The Cast Iron Conundrum: Mastering The Egg

Cast iron pans are great for cooking eggs. They are safe to use on the stovetop and in the oven, giving you more options when cooking. However, cooking eggs in a cast iron pan can be daunting and confusing, and it is important to get it right to avoid a burnt, eggy mess. The key to success is maintaining the right temperature and ensuring the pan is properly seasoned. Cast iron pans take longer to heat up and hold heat for longer, so it is important to heat the pan slowly and not to overheat it. When cooking, the heat should be low enough that there is no sizzle when the eggs are added to the pan.

How to fry eggs in cast iron without sticking

Frying eggs in a cast-iron pan can be a daunting task, but with a few simple tricks, you can easily fry eggs without sticking. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect fried egg:

Step 1: Choose the Right Pan

Select a cast-iron skillet that you are familiar with. Knowing your pan is essential when cooking eggs, as you need to understand how it performs, including its hot spots and how long it takes to preheat.

Step 2: Preheat the Pan

Place your cast-iron skillet on the stove and heat it over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes. Be careful not to overheat the pan. A lower temperature will ensure even heating. To test if your pan is at the right temperature, sprinkle a few drops of water on it. If the water dances on the surface, your pan is ready. If the water evaporates too quickly or the oil starts to smoke, your pan is too hot. Simply remove it from the heat for a few minutes to cool down.

Step 3: Add Fat or Oil

Once your pan is heated, add a generous amount of fat or oil to create a non-stick surface. You can use butter, bacon fat, avocado oil, coconut oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil. Butter and bacon fat are particularly good choices as they have the right consistency to evenly coat the pan. Make sure to swirl the fat or oil around the pan to ensure a thorough coating.

Step 4: Add the Eggs

Now it's time to add the eggs to the pan. Be sure to season them to your taste. After adding the eggs, you can lower the heat as cast iron retains heat well. Cooking time will depend on your desired doneness. For sunny side up eggs, cook for 1 minute uncovered and then an additional 1-2 minutes covered. For over-easy eggs, cook the first side for 2 minutes, then flip and cook the second side for 30 seconds with a runny yolk. Over-medium eggs are similar but are cooked a little longer until the yolk starts to set. For over-hard eggs, cook the first side for 2 minutes, then flip and cook the second side for about 3 minutes until the yolk is fully cooked.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once your eggs are cooked to your desired doneness, remove them from the pan and serve immediately. Enjoy your perfectly fried eggs without any sticking!

Choosing the right cast iron skillet

Choosing the right cast-iron skillet can be tricky, but it's important to select the right one for your needs as they vary in weight, handle length, surface texture, and design. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a cast-iron skillet:

Type of Cast Iron Skillet

Firstly, you should consider the type of cast iron skillet that is right for your needs. There are three main types: antiques, modern rough surface, and modern smooth surface skillets. Antique skillets, such as those made by Griswold and Wagner Ware, are often thinner, lighter, and smoother, making them a delight to use. However, they may be more challenging to find and may be more expensive. Modern rough surface skillets, like those made by Lodge, are great for searing and braising due to their heavier weight and rougher surface. Modern smooth surface skillets, such as those made by Finex and Butter Pat, have smoother surfaces that make them better suited for cooking delicate proteins. They also tend to be lighter, making them a good choice for baking.

Size and Weight

The size and weight of the skillet are important factors to consider, especially if you have wrist or arm mobility issues. Larger skillets, such as those measuring 12 inches or more, are ideal for families or those who cook in larger batches. Smaller skillets, around 8 inches, are typically used by restaurant cooks as they prepare single servings. Heavier skillets can be more challenging to maneuver, especially with one hand, so consider a skillet with a helper handle for easier handling.

Surface Texture

The surface texture of the skillet can impact its non-stick properties and ease of cleaning. Rougher surfaces can make food more prone to sticking, while smoother surfaces are easier to clean and maintain. However, a rough surface is not necessarily a bad thing, as some cooks prefer it for searing steaks and fish. With time and use, a rough surface will eventually smooth out.

Handle and Pour Spouts

A well-constructed main handle is essential for a cast-iron skillet. Look for a handle that is medium-length, comfortable to grip, and flat so that it can be easily held with a potholder or oven mitt. Avoid skillets with handles made from other materials, as they may render the skillet less durable and oven-safe. Many skillets also feature a helper handle on the opposite side, which can be useful for maneuvering the skillet with two hands. Pour spouts are another feature to consider, especially if you plan to use the skillet for frying or searing. However, if you plan to bake in your skillet, you may want to choose one without pour spouts to avoid interfering with the shape of your baked goods.

Price and Brand

Cast-iron skillets can vary significantly in price, depending on the brand, size, and features. You don't need to spend a fortune to get a quality skillet, as some excellent options are available for around $20. Lodge, for example, is a well-known and trusted brand that offers affordable and durable skillets. If you're looking for a premium skillet with a smoother surface and lighter weight, be prepared to spend $100 or more. Field Company and Smithey are two brands that offer high-quality, artisanal skillets in this price range.

Pre-Seasoning

Most cast-iron skillets nowadays come pre-seasoned, which means you can start cooking with them right out of the box. However, it's important to check if the skillet you're considering is pre-seasoned, as this will save you the time and effort of seasoning it yourself. Pre-seasoned skillets also tend to have stronger non-stick properties, which improve with use and proper care.

Preheating the pan without oil

Preheating your cast iron pan is an important step in ensuring your eggs don't stick to the pan. Cast iron pans take a while to heat up, but once they're hot, they hold onto that heat for a long time. Therefore, it's important to preheat your pan thoroughly before adding any oil or fat.

