In this article, we will discuss the ways to season a cast iron pan. Cast iron is one of the best cookware you will ever come across. Many chefs preferred cast iron utensils for their even heating and non-stick surface. A cast iron can last almost forever, only if you take proper care of it. For this, seasoning of cast iron cookware is really important. It is done to maintain its non-stick surface functionality and to prevent your pot or pan from rusting and corrosion. If seasoned timely and correctly, your cast iron pan will surely last a lifetime. Below we have suggested a method to season a cast iron pan. Follow the steps properly for positive results.
Steps to Season a Cast Iron Pan
1.) Wipe Clean to Season a Cast Iron Pan
Steps for wipe cleaning:
- Each time you use your cast-iron pan, remember to wipe out any bits of food present on it.
- Sometimes, you can clean it with a quick swipe using a rag or old towel. However in case of stubborn pieces and crumbs, you can scrub them using kosher salt.
- If it’s really difficult to remove, you can clean it using a little warm water, but do not try to clean it using soap. And completely avoid cleaning pan in the dishwasher.
2.) Lubricate to Season a Cast Iron Pan
Lubrication Steps:
- Once you are done with the first step, coat your pain with a thin layer of fat using a rag or a paper towel.
- It doesn’t matter which type of fat you use. You can go for lard, olive oil, vegetable oil, coconut oil, canola oil or any other oil. The main thing is to coat your entire pan with some oil.
- Apply it on the exterior, inside, and sides of the pan. This is because rust is like a virus which can spread from anywhere on the pan.
- A layer of oil acts as a barrier against rust and decay, so this step is very important.
3.) Heating to Season a Cast Iron Pan
Heating Method:
- After the second step, place your cast iron pan in an oven and set the temperature to 200° to 250°.
- Heat the pan in the oven for about 15 minutes and leave it to get cool down before you keep it back in a cabinet.
- Though some manufacturers offer pre-seasoned cast iron pan which can be used to cooking right away, but in case of vintage cookware you need to give it a good base seasoning before you use it. After that, you are ready to cook whatever you want to.
4.) Scrub the Rust to Season a Cast Iron Pan
Scrub Method:
- In case there is some rust on your cast iron pan, you can get rid of using a piece of well-oiled steel wool. Just scrub the affected area with it.
- You can also use some warm water to help remove any stubborn stuff. Just make sure that your pan is perfectly clean before you use it.
5.) Wipe It and Oil It Up
- Use whichever oil you have at your disposal, but ensure it has a smoke point equal or more than 350 Degree.
- Preheat your oven to this temperature and rub the pan liberally using oil (only a sufficient amount). Don’t forget to oil the exterior of the pan as well.
6.) Bake to Season a Cat Iron Pan
- For this, simply line the bottom rack of your oven using a large film of aluminum foil to catch any oil drips.
- Now, place the pan upside-down on the rack above the foil.
- Then, bake the pan at 350 Degree for about an hour.
- Afterwards, turn off the oven and leave the pan to get cool down completely in the oven.
- Now, you’re ready to cook. Just make sure you clean and season it well after every use.
Tips to Remember:
- Avoid washing the cast iron cookware too aggressively. For example using a scouring pad.
- After cleaning the pan after each use, remember to place it back in the oven on 350 Degree Fahrenheit or 180 Degree Celsius for about 10 minutes to vaporize all the water from the surface of the cast iron.
- Use a flat stainless steel spatula when cooking on cast iron.
- Do an online search for suitable brands as some companies offer pre-seasoned cast iron cookware.
- Avoid washing cast iron frequently. You can remove food which has just been cooked by scrubbing with the help of a combination of little oil and coarse salt. Just scrub you “still hot pan” using a paper towel.
