Tillie Doyle
Cooking with a cast iron pot on a grill is a great way to cook a wide variety of dishes outdoors, from delicate seafood and saucy side dishes to baked goods like cornbread. Cast iron is a versatile material that can withstand high temperatures and distribute heat evenly, making it ideal for cooking over direct flames. By using a cast iron pot on a grill, you can expand your outdoor cooking options and create delicious meals with enhanced flavour. Whether you're grilling steaks, sautéing vegetables, or baking a fruit dessert, combining cast iron with the outdoor grill opens up a world of culinary possibilities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use case | Cooking a wide variety of dishes, including seafood, saucy side dishes, baked goods, vegetables, meats, and more |
| Benefits | Cooking outdoors, keeping the house cool, preventing fishy odours indoors, and expanding the types of food that can be grilled |
| Grill type | Propane, natural gas, charcoal, or indoor grill |
| Grill features | Lids that can be closed to contain heat and smoke |
| Cast iron pot/pan features | Toughness, versatility, and even heat distribution |
| Cast iron pot/pan uses | Direct flame grilling, indirect heat baking, oven-like usage, and compatibility with campfire coals |
| Temperature control | Tricky to dial in the temperature, requiring vigilance in monitoring fluctuations and adjusting heat |
| Preheating | Recommended to preheat the cast iron before adding food to achieve the desired temperature |
| Heat settings | Sear on high heat and cook on medium-low heat; avoid very high heat |
| Oil usage | Add oil after heating the pan; be generous with the amount |
| Cleaning | Clean while the pan is still hot, scraping with plastic or nylon (avoid metal), and using water without soap |
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What You'll Learn
How to cook seafood
Cooking seafood in a cast-iron pot on a grill is a great way to enjoy your favourite seafood without having to worry about the mess or the smell indoors. Seafood can be tricky to cook directly on a grill as it is delicate and can stick to the grates, and smaller seafood like shrimp may fall through the grill grates.
Firstly, preheat your cast-iron pot on the grill before adding your seafood. Cast iron takes a few minutes to get up to the right temperature. You can use the heat from your grill in the same way as you would from your stovetop or oven. You can also use a cast-iron skillet on the grill for more delicate seafood.
You can cook a variety of seafood in your cast-iron pot, including fish like salmon, shellfish like lobster, and shrimp. For shellfish, you will need to prepare it before cooking by cutting down the middle of the shell and removing the meat, leaving it attached at one end. Then, season the meat and brush with melted butter before placing it in your cast-iron pot to cook.
For fish, you can try a recipe like skillet-fried trout or a Mediterranean-inspired fish skillet. You can also try a whiskey marinade on your salmon before placing it on the grill. It is recommended to have one burner set to low so that you can slide the seafood over once it is done to keep it warm without drying it out. Serve with a side of melted butter for dunking!
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Cooking with indirect heat
Cooking with cast iron cookware on a grill is a great way to cook a wider variety of foods outdoors. Cast iron can withstand high temperatures (up to 650˚ F), so it's a good option for most heat sources. It can also be used to cook small or delicate foods that are difficult to cook directly on the grill, such as fish, seafood, and vegetables.
To cook with indirect heat, place the cast iron cookware directly over the heat source and allow it to heat up. Cast iron takes a few minutes to heat up, but once it's warm, it will conduct and distribute heat very effectively. You can then move the cookware away from the direct heat source to an indirect cooking space, allowing you to cook at lower temperatures. This is useful for cooking certain cuts of meat, which require a combination of high and low-temperature cooking to sear and caramelize the surface while also cooking the inside to the desired doneness.
When using cast iron, it's important to preheat your cookware before adding food to it. This can take around 5-10 minutes, and if your grill has a lid, closing it can speed up the process. Cast iron retains heat well, so you may need to turn down the heat after preheating. You can control the heat by adjusting the grill temperature and moving the cookware closer to or further from the heat source. Generally, the middle and back of the grill will be hotter, while the heat on the edges will be weaker.
Cast iron cookware can become extremely hot, so it's important to use heat protection, such as pot holders, when handling it. Additionally, be sure to use an oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil, to prevent burning and unpleasant flavors in your food.
With cast iron cookware, you can cook various dishes on your grill, such as fish, seafood, vegetables, steaks, burgers, cornbread, and baked goods. The possibilities are endless!
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Grilling vs indoor cast iron cooking
Grilling and indoor cast iron cooking are two distinct methods of preparing meals, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Grilling typically refers to cooking on an outdoor grill, often using charcoal or gas as a heat source. One of the biggest advantages of grilling is the unique smoky flavour it imparts to foods, especially meats. The grill grates also allow for fat to drip down, resulting in a healthier cooking method. Grilling is an excellent way to cook a variety of foods, from steaks and burgers to vegetables and seafood. However, grilling requires regular cleaning and maintenance, and it may not be suitable for delicate foods that could fall through the grates.
