Not a big fan of non-stick but want an egg intact?
Making a cast iron skillet non-stick can be the perfect option for a versatile, durable, and healthy alternative to traditional non-stick cookware.
While non-stick cookware has its advantages, cast iron is a popular choice for many home cooks who value quality and versatility.
In this blog, you will know how to make a cast iron non-stick to cook delicate things like fish or eggs without worrying about them sticking and falling apart.
Read till the end to get further information on the maintenance and other relevant information on using cast iron for a long time.
How to Season Cast Iron Cookware: Make It Non-Stick
Cast iron cookware is popular for its durability and heat retention properties. However, cast iron cookware is not naturally non-stick, making cooking certain foods challenging. To make cast iron cookware non-stick, it must undergo a seasoning process.
Seasoning refers to creating a protective layer on the surface of the cast iron cookware that prevents food from sticking to it.
Basically, seasoning involves creating a layer of polymerized oil on the surface of the cast iron, which fills in any gaps or pores and creates a smooth, non-stick surface.
So, first, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and follow the rest of the instructions below:
Clean the Cast Iron Cookware
Before seasoning the cast iron cookware, it must be thoroughly cleaned to remove any dirt or residue. With mild soapy warm water, clean the cookware, and then dry it completely with a clean towel.
Apply Oil
Once the cookware is clean and dry, apply a thin layer of oil to the surface of the cast iron. The oil can be any kind of cooking oil, such as canola oil, vegetable oil, or flaxseed oil. Use a paper towel to spread the oil evenly over the cookware’s surface, covering every part of the cast iron.
Bake the Cookware
Place the cast iron cookware upside down on the middle rack of the preheated oven. Bake it for one hour to allow the oil to polymerize and create a protective layer on the surface of the cookware.
Repeat the Process
After the first seasoning, repeat the process 2-3 times for the best non-stick results. Each time, clean the cookware, apply a thin layer of oil, and bake it for one hour.
Once the cast iron cookware has been seasoned, it can be used for cooking. As you cook with cast iron, the seasoning will become more and more non-stick, making it easier to cook various foods without them sticking to the surface.
Note that when using cast iron cookware, it is important to avoid using metal utensils, as they can scratch the seasoning and reduce its effectiveness. Instead, while using cast iron for cooking, you should use wooden or silicone utensils to protect the non-stick coating.
How to Make a Damaged Cast Iron Skillet Non-Stick
Cast iron skillets are popular for their robustness, capacity to retain heat, and adaptability in the kitchen.
Over time, cast iron skillets can become damaged, rusted, or lose their non-stick qualities. However, it is possible to make a damaged cast iron skillet non-stick by re-seasoning it.
Here are the steps for that:
Clean the Skillet
Use a stiff brush or scraper to remove any rust or debris from the skillet’s surface. If necessary, use hot water and a small amount of mild dish soap to clean the skillet thoroughly.
Dry the Skillet
Use a clean towel to dry the skillet completely. Avoid air-drying the skillet, as this can cause it to rust.
Season the Skillet
To create a non-stick surface on your skillet, you need to season it. Apply a thin layer of vegetable oil or melted shortening to the skillet’s surface, coating the entire skillet, including the handle and sides.
Bake the Skillet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the skillet upside down on the oven rack and bake it for one hour. This will allow the oil or shortening to bond with the skillet’s surface and create a non-stick coating.
Repeat the Process
If your skillet is severely damaged or has lost its non-stick qualities, you may need to repeat the seasoning process several times to restore its non-stick surface.
Once your skillet is seasoned, it’s ready to use! Avoid using metal utensils on the skillet’s surface, which can scratch the non-stick coating. Instead, use wooden, silicone, or nylon utensils.
How to Clean and Care Your Cast Iron
Cast iron cookware is an investment that can last for generations if properly cared for. Taking care of your cast iron cookware ensures that it stays in good condition and retains its benefits for years to come.
Proper care includes seasoning, cleaning, drying, and storing it dry to prevent rust and maintain its non-stick properties.
Nonetheless, follow these guidelines to clean and maintain your cast-iron nonstick skillet:
Season the skillet
A well-seasoned skillet is essential for its non-stick properties. To season your skillet, rub it with a thin layer of oil (vegetable, canola, or flaxseed oil) and bake it at 400°F (204°C) for an hour. Repeat this method a few times until the skillet has a smooth, dark surface.
Avoid Using Soap
Soap can strip away the seasoning on the skillet and make it more susceptible to rust. Instead, use a stiff brush, a non-abrasive scrubber, and hot water to clean the skillet after each use.
Dry Thoroughly
After cleaning, dry the skillet thoroughly with a towel or place it on low heat on the stove. Moisture can lead to rust, so it’s important to ensure the skillet is completely dry before storing it.
Apply a Thin Layer of Oil
After cleaning and drying the skillet, apply a thin layer of oil to protect the seasoning and prevent rust. Use a paper towel to rub a small amount of oil onto the skillet, covering the entire surface.
