Today I am going to show you how to season a cast iron skillet. When I would visit my grandma, I can remember her always telling me “every woman needs a cast iron skillet and a good pair of heels”. I always look at her strange, since I had no clue what she was talking about (my mom never had a cast iron skillet). The very first apartment I got she gave me a little cast iron skillet (that I still have to this day). I rarely used it (it just set in a box collecting dust) and bought myself a nice nonstick skillet. I thought they were better than that old bulky skillet she tried to give me. Boy was I wrong! Now that I am a little bit older these heavy duty skillets do come in handy. Before Josh moved in I kept a cast iron skillet right next to me before I would to go to bed (just in case an intruder came in).
I think everyone should have at least one cast iron skillet. I can’t imagine making scramble eggs, pancakes, and even stir-frys (sometimes) without my skillet. I know it can be quite a put of from all the maintenance required, but it’s not as complicated as it seems. Once you get the hang on taking care of your skillet. You may start collecting them. Seasoning your skillet is a must for numerous reasons; when I don’t season my skillet I notice the flavor of my food will taste funny, your food will look like the color of the skillet, and your skillet will rust. Seasoning a cast iron skillet is pretty simple.
What You Will Need:
Cast Iron Skillet
Dish Towel or Paper Towels
Oil (any oil will do)
Add 2-3 tbsps. of oil to the skillet. I like to use olive oil, since I use it in the majority of my cooking I prefer to use it in my skillet. If you use canola oil in your cooking then use it to season your skillet.
Wipe the skillet with a paper towel all around the sides and in the middle. I like to swirl the oil around before I wipe it down.
Wiping the bottom is optional, just like using soap on your skillet is optional. I do use soap and I wipe the bottom of my skillet.
Once you’re done, add your skillet to a 350 degree preheated oven face down for an hour. Once cool your cast iron skillet is ready to use.
Hehe, your grandma is such a smart lady – totally agree – love my heels and cast iron skillet 🙂 Great tips, thanks for sharing and have a great weekend Shundara 🙂
I hope you have a wonderful weekend as well thanks Kelly 🙂
I love cast-iron skillets!! They are so fun to cook with and make a delicious frittata!! YUM! 🙂
I had know clue you could make a frittata in a cast iron skillet! I am going to try that thanks Cailee 🙂
Love the tutorial! Thanks Shundara, so useful for when I get a cast iron skillet. I haven’t gotten one because I thought it was way harder to maintain.
I think you will enjoy it! Thanks Jessica! 🙂
Thanks so much for the tips! I now know how to properly season my wok which has been looking a little worse for wear 🙂
I have a cast iron skillet 🙂 I’ve been wondering about it and how to care for it except for a wok which needs proper seasoning. Thanks for sharing the tips, speaking of Grandma, I can’t wait to see her soon next week, I leave for Asia on Monday! The method is a bit similar to a wok – clean the wok with hot water, let it dry by heating it on the stove for a bit and season it with neutral oil.
Looking forward to hearing about your trip Rikia!! I need to get my hands on a wok soon!! I have a “nonstick wok” (very cheap) that just can’t handle the high heat for a good stir fry!!