How do you season a new cast iron pan?!
Answers: We just got a new Emeril-ware 12'' cast iron skillet and it says that it comes pre-seasoned, but they recommend people to season it themselves by washing it and then putting veg. oil on it and then the oven routine. Do I have to SCRUB the pan or just lightly wash it before I season it with oil? Do i rub the oil all over the pan, even the handles? I want ours to last as long as my mother's--forever! Please help!?
Crisco works as well. There is a website that has some directions.
you bake it in the oven never put soap on it
Do not wash it first! Rub the oil all over inside of the skillet. Fry a chopped onion (do not eat the onion!) Repeat this several times over a few days. No need for the oven.... Put a little oil in there again & let it set for a week, with the oil in it. Repeat the heating process. The more you do it the better it gets! You could put a little oil on the handle when you store it. After you do this several times it is safe to wash lightly. The first couple times you actually cook in it, you should fry chicken or chops or something that uses a bit of oil.
Never drop it, cast iron will break!
I have 3 iron skillets. I am older and it's the only way I cook! Mine are hand me downs and I got 1 new one when I married 22 years ago so it's pretty old now!. I will hand them down someday!
Lightly, I would use Lard or Crisco. Clean it pretty well if you are going to season it yourself and once you coat it, bake it. Thereafter wash it lightly, and make sure to dry it on the stove!!!
yes, rub the grease ALL OVER it
EDIT:
Before first use:
Even though the product is pre-seasoned, we recommend that you clean and season the pan properly before using, to begin to build the layers of seasoning. Seasoning prevents rust and prevents food from sticking to the pan by forming a natural non-stick coating. Repeated seasoning and cooking will improve the non-stick properties of your cooking surface. Wash with warm water and just a very small amount of mild soap. Using a sponge or a soft brush, gently clean all surfaces. Rinse and dry completely. To aid in the drying process you can place your cast iron cookware into the oven while preheating an oven to 300°, then turn off the heat source and leave the pan in the oven to dry and cool down.
While the pan is still slightly warm, wipe a thin layer of flavorless, vegetable oil onto the cooking surface of your clean pan. Remove any excess oil with a paper towel. You are now ready to use your Emeril Cast Iron. Cast Iron must be seasoned with vegetable oil prior to each use and after each cleaning.
Although cast iron is exceptionally hard wearing, it is best to preheat the pan on the stovetop or in the oven. Placing a cold pot into an extremely hot oven may result in thermal shock and damage to your pan.
Cleaning the pan after cooking:
After each use you can gently wash with warm water and a sponge or soft brush. Soap will remove the layers of seasoning and should be avoided. Repeat seasoning process as detailed above. Store in a cool, dry place. You may want to store with a paper towel on the top surface to absorb any moisture.
Never wash your cast iron Emerilware Cast iron in the dishwasher.
Long term Care:
Note that it is important to season your pan regularly. If the pan has not been properly seasoned, you may notice a metallic taste in your food or spots of rust may even form on your pan. This can easily be eliminated and you can continue to use your Emerilware Cast Iron. To remove rust spots, cover the whole pan with a small amount of oil. Add about 1/4 inch of oil to the inside of the pan and place in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven; very carefully and gently coat the inside walls of the pan with the warm oil. Lower the oven temperature to 200°F and simmer for an additional hour. Safely discard oil and use a soft brush, or fine sand paper or fine steel wool to remove any remaining rust pieces from the pan. Wash with hot water and repeat the seasoning process prior to cooking.
As per Emeril's recommendation; Wash it with mild soapy water, rinse well, then dry the pan and use the vegetable oil all over the interior of the pan then the oven routine. Do not scrub the pan and you do not need to oil the handles.
Your instructions are for vegetable oil. Do not use lard or crisco.