How To Clean A Cast Iron Skillet Before Seasoning

The seasoning on a cast iron pan is just oil that s baked into the pan it gives the cast iron that classic black patina.

How to clean a cast iron skillet before seasoning. Cooking in cast iron increases the iron content in food. How does it work. Instead it s all about using oil to build up a nonstick surface and prevent rusting. The american manufacturer pre seasons its cast iron cookware with a thin layer of baked on oil before each piece leaves the factory however even a brand new pan needs a little tlc before it fries its first egg and that goes double if you re snagging a vintage cast iron. Easy off is a caustic alkali so be sure to work outdoors wear rubber gloves and avoid spraying near your face or skin.

The longer the food is in. Even a well seasoned pan can rust if it s left in the sink to soak put in the dishwasher allowed to air dry or stored in a moisture prone environment. 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. Pork chops and cabbage is a one skillet dinner. 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.

Without the protective layer of carbonized oil called seasoning cast iron is susceptible to rust. It s easy to fry eggs in cast iron when you know a few tricks. 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. Soaking with soap over scrubbing or cooking highly acidic foods in cast iron can strip the seasoning. Saucy skillet chicken puttanesca proves you can cook tomatoes in cast iron.

Clean your cast iron each use wiping away leftover food morsels and reapplying the oil layer. 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. There s no need to throw away a cast iron skillet that s a little or a lot rusty. Cornbread in a cast iron skillet has an irresistible golden brown crust. Although cast iron is very durable it will rust when exposed to water or air making the seasoning step crucial.

Most cast iron pans come with a factory seasoning that improves with regular use and proper care. Well seasoned cast iron skillets naturally become non stick. When cleaning cast iron be careful not to damage the seasoning. Basically the more you use it the more non stick it becomes. Heat the skillet in a 350 f oven for one hour which.