Seasoning Cast Iron Pan but without Using Bacon or Lard [duplicate]

I just purchaced a new cast iron pan, it is my first. I was wondering if there is a way to seaon it but without using bacon (I do not eat bacon for the same reasons Jules, in Pulp Fiction, does not eat bacon, but that's beyond the point).

All seasoning instructoins I found on the net, are about using bacon, or lard, or a similar product. What can I season it with?

Thanks.

Best Answer

Iron cook ware is a great choice. Although it will take a little more effort to keep them in good condition. No need to use plastic tools like you would on Teflon coated pans.

To season, I would use an oil which is not easily damaged by heating. Vegetable oils have the highest smoke points and may be your best choice. If the pan appears to have a coating from the factory, try to remove this. Water, soap and elbow grease should do it. Do not use the dish washer as these soaps can be slightly caustic. Then dry completely in a moderately hot oven. Remove when fully dry and with a paper towel rub on a very thin coating of oil on the inside surfaces. Return to the oven and raise the heat somewhat, but not enough to smoke the oil. Naturally, you should wear oven mitts for the hot pan. Once the oil appears to have adhered to the pan and seems "dry", repeat the process a couple times and you should have a good coating as starting point. The entire first seasoning may take a few hours.

I do not recommend using soap of any kind as this can ruin the seasoning you are trying to achieve.

In time your iron skillets and pots will become "black iron" and not only will is have non-stick character but because they are iron they will heat evenly on either electric or gas stoves.

Pictures about "Seasoning Cast Iron Pan but without Using Bacon or Lard [duplicate]"

Seasoning Cast Iron Pan but without Using Bacon or Lard [duplicate] - Cast Iron Skillet on Table With Species

Seasoning Cast Iron Pan but without Using Bacon or Lard [duplicate] - Side view of adult hairstylist straightening hair of client with iron in hairdressing salon

Seasoning Cast Iron Pan but without Using Bacon or Lard [duplicate] - Male seasoning delicious meatballs in pan against cheerful female beloved with cup of coffee in kitchen

What is the best thing to season cast iron with?

All cooking oils and fats can be used for seasoning cast iron, but based on availability, affordability, effectiveness, and having a high smoke point, Lodge recommends vegetable oil, melted shortening, or canola oil, like our Seasoning Spray.

Can you season cast iron with butter?

Do not use olive oil or butter to season your cast-iron pan \u2014 they're great to cook with, just not for initial seasoning. Place the pan upside down on the top rack of the oven and bake for 1 hour. Turn off the oven, leaving the pan in the oven to cool completely as the oven cools down.

Can cast iron be used without seasoning?

It works just fine. Here's the thing: if you have the time and the patience, seasoning and maintaining your skillet will really pay you back in spades. But truthfully, if you decide to skip this step, your pan will be okay (or even better than okay) if you use it regularly and know a few tips beforehand.

Is there a quick way to season a cast iron skillet?

Pre-heat your oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is coming up to temperature, use a paper towel to rub a very thin layer of flaxseed oil onto the skillet, covering all surfaces, top and bottom. Immediately rub the oil off, using a dry paper towel. Continue until the skillet looks dry.

CAST IRON Pans 101 | How to season, wash \u0026 restore

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Milan, Engin Akyurt, Sergey Makashin, Gary Barnes