How to Season a Cast Iron Skillet With Coconut Oil
When cared for properly, cast iron skillets can last a lifetime. Home cooks love their cast iron skillets for their even heating, durability and nonstick properties. You must season your cast iron skillet before you use it or it will rust and food will stick to it.
When cared for properly, cast iron skillets can last a lifetime. Home cooks love their cast iron skillets for their even heating, durability and nonstick properties. You must season your cast iron skillet before you use it or it will rust and food will stick to it. Seasoning the skillet fills in the pores in the skillet surface and forms a protective coating. You can use a variety of oils to season your skillet, but many enthusiasts swear by food-grade coconut oil because it does not add fat to the pan in the same way that lard or shortening does.
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
Step 2
Clean the pan in warm water. Do not use soap because the pan will absorb the soap, which will cause your food to taste like soap. Use a stiff bristle brush to clean the pan of any dirt and debris that might have accumulated during manufacturing. Dry the pan with a clean, soft cloth.
Step 3
Dip the wax paper into the oil and rub it all over the pan, inside and out. Although you do not cook on the outside of the pan, you must season it anyway. This will protect the outside of the pan from rust.
Step 4
Set the pan upside down on the oven rack and heat it in the oven for 30 to 60 minutes.
Step 5
Place it on the top of the stove for approximately 30 minutes to cool.
Tip
It will take time for the seasoning to completely build up seasoning on your pan. Regular use and time will build up the seasoning.
Never wash your seasoned pan in soapy water. The soap will clean off the seasoning and may become absorbed in the pan. To clean your pan, rub it vigorously with Kosher salt and rinse it or clean it in warm water without soap.
warning
Never pour the oil directly in the pan. Too much oil can build up in the pan and it will become rancid, which will smell foul and can even make you ill.