A cast-iron grill pan is a versatile and necessary equipment in every kitchen. It is important to care maintain your pan, whether it is years old and has been handed down from generation to generation or it was purchased lately.
This implies that when you’ve finished using your pan, you should thoroughly clean it.
You can expect your cast-iron grill pan to outlast even the most durable stainless steel or nonstick pans if you take proper care of it.
You’ve come to the correct site if you’re wondering how to clean cast-iron grill pans.
Here’s how to clean a cast iron grill pan.
Contents
How to Clean a Cast-Iron Grill Pan
Here are some excellent methods for cleaning your grill pan.
After you’ve finished cleaning your pan, don’t forget to store it.
This may be accomplished by removing excess water and re-seasoning after use.
Making Use of Boiling Water
The easiest method to clean your pan is with hot water. This procedure is particularly useful if you are low on cleaning tools and your pan contains huge amounts of food.
Moreover, it is critical to recognize that this procedure will only work if your cast-iron pan has high edges to hold the water.
To clean your cast-iron pan using this approach, first fill it with 2 to 3 inches of water and place it on the burner.
After a few minutes, the water will begin to boil, and the food particles will float to the top. Start scraping the ridges with a spatula to loosen any trapped extra food.
Let the pan to cool for a few minutes. You may then take up the pan and discard the water and any leftovers.
To remove any food residue, rinse the pan with hot water and wipe it off with a paper towel or lint-free cloth.
Using a Water and Salt Mixture
It is critical that you maintain the seasoned surface of your cast-iron pan. This is why, when it comes to cleaning a pan, many people choose salt to detergent.
Kosher salt is gritty, making it an abrasive cleanser. It is quite useful for removing food particles that have been trapped on your pan.
A kosher salt and water solution is often regarded as the most efficient way to clean a cast-iron grill pan.
Begin by allowing your cast-iron pan to cool somewhat but not completely. Begin by liberally sprinkling kosher salt over the surface of your pan.
Add some boiling water to the cast-iron pan now to enable the salt to adhere and produce a pasty consistency.
The next step is to scour the pan with a cleaning sponge after moving the salt about. Be careful to cover all of the edges and ridges.
Make certain that no area is left untouched. Then, clean your cast-iron grill pan with warm water to remove any salt residue and other dirt.
This process should be repeated to ensure that nothing is left behind.
Making Use of Salt
Many individuals like to keep their cast-iron grill pan dry. As a result, this strategy is suitable for such individuals.
This procedure is pretty similar to the last one. The biggest distinction is that you do not need water to clean your pan.
Begin by generously adding coarse kosher salt on top of your cast-iron grill pan. The next step is to scrape the kosher salt with a paper towel to remove the food that has been trapped on your pan.
You may continue to add salt while you scrape the pan thoroughly with salt and a cloth.
When you’ve finished cleaning, wipe off your cast-iron pan with a fresh paper towel. Be careful to empty the bin of any residual residue and salt.
Using Soap and Water
If your cast-iron pan has been handed down through the generations, you’ll want to maintain it clean and safe.
The water and soap approach has been recognized as an efficient means of removing rust or washing a new pan.
The issue with this procedure is that it might have a detrimental influence on the seasoning of the pan. As a result, it is preferable to utilize it only when absolutely essential.
Begin by sprinkling a tiny amount of non-abrasive detergent or soap in the center of your cast-iron pan to clean it.
Next, using a scrubber or sponge, scrape the pan’s surface with soap and a little hot water. Steel wool may also be used, although it is recommended to avoid it. When you’ve finished cleaning, rinse the pan with hot water.
Finally, using a non-abrasive sponge or pad, scrape the pan one last time. The next step is to rinse away any leftover soap residue.
How to Take Care of a Cast-Iron Pan
Regardless of how you clean your grill pan, you must take some care if you want to extend its lifetime.
You can extend the life of your grill pan by following a few simple guidelines.
- Make sure to clean your cast-iron pan immediately after using it. It will be easier for you to get rid of food residue.
- Never let your hot pan anywhere near cold water. This can cause your pan to warp badly. In order to prevent this, you should allow your cast-iron to cool down. Moreover, you can also use hot water to clean it.
- Never leave water in your pan as it causes serious rusting. Make sure to completely dry your pan before storing it.
- Always wipe away the extra oil when you are seasoning your pan. If you don’t do this, your pan will have a sticky coating. You should opt for a solid shortening if you can afford it.
- If your grill pan comes with a lid, avoid storing it with the lid on. This will end up trapping moisture between the pan and the lid that can cause serious rusting.
- When you are washing your pan in the sink, line it up with a towel. This will help prevent scratches on the bottom of your cast-iron grill pan.
- When you are re-seasoning your pan, make sure your oven is as hot as possible. This will allow the oil to get past its smoking point and break down. Moreover, this way, the oil will bond more firmly to the pan, forming a smooth surface.
- If you are re-seasoning your pan in the oven, make sure to place your pan upside down. Also, place a layer of foil beneath it to let the excess oil drip off.
- You should avoid using steel wool for your cast-iron grill pan unless it is absolutely necessary.
- If you decide to use soap on your pan, make sure you use a highly non-abrasive one.
Seasoning a Cast-Iron Grill Pan
It is critical to keep your cast-iron grill pan squeaky clean. The measures you take after cleaning your pan, on the other hand, will affect how long it will survive in your kitchen.
You may easily pass it along for generations if you take the required procedures to properly care for it. After using any of the aforementioned cleaning procedures, you should immediately remove the water and re-season the surface of your pan.
A cast-iron grill pan is particularly rust-prone. To avoid rusting, make sure it’s totally dry before storing it.
Place your pan on the stovetop after you’ve finished cleaning it. You may also bake it in your oven at 450 or 500 degrees. This ensures that any remaining water evaporates.
Following that, use a paper towel and spread shortening or oil all over your pan.
You must cover the whole cooking surface, including the bottom, sides, and handle of the pan. After you’re finished, use another paper towel and blot off any extra oil.
Put your skillet on the burner and let it smoke. If using an oven, remember to switch it off after 45 minutes.
Also, let your skillet to cool while it is in the oven.
Conclusion
Food stains and residue may be particularly difficult to remove from a cast-iron pan. You may clean your cast-iron grill pan using any of the techniques outlined above.
Cleaning your cookware with Kosher salt is the most recommended approach. Whatever of the approach you choose, be sure to be consistent with your after-cooking care.
Cast-iron grill pans typically improve with age, but only if properly cared for and stored.
Additional cooking pan articles you may be interested in:
- Why Do Cast Iron Pans Crack and How to Fix It?
- Are Cast Iron Pans Better than Non-Stick Pans?
- Is Your Cast Iron Pan Turning Your Food Black?
- How to Clean Enamel Pans?
- How to Clean Magnalite Pans
- How to Clean Stove Burner Drip Pans
- How to Clean Le-Creuset Grill Pan
- How to Clean a Cast Iron Pan with Salt?