Does food stick in your cast iron griddle? It’s either you did not season the griddle or did not season it properly. The proper way how to season cast iron griddle will allow you to enjoy your griddle for long years.
Seasoning is the first step you need to do with a cast iron griddle or with one that has not been used for a long time. Seasoning is the process of scrubbing, oiling, and baking cast iron cookware to make it a non-stick surface and for rust protection.
Many modern cast iron griddles are already pre-seasoned out of the box. It is however best to season it again to add another layer before its initial use.
Cast iron is a preferred cookware material for many homeowners as well as novice and professional chefs.
- It comes with an amazing non-stick surface – when properly seasoned.
- It is able to withstand high cooking temperatures
- It can be used both on the stove and oven.
- It does not contain toxic materials.
- It does not contain toxic materials.
The Principle of Seasoning
Iron, as everyone knows is highly prone to rusting therefore so does your cast iron griddle. The principle behind seasoning is to apply layers of fat to serve as a protective coat for rusting and sticking.
As fats are heated on the cast iron griddle, polymerization occurs. Polymerization is the process of heated fats bonding with metal where fats will convert into a plastic-like coating. After polymerization cast iron is protected against rust and also becomes a non-stick cookware.
Seasoning Cast Iron Griddle
Materials Needed
- Dish Soap
- Stiff Brush or Sponge
- Aluminum foil
- Cooking Oil (any will do but vegetable oil is best)
- Paper Towels or dry cloths (clean)
Procedure
- Wash griddle in hot soapy water with a stiff brush or sponge to remove factory wax.Although it is not advisable to wash cast iron in soap, this step is fine because anyway it is part of the seasoning process.
- Thoroughly dry out the griddle with a clean dry cloth or paper towels. You can also place it on the hub on medium heat for about 15 minutes to allow moisture to evaporate.
- Place aluminum foil on the lower rack of the oven. The foil will catch the drippings from the griddle.
- Pre-heat oven to 375°.
- Coat both sides of the griddle with a thin layer of vegetable oil. Rub the oil all over the griddle. Make sure not to miss the corners.
- Bake griddle on the center rack of the oven.
- Turn heat off and allow the griddle to cool inside the oven.
You will know that your cast iron griddle has been properly seasoned if it has a shiny and smooth non-stick surface. You will know when your cast iron griddle needs to be re-seasoned when you notice some rust, it appears dull and it is no longer non-stick.
Many homemakers think that having a cast iron griddle entails constant seasoning to keep it rust-free and non-stick. Truth is the more you cook in your cast iron griddle, the fats you use continuously seasons the griddle. You will only need to re-season when you were not able to properly clean and store your cast iron griddle.
Caring for Cast Iron Griddle
Rust is the number one enemy of your cast iron griddle. It is important that you clean your cast iron griddle after each use (while still warm) to prevent it from rusting. Avoid soaking or leaving the griddle in the sink unclean because it will surely rust.
Wash the griddle with hot water using a stiff brush or sponge. Never place the griddle in the dishwasher nor use steel wool or soap as these will remove the griddle’s seasoning. After washing, thoroughly dry the griddle and apply a thin coat of vegetable oiland store in a dry place.
If you unintentionally used soap or any abrasive materials to clean your griddle, simply re-season it and your griddle will be as good as new.
Do you need to season a cast iron griddle?
Cast iron pans need seasoning. Seasoning is the black patina that builds up on your cast iron skillet with regular use, a non-stick surface that’s slick enough for eggs to skate across the pan, but tough enough to withstand the blazing heat needed to properly sear a steak.
What is the best oil to season a cast iron griddle?
The best oil for seasoning cast iron is grapeseed oil because of its high smoke point and versatility. Similar options include peanut oil and vegetable oil. The oil you choose also depends on the heat you intend on using as well as which flavors you prefer.
How often do you season a cast iron griddle?
Remember there’s no need to use your best premium brand for seasoning! How often should I season my skillet? — To get the best out of your cast iron skillet, it’s recommended that you oil it after each use. However, depending on how frequently you use it, 2-3 times a year is sufficient.
How long does it take to season a cast iron griddle?
Bake for 1 hour
Place the cookware in the oven upside down. Place a large baking sheet or aluminum foil on the bottom rack. Bake at 450-500 degrees F for one hour. Allow to cool.
Do I have to season my cast iron after every use?
You’re not re-seasoning
Every time you use your cast-iron skillet, you’re wearing some of the seasonings down, and eventually, it won’t function as well. So season it again whenever you see dull spots. Or do what I do: season it whenever it’s out and your oven is on.
What temperature do I season my cast iron?
To keep your cast iron cookware protected and make it rust-proof, you have to coat it with a thin layer of cooking oil that has been hardened. This process is known as seasoning. To best season your cast iron, it needs to be baked at 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can you leave the oil in cast iron?
When cooking in cast iron, you should add a little oil to the pan before adding your food. This helps ensure the food doesn’t stick, and it helps build layers of seasoning. You can generally use whatever oil you prefer, as long as the cooking temperature is below the smoke point of the oil.
Is Crisco good for seasoning cast iron?
Any cooking fat will work, but some make more sense than others. For example, there’s absolutely no reason to waste extra-virgin olive oil or other expensive oils for your cast-iron seasoning. We use Crisco shortening because it’s inexpensive and easy to apply.
Can you use PAM to season cast iron?
Do not try to use nonstick sprays like Pam to season your cast iron skillet, as they contain other ingredients that aren’t good for your pan.
Should you season a cast-iron skillet more than once?
