Cooking eggs in a cast iron skillet on an electric stove top can be a great way to achieve delicious results if done correctly. Follow these steps to cook eggs without burning them or damaging the pan:
Preheat the skillet: Place the cast iron skillet on the electric stove top and preheat it over medium-low heat. Cast iron takes some time to heat up evenly, so be patient and avoid using high heat.
Add fat: Once the skillet is preheated, add your preferred cooking fat, such as butter, ghee, or oil. Allow it to melt and coat the surface of the skillet.
Control the heat: Reduce the heat to low or the lowest setting to ensure that the pan doesn't get too hot. Even on low heat, cast iron retains and distributes heat well.
Crack the eggs gently: Crack the eggs one at a time into a small bowl, then gently slide them into the skillet. This will help prevent any shell pieces from ending up in the pan and give you better control over the egg placement.
Cook with patience: Let the eggs cook slowly without disturbing them too much. You can cover the skillet with a lid to help the eggs cook more evenly. The lid will trap the steam, which gently cooks the top of the eggs.
Avoid using metal utensils: When cooking with cast iron, use wooden, silicone, or plastic utensils to prevent damaging the seasoned surface of the pan.
Adjust heat as needed: If you notice that the eggs are cooking too quickly or browning too much on the bottom, reduce the heat even further. On the other hand, if the eggs are taking too long to cook, you can slightly increase the heat.
Flip gently (for sunny-side-up eggs): If you prefer your eggs sunny-side-up but want to ensure the whites are cooked through, you can gently flip them using a spatula. However, for over-easy or over-hard eggs, you don't need to flip them.
Remove from heat promptly: Once the eggs reach your desired level of doneness, turn off the stove and remove the skillet. The residual heat in the cast iron will continue to cook the eggs slightly even after you take them off the stove.
Care for the cast iron skillet: After cooking, allow the pan to cool down naturally. Avoid immersing the hot pan in cold water as this can cause it to warp. Once it's cool, clean the skillet gently with warm water and a soft brush or sponge. Avoid using soap, as it can strip away the seasoning. Dry the skillet thoroughly and lightly coat it with oil to maintain its seasoning.
By following these steps, you can enjoy perfectly cooked eggs without burning them or damaging your cast iron skillet on an electric stove top.