Introduction
Cast iron skillets are a versatile and durable kitchen tool, but they require a little bit of effort to maintain and season properly. A well-seasoned cast iron skillet is the foundation of any good kitchen and can last for generations. In this article, we will discuss the different methods you can use to season your cast iron skillet, including traditional methods that have been used for decades and some alternative methods that have become popular in recent years.
The Traditional Oven Method
The oven method has been a popular way of seasoning cast iron skillets for generations. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, clean your skillet thoroughly with soap and water and dry it completely using a clean towel. Rub a thin layer of vegetable oil or shortening onto the skillet, making sure to cover the entire surface, including the handle. Place the skillet upside down on the middle rack of the oven and bake for one hour. Turn off the oven and allow the skillet to cool completely before removing.
To ensure a successful seasoning, make sure to use vegetable oil or shortening that has a high smoke point. Don’t use cooking sprays or oils with low smoke points as they are prone to developing a sticky residue. You can also repeat the process of seasoning two to three times, allowing the skillet to cool completely in between each round.
Stovetop Method
The stovetop method is a quicker version of the oven method and is an excellent alternative for those who do not have an oven or do not want to use it to season their cast iron skillet. Coat the skillet with a thin layer of vegetable oil or shortening, place it on a burner set to medium to medium-high heat, and let it heat up until it starts to smoke. Then, using tongs or a heat-resistant glove, wipe off any excess oil and let the skillet cool down before using it.
The advantages of the stovetop method are that it heats the skillet more evenly, and the process is quicker and requires less oil than the oven method. To ensure a successful seasoning using this method, keep an eye on the skillet and wipe off any excess oil using a paper towel or clean cloth.
Flaxseed Oil Method
The flaxseed oil method has become a popular alternative to traditional methods and is known for creating a hard and smooth seasoning. Heat the skillet in the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While the skillet is heating up, rub a thin layer of flaxseed oil onto the skillet, making sure to cover the entire surface. Place the skillet in the oven and bake for one hour. Turn off the oven and let the skillet cool down entirely inside before removing it.
To ensure a successful seasoning using this method, make sure to use high-quality, unrefined flaxseed oil and scrub the skillet thoroughly with soap and water before using it. You can also repeat the process of seasoning two to three times, allowing the skillet to cool completely in between each round.
Bacon Fat Method
The bacon fat method is a natural and straightforward way to season your cast iron skillet while cooking bacon. Heat the skillet over medium heat and add a few slices of bacon, moving them around to make sure the fat coats the skillet’s entire surface. Cook the bacon until it reaches your desired level of doneness, using tongs to remove them from the skillet. Pour off any excess fat and let the skillet cool down entirely before using it again.
Bacon fat contains a lot of flavor, and as you cook with your skillet, the seasoning will continue to improve, creating a natural non-stick surface. To ensure a successful seasoning using this method, don’t use pat of butter, milk or water when cleaning the skillet and wipe it clean with a paper towel instead of washing it with soap and water.
Salt and Potato Method
The salt and potato method is another natural and easy way to season your cast iron skillet. Cut a potato in half, add some coarse salt on the flesh and rub it on the skillet’s surface until you have scrubbed the entire surface. Let the skillet sit for a few hours or overnight, allowing the salt to absorb any excess oil and remove any rust. Wipe the skillet clean using a paper towel and store it in a cupboard or oven preheated to 200°F to dry it completely.
This method is ideal for cleaning your cast iron skillet and getting rid of any rust that has developed. To ensure a successful seasoning using this method, use potatoes that are not too soft or too hard and rub them on the skillet’s surface firmly, but not too hard to cause any scratches.
The Self-Cleaning Oven Method
The self-cleaning function on an electric oven is another alternative to traditional seasoning methods. Place your cast iron skillet on the top rack of your oven and turn the self-cleaning function on, allowing the oven to heat up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit for several hours. Once the oven has cooled down, remove the skillet and let it cool to room temperature before wiping it clean with a paper towel.
This method can be the most straightforward way to season your cast iron skillet without the use of oils or other substances. To ensure a successful seasoning using this method, make sure to clean the skillet thoroughly before placing it in the oven and keep an eye on it to avoid warping or other damages.
No Seasoning Method
The no seasoning method involves cooking with your cast iron skillet regularly without any additional seasoning. Over time, the skillet will develop a natural non-stick surface from the oil and fat absorbed from the foods cooked on it. To ensure a successful seasoning using this method, maintain your skillet by cleaning it after each use and heating it to dry it completely before storing it away.
Conclusion
Seasoning your cast iron skillet is a vital step in ensuring it lasts for generations and functions at its best. Whether you prefer traditional methods passed down through generations or newer methods that have become popular in recent years, you can find the best method that suits your needs. Use these tips and choose a method that works best for you to keep your cast iron skillet in excellent shape for years to come.