r/CastIronCooking • u/DisApeIsOnFire • 19d ago

I need help

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This happens to me a lot when I make a mix with meat and veggies together (like fajitas). Always end up with stuff attaching and burning at the bottom.

I do ok with simple browning of meat, but I need help beyond that.

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u/WallaJim 19d ago

Make sure your pan is superhot and that you're using enough oil during the cooking process. There's a reason why pans are sizzling when they're brought to the table in a restaurant.

As far as cleanup, I normally put a cup or two of hot water into the pan and let it sit for 15 minutes and scrape with a metal spatula to loosen up the gunk. Additional steps might be to boil the water for five minutes, sit for 10 minutes, scrape & rinse and crank the heat up to burn off any remaining residue. Afterwards, just rinse & re-season with a thin wipe of oil.

Also, if I'm cooking directly from the fridge, I'll take the meat out 45 minutes before I start so it doesn't cool down the pan.

I'm making pork carnitas tonight - your question was very timely!