Cast iron pans are beloved for their durability, versatility, and ability to retain heat. However, sometimes they can develop unexpected odors, such as a fishy smell. If you’ve seasoned your cast iron pan with olive oil and cooked eggs in it, you might be wondering why it now emits an unpleasant aroma.
Let’s explore the possible causes and solutions.
Possible Causes of fishy smell in cast iron pans
- Rancid oil: Some oils, especially those high in omega-3 fatty acids, can go rancid and produce a fishy smell. This can happen if the oil is old, stored improperly, or heated past its smoke point. To avoid this, use a fresh, neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, vegetable, or grapeseed oil. If the pan already smells rancid, wash it with soap and water, and reseason it with a different oil.
- Factory seasoning: Some cast iron pans come pre-seasoned from the manufacturer, but the quality and type of oil used may vary. Some users have reported a fishy smell from their new pans, which could be due to the factory seasoning. To fix this, strip the factory seasoning by heating the pan in a grill or oven, and then reseason it with your own oil.
- Egg sulfur: Eggs contain sulfur, which can react with iron and produce hydrogen sulfide, a gas that smells like rotten eggs. This can happen if the eggs are overcooked, or if the pan is not well-seasoned. To prevent this, cook the eggs on low to medium heat, and make sure the pan has a smooth, non-stick surface. If the pan smells like sulfur, wash it with soap and water, and reseason it if needed.
- Fish residue: If the pan was used to cook fish, and not cleaned properly, some fish residue might remain on the surface and cause a fishy smell. This can be avoided by washing the pan with soap and water after cooking fish, and drying it thoroughly. If the smell persists, scrub the pan with salt and oil, and reseason it if needed.
Suggested Solutions: Dealing with Fishy Smells in Cast Iron Pans
- Wash the Pan: Start by washing the pan thoroughly with soap and water. Scrub off any residue or lingering smells.
- Strip the Seasoning: If the odor persists, consider stripping the existing seasoning. You can do this by heating the pan in the oven and then scrubbing it with steel wool or a stiff brush. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
- Re-Season with Neutral Oil: Choose a high smoke point oil with a neutral flavor, such as canola, vegetable, or grapeseed oil. Apply a thin layer to the pan and bake it in the oven to create a new seasoning.
- Cook Strong-Smelling Foods: To help mask the odor, cook bacon, onions, or other strong-smelling foods in the pan. The new flavors will gradually replace the fishy smell.
Conclusion
Your cast iron pan’s fishy smell is likely due to a combination of factors, including the oil used, the seasoning process, and the foods cooked in it. By following the suggested solutions and cooking tips, you can enjoy your cast iron pan without any unwanted aromas.
