Grilling with Cast Iron in a Fire Pit

Hosting barbeques and backyard parties is a classic way to entertain in the warm summer months. It's a great way to kick back and relax.

Grilling and barbequing is a unique method of cooking that many people love to use all year round as well. For things like frying, you can't just cook on the grills themselves though; you'll need some variety of cookware. Cast iron is a great choice.

Firepit Cooking with Traditional Cast Iron

Cast iron cookware comes in all shapes and sizes - from a tiny 2" sauce pan to a 15" skillet to 5-9QT dutch ovens. Skillets, dutch ovens, griddles, and grill pans are the most common forms of cast iron.

It's extremely durable and resistant to high heat so you can use your cast iron cookware to cook or bake almost anything outdoors for just about any type of meal. The seasoning on cast iron gives it it's black color.

Skillets are great for many methods of cooking such as stir-frys, pan-fried chicken, baking cornbread, frying hash, simmering pasta sauces, or making shakshuka. Other things you can cook in a cast iron skillet on an open flame include fish, frittatas, fried eggs, bacon, or dutch babies.

You can really use the skillet outdoors on a grill or coals to cook anything you'd want to cook indoors on a stovetop. A lid will let you bake with the cookware as well since the cast iron will provide an even heat and hold the heat well.

Dutch ovens, sometimes called camp ovens, have multiple uses. They work well as pots or slow cookers for foods such as stews, chili, and stuffed peppers.

They can also be used as small ovens for baking by placing hot coals on top of the lid to provide even heat to the inside.

For this it is best to have a lid with a lip to hold the coals. You'll also want a lid lifter and long tongs for the coals.

Griddles and grill pans are popular for roasting vegetables and frying bacon. They're especially good for making pancakes since the cast iron will heat evenly and you won't get hold or cold spots.

Just like any other type of cooking make sure you're using long handled utensils so that you don't get burned from the fire. For cast iron, you shouldn't use metal utensils.

Usually wood or plastic tools are recommended but for outdoor cooking we recommend wood. As well, don't expose your cast iron to drastic heat changes such as trying to wash a hot dish with cold water as the temperature difference can result in your cast iron cracking.

Benefits of Cast Iron for the Backyard

Cast iron has been gaining in popularity again in the last several years. Its versatility and durability among other great qualities make it the perfect choice for cooking outdoors in as well as for use inside the home.

It can easy go from stovetop, to oven, to on top of an outdoor grill, to being used as a small oven in a fire pit.

Unlike other non-stick pans cast iron can be used with high heat. This makes it perfect for cooking outdoors. You can place it directly over the flames, on hot coals, and even cover it with hot coals.

The cast iron will heat evenly too which gives you a nicer cook and lends itself well to a variety of cooking methods.

One of the top benefits of cast iron cookware is that you won't wear out your cast iron. The cast iron won't bend, dent, and warp like an aluminum pan.

You won't have to worry about damaging or wearing out your non-stick coating to the point of finding little black flecks in your food either with cast iron cookware if you take proper care of it.

This makes it great for the health conscious who don't like or trust other types of prefab nonstick coated cookware.

Cast iron cookware is naturally non-stick when it's well seasoned and taken care of properly. Just make sure you never leave the cast iron wet or it will rust and make sure to maintain the seasoning.

Most cast iron you can buy will come pre-seasoned but you'll want to re-season it and to maintain it regularly yourself. Some recommend seasoning even pre-seasoned cast iron when you buy it.

Seasoning is simply covering the cast iron in a protective coating that protects it from rust and provides a wonderfully non-stick coating that makes it a joy to use for cooking.

Multiple thin layers of fat that bond to the metal and become a hard blackened layer provide this coating, called a patina. Seasoning is simple and easy to do, especially if you get in the habit of doing it regularly.

Despite what you might hear, cast iron is simple to care for and easy to clean. Just make sure its free of food, completely dry, and well seasoned and you're good to go.

How to Season Your Cast Iron Grill Grate ?

1. Give the cast iron a good scrubbing to get it clean either of food or factory stuff. You can use a non-stick safe scraper here to get food off if needed. Then dry the cast iron thoroughly. Heating it on a burner for a minute or two is always a good idea to make sure there's no residual moisture that can cause rust.
2. Rub the cast iron with a good cooking oil like vegetable or canola oil, shortening, or lard. You won't need much at all. You'll want to rub the oil in all over the inside, outside, and handle of the cast iron. Keep rubbing it in until the cast iron isn't greasy at all. Any extra oil that could gather in a droplet or puddle will create an uneven finish so be sure to not use too much to begin with and to rub it in well. You can always add more oil if needed. The goal here is to create a very thin layer.
3. Bake dish in a preheated oven at 325 for an hour or 450 for half an hour. The dish should be upside down so that if any oil does drip it will drip out of the dish. A sheet of aluminum placed under the dish will catch any drips.
4. If this is your first time seasoning the dish or if it was in dire need of re-seasoning, repeat steps 2-3 three or four times to get a good layer of seasoning.
5. Turn off the oven and let the dish cool completely before removing. It should have a hard shiny layer of black that isn't greasy to the touch.

