20 Best Vegan Cast Iron Skillet Recipes | Perfect Vegan Camping Food (2024)

FAQs

Is cast iron good for vegan cooking? ›

I would say cast-iron is a good choice for them because the only oil that is absolutely required for cooking in cast-iron is at the time of seasoning. Once polymerized into that non-stick coat on top of the cast-iron itself, the oil is unlikely to leach into your food – and if it does, it will be in minute amounts.

Coat the skillet with oil (high-heat oil like avocado or virgin is best). Place the pan upside on the top rack and a baking sheet underneath to catch any drips. Bake for 1 hour. Leave pan to cool inside oven.

Eggs fall into the category of sticky foods that are not ideal for cast iron skillets that haven't built up their seasoning yet. While cast iron can become non-stick with sufficient use over time, a newer skillet will almost certainly cause your eggs to stick to its porous surface.

The disadvantages of cast iron

Additionally, cast iron pans require regular maintenance, including seasoning and careful cleaning, to prevent rust and maintain their non-stick surface. Improper cleaning or using harsh cleaning agents can strip away the seasoning and damage the pan.

Your body doesn't absorb iron from plant-based sources as readily as it does from meat, so you may need to incorporate more iron-rich foods into your daily diet. Some sources to consider are beans, such as lentils; dark leafy vegetables, including spinach; iron-fortified breads and cereals; and tofu.

Cast iron pans are popular, especially for searing, and are generally safe to use. But they can leach iron, which is a strong pro-oxidant. Those genetically at risk for iron overload should learn more about cast iron safety. For well over a thousand years, cast iron has been used as a reliable cooking surface.

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.

Do not use scouring pads or steel wool on cast iron skillets as these will remove the seasoning. Dry the skillet immediately with a clean rag or paper towel to prevent rust. Do not let your cast iron skillet air dry. Lightly oil the skillet using a small amount of your high temp oil on a paper towel once it is dry.

What destroys cast iron? ›

If cast iron is left in the sink to soak, put in the dishwasher, or allowed to air dry, it will rust. It can also happen when you store your cookware in moisture-prone environments, such as a cabinet near a dishwasher, an open cabinet in a humid location, or stored outside.

Inept seasoning.

If you're seasoning your pan, you'll need to wash it first. And then, before you apply the oil, you'll need to dry it thoroughly. If you leave any damp spots, you'll end up with a splotchy seasoning job. Cast iron will survive forever if it's well cared for, but it won't forgive your clumsy mistakes.

Doing so can cause the all-important seasoning on the surface of the pan to flake off. This not only results in unappetizing black flakes in your meal but also degrades and chips away at the seasoning, which is paramount when cooking with cast iron.

Cast iron shines when it comes to high-heat cooking, like searing steaks or charring vegetables, but it goes beyond that—you can use cast iron to sauté, bake bread, or even or make a table-worthy dessert.

You can always count on your trusty cast-iron skillet for around-the-clock cooking. Use it to make everything from easy weeknight meals to juicy steak dinners, as well as fluffy pancakes and family-sized cookies. Here, we're sharing the cast-iron skillet recipes we whip up on the regular (and think you will, too).

You'll get a perfectly crispy, golden exterior.

But the specific power of cast iron in creating a glorious caramelized exterior is something I've only recently discovered. It transforms roasted vegetables into an ingredient even more scrumptious than a sheet pan covered with parchment paper ever could.