What is meant by pre-seasoned cast iron?
Pre-seasoned means a coating of wax has been applied to prevent rusting after manufactured in the factory or known as “factory seasoned”. Customers still have to clean and re-season it before starting to use.
Steps to re-season the skillet after purchase:
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Wash your new skillet with soap and brush.
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Rinse with water
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Dry off the skillet with dry cloth
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Heat it on stove top until it is smoking hot to make sure complete dry (this step is important as water is the enemy of cast iron skillet)
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Apply a thin, even coating of cooking oil of your choice (inside and outside of the skillet)Note: Remember to wipe off excess oil.
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Hang to dry for next use
5 mistakes to avoid when cooking with a cast iron skillet:
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Always pre-heat the skillet before cooking.?Avoid putting cold food on cold cast iron skillet as this step will definitely make the food stick on skillet.
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Grease it after heated up.?Any butter or lard grease can help to enhance your food taste and improve the non-stickiness of the skillets.
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Leave the food while searing.?Do not keep moving the steak on a hot skillet when searing to form a good crust.
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Flip when the food is done.?Flip the steak when you see the thin brown crust forming on the outside of the steak.
How to clean a cast iron skillet after cooking?
Notes: Don't use soap, don't use steel wool, don't put it in the dishwasher.
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Pour hot water into the hot pan immediately after using
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Use sponge or nylon stiff brush to scrub the pan lightly (use tongs to avoid scalding)
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Rinse with hot water
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Apply a layer of salt and add a little bit of hot water on the pan
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Use wooden shovel to scrape the tough stain on the pan
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Rinse with water
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Dry the pan thoroughly using towel and dry it on stove top under low heat
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Apply a thin layer of oil to season (inside & outside of pan) and store in dry place
How to restore a rusted cast iron
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Scrub off the rust with steel wool and water
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Wash your new skillet with soap and rinse with water
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Dry off the skillet thoroughly with dry cloth
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Heat it on stove top until its smoking hot to make sure it is completely dry (this step is important as water is the enemy of cast iron skillet)
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Apply a thin, even coating of cooking oil of your choice (inside and outside of the skillet)Note: Remember to wipe off excess oil
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Place the skillet upside down on an oven rack & bake at 180°C for 1 hour
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After switching off the oven, let it cool in the oven
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Store the cast iron skillet uncovered in a dry place