Learn how easy it is to cook and care for cast iron cookware. Long used for its durability, heat retention and non-stick capabilities, you will love using this old time favorite!
![a 10 inch cast iron skillet](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/How-to-Use-and-Care-for-a-Cast-Iron-Skillet-featured-image.png)
If you are here, you may be a bit confused on how to use cast iron cookware.
These skillets, griddles, dutch ovens, and waffle irons are supposed to be non-stick?!
That’s what I was thinking 2 years ago when I started using a cast iron skillet for my cooking full time.
I didn’t cook with cast iron when I was growing up, so when I got married and cast iron was all I owned, there was a bit of a struggle.
Ok, more like stuck eggs, ruined pancakes, scrambled hamburgers. A mess.
But after 2 years of using my cast iron skillets, I couldn’t recommend them more!
There is a little bit of a learning curve when you are first starting out with cast iron cooking.
Trial and error is the best way to learn, especially because cast iron is extremely forgiving!
If you are a bit confused on this long time cookware, let me tell you , it is worth the effort of learning how to use it.
Cast iron cookware, when taken care of correctly, can be used for generations.
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![rice and chicken in a cast iron skillet](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/How-to-Use-and-Care-for-a-Cast-Iron-Skillet-15-1024x768.jpg)
Why use cast iron
healthier
The most important reason to NOT cook in a regular non-stick skillet is that it contains harmful chemicals.
Some of these chemicals include, polytetrafluoroethylene and perfluorooctanoic acid. Both of these chemicals may be linked to causing liver damage, thyroid disease, fertility issues and cancer.
These chemicals can be leeched into your food when you cook it in your non-stick skillet, and even get released into the air.
Cast iron skillets, however, do not contain harmful chemicals that leech into your food or air, even when used on high heat.
An added bonus, cast iron may also add iron to your food!
non-stick
When a cast iron skillet is properly seasoned, it is non-stick.
That being said, there are a few things you have to do to maintain that non-stick-ness.
Such as, when you are cooking, you will need to use some high quality cooking fat, such as lard, butter, tallow, or oil.
![eggs cooking in a skillet](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/eggs-cooking-in-a-skillet.png)
easy to clean
Because a cast iron skillet is fairly non-stick, there shouldn’t be too much stuck on food in the first place.
If there is stuck on food, you can scrub it off using a stainless steel scrubber and water.
You can’t do that on a regular non-stick pan!
lasts forever
A cast iron skillet can be passed down from generation to generation, literally!
These skillets and other cookware are made to last forever and really do.
An old cast iron skillet (if it still has the seasoning) is actually easier to use than a brand new one.
delicious tasting food
Using cast iron allows you to crank the heat up and sear, fry, and bake to your heart’s content.
There are no harmful chemicals to stop you from cooking with the heat of the stove turned to full blast.
You can heat it way up on the stove, throw it in the oven on at 500°F, cook over a wood stove or even over a campfire.
All of this helps you add amazing flavor to you food!
![cooking a tortilla in a skillet](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/How-to-Use-and-Care-for-a-Cast-Iron-Skillet-17-1024x768.jpg)
How to cook in a cast iron skillet
- You need to preheat your skillet before adding any food.
- Add a small amount of cooking fat such as butter, tallow, bacon grease etc. It should be enough to coat the whole bottom of the skillet in a thin layer.
- Add food and cook.
There are so many great recipes out there for cast iron cooking recipes. Just make sure you always do these steps when you are cooking to keep your cast iron skillet seasoned and making delicious food.
Day to day care of cast iron
Or should I say, day after day (after day after day)?!
When you are done cooking, if there is a little bit of food left in the skillet (but nothing stuck on) just wipe it out with a tea towel or paper towel.
If there is food stuck in the pan, add a little water to the skillet and scrub with a stainless steel scrubber.
Next dry thoroughly with a tea towel, or place it back on the stove and turn the heat on until it is all the way dry.
Always make sure that your cast iron is completely dry before putting it away. If there is any water left on it, it will rust. And then you will have to strip it and re-season it again.
You should not use soap on cast iron as it can strip it of the seasoning, which is basically made of oil that is baked on.
![dirty cast iron skillet](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/How-to-Use-and-Care-for-a-Cast-Iron-Skillet-5-1024x768.jpg)
How to Season a Cast Iron Skillet
You will need to season your skillet if it has some rust on it or if food is sticking to it a lot.
Start preheating the oven to 450°F.
First, scrub the skillet in hot, soapy water (the only time to use soap). Make sure to get any stuck on food or rust scrubbed off.
Next, rinse the cast iron skillet and dry thoroughly with a towel.
Coat the entire skillet in a thin coating of oil (coconut, avocado, or lard). This includes the bottom, sides handle etc.
If there is extra oil, wipe it off. You only want a thin layer of oil covering the skillet. If there is too much oil, it will just end up sticky.
Place the skillet upside down in the oven, right on the rack.
Bake for 1 hour.
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