Cleaning Cast Iron Grill Pans: Food Network's Guide

Cast iron grill pans are a vital tool to have in your kitchen, but they can be a bit of a nightmare to clean. The good news is that with the right care, these pans can outlast even your most durable non-stick or stainless steel pans. The key is to clean your pan immediately after use, as stuck-on food hardens as it cools. You should also avoid using soap, as this can strip the seasoning from the pan. Instead, use kosher salt and hot water to scrub away stuck-on food, or a non-scratch scouring pad to remove grease.

Cleaning with salt and water

How to Clean a Cast Iron Grill Pan with Salt and Water

Step 1: Allow the Pan to Cool

Always let your cast iron grill pan cool down before cleaning it. Do not let it cool completely, but make sure it is safe to touch.

Step 2: Apply Salt

Cover the surface of the pan generously with coarse kosher salt. The coarseness of kosher salt provides an abrasive cleaning solution that helps remove stuck-on food particles. If you have a smaller pan, a pinch or a tablespoon of salt will do.

Step 3: Add Water

Add a small amount of hot water to the pan. The water will cause the salt to stick together and form a paste-like texture.

Step 4: Scrub the Pan

Use a sponge, a folded paper towel, or a clean kitchen rag to scrub the salt around the pan. Get in between the ridges and all around the sides to ensure all stuck-on food is removed. If there are stubborn bits of food, you can use a plastic scraper to loosen them.

Step 5: Rinse and Repeat

Rinse the pan with hot water to remove the salt and debris. If there are still stuck-on bits, repeat the process.

Step 6: Dry the Pan

After rinsing, dry the pan promptly and thoroughly with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. Make sure to remove any remaining moisture to prevent rusting.

Step 7: Re-Season the Pan (Optional)

If desired, you can re-season the pan after cleaning. Rub a light layer of cooking oil or seasoning spray onto the surface of the pan, then wipe away the excess oil with a paper towel. Heat the pan on the stovetop or in an oven set to 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit until it begins to smoke. This process will create a non-stick cooking surface and help prevent rusting.

Cleaning with salt only

Cleaning a Cast Iron Grill Pan with Salt Only

If you're looking to clean your cast iron grill pan without using any water, this method is perfect. Using salt as an abrasive scrub will help remove stuck-on food particles from the pan's surface. Here are the steps to effectively clean your cast iron grill pan with salt only:

Step 1: Allow the Pan to Cool

Let the pan cool down to the touch, but do not let it cool completely. This is an important step as you don't want to risk burning yourself while handling the pan.

Step 2: Apply Kosher Salt

Sprinkle a generous amount of coarse kosher salt onto the surface of the pan. The coarseness of the salt is what will help scrub away any stuck-on food. Make sure the entire surface, including the ridges and sides, is covered with salt.

Step 3: Scrub with a Paper Towel

Take a folded paper towel and start scrubbing the salt into the stuck-on food. The salt will act as a natural abrasive, helping to loosen and remove any food residue. Keep scrubbing until you've covered the entire pan, adding more salt as needed.

Step 4: Wipe Down and Dispose

Using a new paper towel, wipe down the pan one more time to ensure all residue and salt are removed. Dispose of the used paper towels and salt in the trash.

Additional Tips:

• You can also use this salt method with a small amount of hot water to form a paste-like texture. This will give you a similar abrasive scrub but with a more liquid consistency.
• Remember to always dry your cast iron pan thoroughly after cleaning to prevent rusting.
• Season your pan regularly to maintain a flavour-enhancing surface.

Using soap

Although it is often said that you should never use soap to clean a cast-iron pan, when done right, soap and water can be an effective method for removing rust or cleaning brand-new cast iron. It is important to note that this method can break down and remove the flavour-enhancing seasoning built up over multiple uses, so it is recommended that you only use this method when necessary.

To clean your cast-iron grill pan with soap, start by placing a small amount of non-abrasive soap or detergent in the middle of the pan. Using steel wool, a scrubber, or a sponge, scrub down all surfaces of the pan with soap and a small amount of hot water. Then, rinse the pan with hot water. Take a sponge or non-abrasive pad and scrub the pan with soap one more time. Finally, rinse off any remaining soap residue.

