I love my cast iron skillet. It’s my secret weapon in the kitchen. Like all good kitchen tools, it needs proper care. In this post, we will talk about how to season a cast iron skillet. I will also share some tips for caring for cast iron.
A good cast iron skillet can be a little pricey, but in terms of costly kitchen items, they are well worth the price. I purchased my beloved cast iron skillet at a thrift store and then cleaned and seasoned it. However, I am also eyeing this awesome cast iron set on Amazon. I can definitely see the benefits of having more than one cast iron tool in my kitchen.
How to Season a Cast Iron Skillet
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Step 2: Thoroughly scrub your cast iron skillet with soap and hot water.
Step 3: Rub a thin layer of shortening or vegetable oil over the entire skillet.
Step 4: Place upside down on middle oven rack. (Put foil underneath to catch dripping.)
Step 5: Bake for 1 hour. Then turn off the heat and let the cast iron skillet cool in the oven.
How to Care for a Cast Iron Skillet
To season the cast iron skillet, the first step is to wash with soap and water. However, for general care for a cast iron skillet, you never, ever use soap. Instead, here are some tips for caring for your cast iron skillet:
- Each time before use, preheat the pan on low heat, gradually increasing heat. Apply a light coat of vegetable oil before use.
- After use, let it cool to the point you can handle it, but it’s still warm. Discard of any oil and then wipe out the pan to remove the rest of the oil. Use running water and a plastic scrubber.
- For baked-on spots, Kosher salt works well as a scrubbing agent. The most important rule is to never use soap!
- You will know it is time to re-season the pan if food particles start to stick, the pan starts to rust, or you notice a metallic taste.
Useful tools for caring for your cast iron skillet:
Cast iron has been a tried and true kitchen tool for so long because it’s that good. Take care of your cast iron skillet, and it will be one of your favorite tools to cook with in your kitchen!
Don’t forget to pin this post on Pinterest and subscribe below!
Hi, I’m Jessica! I am wife to Chris, and mom to Kaiper, Alana and Koa. I am a graphic designer, website developer and aspiring author. In this space, I share about everything from parenting, working from home, food we cook, and lots of things for kids! Learn more about me here.
