Summer may be a popular time to enjoy a Zweigle’s, but there’s no reason you can’t savor your favorite foods all year round. With countless ways to prepare our delicious products indoors, the options and flavors you can create truly are limitless.
In fact, one of our top ways to pack a real flavor punch when it comes to indoor cooking is by utilizing a cast iron skillet. Believe it or not, these virtually indestructible stovetop necessities are surprisingly simple to care for, too.
Take a look at some of our best tips for cleaning and caring for your cast iron skillet, and we promise you won’t be lamenting the end of grilling season for long!
The First Cleaning
If you’re new to cast iron cooking, then you may be surprised to learn that soaping up your new skillet will become a rare task. However, you’ll want to use hot, soapy water on any new skillet to help remove any residue from production before cooking.
Just make sure you rinse and dry the skillet thoroughly after washing. You never want to soak your skillet overnight or leave it to dry on its own, as that’s a surefire recipe for rust.
Seasoning Your Cast Iron Skillet
Though you can start seasoning a new cast iron skillet right away by spreading a thin layer of the oil of your choice over the skillet and baking, you can also allow the process to happen naturally each time you cook.
When it comes to which oils to use on your cast iron skillet though, you’ll want to choose those rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. Grapeseed oil tends to be the most popular choice among experts, but butter and animal fats are also common as well.
Cleaning After Use
Contrary to typical kitchen cleanup, you’ll want to use the most conservative methods in cleaning your cast iron skillet first.
Start cleaning your skillet simply by wiping away any food bits or residue with a dry paper towel. Follow up by briefly rinsing the skillet in hot running water, making sure to dry all water off thoroughly to prevent any potential rust.
Though you’ll want to avoid using soap on your cast iron skillet whenever possible in order to preserve the seasoning and prevent the skillet from drying out, be sure to re-oil the skillet afterwards if cleaning with soap does become necessary.
Storing Your Skillet
Unlike many other kitchen products, where you store your cast iron skillet is imperative to its longevity. Humidity can often contribute to rust, so it’s important to keep your skillet in a cool, dry space.
You’ll also want to make sure that the skillet is well oiled before storing. You never want cast iron products to dry out, and you can ensure the longevity of your skillet by coating it in a thin layer of oil prior to storing for long periods of time.
While cooking with cast iron can feel intimidating at first, it’s a great tool to infuse flavor into your cooking all year long!
Have you ever cooked with cast iron? What are your favorite tips?
