Tips for Your Cast Iron Skillet

Purchasing a new cast iron skillet poses its challenges especially when you’re unfamiliar with seasoning and how to care for it. These skillets are great for their versatility and durability. Here are two tips you should definitely know about your cast iron skillet.

Cleaning Is Easier Than You Think

Soaking dishes is an effective way to remove buildup but the same doesn’t apply to cast iron skillets. Leaving these submerged in water for a long period of time can cause them to rust. However, you can still use dish soap and a brush or sponge to clean cast iron, just not as much as you would use on your other dishes. Cast iron is naturally resilient so it can withstand a good scrubbing. A more simple and effective way to clean cast iron is with salt. Pour big flakes of salt on the pan and use a damp towel to scrub away. The salt is abrasive enough to remove burned-on buildup.

Seasoning Your Skillet

Seasoning cast iron can be a bit intimidating. It’s the process of adding oil and baking the skillet to create a seal over the surface. This helps prevent rust over time and keep the cast iron in the best shape. Surprisingly, most cast iron pans come pre-seasoned (check with the manufacturer). Every time you cook and add layers of baked-on fat and oil, you’ll naturally add a finish to your skillet. You’ll still need to season it every so often, but not as often as you may think!

Source: the Kitchn