After cleaning with soap, it is important to dry your cast-iron grill pan thoroughly to prevent rusting. First, place the pan on the stove and gently heat it until all the water evaporates. Then, wipe the inside with an oiled paper towel. Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil are best for this.

Boiling water

Step 1: Boil Water in the Pan

Place your grill pan back on the stove and fill it with about two to three inches of water. Turn on the heat and bring the water to a boil.

Step 2: Loosen Stuck-on Food

After a few minutes of boiling, you'll notice that the food particles will start to soften and float to the surface. Use a spatula to scrape between the ridges and loosen any excess stuck-on food.

Step 3: Cool the Water

Once you've removed most of the food particles, turn off the heat and allow the water to cool down for a few minutes. Be careful not to let the water cool completely, as you still want to avoid handling extremely hot water.

Step 4: Dump the Water and Rinse the Pan

Carefully dump the water and any remaining residue down the drain. Rinse out the empty pan with hot water to remove any leftover food particles or residue. You can use a sponge or scrubber to help wipe away any stubborn bits.

Step 5: Dry the Pan

Use a dry paper towel or a clean dish towel to thoroughly wipe the pan, ensuring no water droplets are left behind. This step is crucial because cast iron is highly susceptible to rusting, and you want to make sure your pan is completely dry before storing it.

Season the Pan (Optional)

If you want to go a step further, you can season your cast-iron grill pan after cleaning it. This will help maintain its non-stick properties and prevent rusting. Simply rub a light layer of cooking oil or seasoning spray onto the surface of the pan, including the sides, bottom, and handle. Use a paper towel to wipe away any excess oil, ensuring there is no oily residue left on the pan.

Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Your Cast-Iron Grill Pan:

• Never leave water in the pan or allow it to soak, as this can cause rusting.
• Always allow the pan to cool down before cleaning it with water to avoid warping.
• Avoid using steel wool or metal scrubbers on your cast-iron grill pan, as they can damage the surface.
• If you need to remove stubborn, stuck-on food, simmer a small amount of water in the pan for 3-5 minutes, then use a scraper after the pan has cooled.
• Always dry your cast-iron grill pan promptly and thoroughly after washing to prevent rusting.

Seasoning

Step 1: Wash and Dry Your Pan

Give your cast-iron pan a good scrub with warm, soapy water. This is especially important for new pans, as you want to remove any residue or impurities from the manufacturing process or transportation. After scrubbing, dry the pan thoroughly with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. You can also place the pan on a stovetop flame for a minute or two to ensure all moisture is gone.

Step 2: Rub with Oil

Once your pan is clean and dry, it's time to rub it all over with cooking oil. Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, vegetable, grapeseed, or even lard. Be sure to coat the entire pan, including the handle, bottom, and sides. Then, take another paper towel and wipe away any excess oil. The pan should feel practically dry to the touch. Excess oil can pool during seasoning and form hardened droplets or turn sticky if left unused.

Step 3: Heat in the Oven

Preheat your oven to 450-500°F (230°C). Place the oiled pan upside down on a rack in the oven, and line the rack below with foil to catch any oil drips. Leave the pan in the oven for about 30 minutes. This step may cause some smoke, so ensure your kitchen is well-ventilated. During this time, the oil will undergo a process called polymerization, where it heats and bonds to the metal, creating a hard, protective coating.

Step 4: Repeat the Process

Repeat the oiling and heating process three to four more times to build up a good initial layer of seasoning. This layer will be the foundation for future seasoning as you use your pan for cooking.

Maintenance Tips:

• Always dry your cast iron pan immediately after washing to prevent rusting.
• Avoid soaking your cast iron pan in water or leaving water in it, as this can cause rusting.
• Avoid using cold water on a hot pan, as it may cause warping.
• When seasoning, ensure you wipe away excess oil to prevent a sticky coating.
• If your pan has a lid, do not store it with the lid on, as this can trap moisture and cause rusting.
• When re-seasoning in the oven, place the pan upside down and use foil to catch any oil drips.

Frequently asked questions