Yes you should wash iron skillets because like any other cooking tool you want them clean so that you dont cross-contaminate your food and possibly make you sick. Make sure that you dry the skillet thoroughly so that no rust builds up as well.
In addition, once a month you'll need to "season" the pan. Lightly coat the inside of the pan with your choice of vegetable oil, peanut oil, or olive oil and allow to soak into the metal for about 1 hour while heating the pan in a 200 degree oven. Wipe out the remaning film with a dry papper towel. By seasoning the pan in this manner it not only conditions the metal, but a nice benefit is that it also provides a moderate non-stick property to the pan.
If by chance your skillet does get a little rusted simply wash and dry it thoroughly and reseason.
Try to avoid using harsh soaps as this will strip the seasoning off the skillet.
A good way is to head over to chowhound.com. They have a lot of questions and answers on how to remove oil residue from a cast iron skillet. An example is to boil some water and leave it in your skillet then wash off.
Iron left damp and exposed to oxygen is prone to rust as the iron, water and air react to oxidize iron at the surface of the pan. Drying an iron skillet immediately after washing helps to protect the skillet from rusting.
Burgers should be cooked on a cast iron skillet for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160F.
A good substitute for a cast iron skillet is a stainless steel skillet.
To season a cast iron skillet for best cooking performance and longevity, first wash and dry the skillet thoroughly. Then, apply a thin layer of vegetable oil or shortening to the skillet, inside and out. Place the skillet upside down in an oven at 350F for an hour. Let it cool in the oven before using. Repeat this process a few times for a well-seasoned skillet.
Cook chicken on a cast iron skillet for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165F.
Yes.
No, you should not put a cast iron skillet in the microwave for cooking or heating food. Cast iron can damage the microwave and cause a fire hazard. It is not safe to use in the microwave.
To clean a Le Creuset cast iron skillet effectively, first let it cool down. Then, wash it with warm water and a soft sponge. Avoid using soap or harsh scrubbers. Dry the skillet thoroughly and apply a thin layer of oil to prevent rust. Store it in a dry place.
Cook chicken breast on a cast iron skillet for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165F.
You can cook a variety of dishes in a cast iron skillet, such as steak, vegetables, fried chicken, cornbread, and even desserts like cobblers. Cast iron skillets are versatile and great for searing, frying, baking, and more.
The markings on the bottom of an antique cast iron skillet typically indicate the manufacturer's name, logo, and sometimes the size of the skillet.