It happens to the best of us. You are just minding your own business, cooking a meal in your favorite cast iron pan and the food sticks. Sometimes it is just a little bit, but sometimes it is a LOT. Sometimes it’s really stuck. So what now?
The best time to clean a cast iron pan is right after you are finished using it. The food will come off easier when the pan is still warm. Here is how to get your pan looking like new again.
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How to clean a cast iron pan
Wipe out as much food as you can with a paper towel, washcloth, or sponge. If you are wiping out a bunch of grease I would recommend using a paper towel so it ends up in the trash can and not down your drain!
Run the pan under warm or hot water and use a soft sponge or washcloth to scrub off the stuck food.
If the food is not coming off, you can use something to scrap it off like a wooden spatula or a wooden scraper. Do not use a metal utensil for this step because it can damage the seasoning!
If there is still stuck on food that is not coming off you can use some soap. If you have to use soap you will need to re-season your pan because the soap will remove the seasoning.
Once the pan is clean you want to make sure it is completely dry. Thoroughly dry it off with a towel. If you let it soak in water or leave water on it for too long it can rust!
Place the pan on the stove and turn on the burner. This will heat the pan and make sure every drop of water that is left evaporates.
Once the pan is completely dry, put some oil on it and rub a thin layer all over, being careful to remove any extra oil from the pan. I usually use a paper towel for this step.
How to season a cast iron pan
If you need to re-season your cast iron pan or season your cast iron pan for the first time, you will coat the entire pan with a thin coat of oil. Make sure you get the bottom, outside, and the handle of the pan!
Once coated, place the pan in the oven upside down and bake it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour. I recommend placing a baking sheet or a piece of aluminum foil underneath the pan in case any of the oil drips off the pan!
Once the time is up turn your oven off and let the pan cool completely in the oven.
If you are re-seasoning your pan you are done! If you are seasoning your pan for the first time you will want to do this process 2 more times for a total of 3 times. This ensures you have a good non-stick layer on your pan.
What oil should I use to season a cast iron pan?
The best kinds of oils to use to season your cast iron pan are ones that have high smoke points and that form a nonstick layer. These oils include grapeseed oil, canola oil, and avocado oil.
The worst kinds of oils to season cast iron with are olive oil, butter, and animal fats like lard and tallow. These oils do not form a durable nonstick layer and they can go rancid over time – so save those for cooking, not seasoning.
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