How to Season Cast Iron
Rusty Cast Iron Pan
How to Season Cast Iron - Caring for Cast Iron
Cast Iron seasoning is a process that forces the iron in your cast iron pans to absorb oil, thereby preventing them from rusting. The other purpose for seasoning cast iron pans is to create a nonstick surface.
Some cast iron pans come already seasoned from the factory, others do not. In either case, knowing how to season cast iron is a good skill because they tend to perform better if re-seasoned occasionally.
Seasoning cast iron is a simple, six-step process.
- Cover bottom oven rack with aluminum to catch drippings.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Always wash the pan first using hot, soapy water and a stiff brush. Be sure to rinse the pan well and dry it thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel.
- Melt approximately 1/3 cup of solid vegetable shortening in the microwave. Using a clean papertowel, oil the pan completely- inside and out.
- Place the pan upside down on the top oven rack and bake for one hour.
- Because cast iron retains heat so well, let it cool completely in the oven before removing.
If your pan shows signs of rust, or if your foods are sticking, then it has been inadequately seasoned. You will need to repeat the seasoning process.
Pre-heat Oven to 350 Degrees
Use Melted Solid Vegetable Shortening
Cover Pan With Melted Vegetable Shortening
Bake Cast Iron Pan for One Hour @ 350 Degrees
Caring for Cast Iron
Always wash cast iron pans immediately after use- as soon as it is cool enough to touch! Use hot water and a stiff brush. Do not use detergents or scouring powders, and definitely do not soak overnight in water or run cast iron pans through the dishwasher.
Dry the pan well and give it a quick spray with a good cooking spray. Wipe it off with a clean paper towel and it's ready for the next use.
**Tip: Always oil cast iron pans and heat before pouring in batters.
Comments
Hi Sage- lol. Is my 'experience' showing? I know... but I can't make cornbread or porkchops in anything but a cast iron fry pan. Thanks for commenting, Linda
Cast iron pans, huh? I will not under any circumstances admit to knowing anything about this subject. If I do, I will without doubt get blamed for the blemishes that mysteriously appeared on the pans in our house.
But I will take the opportunity to congratulate you on a well written Hub. Cheers!
Niteriter, It is good to see you! I see you have read that chapter in the 'How to Be a Wife' manual--you can't be tricked by that one now. ;) Thanks for commenting.
Thank you very much for this timely and needful advice. I just bought a huge new cast iron skillet to fry taters in and I was curious about the best way to season it and voila! There was your fine article. This is helpful to me.
Hi James, Thank you for your comments, and I'm glad you found this helpful. Potatoes fried in cast iron are extra crispy and yummy... good eats being served at your house!
This was informational. I did not know this step but I have placed oil in mine to keep it from rusting. It worked?
Thanks for the information...
Hi Ictodd1947, You know what they say... "If it works, don't fix it!"
I love my cast iron pans. I don't use them for everything, but there are certain foods that just NEED a good cast iron pan. I just reseasoned one because my son had put it away damp :( The good news is it's resilient and after seasoning it again, it's as good as ever. I've had mine for years. Thanks for quick update on how to care for these wonderful pans.
Hi Lamme, Thanks for the visit and comment, and I agree with you; some things just aren't right unless they are cooked in true cast iron! We haven't met yet, so I need to jump over to your hubs and nose around ;)
Chicken just doesn't fry well unless it's done in a cast iron frying pan. I use the same process except I do it in my gas grill so that I don't smoke up the house and set off the alarms.
Very informative Hub!
Sage Williams 2 years ago
Hi Linda - It's been awhile. I've actually never heard of this process before. It would have been nice to know when I actually had cast iron pans.
Great little hub,
Sage