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
- 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.
- Rinse the pan thoroughly and dry it with a clean towel.
- If your cast-iron pan is already seasoned, you can skip this step.
Step 3: Apply cooking oil
- Pour 1 tablespoon of cooking oil into the cast iron pan.
- Use your hand or a paper towel to spread the oil evenly over the entire surface of the pan, including the sides.
- Repeat this step until the pan is well-oiled.
Step 4: Bake the pan
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Place the cast iron pan upside down on the middle rack of the oven.
- Bake for 1 hour.
- Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 5: Repeat
- 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
- Once the pan is completely dry, sprinkle it with a thin layer of salt.
- Place the pan back in the oven and heat for 5 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- 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.