How to Care For And Season A Cast Iron Skillet

Have you come across cast iron skillets at your local store and contemplated buying one but weren’t sure how to care for it? Or maybe you have one and have no idea how to properly clean it (because it’s a whole thing). Well, allow us to simplify the process for you with a few straightforward steps.  

Keep scrolling for our quick guide on everything you need to know when it comes to selecting and caring for our favorite pan.

Choosing the Right Skillet Size: It’s common knowledge that cast iron cookware is weighty. Remember, select a skillet size that aligns with your lifestyle. We’ve discovered that a 10-inch cast iron skillet strikes the perfect balance—not too large, not too small, just right. 

Now that you’ve settled on your cast iron skillet let’s dive into the seasoning process! If you are wondering WOT it means to season your cast iron, let us explain – ‘To season’ a cast iron pan means to create a slick and glassy coating by baking on multiple thin coats of oil. This will protect the cast iron pan from getting rusted and makes for a perfect non-stick cooking surface. 

Here’s the step-by-step process to season your cast iron skillet:

1. Wash and then thoroughly dry your cast iron skillet. Drying is the most important step in good maintenance of your cast iron.
2. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Once the skillet is completely dry, lightly drizzle a small amount of olive or avocado oil onto a high-quality paper towel or a small cotton cloth. Gently rub the oil across the bottom and the inner sides of the cast iron skillet to coat them evenly.
4. Place the skillet in the 350-degree oven and let it bake for one hour. Turn the oven off and let the pan slowly cool inside the oven,
5. Your cast iron pan is now ready for use.

Caring for Your Cast Iron:

1. After each use, remove any sizable food remnants from the pan’s bottom and wash it with soapy water.
2. A crucial step: Dry your cast iron pan immediately to prevent rusting.
3. Once your pan is completely dry, drizzle a small amount of oil onto a high-quality paper towel or a small cotton cloth. Lightly rub the oil on the skillet’s bottom and inner sides.
4. Place the cast iron pan in a 200-degree oven for approximately 20 minutes. Turn off the oven and allow the pan to cool inside.

TIPS:

• Never wash cast iron in a dishwasher; always opt for hand washing.
• Avoid storing foods in cast iron, as it can erode the pan’s seasoning.
• Never expose a hot cast iron pan to cold water, which may cause warping or cracking.

We want to see WOT you cook in your cast iron skillet! Share with us on the WOT Instagram or on Facebook!