A cast iron skillet is more than just a cooking tool—it’s an heirloom in the making. Known for their unbeatable heat retention, rugged durability, and timeless appeal, these pans only improve with age. As they develop a natural nonstick layer, they enhance the flavor of every meal. But to keep your skillet performing its best, there are some ingredients and habits you’ll want to steer clear of.
❌ What Not to Cook in Your Cast Iron Skillet
Acidic foods Tomato sauces, citrus-based recipes, and anything vinegar-heavy can erode the seasoning and trigger a metallic aftertaste. Think quick tomato sautés are okay? Sure. Long stews? Not ideal—use stainless or enameled cookware instead.
Tender fish Soft, flaky varieties like flounder, sole, or tilapia tend to stick and fall apart. Cast iron’s texture and high heat are too aggressive for these fragile fillets. Stick with a nonstick or stainless pan here.
Sticky, sugary sauces Honey glazes, teriyaki, or any sweet marinades can easily burn and glue themselves to the surface. If your seasoning isn’t rock solid, these will do more harm than good—often needing a harsh scrub that risks stripping the finish.
Eggs (until you’ve mastered the skillet) Unless your pan is beautifully seasoned and you’re experienced with it, eggs will latch on and create a mess. For easy eggs, stick with nonstick until your skillet is well broken in.
Strong-smelling ingredients Garlic-heavy dishes, pungent spices, and curries can leave lingering aromas. If you’re planning to bake something sweet next, like cornbread or brownies, that leftover smell can ruin the dish. Either clean thoroughly or designate one skillet for savory and another for sweet.
Sweet dishes after savory meals Desserts like skillet brownies and cobblers shine in cast iron—if the pan is fresh. Residual flavors from last night’s bacon or sautéed onions? Not so sweet. Clean thoroughly before switching to dessert mode.
Water-heavy recipes Boiling or steaming isn’t cast iron’s strong suit. Too much moisture breaks down the seasoning and encourages rust. Stick with roasting, searing, and baking—methods that embrace dry heat.
Leaving food in the skillet Storing leftovers in the pan may seem convenient, but it promotes rust, alters flavor, and degrades the seasoning. Once the pan cools, transfer your food and clean up.
Sudden temperature changes Going from hot to cold in an instant—like adding cold water to a hot skillet or throwing chilled food into a scorching pan—can cause the iron to warp or crack. Let it cool gradually to avoid damage.
🧽 Simple Cast Iron Upkeep
Always dry thoroughly after washing
Wipe on a thin layer of oil to maintain the seasoning
Avoid harsh soaps unless truly needed
Store it in a cool, dry place
With regular care and smart cooking choices, your cast iron skillet can be the workhorse of your kitchen. Avoiding these common pitfalls will keep it in top shape—ready to deliver flavorful meals for years (or even generations) to come. Treat it right, and it’ll reward you every time you cook. 🥘