How to Keep Food From Sticking to Cast Iron

You know what is the worst feeling? It is when you put all your heart and excitement into preparing a delicious meal only to realize that it is sticking to your beloved Cast Iron Pan. It gets frustrating however a few easy tricks will get you out of this sticky situation in a jiffy!

If you are wondering why your cast iron pan creating a sticky mess, then there are several reasons why this is happening. The most common reason for food sticking to a cast iron pan is the lack of seasoning. Cast Iron Cookware needs to be seasoned, i.e. treated with oil, to create a non-stick coating. Even if you have a pre-seasoned cast iron cookware, it will still need seasoning periodically. Another common reason is cooking on too high heat. This burns the food and causes it to stick to the pan. Cast iron can withstand high temperatures, but it's essential to start on medium heat and gradually increase as needed. Lastly, not taking proper care of your cookware. A little care goes a long way when it comes to cast iron cookware. You can read our article to learn Everything About Cast Iron Cookware Care.

Now let’s take a look at how to keep food from sticking to your cast iron pan while cooking and baking:

When Cooking:

1. Preheat your cast iron pan / skillet for 3 to 5 minutes to ensure even heat distribution across the pan’s entire surface before adding your food. Ensure that the oil is hot by checking for a shimmer before adding ingredients. The oil must be hot enough. Cold oil can cause food to absorb it rather than sauté or sear. On the other hand, if the oil begins to smoke, it's too hot. Remove it from the burner briefly to cool down. Cast iron can continue to heat up after being removed from the burner, so you may need to reduce the temperature slightly after preheating.
2. Pour in enough oil to the pan to coat the entire surface of the pan. Some food, like eggs, may require more oil, or else they will stick to the pan. Fatty foods, like chicken thighs, need less oil. For butter, start with a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking or burning.

When baking:

1. Prepare your bakeware by brushing it with oil, especially in corners and sidewalls. Nonstick sprays like PAM Original are a convenient alternative. Preheating isn't necessary for brownies, cakes, and pies. However, preheating is beneficial for biscuits, pizza, and cornbread.
2. Adjust bake times when using cast iron. Cast iron's excellent heat retention can cause baked goods to brown faster. Check them a few minutes early. If you're not preheating and baking for less than 30 minutes (like cookies), extend the baking time. For longer bakes (like banana bread), the suggested time might be sufficient. Monitor baked goods closely to avoid overbaking and experiment with bake times.

A well-seasoned cast iron pan is like a workhorse. It can be passed down generations and still deliver. However, if you are already in a sticky situation, don't panic. Here are a few tips for removing it without causing any damage to the cast iron pan:

• Let it soak: If the food is stuck pretty badly, let the pan soak in hot water for a few minutes.
• Use a scraper: Use a wooden or silicone scraper to gently remove the food.
• Avoid metal utensils: Avoid using metal utensils, as they can scratch the seasoning.

We hope these tips and tricks help you keep your cast iron cookware last longer. Do check out our pre-seasoned cast iron cookware collection today! Our versatile cookware is low-maintenance and perfect for creating a variety of delicious dishes, from flavourful curries and soups to grilled items and crispy fries.