Curing Your Cast Iron Grill Pan

Curing a cast-iron grill pan is essential to creating a perfect non-stick surface for cooking. The process is simple and involves coating the pan with vegetable oil or shortening and placing it in an oven for an hour. This bakes the oil onto the cast iron, creating a protective coating that prevents rusting and food from sticking. While some cast iron pieces come pre-seasoned, others may need to be cured before use to ensure a non-stick surface.

How to Cure a Cast Iron Grill Pan

How to clean cast iron with salt and water

Cast iron pans are a durable and prized possession in any kitchen. They require a bit of special care to keep them in good condition. Here is a guide on how to clean cast iron with salt and water:

Allow the pan to cool down to the point where you can touch it without burning yourself. Do not let it cool down completely.

Sprinkle a generous amount of coarse kosher salt onto the surface of the pan. The coarseness of kosher salt provides an abrasive cleaning solution that helps remove stuck-on food particles.

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

Use a sponge or a folded paper towel to scrub the salt around the pan, making sure to get in between the ridges and all around the sides. This will help dislodge any stuck-on food.

Rinse the pan with hot water to remove the salt and any remaining debris. Repeat this step if necessary. Make sure to thoroughly dry the pan with a lint-free cloth or paper towel after rinsing.

Note: It is important to avoid soaking cast iron pans in water, as this can lead to rusting. If you need to remove stubborn, stuck-on food, you can simmer a small amount of water in the pan for 3-5 minutes and then use a pan scraper after it has cooled.

Once the pan is dry, you can re-season it by rubbing a light layer of cooking oil or seasoning spray onto the surface. Use a paper towel to wipe the surface until no oil residue remains.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean and maintain your cast iron pan, ensuring that it lasts for generations.

How to clean cast iron with soap

While some cast iron purists will tell you never to wash your pan, it is possible to wash cast iron with soap and water. However, there are a few extra steps you should take to care for the pan so you don't have any rusty regrets later.

Firstly, it's important to note that you should never let the pan soak in water, and you should always dry it thoroughly and promptly after washing. Water can quickly cause rust.

To clean your cast iron with soap, start by using a hard-bristle brush or the scrubbing side of a sponge to loosen up food and debris. Then, pour a small amount of mild dish soap into the pan and clean the brush or sponge. Rinse the pan and dry it immediately. You can then heat the pan over a stove on medium-low heat to remove any remaining water.

Once the pan is dry, pour a small amount of high-temperature oil, such as flaxseed, vegetable, or canola oil, into the pan. Use a paper towel to spread the oil across the pan, inside and out. Let the pan cool completely, then wipe away any excess oil and store the pan until you're ready to use it again.

If you have stuck-on bits of food that won't come off, you can loosen them by adding some water to the pan and heating it over medium heat for three to five minutes. Then, use the hard-bristle brush to scrape the bits loose.

While soap and water can be used to clean cast iron, there are alternative methods that you may prefer. For example, you can use kosher salt to clean a cast iron skillet. This method works well if there is no baked-on residue that needs to be removed, as the salt can absorb any excess oil lingering on the pan's surface. Simply pour one cup of kosher salt into a still-warm cast iron skillet and use a paper towel or folded kitchen towel to scrub the pan until it appears clean. Rinse and dry the pan, then repeat the oiling process described above.

How to clean cast iron with boiling water

Boiling water is an effective method for cleaning cast iron, especially if your pan contains a lot of large food particles. However, it is important to note that boiling water can loosen and eventually remove the seasoning from your pan, so it should be used sparingly.

• Set your grill pan back on the stove and fill it with about two to three inches of water.
• Bring the water to a boil. After a few minutes of boiling, food particles should begin to float to the surface.
• Use a spatula to scrape between the ridges and loosen any excess stuck-on food.
• Allow the pan to cool for a few minutes, then dump the water and residue down the drain.
• Rinse out the empty pan with hot water.
• Use a dry paper towel to wipe away any remaining food particles.

After cleaning, it is important to ensure your pan is completely dry before storing it. You can do this by placing the pan on the stove over medium heat for a few minutes. Once the pan is dry and still warm, use a cloth or paper towel to coat it very lightly with vegetable oil.

How to season cast iron

Cast iron cookware is durable and can last for generations if properly seasoned, cleaned, and maintained. Seasoning cast iron pans creates a hard, protective coating that prevents rust and food from sticking to the pan. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season cast iron:

Step 1: Wash and Dry Your Pan

Give the cast iron pan a good scrub with warm, soapy water. Then, dry it thoroughly with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. It is important to ensure the pan is completely dry before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Apply a Thin Layer of Cooking Oil

Using a paper towel or clean rag, rub a thin layer of cooking oil all over the pan, including the handle, inside and out. Vegetable oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil, and even lard are recommended due to their high smoke points and mild taste. Avoid using extra virgin olive oil as it can degrade at lower temperatures and become sticky.

Step 3: Place the Pan in the Oven

Preheat the oven to between 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the oiled pan upside down on the top rack of the oven, with a baking sheet or aluminium foil on the bottom rack to catch any excess oil. The high heat will cause the oil to polymerize, forming a hard, plastic-like coating. Leave the pan in the oven for about an hour.

Step 4: Remove the Pan and Wipe Off Excess Oil

After an hour, remove the pan from the oven. Be careful, as it will be hot! Use a paper towel to wipe off any excess oil that may have pooled during the heating process.

Step 5: Repeat the Process

Repeat the oiling and heating process three to four times to set a good initial layer of seasoning. This will ensure your cast iron pan is ready for cooking and has a hard, blackened skin that protects the metal and provides non-stick properties.

Maintenance

To maintain the seasoning on your cast iron pan, simply use it often! Each time you cook with oil, you add another layer to the seasoning. Remember to avoid cooking acidic foods in a new cast iron pan, as this can break down the seasoning. Also, avoid using steel wool or metal scrubbers as they can remove the seasoning. Instead, use a pan scraper or nylon scrubbing brush to remove stuck-on food. With proper care, your cast iron pan will last for years to come.

How to remove rust from cast iron

Removing rust from cast iron is a simple process, but it requires a few steps to ensure your cookware is restored to its former glory.

Firstly, scrub the rusty sections with steel wool or a scouring pad. You can also use a Lodge Rust Eraser or salt scrub. If you are dealing with a lot of rust, you may want to soak the pan in a mixture of equal parts water and distilled white vinegar. Check the pan regularly and remove it from the solution once the rust flakes away. This can take up to eight hours, so keep checking!

Once the rust is removed, wash the pan with warm, soapy water. This will remove any remaining residue and ensure the surface is ready for reseasoning. Dry the pan thoroughly with a paper towel or a lint-free cloth. You can also place the pan on the stovetop on low heat for a few minutes to ensure it is completely dry.

The next step is to add a very thin layer of cooking oil to the entire surface of the pan. You can use a cloth or lint-free paper towel to apply the oil. Be sure to use a thin layer of oil, as you don't want it to drip or run when you tilt the pan. Thin layers are important for baking seasoning into the pan.

Finally, preheat your oven to between 450 and 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a sheet of aluminum foil on the bottom rack of the oven to catch any excess oil. Place your cookware upside down on the center rack and bake for one hour. Turn off the heat and allow the pan to cool in the oven. This helps the seasoning to cure and adhere to the iron.

Your cast iron cookware should now be free of rust and ready to use!

Frequently asked questions