On the other hand, indoor cast iron cooking offers a versatile and durable option for preparing meals. Cast iron cookware can be used on stovetops, in ovens, and even over direct flames. It is known for its excellent heat retention, which helps create a beautiful brown crust on foods like steaks. With repeated use, cast iron develops a natural patina, enhancing its non-stick properties. Cast iron is also low maintenance, extremely durable, and chemical-free. However, cast iron may heat unevenly if the burner is much smaller than the pan, and it can be challenging to control the temperature.
When deciding between grilling and indoor cast iron cooking, consider the desired outcome and the type of food being prepared. Grilling is ideal for infusing smoky flavours and creating a crispy crust on meats, but it requires more maintenance and clean-up. Indoor cast iron cooking offers versatility and is perfect for searing steaks, sautéing vegetables, and baking goods like cornbread. It is also a healthier alternative to non-stick cookware.
Additionally, cast iron cookware can be used on grills, combining the benefits of both methods. This allows for a wider range of dishes to be cooked outdoors, including seafood, saucy side dishes, and baked goods. Using a cast iron pan on a grill provides the convenience of cooking multiple items simultaneously, such as grilling steaks while sautéing mushrooms.
In summary, both grilling and indoor cast iron cooking have their advantages and are suitable for different scenarios. Grilling is excellent for infusing smoky flavours and creating a crispy crust, while indoor cast iron cooking offers versatility, excellent heat retention, and the convenience of indoor cooking. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on personal preference, the type of food being prepared, and the desired outcome.
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Re-seasoning your cast iron pot
This process of seasoning cast iron is called polymerization, which bakes oil onto the iron to form a natural, easy-release cooking surface. It is recommended to season cast iron in the oven a few times a year, especially when restoring a rusty cast iron pot. Regular use of a cast iron pot will also help to maintain its seasoning, as cooking with oil will add layers to the seasoning over time.
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Best foods for cast iron cooking
Cast iron cookware is a versatile option for various dishes. Its ability to retain high temperatures makes it ideal for cooking steak, searing meats, and creating crispy edges on baked goods. Here are some of the best foods to cook using cast iron:
Meats
Cast iron is perfect for cooking meats, especially when a good sear is required. Steak, in particular, benefits from the high heat retention of cast iron, allowing for a crusty exterior and a juicy, rare centre. Whether it's a ribeye, lamb chops, or a simple pan-fried steak, cast iron will deliver a perfect sear. Additionally, cast iron is great for cooking other meats like chicken, sausage, and bacon. For chicken, try a one-pan dish with chicken thighs, Italian sausage, Brussels sprouts, and shallots, flavoured with a paste of mustard, honey, and rosemary.
Fish
Cast iron is also excellent for cooking fish, providing a beautiful sear on a fillet while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. Whether pan-fried, broiled, or battered, fish releases easily from the pan, making it a favourite among cast-iron cooks.
Breads and Baked Goods
Cast iron skillets are perfect for baking breads and pastries. Cornbread, in particular, is a popular choice, as the skillet gives it a crispy, golden crust. Other options include focaccia, baked in a pool of olive oil, and Dutch baby pancakes. Cast iron also works well for brownies, creating a crispy edge and a fudgy centre.
Vegetables
When it comes to vegetables, cast iron can be used to roast or sear veggies like Brussels sprouts. However, it's important to note that vegetables tend to release moisture, so they may not be the best choice for the initial seasoning of a cast iron pan.
Breakfast Dishes
Cast iron skillets are great for breakfast dishes like crepes, eggs, and hash browns. For a hearty breakfast, try a cowboy breakfast or a Greek-inspired dish with spinach, chicken, and a creamy garlic-feta sauce topped with phyllo dough.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking with cast iron on a grill allows you to cook a wider variety of dishes outdoors, such as seafood, saucy side dishes, and baked goods. It's also a great way to cook a complete dinner quickly.
It's recommended to start with a basic cast iron set to get a hang of how it cooks and holds temperature. Preheat your cast iron before adding your food to the pan. Keep some potholders nearby as cast iron pans don't have cool spots.
Cast iron takes a while to heat up, so be sure to preheat it before adding your food. When cooking, be vigilant about checking the thermometer and adjust the heat as needed. For a good sear, heat up your cast iron pot on high.
Clean the cast iron pot while it's still hot, scraping with plastic or nylon and avoiding metal. Clean with water, and avoid using soap.
