Advantages of Cooking with a Cast Iron Skillet
Cooking with a cast iron skillet will make you a better cook simply because food tastes better. But how can one skillet have such a favorable effect on what you eat?
Why Does a Cast Iron Skillet Make You Cook Better?
Having a cast iron collection offers many advantages for home cooking. And it goes without saying, it wouldn’t be complete without a cast iron skillet. These skillets enhance your cooking skills for several reasons. First, its exceptional heat retention and distribution allow for even cooking. You can easily achieve the desired texture and flavor in various dishes. Unlike other materials, a cast iron skillet creates a chemical reaction between amino acids while reducing sugars. This is known as the Maillard Reaction. This scientific term is responsible for the tasty brown crust on certain foods that makes it taste so deliciously good.
Additionally, the natural non-stick surface that develops over time with proper seasoning enables easier food release. Consequently, reduces the need for excessive oils or fats, promoting healthier cooking.
Furthermore, the durability and versatility of cast iron skillets mean they can be used on the stovetop, in the oven, or even over an open flame, providing a wide range of cooking techniques. As a result, using a cast iron skillet not only improves the quality of the food prepared but also encourages a deeper understanding of cooking methods and techniques, ultimately help you gain more confidence in the kitchen.
What Exactly is a Cast Iron Skillet?
For clarification, cast iron skillets and frying pans are the same up to a point. Similarly, they are both used for frying up foods. The primary distinction between the two lies in their material composition and heat retention properties.
As you can see from the link above, a cast iron skillet is made from heavy-duty cast iron. This is what allows it to retain heat exceptionally well. Likewise, it is ideal for searing and slow cooking.
In contrast, a frying pan, often constructed from lighter materials such as stainless steel or non-stick coatings, heats up quickly and is more versatile for various cooking techniques.
Additionally, cast iron skillets require specific care to maintain their seasoning, while frying pans generally offer easier maintenance and cleaning options.
With that said, the infamous cast iron skillet is probably the most popular of the cast iron cookware collection. It can easily cook a variety of foods, including meats, vegetables and even baked foods. Likewise, it works great for frying, searing, sautéing, cooking, grilling and so much more.
Uses of a Cast Iron Skillet
Whether it be breakfast, lunch, or dinner, a cast iron skillet will guarantee a successful cooking experience. As a matter of fact, you can cook just about any type of egg dish with your cast iron skillet.
Cast iron is the preferred way for searing a steak or other meats. Their ability to retain high heat and distribute the heat evenly makes for a perfect, crusty sear you can’t get with regular skillets.
Homemade pizza, skillet meals, fried chicken, hamburgers, baked goods, grilled sandwiches—the list of foods you can cook in your cast iron skillet is endless. One of the best uses of a cast iron skillet is the convenience of being able to start cooking on the stove top and then move the skillet directly into the oven to finish it off. Even more, it can go from the oven to the table.
Cast Iron Skillet Stir Fry
A cast iron skillet can even be used for stir frying, such as this chicken, garlic, and ginger stir fry dish. In fact, it offers several advantages for stir frying, primarily due to its excellent heat retention and distribution properties. This type of cookware can reach and maintain high temperatures, which is essential for achieving the quick cooking and searing that stir frying demands.
Additionally, the natural non-stick surface that develops over time enhances the cooking process, allowing for easy food release and minimal sticking.
Furthermore, cast iron skillets are incredibly durable and versatile, making them suitable for use on various heat sources, including stovetops and ovens, which adds to their practicality in the kitchen.
Do Cast Iron Skillets Come Pre-seasoned
The majority of cast iron pans you purchase come factory pre-seasoned. The manufacturer will state that they are ready to use straight out of the box. However, some extra home seasoning is recommended in order to give the seasoning a good base.
Overtime, the seasoning does eventually wear down, however, and will need to be reapplied. Proper seasoning should not be ignored as it will prevent rust from occurring and keep the pan from sticking.
What to Look For When Buying a Cast Iron Skillet
Your cast iron skillet will be around for a long time. For that reason, you want to make sure you make the best choice for your needs.
Cast iron skillets comes with a choice of two finishes—traditional and enameled.
The traditional feature reveals an apparent seasoned finish for a natural nonstick surface. It’s more durable than the enameled finish which means it will last longer—possibly forever. However, the traditional feature requires more maintenance as far as cleaning and seasoning.
The enameled cast iron gives you the benefit of cast iron but without the maintenance. Its finish presents a protective layer of enamel on the surface which acts to coat the cast iron core and enhance the non-stick feature. These skillets are easier to clean and can even be put in the dishwasher if you choose to do so. They also don’t require seasoning as their counterpart. Plus, if you’re looking for style, the enameled comes with color options that you won’t find with the traditional cast iron.
That’s not to say that one is better than the other. It depends on what your intentions are for using the skillet. For example, your preference for maintaining the skillet and how often you intend to use it.