How to Temper a Cast Iron Skillet

Cast iron works differently than all other types of skillets or cooking pans.

If not seasoned properly, cast iron skillets will be a major pain to use. However, if these are seasoned properly they can become your favorite cooking pan.

To temper a cast iron skillet is to make sure that the seasoning of the cast iron skillet is really established such that it becomes a non-stick and easy to use skillet.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Use lard, vegetable oil or shortening for seasoning your cast iron skillet. These are called neutral oils.

2. Clean your cast iron skillet by rinsing it out with warm water or by using warm water and salt. After it is done rinsing, wipe it out with a paper towel or lint free rag.

3. Place your cleaned skillet on the hot burner for a moment and after heating it up, then put the oil in the bottom of the pot. After putting the oil in, then cook that oil on a hot burner so that you are tempering the seasoning well.

4. Remove the cast iron skillet from the stove top after a few minutes and let it cool. Then wipe it out with a paper towel and store it in a cool or room temperature and dry place until you are ready to use it. If it is tempered correctly it should be the best non-stick pan that you own.

Tips & Warnings

• A cast iron pot that is tempered well is a joy to use.
• Never use soap when washing your cast iron skillet. This will mess up the seasoning dramatically.

[naturalpath]

on 5/17/2009 I always wondered how to do this. Thanks!