How To Clean A Cast Iron Skillet Before Seasoning
There s no need to throw away a cast iron skillet that s a little or a lot rusty.
How to clean a cast iron skillet before seasoning. 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. How does it work. 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. Soaking with soap over scrubbing or cooking highly acidic foods in cast iron can strip the seasoning. The longer the food is in.
Although cast iron is very durable it will rust when exposed to water or air making the seasoning step crucial. How to season your cast iron skillet shutterstock if you re buying a new pan from lodge you re already a step ahead. Basically the more you use it the more non stick it becomes. Most cast iron pans come with a factory seasoning that improves with regular use and proper care. When cleaning cast iron be careful not to damage the seasoning.
Without the protective layer of carbonized oil called seasoning cast iron is susceptible to rust. Cooking in cast iron increases the iron content in food. It s easy to fry eggs in cast iron when you know a few tricks. How to season a cast iron skillet. Skillet peach crisp is a summertime dream.
Clean your cast iron each use wiping away leftover food morsels and reapplying the oil layer. Seasoning a cast iron skillet has nothing to do with herbs and spices. Cast iron remains hot long after you remove it from the stove. 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. 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.
Easy off is a caustic alkali so be sure to work outdoors wear rubber gloves and avoid spraying near your face or skin. Cornbread in a cast iron skillet has an irresistible golden brown crust. As a reminder to be careful drape a thick towel or a mitt over the handle. To avoid getting smudges on all your kitchen towels designate one to use exclusively for drying your cast iron skillet. 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.