Professional chefs share the best way to season and care for cast iron cookware.
Traditional cast-iron skillets don’t emerge from the box with a non-stick surface.
Cast-iron skillets take more work, but the effort doesn’t go unrewarded.
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If used frequently and especially after any heavier cleaning, re-season your skillet.
Also, season it if it’s looking dry or you haven’t cooked with it in a while.
When to Clean
Clean your cast-iron skillet each time you use it.
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Doing so prevents stuck-on food from staying on the skillet between uses.
If the skillet is only slightly dirty, a quick wipe after cooking in it will work.
If dirtier, or food is stuck, then scrubbing it is best.
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However, others will need an initial seasoning before you cook with them.
The good news: Maintaining cast-iron seasoning is simple for home cooks.
“Your skillet’s seasoning improves with every meal it cooks.
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Depending on the size of your skillet, estimate youll need about 1/4-1/3 of a cup of oil.
Cover the entire skillet with oil, including the exterior and the handles.
Step 3: Bake the Skillet
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Your skillet is seasoned!
Dry the skillet thoroughly with a towel or paper to store it until youre ready to use it.
This also applies to cast irontea kettles.
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However, the process looks a little different, and your cast iron shouldnever go in the dishwasher.
“Simply wash the cookware with hot water and a nylon brush,” suggests Stubblefield.
“Use a little soap if you need it.”
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“Dry it thoroughly with a lint-free cloth,” recommends Stubblefield.
You don’t want water to sit on the skillet, as it can damage it.
“Wipe [the skillet] with oil, handles and all.
You don’t need much oil to maintain your seasoning,” explains Stubblefield.
“Don’t expose it to too much water.
Immediately dry it and rub in some oil to season,” suggests chef Mareya Ibrahim.
Scrape It Clean
Use scrapers, scrubbers, or even coarse salt to remove cooked-on food.
If your pan is too hot, use a wooden or silicone spatula to scrape the remnants.
Oil deposits should also be cleaned.
Avoid Using Metal Utensils
Avoid using metal utensils when cooking in a cast-iron skillet.
“You want to use something that is soft, like silicone or wooden utensils,” Ibrahim says.
Otherwise, you may accidentally scrape the pan’s coating and damage the surface.
Store in a Dry Place
You want to keep your cast-iron cookware dry as much as possible.
“Store your cast-iron pan so that it stays away from moisture,” Ibrahim says.
This can also help the fresh oil and seasoning from transferring to stacked skillets.
But feel free to use cast-iron cookware on the stovetop and in the oven.
“Cast-irongoes from stovetopto oven easily.
(Iron in the skillet helps add flavor).
“Handle the cleaning of it in a different way than everything else,” Ibrahim suggests.
Remove Rust
Did someone accidentally run your precious cast iron through the dishwasher?
Don’t panicit can still be salvaged.
Allow it to cool in the oven before storing it.
With proper care, a cast-iron skillet can last for generations.
Be sure to clean, thoroughly dry, and evenly season before use.
Water is the main element that can cause damage to your cast iron skillet.
Similarly, adding cold liquid to a hot cast iron pan can cause the material to warp.
