Have you noticed food sticking to your cast iron skillet lately? Your cast iron pan probably needs re-seasoning. If you’re not familiar with the term, seasoning is the layer of carbonized oil that helps to prevent food from sticking to cast iron cookware. We’ve included some handy tips on how to season your cast iron skillet, to keep it in good working order.
Table of Contents
What is the Best Way to Clean a Cast Iron Pan?
Step 1: Remove Black Residue
Soak some paper towels with oil, and rub salt all over the bottom of the pan. Rinse the pan with water. If an oily residue remains, simmer a little water in the pan for about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Dry the Cast Iron Pan
Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the pan. This will help to adhere the oil to the pan and prevent rusting.
Step 3: Season the Pan with Oil
Brush oil around the pan, or pour some oil onto a paper towel and rub it all over the inside and outside of the pan, including the handle.
Step 4: Bake in the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375℉ and place the pan upside down in the oven. This will ensure that all surfaces are exposed to heat. Bake for 1 hour, remove from the oven and let the pan cool to room temperature.
What Oil Should I Use for My Cast Iron Pan?
The oil you use should have a high smoke point. Vegetable oil, canola oil, or melted shortening are good options that are both economical and easy to find at grocery stores. You can find more details in this post.
Tips for Seasoning a Cast Iron Pan
- Make sure it’s completely dry before seasoning: After scrubbing your pan with hot, soapy water, rinse and thoroughly dry. This will help to adhere the oil to the pan and prevent rusting. See this guide on how to clean a rusty cast iron skillet.
- Be careful when removing the pan from the oven as it’s extremely hot: Cast iron retains heat well and is quite heavy. Use thick oven mitts to prevent getting burned.
- Place the cast iron upside down in the oven while baking: Placing the pan upside down will ensure that all surfaces are exposed to the heat.
Why Do I Need to Season the Cast Iron Pan?
Over time, the seasoning on your pan can begin to wear out due to acidic food, cooking at high heat, or using abrasive utensils or scrubs. To keep cast iron cookware in good condition, it’s important to season them from time to time. This will help to prolong the life of your cookware and will help to prevent food from sticking.
How to Care for Cast Iron Skillet
To keep your cast iron skillet in good working order, hand wash it after every use, dry it thoroughly to avoid rust, and add a thin layer of oil to the entire surface. If you notice that food is starting to stick to the skillet, it’s likely time to reseason.
Can I Soak the Cast Iron Pan in Water to Remove the Black Residue?
To avoid rust, it’s best not to soak cast iron cookware. If you need to remove black residue or stuck-on food, use a nylon scrubbing brush or scrub with salt, and then rinse under warm water and rub with a thin layer of oil. You can also simmer a little water in the pan for 3-5 minutes, and then use a scraper.
How to Season a Cast Iron Pan Step-By-Step Instructions
Ingredients
- Salt
- Oil
- Paper towel
- Dish soap
- Cleaning brush
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375℉.
- Use dish soap to clean the pan with a cleaning brush.
- Rinse with water. If there’s still some residue left, simmer a little water in the pan for about 5 minutes.
- Then use some paper towel to dry the pan THOROUGHLY.
- Bursh the oil around the pan or pour some oil onto some paper towel, then rub the paper towel around the pan.
- Place the pan upside down on the middle rack of an oven.
- Bake for about 1 hour. Let it cool to room temperature.
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