Cooking is more than just a method of producing the food that sustains us; it is also a time-honored habit that can be extremely fun. Because many people spend a lot of time in the kitchen, there are various devices that may help make things simpler. However, there are instances when sticking with an old favorite is the best option, as is the case with cast-iron.

Cast-iron has been used for many years and has been time-tested and shown to be an excellent technique to prepare meals. If you want to get the most out of your cast-iron skillet, you need know how to season and clean it correctly. One option is to begin with a pan that has already been seasoned – that has a coating of baked-on oil. Having said that, it is still critical to properly care for the pan before using it. It is much more crucial to care for a new pan, particularly if you purchase an older cast-iron skillet secondhand.

What Is the Best Way to Season a Cast-Iron Skillet? Follow these techniques to get the optimum nonstick coating on your cast-iron skillet: 1. Gently scrub the cast-iron pan with soap and water, then rinse and dry thoroughly. 2. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line the bottom rack with a rimmed baking sheet or a piece of aluminum foil. 3. Using a paper towel, lightly cover the interior and outside of the cast-iron pan with vegetable oil, canola oil, or melted vegetable shortening.

Because certain oils have high smoke points, they will not get sticky while they bake. Cast-iron pans should not be seasoned with butter or olive oil. 4. Place the pan upside down on the top shelf of the oven and bake for one hour. Turn off the oven and leave the pan in it to cool entirely. This is the method for forming an oil layer that will assist to smooth out the rough texture of the cast-iron and generate a nonstick surface without the use of chemicals.

5. Repetition. Before you begin using it, you may discover that an extra round of seasoning is required to build up the nonstick finish. Seasoning may also be added to the pan naturally while cooking bacon, pork chops, or steak.