Every meal is special. You put your heart and soul into every food you prepare, mostly when done for your loved ones. You often look for ways on how to do it better each time. There are many tricks to do that but usually, your choice of cookware matters, like using a cast iron grill pan.
Why should you use cast iron cookware?
If you want to barbecue on a rainy day, do it indoors with a cast iron grill pan. It is not just limited to this dish. Did you know that you can cook a lot of different food with it? You can cook vegetables, skewers, burger patties, pork, seafood, cheese, and many more.
You will not regret keeping one in your kitchen. As time goes, you will discover more and more uses for it that will surely elevate your cooking experience.
Benefits of a cast iron grill pan
It also comes with a lot of benefits. This cookware is one of the best investments you will have.
Durable
It is very durable. One is enough to last you a lifetime. No matter how much you cook on it, or how hard you work on it, it remains in the same state as when you bought it. It is of thick metal that can withstand great tension.
Versatile
Another benefit of having a cast iron grill pan is its versatility. You can cook a variety of food in it, from hotdogs to steaks. You can use it on the stovetop and also on ovens with no issues.
Healthier meals
The ridges on a cast iron grill pan allow less fat to remain on the food. It means that cooking with it produces healthier meals.
Non-stick
Cast iron prevents food from sticking to the pan. It does not undergo artificial chemical coating treatments as other non-stick pans do.
Affordable
Unlike other sophisticated cookware, this product often costs much less. For $30, you can already have one that will last your lifetime. That is an excellent value for your money!
How to clean cast iron grill pan
Now, you may be wondering about the cleaning part. Cooking is a fun activity. However, cleaning up afterward is tasking. It becomes worse when the items you used become soiled and stained, and it is impossible to bring back to its original state.
The good thing about a cast iron grill pan is that it is so easy to clean. That is true. Even after the char and grease, it gets from that steak you made, tidying up is a breeze.
There are three ways to wash your cast iron pan. It is a matter of preference which one you choose.
Cleaning with hot water
Washing your cast iron grill pan with hot water is the most common method of cleaning. It is also the most straightforward way.
After you used the pan:
1. Fill it up with water to the soiled part.
2. Put the pan on top of the stove and set it on high heat.
3. Let it boil for a few minutes.
4. Observe as the particulates slowly dislodge themselves from the pan.
You may use a silicone spatula if you see food that did not automatically get dislodged. It will come off quickly. When done, eliminating everything, drain the grill pan of the water. It is best to dry it with a clean cotton cloth instead of allowing it to air dry.
Cleaning with a mild detergent
There are times when detergent is needed to clean up your cast iron grill. When you need to, choose a mild soap. You may also dilute it to the point of almost none to lessen its concentration.
This way of cleaning often applies when you see rust. It may also apply when using your pan for the first time after bringing it home from the store. When you cook on it, and the food’s stench remains, it is time to take this route.
All you need to do is put your pan on the sink and pour a drop or two of your choice detergent. Now, soak it in water to the middle. Using a ball of steel wool, begin scrubbing gently, without spilling the diluted solution.
Once you removed all grit, drain the pan of the detergent. Boil water and pour it over the cast iron, making sure that all parts are drenched. Rinse it off thoroughly and dry using a cotton towel.
Cleaning with kosher salt
This method may seem odd, but it is advantageous. Kosher salt more effective over regular table salt because of its texture. It is a lot coarser. This characteristic helps in cleaning up built-up food on your cast iron grill pan.
The first step here is to spread kosher salt all over the pan. A handful or more shall do the trick. Rub it gently on the surface and the sides in a circular motion.
You will need hot water for this procedure, so boil some and then pour it over the cooking surface. Use a brush with soft bristles to help dislodge stuck up food. Be careful not to get scalded by the hot water.
When you see no more dirt, spill the hot water out and fill it with hot water anew. This time, just let it sit for 5 minutes or more. This procedure helps eliminate the salty smell of the kosher salt that you used.
Throw away the water again and rinse the pan with running water. Let it dry using a paper towel or cloth.
What to do when you see rust on cast iron cookware
Since it is iron-made, your grill pan is prone to rust if not taken care of properly. It is why the cleaning methods above repeatedly instruct drying soon after washing.
However, there are times that you might fail to do so, and rust can creep in. Should this happen, you need to perform a particular cleaning task to ensure that no rust will get to your food.
The initial step is brushing the rust off the pan with a steel brush under running water. With this, you can start loosening it up. Rinse it off and then repeat the procedure. This time, add some mild detergent to the activity. Rinse it again and then wipe it dry with a towel.
The next thing you need to do is to cover the whole pan with cooking oil. You may choose any oil you want for this task. Just make sure that you apply evenly on all sides.
Once done, place the cast iron grill pan inside the oven at 350 degrees. Make sure that the drip pan is in place to avoid soiling your oven. Position the grill pan upside down. Keep it there for 60 minutes.
Use a thick potholder to take the pan off the oven. Let it sit in the open air until it cools down. Once completely cool, dab the pan with a paper towel to absorb excess oils.
That is it. Your cast iron grill pan is now rust-free and ready for the next task! Just make sure to take good care of it from now on to avoid a repeat episode.
Get one now
You saw all that a cast iron grill pan can do. You read above the benefits of having one. You also learned that cleaning and maintenance is a breeze.
There is no reason why you should not get a cast iron grill pan now. Make your cooking experience even more enjoyable and serve your family the healthiest meals with it. You will not regret this affordable investment. Trust me.
