How to Clean Fish Flavors Out of a Cast Iron Skillet

Cast iron skillets are non-stick when properly seasoned.

Cast iron cookware is heavy and takes a little more time to keep at peak condition than the new non-stick cookware; however, when properly seasoned, cast iron skillets are just as effective in terms of the non-stick benefit. Because of its non-stick capacity, a cast iron skillet is often used for cooking fish, but doing so can leave a lingering fish odor. It is possible, however, to thoroughly clean the skillet so you won't have to taste or smell the fish with the next use.

Things You'll Need

• Diluted dish soap
• Sponge
• Stiff nylon brush
• Kosher salt
• Paper towels

Instructions

1. Place a cup of water into the pan as soon as you are done cooking the fish and bring it to a boil for two minutes. Dump the water into the sink.

2. Place a few drops of dish soap in hot water in the sink and wipe the pan out with a sponge or a stiff nylon brush if anything is stuck to it. Rinse the skillet off.

3. Make a paste with a tablespoon of kosher salt and warm water. Place the paste in the pan and scrub with the sponge. Rinse the skillet again.

4. Place the skillet on the stove and heat until it is fully dry. If the pan was well-seasoned, cleaning it with soap once in a while will not cause it to have to be re-seasoned. If the skillet's seasoning was already worn, re-season the pan by spreading a thin layer of vegetable oil on the inside of the skillet and baking upside down in the oven for an hour at 350 degrees F.

5. Allow the skillet to cool in the oven and then store in a dry area.

References

• Chow: Cast Iron Cooking
• Re-Nest: How To Clean a Cast Iron Skillet
• Richsoil: Using a Cast Iron Skillet Ain't So Hard!