Technique: How to Season a Cast Iron Skillet
How to Season a Cast Iron Skillet:
1. Turn on oven and begin preheating to 350˚.
3. Add 1 tbsp ghee, lard or tallow to the cast iron pan.
4. Place pan in the preheating oven for 5 minutes; allowing the fat to melt fully.
5. Using a potholder, remove pan with melted fat from the oven and tilt to allow fat to fully coat the bottom of the pan and up the sides. A pastry brush may also be used.
6. Return the pan to the oven for 1 hour.
7. After one hour, remove pan from the oven and set aside to cool for 10 minutes.
8. After 10 minutes, use a folded paper-towel to remove the excess fat, allowing a light coating to remain.
9. Repeat often!
4 comments
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Wendy
Have you read much about the high temperature, flax seed oil method for cast iron seasoning? I found the chemistry fascinating, and it was tested by the lovely folks at Cooks Illustrated, recently, who had fabulous results. Here’s the details:
http://sherylcanter.com/wordpress/2010/01/a-science-based-technique-for-seasoning-cast-iron/I haven’t tried to re-do my cast iron, yet, but I look forward to trying this method when I do.
May 5, 2011 -
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Molly Chester
Wow… very interesting. I have never tried, but I would be wary of flaxseed oil b/c of the rancidity. I notice she is not worried about it, but I might choose otherwise for myself. However, it looks like it creates a great coating!! Something to mull over for sure…
May 8, 2011
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Danielle
Molly – What are your thoughts and methods for “cleaning” your cast iron? I usually take a minimalist approach, but am inclined to do something more when I cook fish in it. Do you just hand wash and then re-season?
Molly Chester
Hi Danielle, I have an upcoming blog that is going to explain the techniques I use. Stay tuned! Molly