How To Season A Cast-Iron Skillet
Your trusty cast-iron skillet will eventually lose its sheen and, as a result, its super non-stick powers. Bringing back its luster and protecting it from rusting is as easy as a scrub, oil, and bake. Here's how to season your cast-iron skillet.
How To Season Your Cast-Iron Skillet:
Scrub skillet well in hot soapy water.
Dry thoroughly.
Spread a thin layer of melted shortening or vegetable oil over the skillet.
Place it upside down on a middle oven rack at 375°. (Place foil on a lower rack to catch drips.)
Bake 1 hour; let cool in the oven.
How to Care for Cast Iron
To rid of rust stains, rub this handy rust eraser (pictured) on the stain, and then reseason pan. Find it at hardware stores, bike shops, or wood-working shops.
To clean, use a stiff brush or plastic scrubber under running water while the cast iron is still warm but cool enough to handle with ease. Kosher salt is also a good scrubbing agent for baked-on stains. The most important tip is to never use soap!
Before cooking, apply vegetable oil to the cooking surface, and preheat the pan on low heat, increasing the temperature slowly.
Never marinate in cast iron. Acidic mixtures will damage the seasoning. Reseason if food particles start to stick, rust appears, or you experience a metallic taste.
