Cleaning Cast Iron Grill Pans: Easy Steps For Sparkling Results

Cast iron grill pans are a vital tool to have in your kitchen, but they can be a pain to clean. The best way to clean a cast-iron pan is to use kosher salt and water. You should allow the pan to cool until it is warm to the touch, then generously cover the surface with coarse kosher salt and add a small amount of hot water so the salt sticks together to form a paste-like texture. Use a sponge or paper towel to scrub the salt around the pan, getting in between the ridges and on the sides. Rinse the pan with hot water to remove the salt and debris, and repeat if necessary. It is important to dry the pan thoroughly after washing and to rub a light layer of cooking oil on the surface.

How to Clean a Cast Iron Grill Pan

Use salt and water to scrub the pan

Allow the cast iron grill pan to cool down so that it is no longer hot to the touch, but do not let it cool down completely. Once it has reached this temperature, generously cover the surface of the pan with coarse kosher salt. Next, add a small amount of hot water to the pan's surface. The salt will begin to stick together, forming a paste-like texture.

Use a sponge to scrub the salt around the pan, making sure to get in between the ridges and all around the sides. The coarseness of the kosher salt provides an abrasive cleaning solution that helps to remove stuck-on particles. Rinse the pan with hot water to remove the salt and any remaining debris. Repeat this process if necessary.

This method of cleaning a cast iron grill pan with salt and water is considered one of the best ways to effectively clean and maintain your cast iron cookware.

Clean with soap and water

Cast iron grill pans are durable and can last for generations if cared for properly. While mild dish soap is generally not recommended for cleaning cast iron, it can be used sparingly and won't hurt as long as the pan is well-seasoned. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean your cast iron grill pan with soap and water:

Step 1: Scrub with Soap and Water

Using a small amount of non-abrasive soap or detergent, scrub all surfaces of the pan with a sponge, scrubber, or steel wool. Use hot water and scrub gently to avoid damaging the pan's seasoning. If there are stuck-on food particles, you can use a wooden spatula or pan scraper to loosen them before scrubbing.

Step 2: Rinse and Dry

Rinse the pan thoroughly with hot water to remove any soap residue. Use a sponge or non-abrasive pad to scrub the pan again, ensuring that all soap residue is gone. Dry the pan completely with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. It is important to get the pan bone dry before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Re-Season the Pan

Cast iron is susceptible to rust, so it is crucial to re-season the pan after washing. Coat the pan with a light layer of cooking oil or seasoning spray. Use a paper towel to rub the oil evenly over the entire pan, including the handle. Continue wiping the surface with oiled paper towels until no oil residue remains.

Step 4: Heat the Pan

Place the pan in the oven or on the stovetop over low heat to ensure any remaining water is evaporated. For the oven, set it to 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit. On the stovetop, use medium heat. This step also helps burn off any remaining oil residue.

Step 5: Cool and Store

Allow the pan to cool completely before storing it. Your cast iron grill pan is now clean and ready for your next cooking adventure!

Deglaze the pan while it's still hot

Deglazing a cast-iron grill pan is an important step in the cooking process. It helps to release your meal from the pan, gets rid of food residue, and allows you to make delicious sauces.

• Remove all the food from the pan. If there are any food particles stuck, try to take them out, but don't force them off if they're stubborn.
• If there is excess oil or grease on the surface, pour it into a grease jar or use a strainer to separate the oil from the food particles.
• Add a small amount of liquid to the pan. You can use chicken, beef, or vegetable stock, or even a deglazing liquid for extra flavor. The purpose of this liquid is to soften and break up the food residue. The less liquid you use, the more concentrated your sauce will be.
• Turn the heat to medium-high and let the liquid come to a boil.
• Once the liquid is bubbling, use a wooden spoon to gently scrape off any black spots or residue from the bottom and sides of the pan. This will help break up the solid particles and incorporate them into the liquid.
• Continue scraping and stirring until most of the residue has dissolved, and your sauce is ready. You can add various ingredients and herbs to make your sauce more flavorful.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, create a cornstarch or flour slurry and add it to the pan.

By following these steps, you can effectively deglaze your cast-iron grill pan and create a flavorful sauce while also making the pan easier to clean.

Use a pan scraper for stuck-on food

A pan scraper is a useful tool for cleaning cast iron pans. It can be used to remove stuck-on food residue without scratching the pan. Lodge's polycarbonate pan scrapers are shaped to fit the grates of their pans and can be used on other brands of grill pans, too.

To use a pan scraper, first, allow the pan to cool down. Then, use the scraper to remove any stuck-on food. If the food is stubborn, simmer a little water for 3-5 minutes, then use the scraper after the pan has cooled. After using the scraper, rinse the pan with warm water to remove any remaining food particles.

Pan scrapers can be used on various surfaces, including stainless steel, non-stick, and glass pans. They are also useful for removing stuck-on stickers and candle wax.

Season the pan after cleaning

Seasoning a cast-iron pan is important for maintaining its surface. After cleaning your cast-iron pan, follow these steps to season it:

Step 1: Dry the Pan

Place the pan on a stovetop or in an oven set to 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure any remaining water is evaporated. It is crucial to ensure the pan is bone dry before proceeding to the next steps and storing it, as cast iron is susceptible to rust.

Step 2: Apply Oil

Take a paper towel and rub a neutral oil or shortening of your choice over the entire pan, including the cooking surface, sides, bottom, and handle. High-smoke-point oils such as canola, vegetable, grapeseed, or even lard are recommended. These oils are inexpensive and have a mild taste, so they won't affect your cooking.

Step 3: Wipe Away Excess Oil

Use another paper towel to wipe away any excess oil from the pan. This step is important because if you don't wipe away the excess oil, your pan may be left with a sticky coating.

Step 4: Heat the Pan

Let the pan sit on the stovetop until it begins to smoke. If you're using an oven, leave it on for about an hour and then turn it off, allowing the pan to cool down inside. This step helps to bond the oil to the cast iron, creating a smooth surface.

Additional Tips:

• Make your oven as hot as possible when seasoning to ensure the oil passes its smoking point and begins to break down.
• When seasoning in the oven, place the skillet upside down and put foil underneath to allow excess oil to drip off.
• Be consistent and diligent with your after-cooking care. With proper care, cast iron pans can last for generations.

Frequently asked questions