In this article, we will discuss how to season cast iron skillet? Cast Iron is known to be among the best surfaces to cook on. It is preferred by most of the chefs because of its even heating and non-sticky properties. However, taking care of cast iron skillet is not a little complicated task. Seasoning a cast iron is not as simple as just washing some other pans with soapy water. Everyone has got their own method to season cast iron skillet. It may seem complicated for first time, but once you get the basics right, seasoning it will be just a cup of tea. However, before you begin cooking your favorite food on a seasoned cast iron skillet, let us have familiar with some of the things that you need to know about seasoning, cleaning, and maintaining it.
What Does “Season Cast Iron Skillet” Mean?
The black solid layer which provides cast iron skillet its shiny look is what is known as the seasoning, or you can also say patina. The patina is made by the oxidizing the fats. This oxidation process causes them to gel together strongly. This gives a dense and solid layer. This metal is super porous. The seasoning of cast iron prevents it from getting rust and making it non-sticky. Using cast iron cookware without seasoning it will make it sticky and difficult to use next time. Therefor seasoning a cast iron is important. Let us know how to do it.
Steps to Season Cast Iron Skillet
1.) Washing to Season Cast Iron Skillet
In order to season cast iron skillet, first wash the skillet using some lukewarm, soapy water. Scrub it using a hard nylon brush to remove any residue left after cooking. If the cookware has some rust, scrub it using a steel wool. Then rinse and dry it properly.
2.) Oiling Process to Season Cast Iron Skillet
After washing the cast iron skillet, you need to apply a thin layer of vegetable oil on it. Oil the whole surface of your skillet using a paper towel. Apply it from both inside and outside of the skillet. Now, keep your utensil aside.
3.) Heating to Season Cast Iron Skillet
After applying oil on the patina properly and keeping it aside, place an aluminum foil on the bottom shelf of your oven. This will help prevent oven from oil drips. Next, place your oiled skillet in the oven. Heat the oven to about 350 Degree Fahrenheit.
4.) Baking to Season Cast Iron Skillet
When placing the skillet in the oven, make sure you place it upside down on the top rack of the oven. Placing it in this way will allow the oil to drip down in the foil placed at the bottom. It will also help coat the whole skillet by heating. Allow the skillet in the oven to bake for about an hour.
5.) Let Your Skillet Cool
After baking the skillet in the oven for an hour, turn off the oven. Let the cast iron skillet cool in the oven for an hour or so. If it still feels hot after a few hours, take it out using a mitt. Place the skillet on a wire rack to cool it completely. Keep this newly re-seasoned cast iron skillet uncovered in a dry place.
6.) Steps to Remove Residual Food From Your Cast Iron Skillet
It is very simple to get rid of any residual food which has been cooked on your cast iron skillet. Just follow the below mentioned steps:
- Take a small amount of oil and salt. Apply it to a still-hot skillet.
- Now, scrub the surface using of a paper towel. Scrub it thoroughly.
- At last, tip out everything from the oil and keep the skillet in dry storage.
