When it comes to versatility, durability, and downright delicious results in the kitchen, cast iron cookware is in a league of its own. Whether you’re channeling Grandma’s vintage skillet or just picked up a new Lodge pan from Amazon, cooking with cast iron brings flavor and flair to your meals—and it’s a whole lot easier than most people think.
In this episode of State 48 Homeowner, we’re giving the mortgage talk a break and heading to the kitchen for a lesson in cast iron cooking—Arizona style. We’re walking through the basics of caring for cast iron, how to season it properly, and we’ll finish by cooking up a mouthwatering bison ribeye and asparagus dinner that’s as impressive as it is simple.
Why Cast Iron?
Cast iron skillets have been a staple in American kitchens for generations. They heat evenly, sear beautifully, and—when properly seasoned—they develop a natural nonstick coating that only gets better with age.
You can snag a reliable Lodge cast iron skillet for under $30, and you’ll have a tool that could literally outlive your mortgage. Got a family heirloom pan? Even better. That pan is seasoned with decades of meals and memories—don’t let it sit in the cabinet!
Lodge cast iron skillet link – https://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Skillet-Pre-Seasoned-Skillet-Silicone/dp/B00G2XGC88/
What Is “Seasoning” Anyway?
No, we’re not talking salt and pepper. In the world of cast iron, seasoning refers to the thin layer of oil that’s baked into the surface of the pan. It’s what keeps food from sticking and rust from forming.
If you’re starting from scratch:
- Wash and dry your skillet thoroughly.
- Rub it with a light layer of oil (avocado oil works great).
- Bake it upside down at 450°F for an hour.
- Let it cool, repeat as needed.
With regular use and proper care, seasoning improves over time—so don’t be afraid to cook often!
Caring for Your Cast Iron
Maintenance is simple. After cooking:
- Let the pan cool a bit.
- Rinse with hot water and scrub with a non-abrasive brush—no soap.
- Dry it completely.
- Wipe it with a bit of oil and store it dry.
Avoid soaking it or tossing it in the dishwasher. Treat it like your grill: with care and a little seasoning love.
The Main Event: Bison Ribeye & Asparagus
Here’s a quick recipe to get your cast iron journey started:
Ingredients:
- 1 Bison Ribeye Steak (room temperature)
- Fresh Asparagus (ends snapped)
- Avocado Oil Spray
- Peppercorn Seasoning
- Fresh or Dried Rosemary
Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F with your cast iron skillet inside.
- Season the bison steak with peppercorn seasoning and prep the asparagus.
- Once the skillet is hot, carefully move it to your stovetop over high heat.
- Lightly spray it with avocado oil.
- Place the steak in the pan and add the asparagus beside it.
- Spray the asparagus and sprinkle everything with rosemary. Season asparagus with pepper.
- After 2 minutes, flip the steak and move the pan back into the oven.
- For a thin cut: roast for 5 minutes. For thicker cuts: 7–8 minutes for medium.
- Let the steak rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serve it up with the roasted asparagus, and you’ve got a balanced, protein-packed, flavor-forward meal with minimal cleanup.
Final Thoughts
Cast iron brings the heat, the history, and the flavor—and it’s way easier to work with than most people think. Whether you’re a steak master or just learning to boil water, investing in a cast iron pan is one of the best (and tastiest) things you can do for your kitchen game.
Let us know if you try the recipe—and if you’ve got a cast iron skillet that’s been passed down through your family, we’d love to hear the story.
And remember, caring for your home doesn’t stop at the foundation—it extends all the way to your dinner plate. That’s what State 48 Homeowner is all about.
AUDIO EPISODE:
VIDEO EPISODE: