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Our cast iron frying pan is probably our most used kitchen item. We use it to sauté vegetables, sear a roast, fry chicken, make frittatas and so much more! A cast iron pan can be a bit daunting for some but I can assure you they really aren’t high maintenance. They have so many benefits and are so versatile!
Benefits of Cooking With Cast Iron
- nonstick
- chemical-free
- maintains heat
- gets better with use
- long life span
- indestructible
- use it on the stove and in the oven
Usually, “profile rust” is the result of neglect or moisture. After using my cast iron frying pan, I wash it immediately with warm water and a scrub brush and then dry it out with a paper towel. Finally, I place it on the stove on low heat for a few minutes to ensure it is completely dry before I store it away. This frying pan is at least 40 years old and it’s still in amazing shape.
There are a few easy steps you can take to keep your cast iron frying pan in great condition. Or, if you happen to come across an old cast iron pan don’t be afraid of it! Bring it home, follow these steps and it will be as good as new! If you find an old cast iron pan that has significant rust, consider having it sandblasted and restored to raw cast iron and then season it immediately.
How to Season Your Cast Iron Frying Pan
What You Will Need
- steel wool pad
- mild dish soap
- scrubber brush or pad
- vegetable oil
- paper towel or clean dish rag
- cookie sheet
- tinfoil
Instructions
- Remove all of the rust using a steel wool pad. Be sure to flip over the pan and scrub the bottom of the pan as well.
- Wash the pan with mild dish soap and warm water. Note: you would only use dish soap when restoring your cast iron pan. Do not use soap when washing after use.
- Dry the pan thoroughly with paper towel or a clean dish rag.
- Season your pan using a tiny bit of vegetable oil. You can rub the oil on the pan using a paper towel or clean rag. Be sure to season the handle and the bottom of the pan.
- Place the pan in the oven face down with a cookie sheet lined with foil on the rack below to catch any oil drippings from the pan.
- Heat in oven at 350F for 45 minutes to an hour.
- Allow the pan to cool before storing.
If you haven’t had a cast iron pan handed down to you from your mother or grandmother and are looking to purchase a new one, America’s Test Kitchen came up with their Top 2 Cast Iron Frying Pans after doing some serious testing in the kitchen.
Lodge Pre Season Cast Iron Skillet-15 inch
Le Creuset 26 cm Iron Handle Skillet
I honestly can’t imagine cooking without our cast iron frying pan.
