick to your pan! Keep in mind that using a little bit of oil is necessary to help to keep food from sticking.

On the con side, cast iron is extremely heavy and not that easy to take care of (at least until it's older and well-seasoned). Carbon steel pans are similar in function, but around 25% lighter.

Cooking with Carbon Steel Pans

And because it's more conductive than cast iron, it heats more evenly, with fewer hot spots. But even with that, it is still capable of reaching temperatures high enough to thoroughly sear a steak, and can likewise be used on the stovetop and in the oven.

Eggs fall into the category of sticky foods that are not ideal for cast iron skillets that haven't built up their seasoning yet. While cast iron can become non-stick with sufficient use over time, a newer skillet will almost certainly cause your eggs to stick to its porous surface.

You let your skillet soak.

Soaking your cast iron skillet in your sink is a recipe for rust, as is washing it in the dishwasher. Instead, clean it ASAP, even using simple soap and water if you must.

What oils can I use to season cast iron? All cooking oils and fats can be used for seasoning cast iron, but based on availability, affordability, effectiveness, and having a high smoke point, Lodge recommends vegetable oil, melted shortening, or canola oil, like our Seasoning Spray.

Decades ago, soaps were made with lye and vinegar, and they were too harsh for use on cast iron pans. They would indeed strip away oil and could remove seasoning. But today's soaps, especially ones that are made with eco-friendly solutions, are often too mild to remove seasoning.

When you buy from Le Creuset, you're paying for high-quality pots and pans that are designed to stand the test of time. Rather than aluminum or stainless steel, Le Creuset craft their pieces from cast iron, which has a much higher heat capacity.

Do professional chefs use cast iron? ›

But what pans do the pros at cooking use in their back-of-the-house action? In a restaurant, you will notice a variety of different pans, including stainless steel pans, cast iron pans, aluminium pans and more. However, most chefs prefer to use stainless steel pans when preparing food.

When it comes to new and used skillets — a little soap and water is a good thing. This first wash removes factory residue or rust bits. Make sure you rinse and dry the pan well after this first washing. You'll likely only need to wash your skillet with soap once or twice a year if you take good care of it.

For one, cast iron pans aren't perfectly smooth and foods like eggs may get stuck. For the best results, make sure to keep your cast iron pan seasoned, and preheat the skillet for a few minutes before you add any food to it. This allows the pan to heat evenly and prevents most food from sticking. Add fat as needed.

Yes. Olive oil can be a popular choice when it comes to seasoning cast iron cookware, and that's because it's one of the most well-known and widely available oils on the market.

Cast Iron Skillets Heat Evenly

Even heating means that meats brown better and vegetables cook faster without having to constantly manage the heat source or rotate pans in the oven. Cast iron is ideal for frying and baking because it holds and distributes heat so well.

The natural nonstick surface and sturdy nature may be cast iron's most notable benefits, but the perks of the cookware don't stop there. Some other notable benefits of cooking with cast iron include: Holds heat well. Once cast iron has warmed up, it stays warm which helps keep food hot.

A skillet has the same functionality and design as a frying pan. Some cooking professionals are more likely to use the term "skillet" for cast iron skillets. Skillets and frying pans are two terms that are often used interchangeably, and in most cases, they refer to the same type of pan.

Cast iron is ideal for frying and baking because it holds heat much longer than aluminum pans. The food in contact with the pan will sear nicely, while the food above it will cook through radiant heat.