Eliminating Fishy Taste From Cast Iron Pans

Cast iron pans are a kitchen staple, but they can develop a strong, stinky fishy odour if not cleaned properly. The porous surface of the pan often absorbs the smell of the food cooked in it, which can be hard to get rid of. While it may seem counterintuitive, one of the best ways to remove the fishy smell is to clean the pan with soapy water. This is because the fats in fish, which carry the aroma compounds, can be dissolved by soap, and then rinsed away.

Boil the pan in water

Boiling your cast iron pan in water is one of the easiest ways to remove the fishy odour. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Setup

Take a bigger pan or skillet that can fit your cast iron pan. Fill it with water and place it on the stove. Make sure to not fill it to the top to prevent water from spilling when you submerge your cast iron pan.

Step 2: Submerge the Cast Iron Pan

Once the water starts to boil, slowly and carefully place your cast iron pan inside the bigger pan or skillet. Let the cast iron pan sit in the boiling water for approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 3: Repeat the Process

After the first round of boiling, remove the cast iron pan and discard the water. Refill the bigger pan with water and repeat the process. The fishy smell is usually not eliminated in the first attempt, so repetition is often necessary.

Step 4: Continue Until the Smell is Gone

Repeat the process of boiling your cast iron pan in water as required. You may need to do this multiple times until the pan is completely free of fishy odours and other unwanted smells. This method will also help keep your cast iron pan clean and shiny on the outside.

Use baking soda

Baking soda is a great option to get rid of the fishy smell from your cast iron pan. It is known for its odour-absorbing properties and can be used in the following ways:

Baking Soda Solution

Create a baking soda solution by mixing five parts water and one part baking soda. You can prepare this solution separately or directly in the pan. Fill your cast iron pan with this solution and place it on an open flame. Let the solution boil until most of the liquid evaporates. Depending on the size of your pan, this process can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. As the solution boils, the heat will cause the pan to expand, releasing the fish oil trapped in the porous surface. The baking soda in the solution will absorb the fish odour, preventing it from leeching back into the pan.

Remove the pan from the heat while there is still some solution left at the bottom. Let the pan sit overnight at room temperature to ensure the baking soda extracts any remaining residue. The next day, wash the pan thoroughly with water and, if needed, a mild soap to remove any remaining baking soda. Dry the pan and season it before using it again.

Scrub with Baking Soda and Oil

If you want to remove the fishy odour and season your pan at the same time, you can scrub your pan with a mixture of oil and baking soda. Rinse the pan after scrubbing, fill it with water, and boil the water for a few minutes. Then, dump the water, heat the pan on low heat, wipe it with a paper towel, and let it cool down. If the fishy smell persists, you can try using vinegar to break down the seasoning, scrub the pan with a scouring pad, rinse it, and reseason it.

Regular Cleaning with Baking Soda

To maintain your cast iron pan and prevent strong odours from building up, you can regularly clean it with baking soda. Immediately after cooking, rinse the pan in warm water, sprinkle some baking soda, and scrub gently with a nylon brush. The baking soda will neutralise any flavours and odours from the food cooked, and it also has antibacterial properties. Dry the pan with a dishtowel and apply a thin coating of vegetable oil while the pan is still warm to maintain the seasoning.

Heat the pan in the oven

If your cast-iron pan has developed a fishy odour, there are several methods you can use to eliminate the smell. One of the most effective ways is to heat the pan in the oven. Here is a step-by-step guide:

First, ensure your cast-iron pan is completely made of iron with no plastic or rubber parts, as the high temperature of the oven may damage these materials. Set your oven to a temperature of around 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the pan upside down on the top rack of the oven to allow any fish oil residue to slip out and dry up due to the high heat. If your pan has a lid, you can place it right-side up, ensuring the lid is secure.

Place a sheet of aluminium foil on the bottom rack of the oven to catch any oil drips. This will make cleaning up easier and prevent oil from burning onto the oven's surface. Once the oven has reached the desired temperature, place the pan inside and let it heat for 30 to 45 minutes.

After the time has elapsed, carefully remove the pan from the oven using oven mitts to protect your hands. Allow the pan to cool down before checking for any remaining odours. If the fishy smell persists, return the pan to the oven and heat for another 30 minutes at the same temperature.

This method works by drying out the fish oil residue in the pan and allowing it to evaporate. Heating the pan in the oven can effectively eliminate the fishy odour without damaging the pan's seasoning. It is a straightforward and efficient way to deodorise your cast-iron cookware.

Use white vinegar

White vinegar is an excellent agent for absorbing smells. To use this method, start by preparing a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar in your cast iron pan. Bring this solution to a boil on an open flame and let it boil for around 20 to 25 minutes. Do not throw away the solution after boiling; instead, let it sit in the pan for a day. The vinegar will fight the fishy odour and eliminate it completely overnight.

After 24 hours or so, discard the solution and wash the pan thoroughly with cold water. You may also use a mild soap if required. Dry the pan and season it before using it again.

If this method does not work, you may need to strip and reseason your pan.

To avoid a fishy smell in the future, it is recommended to buy a separate pan to use for cooking fish and keep your current one for non-fish dishes only.

Use lemon juice

Lemon juice is an effective way to remove the fishy smell from a cast-iron pan. The citric acid in the lemon juice absorbs the fishy odour and helps to break down any remaining fish oil residue.

To use this method, start by squeezing 3 to 4 lemons into the pan, depending on its size. Then, add an equal quantity of water to the lemon juice to make a solution. Set the pan aside for about an hour. The citric acid in the lemon juice will absorb most of the fishy residue during this time.

After an hour, place the pan on a burner or an open flame. Bring the solution to a boil and let it heat for a few minutes. The solution will neutralise any remaining fish residue, providing a thorough clean.

Finally, remove the pan from the heat and discard the remaining solution. Wash your cast-iron pan with cold water before using it for cooking again.

Lemon juice can react with the metal of the cast-iron pan, causing it to leach into the food and break down the pan's seasoning. Therefore, it is important to only use lemon juice for a few minutes and not to let the acidic solution sit in the pan for too long.

Frequently asked questions