Specialty Cast Iron Cookware

While skillets, dutch ovens, and griddles are the most popular types of cast iron cookware, you can find a variety of novelty and special-use cast iron widely available.

Among the most popular are teapots, novelty cornbread pans, pizza pans, and cornbread slice pans. Bakeware such as loaf pans, muffin tins, pie pans, and aebleskiver pans are also available.

Cooking irons come in a variety of shapes including square, double square or rectangular, round, and pocket puff.

No matter what you want to cook outdoors be it on your barbeque, in your chiminea, in your backyard fire pit, or on a campfire you can find the right cast iron cookware for making delicious food easy.

The Best Ways to Use Your Cast Iron Grill Grate in a Fire Pit

If you've got a cast iron grill grate, you can put it to good use in your fire pit! Here are some of the best ways to do so:

1. Place it over the fire pit opening. This will help to keep sparks and embers from flying out of the pit and onto your patio or deck.
2. Use it as a griddle. Place it directly over the flames and cook up some pancakes, eggs, bacon, or whatever else you like!
3. Put it to use as a Dutch oven. Place your ingredients in an oven-safe dish, set it on the grate, and cover with foil or a lid. The intense heat will cook your food just like an oven would.
4. Make a campfire pizza. Place a pre-made or homemade pizza dough on the grate, add your favorite toppings, and bake over the flames for a delicious treat!
5. Roast some marshmallows. This is a classic fire pit activity that's always enjoyable. Just skewer some marshmallows on sticks and hold them over the heat until they're nice and toasty.

So there you have it - five great ways to use your cast iron grill grate in a fire pit! Be sure to give one (or all) of them a try the next time you're enjoying a cozy night around the pit.

Recipes for Grilled Food That Will Make Your Mouth Water

Grilled Steak

Ingredients

• 1 (8 oz) steak, any cut will do
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium high heat, about 375-400 degrees F.
2. Season your steak on both sides with the garlic powder, salt and pepper. Then drizzle with olive oil.
3. Place steak onto the preheated grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until desired doneness is reached.
4. Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Grilled Chicken

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts, skinless and boneless
• 1/2 cup Italian salad dressing
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instruction

• Preheat grill to medium high heat, about 375 degrees F.
• Place chicken into a large resealable bag or bowl. Add in the Italian salad dressing, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Mix everything together so the chicken is evenly coated.
• Let chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, up to 12 hours if you have the time. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
• When ready to grill, place chicken onto the preheated grill and cook for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
• Remove from grill and serve immediately.

Grilled Salmon

Ingredients

1. 4 (6 oz) salmon fillets
2. 2 tbsp olive oil
3. 1/4 tsp salt
4. 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instruction

1. Preheat grill to medium high heat, about 375 degrees F.
2. Drizzle salmon with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Place salmon onto the preheated grill and cook for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Remove from grill and serve immediately.

Grilled Shrimp

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instruction

1. Preheat grill to medium high heat, about 375 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Add in the shrimp and mix everything together until the shrimp is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
3. Place shrimp onto the preheated grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Remove from grill and serve immediately.

Grilled Veggies

Ingredients

• 1 large zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
• 1 large yellow squash, sliced into thick rounds
• 1 red onion, cut into wedges
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instruction

1. Preheat grill to medium high heat, about 375 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt and pepper. Add in the zucchini, yellow squash and red onion. Toss everything together until veggies are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
3. Place veggies onto the preheated grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until slightly charred and tender.
4. Remove from grill and serve immediately.

Tips for Keeping Your Cast Iron Grill Grate in Good Condition

If you want your cast iron grill grate to last, there are a few things you need to do. First, always make sure to clean it after each use. This will prevent rust from building up and eventually ruining the grate. Second, season the grate regularly with cooking oil. This will help keep it from sticking and will also add flavor to your food. Finally, don't forget to store the grate in a dry place when not in use. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your cast iron grill grate stays in good condition for years to come.

Conclusion for Cast Iron Users

If you're looking for an alternative to cast iron, consider using another type of metal. While cast iron is durable and easy to use, it's not the only option out there. There are other metals that offer similar benefits and can be just as effective for your needs. Consider exploring your options before making a final decision on which material to use.

Related posts:

1. Chiminea Care & Maintenance Guide
2. Cooking With A Chiminea
3. Clay Chiminea Care
4. Backyard Firepit And Chiminea Safety