What Is a Cast Iron Pan And How Do I Use One?
These pans are a versatile tool that every kitchen should benefit from. These pans are designed to last generations and are quite easy to maintain, with just a few tips.
We love cooking on cast iron here at JP, so much so, that we wanted to introduce you to this wonderful style of cooking, and to the many benefits of how to properly use and care for them.
In this introductory blog, we show you just exactly what cast iron is, and why you should own one. Let’s jump in!
What is a Cast Iron Pan?
Cast iron is a heavy-duty material that is renowned for its durability, heat retention, and ability to retain heat for long periods of time. It is also naturally non-stick, once seasoned.
Non-stick pans use a Teflon coating to produce non-stick properties. While there is nothing wrong with this, and I use one quite often (especially for eggs), you run the risk of scratching the pans or worse, chipping the coating off, which can end up in your food.
Cast iron becomes non-stick through seasoning and cooking (more on this in a minute). They won’t scratch because they’re metal, and if you do lose your seasoning, don’t panic; they can always be re-seasoned.
What Is Cast Iron Seasoning?
This is one of the most common questions asked about cast iron, and here is the answer. Seasoning is applying thin layers of cooking oil to cast iron that carbonizes and gives the pan a hard layer of non-stick and flavor.
Cast iron is a porous metal and as it heats up, the pores open, as it cools, the pores close. As the pores open, they absorb the cooking oils and fats, and when the pan cools, they seal in the seasoning.
How Do You Apply The Seasoning?
Usually, when you get a new cast iron, it is unseasoned and needs to be seasoned before its first use, or else the food will stick to it. Use a high smoke point oil, like vegetable or canola, and apply a thin layer of the oil to the pan with a paper towel
Make sure to include the entire surface of the pan: handle, sides, bottom, and of course the interior. Place a roasting pan on the bottom of the oven to catch any drippings, set the oven to 350℉, and bake the cast iron upside down on the middle rack for one hour.
After one hour remove the hot cast iron and place it on the stove and let it cool. I advise doing this three times before you use it for the first time.
You can also do this on the stovetop, though the oven method is easier. This should be done periodically after you cook with the cast iron.
Pro tip: If you are using the oven for cooking, even if you are not using your cast iron, go ahead and reseason the cast iron and place it in the oven while your dish is cooking. Two birds with one stone.
The funnest way to season cast iron is by frying chicken (or another tasty treat). The oil ensures that food will not stick to the pan, and the oil will absorb into the pores, naturally seasoning the pan.
How Do I Use a Cast Iron?
Remember when I said that cast iron is versatile? Well, a cast iron pan can be used on the stovetop, in or over an open fire, and in an oven. This is old-school single pan cooking at its finest.
Let’s say you are using a dutch oven (more on this in another blog) for a roast. You can place the dutch oven on the stovetop to sautee your vegetables, then place the other roast ingredients into the pot in the oven to finish the roast. Dutch ovens are also fabulous for frying foods on the stovetop.
It is best to heat up the cast iron before you apply food to ensure even heat distribution so you won’t have “hot spots” in your food.
Blueberry Jalapeno Cornbread and beer battered cheesy bread are just two of many delicious recipes you can make with cast iron.
Stay Tuned For More Cast Iron Tips
We are starting a series on cast iron with this introductory blog. We will highlight cleaning and storage tips, different sizes and styles of cast iron, and of course recipes, in future blogs, so stay tuned!
Conclusion
Cast iron pans will quickly become your best friend in the kitchen. There’s virtually nothing these pans can’t do, and they last forever.
We will help you get through the initial steps, which are not as complicated as some might claim, so you can get right to cooking with your new favorite pan. Happy Eats!