this post was submitted on 23 May 2025
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Cast Iron

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I've only bought the pan a week ago and used it three times. Hot dogs, eggs, and steak.

When I'm done I clean it with a scrubby sponge and once with a little bit of detergent, then put it on the stove to dry quickly. Then while it's hot I smear maybe a teaspoon of vegetable oil on it with a paper towel "brush".

In between uses it's wet with oil, as you can see in the picture. How much residual oil should there be? I had the impression that it would be dryer.

Also, how much should I scrub? I am not going to leave crust of beef on there, but I also don't think it's supposed to be scrubbed back to new smoothness.

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[–] whereisk@lemmy.world 2 points 1 day ago (1 children)

I see. The first mistake I was making if I remember correctly was using the same continuous high heat as I would in a non stick and not wait long enough for the pan to heat evenly.

The difference in the amount of mass it carries makes it a different beast to cook in: it takes a while to warm up but also for the same reason it maintains and exceeds the temperature a non stick if you maintain high heat under it.

So try either starting at a low heat and waiting a while to warm up - maybe 3-5min. Or start at a high heat wait 2 mins to get it warm fast and then lower the stove to what would have been a simmer so you don’t overshoot.

[–] clay_pidgin@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 day ago (1 children)

that's really helpful. So far I've slightly or very burnt everything I've cooked!

[–] whereisk@lemmy.world 2 points 1 day ago (1 children)

You also need to be aware that it doesn’t like acidic sauces like heavy tomato as it strips the seasoning and you’ll the taste it in the food. You are better off using stainless steel for those.

[–] clay_pidgin@sh.itjust.works 1 points 19 hours ago

Noted, thank you.