Removing Salmon Odor From Cast Iron: A Step-By-Step Guide

Salmon is a delicious dish, but it can leave your cast-iron pan with a lingering fishy smell. This happens because the porous surface of the cast iron pan absorbs the odour. The good news is that there are several ways to deodorize your pan and remove the salmon smell. Here are some methods you can try:

Boil the pan in water

Boiling your cast iron pan in water is an effective way to remove the lingering smell of salmon without damaging the pan's seasoning. Here is a step-by-step guide to help eliminate the odour:

Step 1: Prepare the Setup

• Take a larger pan or skillet that can comfortably accommodate your cast iron pan.
• Fill the larger pan with water, being careful not to fill it to the brim to avoid water spillage when you submerge the cast iron pan.

Step 2: Boil the Pan

• Place the larger pan on the stove and turn on the heat.
• Once the water reaches a rolling boil, carefully submerge your cast iron pan into the boiling water.
• Let the cast iron pan sit in the boiling water for approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
• After the time has elapsed, remove the cast iron pan from the water and discard the used water down the sink.

Step 3: Repeat the Process

• Refill the larger pan with fresh water and place it back on the stove.
• Bring the water to a boil again, and repeat the process of submerging the cast iron pan for another 15 to 20 minutes.
• It is important to note that the salmon smell is rarely eliminated after the first round of boiling. Therefore, repetition is often necessary.

Step 4: Complete the Process

• Continue boiling the cast iron pan in fresh water until the pan is completely free of any salmon odour.
• This method not only helps eliminate the smell but also keeps your cast iron pan clean and shiny on the outside.

Additional Tips:

• If you don't want to use a larger pan for boiling, you can try an alternative method by boiling water directly in the cast iron pan.
• Fill your cast iron pan halfway with water and place it on low heat.
• Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes.
• Carefully remove the pan from the stove, discard the water, and refill it with fresh water.
• Repeat the process as needed until the fish odour is completely gone.

Use baking soda

Baking soda is a great way to remove the salmon smell from your cast-iron pan without damaging the seasoning. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Create a Baking Soda Solution

Mix one part baking soda with five parts water in your cast-iron pan. You can adjust the amount of the solution based on the size of your pan. It is recommended to use a ratio of 1:5 (baking soda: water).

Step 2: Boil the Solution

Place the pan with the solution over an open flame. Boil the solution for 10 to 15 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated. The pan will expand as it heats up, releasing the trapped fish oil while the baking soda absorbs it.

Step 3: Let the Solution Sit

Once the solution has boiled down, remove the pan from the heat and let the remaining baking soda paste sit in the pan for 24 hours. During this time, the baking soda will continue to absorb any remaining fish residue and oil.

Step 4: Wash and Season the Pan

After 24 hours, wash the pan thoroughly with water. You can also use mild soap to ensure all the baking soda residue is removed. Dry the pan completely, and then season it before using it again for cooking.

Additional Tips:

• If you want to speed up the process, you can scrub the pan with a mixture of baking soda and oil before boiling the baking soda solution.
• For a more intensive treatment, let the baking soda and turmeric sit dry in the pan for a couple of days.
• Always wash and season your cast-iron pan promptly after cooking salmon to prevent strong smells from setting in.

By following these steps, you can effectively use baking soda to remove the salmon smell from your cast-iron pan, leaving it fresh and ready for your next culinary adventure!

Heat the pan in the oven

Heating your cast iron pan in the oven is an effective way to get rid of the lingering smell of salmon. This method works best for pans that are made entirely of iron, with no plastic or rubber parts.

First, set your oven to a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place your cast iron pan upside down on an oven rack to ensure any fish oil residue can slip out and dry up due to the high heat.

Once the pan has cooled, use your senses to check for any remaining fishy odours. If the salmon smell has completely disappeared, you're done! If not, place the pan back in the oven and heat it for another 30 minutes at the same temperature.

It is important to note that this method may require repetition to fully eliminate the salmon smell. Additionally, make sure to season your cast iron pan before using it again for cooking.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove the salmon smell from your cast iron pan and restore it to its optimal, odour-free state.

Fry a white vinegar solution

If your cast-iron pan has absorbed the smell of salmon, one way to get rid of the odour is to fry a white vinegar solution. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the White Vinegar Solution

Mix one part water with one part white vinegar in your cast-iron pan. You can also prepare the solution separately and pour it into the pan. Ensure that the solution is mixed well.

Step 2: Boil the Solution

Fill the pan with the solution to about halfway and place it on an open flame. Turn on the heat and bring the solution to a boil. Let the solution boil for around 20 to 25 minutes. The heat will help release the fish odour, and the vinegar will absorb it.

Step 3: Let the Solution Sit

After boiling, do not throw away the remaining solution. Instead, let it sit in the pan for about 24 hours. The vinegar is a household acid that will continue to neutralise the fish odour overnight.

Step 4: Wash and Dry the Pan

Once the solution has sat for a day, discard it and wash the pan thoroughly with cold water. You may use a mild soap and a non-abrasive sponge to ensure that all the vinegar residue is removed. Dry the pan completely with a kitchen or paper towel.

Step 5: Re-Season the Pan

After drying, it is important to re-season your cast-iron pan before using it again. This will restore the protective layer of fat molecules that create the pan's non-stick surface. Here are the general steps to re-season your pan:

• Preheat the oven to a high temperature (around 350-500°F).
• Apply a thin layer of neutral cooking oil, such as vegetable oil, all over the pan, inside and out.
• Buff any excess oil and place the pan upside down in the oven. Place aluminium foil or a baking sheet on the rack below to catch any drips.
• Turn off the heat after about an hour and let the pan cool in the oven overnight, or remove the pan and set it aside to cool for at least 45 minutes.

Your cast-iron pan should now be free of the salmon odour and ready for your next cooking adventure!

Re-season the pan

Re-seasoning your cast-iron pan can help mask the smell of salmon. However, it's important to note that this method doesn't remove the fish oil residue but covers the fish odour with stronger smells, such as onions or garlic. Here's a step-by-step guide to re-seasoning your pan:

Step 1: Clean the Pan

Start by removing any remaining oil or charred food particles from the pan. Use soap and water to clean it thoroughly, and don't be afraid to scrub the pan if needed. It's important to ensure that the cooking surface is clean and dry before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Prepare the Pan for Seasoning

Once your pan is clean and dry, it's time to add some oil. You can use olive oil or any other cooking oil with a high oleic index, such as safflower or canola oil. You can also use shortening. Apply the oil to the inside, outside, and handle of the pan. Be sure to use just enough oil to create a nice, even coating without making the pan slippery.

Step 3: Bake the Pan in the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350-450°F (around 180-230°C). Place the oiled pan upside down on the middle rack of the oven to prevent the oil from pooling inside. Put a sheet of aluminium foil or a baking sheet on the lower rack to catch any drips. Leave the pan in the oven for about an hour. This process allows the oil to polymerize and form a hard, protective coating.

Step 4: Cool and Wipe the Pan

After an hour, turn off the oven and let the pan cool completely inside. Once it's cool, wipe away any excess oil with a paper towel. Your pan is now ready for cooking!

Step 5: Care and Maintenance

When it's time to cook with your newly seasoned pan, wash it with hot water only (no soap) and dry it thoroughly after each use. Be sure to keep the pan dry to prevent rusting. Oiling the pan after each use will also help protect the seasoning and keep it in good condition.

Remember that a well-seasoned cast-iron pan is a well-used one. So, don't be afraid to use your pan frequently and build up those layers of seasoning. Enjoy your freshly seasoned cast-iron pan, and happy cooking!

Frequently asked questions