Even if you take perfect care of your cast iron, it will probably need to be re-seasoned at some point or another. When the seasoning starts to look dull (or someone accidentally runs it through the dishwasher), just wash it with warm, soapy water and a brush and repeat the seasoning process.
Can you use soap on cast iron?
Contrary to popular belief, you can use a small amount of soap to clean cast iron cookware! Large amounts of soap can strip the seasoning off your pan, but you can easily re-season your pan as needed.
Do you need to season a pre-seasoned cast iron skillet?
Do I Need To Season A New Lodge Cast Iron Skillet?
Why does everything stick to my cast iron skillet?
Even if you’ve properly seasoned your cast iron pan, occasionally you’ll encounter food sticking to the surface. This can come about for any number of reasons, including a lack of fat used when cooking with the pan or cooking something with high sugar content.
Can you use butter on a cast-iron skillet?
Yes, you can cook with butter in your cast iron skillet or Dutch oven. Keep in mind that butter burns at temperatures above 350°F (177°C), so you shouldn’t use high heat when you’re frying foods with it. Either turn down the heat or substitute it with an oil that has a higher smoke point.
Can I boil water in cast iron?
Yes, you can boil water in cast iron. To keep the layer of seasoning intact, don’t boil water for more than 10 to 15 minutes. You can heat water to a gentle boil or simmer dishes for over 15 minutes – sometimes up to an hour. Be extra careful with acidic dishes like tomato sauce.
Can you season cast iron with olive oil?
Do not use olive oil or butter to season your cast-iron pan — they’re great to cook with, just not for initial seasoning. Place the pan upside down on the top rack of the oven and bake for 1 hour. Turn off the oven, leaving the pan in the oven to cool completely as the oven cools down.
Can bacon grease go in cast iron?
Cast iron cookware retains heat well and cooks food evenly if cared for properly. Part of caring for your cast iron skillet is seasoning it to keep the surface smooth and to give it a non-stick sheen. Although you can use oil or shortening to season your cast iron skillet, bacon grease works just as well.
What should you cook first in a cast-iron skillet?
First Time Cooking: Sautéed Onions and Peppers
We recommend starting with vegetables as they are more forgiving than most proteins – they taste delicious and won’t stick to your pan! Keep in mind that using a little bit of oil is necessary to help to keep food from sticking.
Do you heat cast iron before adding oil?
Preheat your skillet before adding any oil, fat, or food.
You always want to preheat your skillet before cooking with it on the stovetop. Putting cold food in a cold cast-iron pan will make your food stick. Cast-iron skillets don’t heat as evenly as nonstick or stainless steel pans, but they keep their heat very well.
How many times should I season my cast iron skillet?
All in all, you’ll want to do this oiling-and-heating process three to four times, to set down a good initial layer of your own seasoning. Once you’re done, just let the pan cool down. It’s now ready for cooking.
Why do my eggs stick in my cast iron skillet?
Mighty Nest lists the three most common reasons why your eggs may be getting stuck: Your cast iron skillet isn’t seasoned enough, there’s not enough fat, or you have the pan over the wrong heat temperature. During the preheat stage, the pan should be over medium-high heat.
Why do you season cast iron upside down?
You place the pan upside down so that any excess shortening drips off instead of pooling inside the pan. Bake for one hour. While the cast iron cooks, you may notice a slight smell and perhaps some smoke. Fortunately, the smell and smoke dissipate pretty quickly.
Will baking soda clean cast iron?
Add some baking soda to the pan along with some water. Since you should not use soapy dish detergent on cast iron, baking soda is a great alternative as it will deodorize and kill bacteria. The baking soda will remove any bad (as well as good) flavors that have built in the pan.
Do you need to grease cast iron before baking?
Grease the Pan
It’s not necessary to preheat the pan in the oven before adding the batter, but it won’t hurt either. If you do, just remember to grease the pan just before adding the batter.
Can you ruin a cast iron skillet?
Famously durable, these pans are often passed down through generations. With proper reseasoning care, years of frequent use can actually improve the pan’s “seasoning”—its natural nonstick coating. But sadly, cast iron skillets can indeed break.
How do you start over seasoning cast iron?
Wipe the inside of your pan with a very thin layer of oil. If you have flaxseed oil laying around, great. If not, a little grapeseed oil will do the trick just as well. Place your pan on a burner and heat until it starts to smoke.
Can I use dawn on my cast iron skillet?
You can in fact wash your cast iron pans, and you can even use soap.
Can you use dawn on cast iron?
But stay away from Dawn. It will remove your seasoning and make it harder to keep your pans in good shape. So, bottom line, never use Dawn on your cast iron pan. You might think your getting your pan cleaner, but in fact, you’re making it harder to create and maintain your seasoning.
Why are you not supposed to wash a cast iron skillet?
“You can’t clean cast-iron the same way you clean stainless steel,” kitchen expert and author of “Kitchen Matters,” Pamela Salzman says. “It’s very porous,” Rach adds. “That flavor will stay in there and literally bake into the pan.”
How can you tell if cast iron is pre-seasoned?
That being said, not all preseasoned pans are created equal. When you first get your new cast-iron skillet, test its nonstick capabilities by frying an egg in it in some oil. If you can get the egg out easily with only a little sticking, then your pan is ready to cook with.
Conclusion
A cast iron griddle or any cast iron cookware for that matter is tough and durable as long as it is properly seasoned, cleaned and stored. It is also advisable that it be pre-heated before cooking so you will not have any problem with food sticking on it.