Store in a Dry Place
To avoid moisture buildup, store the skillet in a dry location. You can store it in your oven or in a cupboard with good ventilation.
Re-season When Necessary
Over time, the seasoning on your skillet may start to wear off, or rust may appear. If this happens, you must re-season the skillet by repeating the seasoning process.
How to Cook with Cast Iron?
Cooking with a cast iron pan is a great way to add flavor to your dishes, and it’s also a versatile and durable kitchen tool.
Following these steps, you can cook delicious and healthy meals with your cast iron pan.
Season Your Cast Iron Pan
If your pan is not pre-seasoned, you’ll need to season it before cooking. To do that, you must preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Rub a thin layer of vegetable oil all over the pan, including the handle and the bottom. Set the pan upside down on the middle rack of the oven and put an aluminum foil sheet on the bottom rack to catch any drips. Bake the pan for 1 hour, then turn off the oven and let the pan cool in the oven.
Preheat Your Pan
When cooking with a cast iron pan, it’s important to preheat it properly. Place the pan on the stove over medium-high heat and let it heat up for a few minutes until it’s hot.
Add oil or fat: Once the pan is hot, add a small amount of oil or fat. Swirl the oil around to coat the bottom of the pan evenly.
Cook Your Food
Add your food to the pan, and let it cook for a few minutes without moving it. This helps to create a crispy crust on the outside. Once the food is cooked on one side, flip it to cook the other side.
Clean Your Pan
After cooking, let the pan cool down for a few minutes, then use a paper towel or a soft brush to remove any leftover food particles. Do not use soap or harsh chemicals to clean your cast iron pan, which can damage the seasoning. Instead, rinse the pan with hot water and dry it thoroughly with a towel. Also, you can use a little coarse salt and a scrubber to clean off stubborn food particles.
Re-season Your Pan
After cleaning your cast iron pan, you’ll need to re-season it to maintain its non-stick properties. Rub a thin layer of oil or fat all over the pan, including the handle and the bottom, and place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour. Let it cool in the oven, then store it in a dry place until your next use.
Final Notes: How to Make a Cast Iron Non-stick
Making a cast iron non-stick requires proper seasoning and maintenance of the cookware. By following the steps outlined, you can create a non-stick surface on your cast iron that will allow for easy cooking and cleaning.
However, it’s important to note that regular use and proper care are crucial to maintaining the non-stick surface, and re-seasoning is necessary 2 to 3 times a year.
With the right techniques and effort in this blog, your cast iron cookware can last a lifetime and provide delicious meals for you and your family.
FAQs
For more information on using cast iron cookware, go through the following queries:
How to Make a Cast Iron Frying Pan Non-stick?
To make a cast iron frying pan non-stick, it must be properly seasoned and maintained. Here are the steps to follow:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Wash the frying pan with hot water and mild soap, and dry it thoroughly.
- Apply a thin layer of vegetable oil or flaxseed oil to the frying pan’s surface, covering every nook and cranny.
- Place the frying pan upside down on the middle rack of the preheated oven.
- Bake the frying pan for one hour.
- Turn off the oven and let the frying pan cool inside the oven.
If necessary, repeat steps 3 to 6 until the frying pan has a smooth, non-stick surface.
It’s important to note that regular use and proper care are crucial to maintaining a non-stick surface. And stay away from using metal utensils to prevent scratching the surface and removing the seasoning.
When and How to Re-season Non-Stick Cast Iron?
You have to re-season your cast iron around 3 times yearly. Regardless, here are some indications that it may be time to re-season your non-stick cast iron cookware:
- Food is sticking to the surface of the cookware.
- The non-stick coating appears to be flaking or chipping off.
- The cookware looks dull and lacks the characteristic sheen of well-seasoned cast iron.
To re-season your non-stick cast iron cookware, follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Wash the cookware with hot water and mild soap, and dry it thoroughly.
- Apply a thin layer of vegetable or flaxseed oil to the cookware’s surface, covering every nook and cranny.
- Place the cookware upside down on the middle rack of the preheated oven.
- Bake the cookware for one hour.
- Turn off the oven and let the cookware cool inside the oven.
- Repeat steps 3 to 6 until the cookware has a smooth, non-stick surface.
It’s important to note that re-seasoning non-stick cast iron cookware should not be a frequent occurrence.
Can I Cook Acidic Foods in Cast Iron?
Yes, you can cook acidic foods in a cast iron pan, but there are some precautions you should take to avoid damaging the pan or affecting the taste of your food.
Acidic foods, for example—tomatoes, citrus fruits, and vinegar can react with the iron in a cast iron pan, causing the food to taste metallic or the pan to become discolored. However, if your cast iron pan is well-seasoned, the seasoning can protect the pan from the acid. By following these tips, you can cook acidic foods in a cast iron pan without damaging the pan or affecting the taste of your food:
- Use a well-seasoned pan
- Use enough oil
- Cook citric foods for a short time
- Avoid simmering acidic foods
- Clean the pan properly