Olivia Carter
Welcome to the world of cast iron cooking! If you’ve recently acquired a new cast iron skillet, you’re in for a treat. Cast iron skillets are known for their durability, heat retention, and non-stick surface when properly seasoned. However, before you start whipping up your favorite dishes, it’s essential to cure your new skillet to ensure it performs at its best. Curing, also known as seasoning, is the process of creating a protective layer on the surface of the skillet, preventing rust and enhancing its non-stick properties. In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to cure your new cast iron skillet.
Step 1: Cleaning the skillet
The first step in curing your new cast iron skillet is to give it a thorough cleaning. Wash the skillet with warm water and mild soap to remove any manufacturing or packaging residues. Use a soft brush or sponge to scrub away any stubborn dirt or debris. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or steel wool, as they can damage the skillet’s surface. Rinse the skillet thoroughly to ensure no soap residue remains. Pat dry with a clean towel and allow it to air dry completely.
Continue reading the article to learn more about the curing process for your cast iron skillet.
Preparing The Skillet For Use
Before using your new cast iron skillet, it is essential to properly prepare it. This process involves removing any factory coatings, adding a protective layer of seasoning, and ensuring the skillet is clean and ready for cooking.
Cleaning the Skillet
The first step in preparing your new cast iron skillet is to clean it thoroughly. Start by rinsing the skillet with hot water to remove any dust or dirt. Avoid using soap as it can remove the seasoning. Use a stiff brush or sponge to scrub away any stubborn residues.
Once you have removed all dirt and residue, dry the skillet completely. Use a clean towel or paper towels to absorb any remaining moisture. It is essential to dry the skillet thoroughly to prevent rusting.
Removing Factory Coating
Many new cast iron skillets come with a factory-applied coating that needs to be removed before seasoning. This coating is usually a protective layer to prevent rust during storage and shipping. To remove it, place the skillet in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about an hour. This process, called “burning off,” will cause the coating to flake off.
Once the skillet has cooled down, use a nylon brush or scraper to remove any loose coating. Rinse the skillet with hot water and dry it thoroughly.
Seasoning the Skillet
Seasoning is a process of adding a thin layer of oil to the skillet’s surface. This layer provides a protective coating, prevents food from sticking, and improves the skillet’s non-stick properties over time.
To season your cast iron skillet, start by applying a small amount of vegetable oil or shortening to the entire cooking surface. Use a paper towel or a clean cloth to spread the oil evenly. Make sure to coat the sides and handle as well.
Once coated, place the skillet upside down in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about an hour. This process allows the oil to polymerize and create a durable seasoning layer. Remember to place a baking sheet or aluminum foil on the bottom rack to catch any drips.
After an hour, turn off the oven and let the skillet cool inside. Once cool, remove the skillet from the oven, and it is now ready for use.
Remember to re-season your skillet periodically to maintain its non-stick properties. With proper care and seasoning, your cast iron skillet will become a reliable kitchen tool that will last for generations.
Cleaning The Skillet
Before you can start curing your new cast iron skillet, it’s important to clean it thoroughly. Follow these steps to ensure your skillet is clean and ready for seasoning:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Wash the skillet with hot water and a small amount of mild dish soap. Use a sponge or a soft brush to scrub away any dirt or debris. |
| Step 2 | Rinse the skillet thoroughly to remove all soap residue. |
| Step 3 | Dry the skillet completely with a clean towel or by placing it on the stove over low heat for a few minutes. |
| Step 4 | Apply a small amount of vegetable oil or shortening to a paper towel or cloth, and rub it all over the inside and outside of the skillet. Make sure to coat it evenly. |
| Step 5 | Place the skillet upside down in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for one hour. This will further help to remove any residual moisture and prepare the skillet for seasoning. |
Once you have completed these steps, your skillet will be clean and ready for the seasoning process.
Heating The Skillet
Before you start seasoning your new cast iron skillet, it’s important to heat it properly. This will help open up the pores of the metal and allow the oil to penetrate and create a smooth, non-stick surface.
To heat the skillet, place it on a stovetop burner set to medium heat. Allow the skillet to gradually heat up for about 10 minutes. This will help distribute the heat evenly and prevent any hot spots.
If you’re using an electric stove, be sure to use a burner that is the same size as the skillet. This will ensure that the skillet heats evenly and prevents any potential warping.
During the heating process, the skillet may emit some smoke and even turn black. This is normal and is a result of the seasoning process. It’s important to keep the area well-ventilated while heating the skillet to avoid any discomfort from the smoke.
Once the skillet has been heated for the recommended time, it is ready to be seasoned. Remember to always use oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves when handling the skillet, as it will be very hot.
