Once you've seasoned the pan, you can cook your first meal. Afterward, the process of cleaning your pan is much different from how you clean metal or stainless steel cookware; the key is to avoid using soap, ever. Follow this 3-step cleaning method to be sure your cast iron stays in good shape.
- Pour a thin layer of hot water onto the surface before the pan cools down, and scrub with a nylon brush. Avoid using steel wool, which will strip the seasoning. Kosher salt works as an abrasive for the food particles that won't budge. Use it to scrub only when necessary.
- Thoroughly dry the pan with a towel.
- Wipe a light coat of vegetable oil or shortening on the inside of the skillet.
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Cast Iron Camping Meals
Cast iron cooking is versatile, allowing you to make everything from steak to pizza and cornbread all in the same pan. So, what should your first cast iron meal be? Here are two simple recipes to try.
Camper's Breakfast Delight
Heat your pan over the fire, adding a thin layer of oil. While that heats, dice onions, potatoes, peppers, spinach and bacon. Add the vegetables to the pan and let cook until tender. Toss in diced bacon.
Whisk your eggs together and add them into the veggie bacon mix. Hold off on scrambling for a few moments to let the eggs sit. Begin scrambling until the eggs are cooked to your liking, and dish it out for a delicious, well-rounded breakfast.
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Roasted Potatoes and Chicken
Dice your potatoes while the pan and oil heat over a fire. Once diced, toss them into the pan with salt, pepper, paprika, chili powder and garlic powder. Stir the potatoes to ensure everything cooks evenly.
Once the potatoes finish take them out of the pan and place thinly sliced chicken cutlets in the pan, letting the flavors from the potatoes cook into the meat. Flip after 3 minutes, let cook until finished, and serve your meat with the potatoes.
Cast iron cookware is the campfire chef's best friend. With a rugged exterior, low price and simple cleaning process, you'll never want to put another pan over the fire again.
More: 4 Easy Chicken Rubs for Campsite Cooking
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