Maximizing Flavour: Cooking with Commercial Cast Iron

Picture this: the sizzle of a perfectly seared steak, the aroma of freshly baked cornbread, or the golden crispiness of fried chicken. What do these culinary delights have in common? They're all masterpieces of cooking, and they share a secret weapon in the kitchen—cast iron cookware.

Cast iron cookware has an undeniable allure, and in this blog, we're going to explore the many reasons why people can't resist its charms. But more than that, we'll delve deep into its unique ability to maximize flavour.

The Superiority of Commercial Cast Iron

There’s a reason many chefs choose cast iron pans over other materials. First and foremost, few materials can demonstrate the versatility of commercial cast iron. In a commercial kitchen with various heat sources, including stovetops and grills, this pan can be used on nearly all surfaces (and even in the oven), which offers tremendous flexibility in cooking methods. 

Over time, the cast iron becomes seasoned, and when maintained correctly, it develops a natural, non-stick surface. This also aids in its ability to impart a unique and desirable flavour to food, often described as "crispy" or "charred."

Durability

Commercial-grade cast iron cookware is renowned for its exceptional durability, making it a robust choice for restaurant kitchens that experience high-volume cooking demands. It can withstand frequent use and heavy-duty cooking without showing signs of wear and tear.

Heat Retention

One of the standout features of cast iron cookware is its ability to retain heat effectively. Once heated, it maintains high temperatures for extended periods, ensuring consistent and efficient cooking, which is essential in busy restaurant settings.

Even Heat Distribution

Cast iron's thick and heavy construction results in even heat distribution across the cooking surface. This uniform heat distribution eliminates hot spots, providing chefs with a reliable tool for cooking every dish to perfection.

Seasoning: The Foundation of Flavour

Seasoning in the context of cast iron cooking refers to the process of building up a natural, non-stick coating on the surface of the cast iron. This coating is created by repeatedly applying a thin layer of cooking oil or fat and heating the cookware to a specific temperature. Over time, this process forms a protective layer that not only prevents food from sticking to the cookware but also enhances the flavour of dishes cooked in it. Proper seasoning is essential for maintaining and improving the performance of cast iron cookware.

How to Properly Season Commercial Cast Iron

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

You’ll need several items to get started seasoning with a new piece of cast iron. Ensure you have these things on hand: 

• Mild dish soap
• Warm water
• A scrub brush or sponge
• Clean towels or paper towels
• Cooking oil (such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or flaxseed oil)
• Aluminum foil
• An oven

Step 2: Clean the Cookware

Wash the cast iron cookware with mild dish soap and warm water to remove any dirt or residues. Use a scrub brush or sponge to gently scrub away any stubborn bits.

Rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry it completely using clean towels or paper towels. Ensure there is no moisture left on the cookware.

Step 3: Apply a Thin Layer of Oil

Using a cloth or paper towel, apply a thin, even layer of cooking oil to the entire surface of the cookware, including the interior and exterior. Cover all the nooks and crannies.

Step 4: Heat in the Oven

Preheat your oven to a temperature of about 375-400°F (190-204°C) and place aluminum foil on the lower rack of the oven to catch any oil drips. Put the oiled cast iron cookware upside down on the middle rack of the oven. This positioning allows any excess oil to drip off. Bake the cookware for about 1 to 1.5 hours. This process will polymerize the oil and create the initial layers of seasoning.

Step 5: Cool and Repeat

Turn off the oven and allow the cookware to cool inside it. It's essential to let it cool gradually to ensure proper seasoning. Once cooled, your cast iron cookware is now seasoned. It may take several rounds of seasoning to achieve a smooth, non-stick surface, so feel free to repeat the process a few more times for the best results.

Cooking Techniques

Positioning itself as a Swiss army knife in the kitchen, cast iron cookware is adept for various cooking techniques, from baking to frying. Thanks to its versatility, chefs can curate new menu items and one-of-a-kind dishes around these pans, all while ensuring they will be delicious and flavourful.

• Searing: Cast iron's exceptional heat retention allows you to sear meats to perfection, locking in juices and creating a caramelized crust that enhances flavour and texture.
• Baking: Cast iron's even heat distribution ensures that your baked goods cook uniformly, whether a crispy cornbread or a perfectly browned pizza, resulting in delicious, consistent results.
• Frying: Cast iron excels in all types of frying. Its steady, high heat guarantees a crispy exterior and succulent interior when frying anything from chicken to doughnuts.
• Slow Cooking: The cast iron's capacity to maintain a low and consistent temperature over extended periods is ideal for slowly simmering meats and vegetables in flavourful sauces, producing tender results.
• Roasting: When transferred from stovetop to oven, cast iron skillets provide even heat distribution for roasting meats and vegetables, yielding dishes with a deliciously crispy exterior and juicy interior.

Maintenance Tips

It is important to wash cast iron cookware with care. Keep in mind that this pan should never be left to soak in the sink or put through the dishwasher, as this can erode the seasoning.

Cleaning your cast iron after each use removes any food residue and prevents the buildup of flavours. Use warm water and a mild dish soap, then thoroughly dry it to prevent rust. Avoid harsh scrubbing or abrasive cleaners to preserve the seasoning. Regularly reapplying oil to ensure the pan retains its nonstick properties and maintains its overall unique flavours.

Shop Zanduco for Your Commercial Cast Iron Cookware

Whether you are new to commercial cast iron or a seasoned pro with these pans, Zanduco carries various options from Lodge, a brand known for its commitment to quality. To learn more about our pans and Dutch ovens or for additional support in making the right purchase, reach out to us!