Cast iron pans arent super smooth, instead they have a lot of tiny crevices and roughness on the surface. Little bits of an egg can sit in these pores, its a physical process. It probably wont sink in very deep, but its enough to prevent your egg from sliding over the surface smoothly.

How do you keep eggs from sticking to cast iron?

All the heat from the preheat has already heated the pan and oil and will continue to keep them hot in the amount of time it takes to scramble or fry an egg. Remember to let the eggs firm up just a bit so the proteins can coagulate before agitating the eggs (this prevents them from sticking as well).

Why do my eggs stick to my cast iron pan?

Mighty Nest lists the three most common reasons why your eggs may be getting stuck: Your cast iron skillet isnt seasoned enough, theres not enough fat, or you have the pan over the wrong heat temperature. During the preheat stage, the pan should be over medium-high heat.

Should you cook eggs in a cast iron skillet?

Though a well-seasoned cast iron pan is nearly non-stick, its not a true non-stick surface like you might think. This allows you to cook eggs and other foods in the pan without fat and they wont stick. Cast iron needs fat! Without fat, even the most well-seasoned pan will have sticking issues.

Do eggs ruin cast iron?

Avoid cooking sticky foods in cast iron skillets. Sticky foods like eggs, pancakes and rice should be avoided up to the point when you know your cast iron pan is fully seasoned. Eggs will turn brown and pancakes will resist a simple flip.

What foods should not be cooked in cast iron?

4 Things You Should Never Cook in Cast Iron:Smelly foods. Garlic, peppers, some fish, stinky cheeses and more tend to leave aromatic memories with your pan that will turn up in the next couple of things you cook in it. Eggs and other sticky things (for a while) Delicate fish. Acidic things—maybe.1 Sep 2020

What is the best oil to season cast iron?

What oils can I use to season cast iron? All cooking oils and fats can be used for seasoning cast iron, but based on availability, affordability, effectiveness, and having a high smoke point, Lodge recommends vegetable oil, melted shortening, or canola oil, like our Seasoning Spray.

Can you ruin a cast iron pan?

The good news is it is fixable and you should not get rid of your pan, but it does require some work to restore the cast iron to its original state. Its cracked. You can crack cast iron by repeatedly heating it up and rinsing with cold water before it has cooled down properly.

What should you not do with cast iron?

What Not to Cook in a Cast-Iron SkilletAvoid Cooking Acidic Foods in Cast-Iron Pans. Be Aware that a Cast-Iron Surface Takes on Flavors. Dont Cook Delicate Fish In Cast Iron. Before Your Skillet Is Well-Seasoned, Avoid Sticky Foods. And, Whatever You Cook, Avoid Storing Food in Your Cast-Iron Pan.23 Jun 2017

Should I use butter on cast iron?

Do not use olive oil or butter to season your cast-iron pan — theyre great to cook with, just not for initial seasoning. For a seasoning bonus, cook bacon, thick pork chops or a steak in the pan for its first go-round. The natural fats in these meats will work wonders on its finish.

Can I use butter in my cast iron skillet?

Yes, you can cook with butter in your cast iron skillet or Dutch oven. Keep in mind that butter burns at temperatures above 350°F (177°C), so you shouldnt use high heat when youre frying foods with it.

Should I season my cast iron after every use?

Even pre-seasoned cast iron can do with some extra protection. To season your pan, heat it up on the stovetop until its smoking hot, then rub a little oil into it and let it cool. Repeat this process a few times and youre good to go. Clean it after each use.

Can I use butter in a cast iron skillet?

Do not use olive oil or butter to season your cast-iron pan — theyre great to cook with, just not for initial seasoning. For a seasoning bonus, cook bacon, thick pork chops or a steak in the pan for its first go-round.

Should a cast iron pan be sticky after seasoning?

If youre regularly seasoning cast iron, then it should not be sticky when youre cooking. Cast iron seasoning will produce a durable coating that stops food from burning into a sticky residue when youre cooking. Another common reason for stickiness is not heating the pan up thoroughly enough before cooking.

How do you tell when cast iron is seasoned?

A well-seasoned skillet will have a dark, semiglossy finish and wont be sticky or greasy to the touch. It wont have any rust or any dull or dry patches. An easy way to test a skillets seasoning is to fry an egg (heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in skillet over medium heat for 3 minutes, then add egg).

How often should you season cast iron?

In my experience, its reasonable to reseason a cast iron skillet once to 2-3 times per year. If you cook fattier foods in your skillet and avoid cleaning it with soapy water, the seasoning could last for years.