How to season a cast iron skillet
Caring for a cast iron skillet isn’t like looking after other cookware. First, you must work with it a little and build a nice seasoning. Even so, the process is straightforward, and once you get the perfect finish, it’s undoubtedly worth the effort.
Cost 3
Equipment
- Oil Avoid butter and unrefined coconut oil. Otherwise, pick your favorite with a neutral flavor. Some prefer plant sources like flaxseed or vegetable oil, while others opt for rendered tallow or lard.
- Paper towels Spread the oil around with a folded paper towel. Rub thoroughly over both the inside and outside of the pan.
- Oven mitts Protect your hands with oven mitts while handling a hot skillet.
- sheet pan Place a sheet pan under the skillet while it bakes in the oven and catch any excess oil that drips off.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Crisco shortening
- 1 roll paper towels
Instructions
Clean
- Always start with a clean skillet.
Dry
- Dry the skillet completely. Wipe it dry with a kitchen towel, then heat it over medium heat on the stovetop until all the moisture evaporates.
Oil
- Pour one teaspoon of oil into the skillet and rub thoroughly all over with a folded paper towel. Carefully flip the pan over, add one teaspoon of oil on the underside and repeat the process, rubbing all over, including the handle. Continue buffing until the pan no longer appears greasy.
Bake
- Preheat the oven to 450 F. Arrange a baking sheet on the center rack to catch any drips of oil that might come off. Place the skillet upside down and bake for 45 minutes to one hour.
Cool
- Turn off the oven and let the pan cool to room temperature. You can take the pan out if you need to or leave it to sit and cool inside the oven.
