A cast iron griddle is an essential kitchen accessory that can be used for grilling perfect steaks and veggies, making pancakes, sandwiches or scrambling eggs. Very durable and versatile, a cast iron griddle pan can be used both on an outdoor grill, as well as on a cooktop. How to clean a griddle pan we will teach you in this article.
It is a common misconception that cast iron griddle pans are difficult to care for. In fact, it is quite easy to maintain a griddle pan; however, it must be cleaned and seasoned properly to maintain it and prevent rust from forming.
An excellent investment, a griddle pan if maintained properly can last for several years. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll discuss the right way to clean a griddle pan.
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How To Clean A Griddle Pan: Steps
When it comes to cleaning your cast iron griddle pan, it is better to clean it while it is still warm. You can leave the pan to clean up later on; however, the food on the griddle pan will come off more easily if you clean it before it hardens and sticks to the pan.
Let The Griddle Pan Cool
After you finish cooking, let the cast iron griddle pan completely cool before you start cleaning it. Putting the hot griddle pan into the water can result in the pan developing cracks and it can also cause the iron to weaken.
Wipe The Food Particles
Using a paper towel, wipe away any food particles, oil, grease or drippings from the griddle pan’s surface while it is still warm. In case there is food stuck on the griddle, remove the food using a plastic scraper before you wipe it away.
Avoid using steel wool or a metal scraper as this can damage the pan’s surface. If you’re unable to remove the food that’s stuck onto the pan with a non-abrasive scrubber or plastic scraper, then you can use a salt scrub.
To do this, remove the griddle pan and place it on the counter. Sprinkle some coarse salt on the pan and add some water as required to make a paste. Scrub the salt paste on the stuck food until it comes loose.
Clean The Pan With Dishwashing Soap And Water
Take some hot water in a bowl and add some mild dishwashing soap to it. Dip a non-abrasive sponge in the water and wipe the surface of the griddle pan. Avoid letting the griddle pan soak in water as this can cause rust to form.
Rinse the griddle pan and dry it immediately with paper towels or a dishcloth. Don’t let the pan drip dry as any water on the griddle will cause it to form rust.
Season (If Required)
You may need to season the cast iron griddle pan, especially if you notice that the food is sticking to the pan when cooking. It is best to season the griddle pan after washing it before you store it away. To season the griddle pan, pour ½ to 1 tsp of any vegetable oil such as olive oil, canola oil or corn oil to the cooking surface.
Using a paper towel, distribute the oil uniformly. Rub the oil into the griddle’s surface until it is shiny and then wipe away any excess oil. The oil coating will protect your griddle pan from any rust as it sits until the next use.
Avoid storing the griddle pan away even if it is slightly damp. Heat the griddle pan on a cooktop set to low or medium or in an oven set at around 250°F to 300°F for around 5-10 minutes. This will ensure that the griddle pan is completely dry. Let the griddle pan cool before storing it away.
Tips To Care For Your Griddle Pan
- Never leave your griddle pan soaking in the sink. When cleaning the pan, place it in the sink, clean it and take it out of the water quickly to prevent any rusting.
- Avoid washing the cast iron griddle pan when it is hot because the temperature difference between the hot pan and the water can cause thermal shock, causing your griddle pan to warp or crack.
- If you heat your griddle pan too quickly, this can also cause thermal shock and so place the pan in the oven when it is turned off and then switch it on so that the pan gets heated up at the same speed as the oven.
- When seasoning the griddle pan, wipe away any excess oil to prevent a sticky buildup on the pan.
- When re-seasoning the pan, keep the oven hot as this will help the oil bond better to the surface of the pan.
In conclusion, cleaning and maintaining a cast iron griddle pan is not very difficult. However, it must be cleaned properly to prevent rust from forming. Thankfully, by following a few steps that we have described in our article, you should be able to maintain your griddle pan as good as new for many years to come.
