How To Clean A Cast Iron Skillet Before Seasoning
How to season your cast iron skillet shutterstock if you re buying a new pan from lodge you re already a step ahead.
How to clean a cast iron skillet before seasoning. How to season a cast iron skillet. Instead it s all about using oil to build up a nonstick surface and prevent rusting. How does it work. To avoid getting smudges on all your kitchen towels designate one to use exclusively for drying your cast iron skillet. If this happens use these steps to strip a cast iron skillet that is completely remove any residual seasoning on a cast iron pan before reseasoning it.
Basically the more you use it the more non stick it becomes. It s easy to fry eggs in cast iron when you know a few tricks. As a reminder to be careful drape a thick towel or a mitt over the handle. Clean your cast iron each use wiping away leftover food morsels and reapplying the oil layer. Cast iron remains hot long after you remove it from the stove.
Although cast iron is very durable it will rust when exposed to water or air making the seasoning step crucial. Without the protective layer of carbonized oil called seasoning cast iron is susceptible to rust. A good cast iron skillet can be used for just about anything whether it s searing meat on a stovetop baking a frittata in the oven or even roasting vegetables over the grill. Cooking in cast iron increases the iron content in food. There s no need to throw away a cast iron skillet that s a little or a lot rusty.
Most cast iron pans come with a factory seasoning that improves with regular use and proper care. While you should clean the skillet after each use season it as often as you like by rubbing a small amount of cooking oil on the inside of the pan using a paper towel or dish cloth. Soaking with soap over scrubbing or cooking highly acidic foods in cast iron can strip the seasoning. Heat the skillet in a 350 f oven for one hour which. Saucy skillet chicken puttanesca proves you can cook tomatoes in cast iron.
When cleaning cast iron be careful not to damage the seasoning. Skillet peach crisp is a summertime dream. Easy off is a caustic alkali so be sure to work outdoors wear rubber gloves and avoid spraying near your face or skin. A little soap is okay but don t use anything too abrasive and be sure to dry your pan right away after cleaning so it doesn t rust. Well seasoned cast iron skillets naturally become non stick.