A cast-iron skillet is certainly classified as among the most versatile tools in your Jacksonville kitchen. However, if you’ve not made use of a cast-iron pan before or are just about getting started, you may have questions about how to cook with and care for your pan. While it is true that there are lots of aspects you should understand exactly before you cook with cast iron your first time, if you just observe these few easy suggestions, you will pretty soon find yourself reaching for this pan each time you are ready to whip up your next culinary masterpiece.
The first thing to know about cast iron is that there are a great number of skillet types and sizes. It’s significant to choose the right size cast iron pan for the dish you want to make. Most professional chefs recommend a 10-inch skillet for everyday use. But, on the other hand, various cast iron pans can weigh up to 25 pounds! In the case that you are not cooking large quantities most of the time, then, the 10-inch pan should be a great option.
Before you use your cast iron pan for the first time, most manufacturers recommend that you “season” it first. Cast iron performs better when it has a hard, nonstick surface, which you can create using some oil and your oven. In order to season a cast iron pan, all you have to do is rub a light coat of vegetable oil over both the inside and outside of your pan. Next, place the pan upside-down in a 500-degree oven for close to an hour. The great part of cast iron cooking is that this seasoning process occurs naturally every time you make chicken or steak in it. The fat from the meat adds a new coating to the pan’s surface, which will enable your pan to perform even better.
Once done preparing your cast iron, you can start cooking. But make sure that as you plan each dish, don’t forget that there are some foods you shouldn’t make in a cast iron pan. Scrambled eggs don’t work well in a cast iron pan because they tend to bond with the iron, creating a clean-up nightmare. Tomato sauce is one common item to always keep away, taking into account that the acidity in the tomatoes will result in a metallic flavor in your food. One last thing, refrain from cooking salmon or other oily fish in a cast iron pan. The oils will bond with the pan’s surface and make everything you cook in the pan after that taste fishy. One renowned dish to do in a cast iron pan is cinnamon rolls. But, take note, if you tried to make the rolls in a pan after cooking fish in it, the rolls will taste like salmon. A lot of people don’t really want salmon-flavored bread.
To ascertain that your first attempt at cast iron cooking goes well, it’s salient to remember a few more tips. First things first, never forget to pre-heat the pan before you start cooking. One big mistake that beginners make is to forget to heat the pan before putting the food in it, several times causing, at best, longer cooking times, and at worst, burnt or inedible food. Just in case you do burn something in a cast iron pan, do not try to soak the pan in water to remove it. Instead, try using salt scrub to clean your cast iron pan. Most cooks even use salt and half a potato to scrub the inside of their cast iron pan clean. Then they will wipe it with a little dish soap and water. Utilizing too many soaps or soaking the pan in water will damage the pan’s coating, so keep from using these cleaning methods.
It’s as simple as that! By just paying attention and applying these simple worry-free pointers, you will swiftly become a cast iron cooking pro. Would you like to learn more about how to care for and maintain other items in your house properly? Call us at 910-782-4488 or contact us online today!
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