When preheating your cast iron pan, avoid using high heat as this can shock the metal and cause thermal shock, potentially damaging the pan. Instead, place the pan on your stovetop over medium or medium-low heat for about 5-10 minutes. Be careful not to overheat the pan, as this can create hot spots and cause your eggs to stick. Allow the pan to heat up slowly and evenly, maintaining a consistent temperature throughout.

While preheating, keep an eye on the pan to ensure it doesn't get too hot. You'll know your pan is ready when a drop of water dances on the surface before evaporating. Alternatively, the oil should shimmer when added to the hot pan, with maybe just a faint wisp of smoke. You can also do the water drop test: if the water crackles a little before evaporating, your pan is ready.

Once your cast iron pan is preheated, it's important to add the oil or fat before adding your eggs. The heated pan and oil work together to quickly and evenly transfer heat to the food, preventing it from sticking. Choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil. Butter can also be used, but be careful as it has a lower smoke point and can burn more easily.

Adding the right amount of oil

When cooking eggs in a cast-iron pan, the right amount of oil is essential to prevent sticking and ensure the desired texture. Here are some tips for adding the right amount of oil:

Choose the Right Oil

Start by selecting an appropriate oil or fat for cooking your eggs. Butter, bacon fat, olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, vegetable oil, and canola oil are all suitable options. Butter and bacon fat have the right consistency to evenly coat the pan and stay in place. If you prefer a more intense flavour, oils like avocado oil or olive oil are a good choice.

Prepare the Pan

Before adding the oil, heat your cast-iron skillet on medium-low heat for about 5 minutes. Avoid overheating the pan, as this can affect the temperature required for cooking the eggs. Test the pan's temperature by splashing a few drops of water on it. If the water dances on the surface, the pan is ready. If the water evaporates too quickly or the oil starts to smoke, the pan is too hot, so let it cool down before proceeding.

Add the Oil

Once the pan is at the right temperature, add a generous amount of butter or your chosen oil. Swirl it around the pan to ensure a thorough coating. If using butter, melt it first and then swirl to coat the skillet. If using other types of oil, you may need to give them an extra swirl to ensure even coverage.

Adjust the Heat

After adding the eggs to the pan, don't be afraid to lower the heat. Cast iron retains heat effectively, so reducing the temperature will prevent the eggs from overcooking while still allowing them to cook thoroughly.

Amount of Oil to Use

The amount of oil you need will depend on the number of eggs you are cooking and the size of your pan. As a general rule, use about 1-2 tablespoons of butter or oil for every 11 eggs you are cooking. For a single egg, a teaspoon of oil is usually sufficient. However, you may need to adjust the amount based on your pan's condition and your desired level of crispness.

How to cook different styles of eggs

Cast-iron pans are great for cooking eggs, but it's important to follow a few key steps to ensure they don't stick to the pan. Firstly, you should preheat your cast-iron skillet on medium-low for about 5 minutes. Then, add some fat like butter, bacon fat, avocado oil, coconut oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil. After that, crack your eggs into the pan and season to taste. Finally, adjust the heat as needed and cook to your desired doneness.

Now, here's a guide on how to cook different styles of eggs:

Scrambled Eggs

Scrambled eggs are one of the most common methods of preparing eggs. To make them, you first need to crack two or more eggs into a bowl and whisk them until the yolks and whites are fully combined. You can also add a few tablespoons of water to the mixture, along with some salt and pepper, to season the eggs. Next, heat some butter or oil in your cast-iron pan and pour in the egg mixture. Constantly stir the eggs with a spatula as they cook, scraping the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking. For soft and creamy scrambled eggs, cook until the eggs are just damp and glossy. For hard scrambled eggs, cook until the eggs are firm and dry.

Fried Eggs

Fried eggs are another popular style and can be prepared in several ways, depending on how runny you like your yolks. Here are some common types of fried eggs:

• Sunny-side-up: The egg is fried without flipping, resulting in a runny yolk and fully cooked egg whites.
• Over-easy: The egg is fried, flipped, and cooked until the yolk is still runny.
• Over-medium: Similar to over-easy, but the yolk is slightly more cooked and has a custard-like consistency.
• Over-hard: The egg is fried, flipped, and cooked until the yolk is completely firm.

Boiled Eggs

Boiled eggs are also a simple and versatile option. Here's how to make both hard-boiled and soft-boiled eggs:

• Hard-boiled: Place the eggs in a pot and cover them with at least an inch of water. Boil for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to ice-cold water to stop the cooking process. Peel the shells and enjoy!
• Soft-boiled: Follow the same process as hard-boiled, but only boil the eggs for 6 minutes to achieve a runny yolk and fully cooked egg whites.

Poached Eggs

Poached eggs are similar to boiled eggs but are cooked without the shell in simmering water. To poach an egg, heat about 1.5 inches of water in a saucepan to a gentle simmer. Crack the egg into a custard cup, then gently pour it into the saucepan and cook for around 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the poached egg from the water, and enjoy!

Omelets and Frittatas

Omelets and frittatas are another delicious way to prepare eggs and can be customized with various fillings. To make an omelet, beat two or three eggs and transfer them to a pan. Let the eggs cook until the bottom is firm, then fold the omelet in half and continue cooking until the eggs are no longer runny. Frittatas are similar to omelets but are open-faced, meaning you don't fold them. You can also broil the top of a frittata in the oven for a crispy texture.

Frequently asked questions