The majority of cast iron skillets come pre-seasoned from the manufacturer. Yet, you may come upon one that is either short in seasoning or need more.
After years of using a cast-iron skillet, you may require seasoning. And now is the time to season your cast iron skillet on your own.
How do I season a brand new cast iron skillet?’ you may wonder. Well, you can do it in your oven by following a few easy steps. We’ll show you how to season a cast-iron skillet in this post.
We will also provide some helpful hints for caring for and maintaining your cast iron skillet. So please start right now.
Contents
Step by Step Seasoning A Cast Iron Skillet
You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to season your cast iron skillet. You must have the following items:
- A skillet made of cast iron
- a stove
- Water that is soapy
- Vegetable oil or melted shortening
We don’t need anything else to season. Isn’t it simple?
The following are the steps for seasoning your cast iron skillet:
- First, get some soapy water. Scrub your cast-iron skillet well in water. Make certain that all dust and rust are removed.
- After washing the skillet with soapy water, wipe it down with a clean towel. and completely dry it.
- Spread some melted shortening or vegetable oil over the skillet. Spread and apply a thin coating of oil using a brush.
- Turn the skillet upside down and set it on the middle oven rack at 375 degrees. Don’t forget to line the bottom rack with foil. It will aid in catching drips.
- Let it bake for 1 hour.
- Let the skillet cool in the oven.
And also, congratulations! You have finished seasoning your cast iron skillet.
Why Do You Need to Season Your Cast Iron Skillet?
You may wonder why seasoning a cast iron skillet is necessary. To begin with, seasoning makes your cast iron skillet nonstick. You can cook without worrying about having something in the pan.
Second, as time passes, the brilliance and shine of the core of your skillet may deteriorate. Seasoning is the finest way to restore shine. Finally, by seasoning your cast iron skillet, you may expect it to last longer because seasoning helps to prevent rust.
Hence, before using your cast iron skillet for the first time or after a few months, you should season it in the oven.
How to Clean, Care and Maintain Cast Iron Skillet
After seasoning your cast iron skillet and using it for several months. Accordingly, you may have interested to cast iron skillet care advice. Hence, we will spark your curiosity by presenting the best procedures for cleaning and preserving your cast iron skillet.
- If your cast iron skillet has rust and rust spots, we recommend using a rust eraser. So that you should get them to find at your local hardware store or bike shop. When you find rust or a rust spot, try to use the eraser. Reseason your skillet after it’s finished.
- We recommend using a plastic scrubber or a hard brush for frequent cleaning. But be careful of the skillet’s heat. Handle with care. When it is too hot to touch, avoid cleaning. When it is warm and simple to handle, you may clean it.
- Kosher salt can be used to remove baked-on stains. By the way, avoid using soap at all costs because it might ruin the seasoning.
- Apply vegetable oil to the skillet before you begin cooking. Let it gradually heat up.
- Avoid marinating and cooking acidic items in a cast-iron pan if you don’t want the flavor to be damaged.
- If your food is clinging to the pan, it has a metallic flavor, and the pan is rusted, you might try reseasoning it.
- Keep boiling hot water out of the cast iron skillet. If you do this, rust will badly affect your skillet.
- Handle a cast-iron skillet with care after you’ve finished cooking with it. Let it cool down. It takes time to get heated, and it also takes time to cool off. While handling a hot skillet, always wear a thick towel or mitt.
- If you don’t want smudges on all of your towels, choose a different towel each time you dry your cast iron pan.
- Cooking using a cast iron pan enhances the iron absorption in the meal. Hence, if you want to eat healthy foods, don’t overcook anything in the skillet.
- If you don’t need anything more to cook for your family, a 10 to 12-inch cast iron pan would be enough. If it is not absolutely required, do not use an extra-large skillet.
- To keep your cast iron skillet in good condition, you must clean it after each use. With each cleaning, gently oil it to keep the season intact for years.
Last Words
So you now know how to properly season a cast-iron skillet in the oven. Finally, follow our cast iron skillet maintenance guidelines to keep the seasoning. We hope you can now season your cast iron skillet, new or old, on your own.
FAQs
Q: Should I reseason my cast iron skillet if it is already nicely seasoned?
A: No, you do not need to season it again if you are satisfied with the seasoning provided by the manufacturer. But, with the passage of time, the pre-seasoning may fade, and you may need to season it again on your own.
Q: What oil should I season my cast iron skillet with?
A: You may use any vegetable oil you choose. Nevertheless, refined grapeseed oil is preferable.
Q: Should I use soap to clean my cast iron skillet?
A: You can use it if it is eco-friendly and positive.
Q: What oils can I season cast iron with?
A: Many people don’t know how to properly care for cast iron, which is fantastic culinary equipment. It’s crucial not just for your health, but also for the longevity and flavor of this multipurpose cookware. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to what oil you should use when seasoning a Cast Iron pan: vegetable, shortening, or canola oil, such as Lodge’s Seasoning Spray!
Q: Is it necessary to season a cast iron pan after each use?
A: If you take care of your cast iron pan, you may not need to season it after each use. Before keeping the skillet for an extended period of time. So, it needs to be well-clean and oiled to prevent rust from developing on its surface, which might lead to damage over time.
Q: Can you season a cast iron skillet with olive oil?
A: You might be wondering if you can season cast iron skillets with olive oil. In a nutshell, sure! This pair is definitely worth trying since olive oil adds an extra layer that keeps food from sticking while also giving a taste.
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