subject: Learn How To Season a Cast Iron Skillet [print this page] Learn How To Season a Cast Iron Skillet Learn How To Season a Cast Iron Skillet
It is true that chemically-coated non-stick cookware industry is booming nowadays. However, many cooking enthusiasts and professional chefs still can't let go of the classic, dependable ol' cast iron skillet. Perhaps you are also keeping it in your kitchen arsenal because you knew only a few modern, luxurious frying pans can match its durability and smooth, even cooking temperatures, aren't you?
Another reason why numerous top chef and true cooking enthusiasts stick with cast iron skillet is because it is low maintenance. Maintaining the skillets properly made it last for a hundred years or so. Seasoning the cast iron skillet will give its ultimate natural non-stick advantage. A well seasoned skillet offers a natural layer of oil that is evenly-distributed, perfect for a sumptuous cooking.
The procedure on how to season a cast iron skillet is easy breezy, thus patience is definitely a must. Have you seen a well seasoned skillet up close? You should see a charred or burnt look on the skillet's cooking surface to know it is already belong to "well-seasoned" quality. Clearly, a good knowledge of how to season a cast iron skillet will keep yours away from nasty rusting.
Clean the Iron Skillet Systematically
Now that you bought a new cast iron skillet, what should be done first? Of course, unseasoned, spanking new skillet definitely includes some adhesives, stickers and labels, right? So you have to remove all surface dirt. Then wash the skillet with soap and water; use a sponge if necessary. This is first and last time that your skillet is washed with water. Use dry paper and salt only for future cleaning.
Get Your Skillet Ready and Turn on the Oven
Turn the oven on and preheat it to 350F or higher. Put a generous amount of animal lard, cooking oil, shortening or bacon grease over the skillet. Next, turn on the heat for about an hour or so. It is normal to smell some smoke, all right? Don't panic! Let the oil set by ensuring an even temperature. The oil should fill in all the pores of the skillet so food won't get trap into the crevices.
Remove the Cast Iron Skillet
The last step on how to season a cast iron skillet is to remove the skillet from the oven and position it right side up. Just allow it to cool down for few minutes. That's it! Well, you had your skillet seasoned but take note that the seasoning process must be repeated several times. It can't match a perfectly non-stick skillet of your grandma because it takes years to build an ample layer of charring.
Since your skillet has been seasoned once or twice, some food may still stick onto surface. Remember to clean the trapped food after each use and do not use soap and water! Again, use salt and dry paper in order to avoid the forming of rust on the surface of your cast iron skillet. Save your skillet from further rust spots by rubbing it with steel wool pad.
Learning the right technique on how to season a cast iron skillet is not a difficult task although it includes a great deal of patience. Extend the life of your cast iron skillet and have an all-time partner in cooking fantastic recipes.