Now that you have heated the skillet, it’s time to move on to the next step of the seasoning process: applying oil.
Applying The Oil
The next step in curing a new cast iron skillet is applying the oil. This process helps to create a protective layer on the skillet’s surface, preventing it from rusting and making it non-stick.
To begin, make sure your skillet is clean and dry. Take a clean cloth or paper towel and rub a small amount of vegetable oil or shortening onto the entire surface of the skillet, including the handle and sides.
Make sure to apply the oil sparingly, as too much can cause the skillet to become sticky. The goal is to create a thin, even layer that will bond with the iron and create a smooth, non-stick surface.
Once you have applied the oil, use a fresh cloth or paper towel to wipe off any excess. You should be left with a very thin layer of oil on the skillet.
Next, place the skillet upside down in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). This will allow any excess oil to drip off and prevent pooling in the bottom of the skillet.
Leave the skillet in the oven for about one hour, then turn off the heat and allow it to cool completely in the oven. This process helps to bond the oil to the skillet’s surface and create a durable seasoning.
Once the skillet is cool, it is ready to use. However, keep in mind that the more you cook with your cast iron skillet, the better the seasoning will become.
Remember to repeat this oiling and baking process periodically to maintain the seasoning of your cast iron skillet. This will help to keep it in good condition and ensure it lasts for many years to come.
Curing The Skillet
Before you can start using your new cast iron skillet, you need to cure it. This process will create a non-stick coating and help to prevent rusting.
Step 1: Wash the Skillet
Start by washing the skillet with warm water and a mild dish soap. Scrub it gently with a sponge or a soft brush to remove any dirt or coatings that may be present.
Be sure to dry the skillet thoroughly with a clean towel to prevent any moisture from causing rust.
Step 2: Apply Oil
Next, apply a thin layer of oil to the entire surface of the skillet, including the handle. You can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or any other type of oil with a high smoke point.
Make sure to rub the oil into the skillet with a paper towel or a clean cloth, removing any excess oil in the process.
Step 3: Bake the Skillet
Place the oiled skillet upside down on the middle oven rack and set the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Let the skillet bake in the oven for one hour. This process will allow the oil to polymerize and create a protective layer.
After one hour, turn off the oven and let the skillet cool completely inside the oven before removing it.
Step 4: Repeat the Process
If desired, you can repeat steps 2 and 3 to further improve the seasoning of your skillet. Each time you repeat the process, the non-stick coating will become better and better.
Remember, the more you use and care for your cast iron skillet, the better it will perform. Happy cooking!
Maintaining The Skillet
Once you have properly seasoned your new cast iron skillet, it is important to take proper care of it to maintain its quality and extend its lifespan. Here are some tips to help you maintain your skillet:
Cleaning:
After each use, clean the skillet with warm water and a mild dish soap. Avoid using harsh abrasives or steel wool as they can strip away the seasoning. Use a sponge or nylon brush to gently scrub away any food residue. Rinse the skillet thoroughly and dry it completely to prevent rusting.
Seasoning:
Regularly seasoning your skillet will help enhance its non-stick properties and prevent rusting. After cleaning and drying the skillet, apply a thin layer of oil or cooking fat to the surface. Heat the skillet over medium heat until the oil starts to smoke, then remove it from the heat and let it cool. Wipe away any excess oil with a paper towel.
Storing:
Avoid storing your cast iron skillet with the lid on to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to rust. Instead, place a paper towel or a cloth between the skillet and the lid to allow air circulation. Store your skillet in a dry place to prevent any moisture from causing rust.
Remember to avoid using harsh detergents or soaking your cast iron skillet in water for long periods of time, as they can damage the seasoning. Also, be careful not to drop or bang the skillet, as it can chip or crack. With proper care and maintenance, your cast iron skillet can last for generations.
FAQ
What is the process of curing a new cast iron skillet?
Curing a new cast iron skillet involves a few steps. First, wash the skillet with warm water and mild soap to remove any factory residue. Next, dry the skillet completely. Then, apply a thin layer of cooking oil all over the skillet, including the handle and the exterior. Place the skillet upside down in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake it for one hour. After baking, let the skillet cool in the oven before removing it. Repeat this process a few more times to build up a strong seasoning on the skillet.
Can I skip the washing step before curing a new cast iron skillet?
No, it is important to wash the skillet before curing it. The washing step helps to remove any factory residue or coatings that may be present on the skillet. This ensures that you have a clean surface to work with when applying the oil and baking the skillet. Skipping the washing step could result in a less effective seasoning and could potentially affect the taste of your food.
