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How to Re-Season a Cast-Iron Frying Pan

Step 1: Gather your materials

  • Cast-iron frying pan
  • Cooking oil with a high smoke point (e.g., canola oil, vegetable oil, or grapeseed oil)
  • Paper towels
  • Salt

Step 2: Clean your cast iron pan

  1. If your cast-iron pan is new, you will need to remove the factory seasoning before proceeding. To do this, scrub the pan with hot, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge.
  2. Rinse the pan thoroughly and dry it with a clean towel.
  3. If your cast-iron pan is already seasoned, you can skip this step.

Step 3: Apply cooking oil

  1. Pour 1 tablespoon of cooking oil into the cast iron pan.
  2. Use your hand or a paper towel to spread the oil evenly over the entire surface of the pan, including the sides.
  3. Repeat this step until the pan is well-oiled.

Step 4: Bake the pan

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
  2. Place the cast iron pan upside down on the middle rack of the oven.
  3. Bake for 1 hour.
  4. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 5: Repeat

  1. Repeat steps 3 and 4 two to three more times, until the cast-iron pan is evenly seasoned and no longer looks dull.

Step 6: Season with salt

  1. Once the pan is completely dry, sprinkle it with a thin layer of salt.
  2. Place the pan back in the oven and heat for 5 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
  3. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool. Once it has cooled, wipe off the excess salt with a paper towel.

Your cast-iron frying pan is now re-seasoned and ready to use!

Tips for Maintaining a Seasoned Cast-Iron Frying Pan

  • Always preheat your cast-iron pan before using it.
  • Never let food sit in a cast iron pan for long periods of time, as this can cause the food to stick and the seasoning to be damaged.
  • Clean your cast-iron pan with hot water and a soft scrub brush after each use. Avoid using soap, as this can remove the seasoning.
  • Dry the cast iron pan thoroughly with a clean towel after cleaning it.
  • Apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the pan after each use and store it in a cool, dry place.