To season an enameled cast iron griddle, start by preheating the griddle on your stovetop over medium-high heat until it is hot to the touch. After the griddle is hot, turn off the heat and let it cool down for 5 minutes.
Once the griddle is cool, apply a thin layer of solid vegetable shortening to the entire surface. Use a paper towel to spread the shortening evenly. Put the griddle back on the stove over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes.
The shortening will start to smoke and will create a non-stick surface, which is the seasoning. Remove the griddle from the heat, let it cool down and then wipe off any excess oil or fat with a clean paper towel.
Your enameled cast iron griddle is now ready to use.
Do you need to season Le Creuset cast iron?
Yes, it is important to season Le Creuset cast iron cookware. Seasoning refers to the process of coating the pot or pan with oils such as vegetable oil or flaxseed oil to create a layer of protection against rust and provide a non-stick cooking surface.
To season your Le Creuset cast iron cookware, first clean the pan with hot, soapy water and a non-abrasive brush. Rinse and dry the pan. Then, spread a thin layer of oil over the entire surface, inside and out.
Place the pan into a 300-400 degree oven and heat for 30 minutes. Remove the pan and use a cloth to wipe off any excess oil. Repeat this process two to three times. Seasoning Le Creuset cookware is an important part of the cooking process in order to keep your pot or pan rust free and to ensure you get a nicely browned crust on your food.
With proper care and regular seasoning, Le Creuset cookware can last for many years.
What oil should not be used on cast iron?
It is not recommended to use oils such as vegetable oils or mineral oils on cast iron pans and skillets. These oils are not heat stable, meaning that when heated, they will break down and create a sticky residue on the cooking surface.
This residue can prevent proper seasoning from taking place, as it is this seasoning which helps to create the naturally non-stick surface that cast iron is known for. It is better to use heat stable oils such as coconut oil, ghee, lard or duck fat when seasoning cast iron pans or skillets.
What oil has the highest smoke point?
The oil with the highest smoke point is usually said to be avocado oil with a smoke point of around 520°F. Avocado oil is known for its high smoke point and its nutty flavor, making it a great choice for stir-frying, baking, or as a finishing oil on dishes.
Other oils with similarly high smoke points include peanut oil (around 450°F), safflower oil (around 450°F), sunflower oil (around 450°F), and almond oil (up to 420°F). These oils all make great cooking oils as they can withstand higher heat without burning or smoking.
Although other oils such as olive oil and canola oil have relatively low smoke points (around 375°F and 400°F respectively), these are still valid choices for most cooking needs, since the smoke point only needs to be greater than the temperature of the food you’re cooking.
Can Le Creuset enameled cast iron go in the oven?
Yes, Le Creuset enameled cast iron can go in the oven. This is one of the many advantages of cast iron cookware, which is known for its heat-retention properties. Many Le Creuset products are designed to be used in the oven and on the stovetop.
The enameled finish provides a porous, non-reactive surface that is safe to use in contact with food. The signature Le Creuset pieces are resistant to odors and flavors, and are safe to use in contact with acidic foods like tomatoes.
Le Creuset cookware is oven-safe up to 500°F (260°C), which means that it can be used for anything from baking bread and casseroles to roasting meats and vegetables.
Can I put a griddle pan in the oven?
Yes, you can put a griddle pan in the oven. Many people opt to use griddle pans for roasting or baking, as griddle pans often make for a great baking sheet and sometimes even a good roasting pan. While it is true that griddle pans are traditionally associated with stove-top cooking, they can be very flexible in the kitchen.
With the proper care and maintenance, you can safely transfer a griddle pan from the stove top to the oven for a variety of uses. Depending on the desired use and the size of the pan, you can set the oven accordingly and cook whatever you need.
That said, always use oven mitts to keep you and your oven safe while handling the hot griddle pan.
How do I know if my cast iron is oven safe?
Typically, cast iron cookware is oven safe up to very high temperatures. To double-check if your cast iron is oven safe, it is best to look for a manufacturer’s label or stamp on the bottom of the cookware that will confirm the oven-safe range.
Usually, this will be anywhere from 400°F to 500°F, but some products can be oven safe up to 1000°F. Furthermore, you can check to see if the handle of your cookware is oven safe as well. If the handle is plastic or wood, then it is only safe up to 350°F, so you need to be careful not to exceed this temperature when using the cookware in the oven.
Additionally, if you have any doubt, then you can always contact the manufacturer directly to find out more information about your particular cookware.
Can cast iron go in the oven 400 degrees?
Yes, cast iron can be placed in an oven at 400 degrees and higher without any issue. Cast iron is incredibly durable and designed to handle very high temperatures, which makes it ideal for use in the oven.
When heating cast iron in the oven, it’s important to preheat it slowly to avoid any thermal shock. Additionally, if you are baking something in a cast iron pan, you should use a heat-resistant handle cover and oven mitts for added security.
When you’re finished baking, you should allow the cast iron pan to cool completely before you wash it.
Can Dutch ovens go in the oven?
Yes, Dutch ovens can go in the oven. Dutch ovens are designed to be used on the stove, in the oven, and even over an open fire. They are usually made from cast iron and have a tightly fitting lid to lock in the moisture and help keep in the flavors of the food being cooked.
Dutch ovens can be used to cook a variety of dishes on the stove top, including stews, soups, potatoes, and other vegetables. They can also be used in the oven for dishes such as breads, cobblers, roasts, and casseroles.
When using a Dutch oven in the oven, remember to preheat the oven before adding your dish and to cover the lid of the Dutch oven with foil if the recipe calls for it.
How do I stop my Le Creuset from sticking?
Sticking is a common issue with Le Creuset cookware and can be frustrating. To prevent sticking, it’s important to season, oil and maintain your cookware properly.
First, a common mistake when using Le Creuset cookware is not using enough oil when cooking. Make sure to coat the bottom of your Le Creuset cookware with a generous layer of oil before cooking and add a bit more throughout the cooking process to ensure that food does not stick.
Second, make sure to properly season your Le Creuset cookware before use. This helps create a layer of flavorsome residue that also serves as a barrier preventing food from sticking. To season your Le Creuset, heat up the pan on your stovetop, then turn off the heat.
Rub the pan down with vegetable oil, then heat the pan for about 30 minutes. After about 15 minutes of heating, add more oil. Repeat this process a few times until you feel the pan is sufficiently coated.
Finally, make sure to maintain your cookware to prevent sticking. After cooking, it’s essential to clean your Le Creuset cookware as soon as possible. Avoid using abrasive materials as they can cause damage to the enamel.
To remove stuck-on bits of food, soak it in warm soapy water for a few minutes and then scrub gently with a sponge or non-abrasive scrub brush. For more stubborn residues, create a paste of baking soda and water and leave it on the affected spot overnight.
Finally, rinse off the paste and use a soft cloth to dry the Le Creuset cookware.
Additional tips include using low or medium-low heat settings and avoiding high-temperature cooking as this could melt the oil and create sticking. Also, avoid cooking acidic or tomato-based ingredients as this could cause permanent staining on the enameled surface.
By following these steps, you can help ensure that your Le Creuset cookware is well maintained and does not stick.