The Best Way to Season Cast Iron

If you don't have a cast iron skillet on hand in your kitchen, now is the time to get one! These "workhorses of the kitchen" are extremely versatile, allowing one to sear, fry, bake, roast, braise, and so much more! Here at Wilders we LOVE using cast iron skillets to prepare our 100% Wagyu beef and our Berkshire Pork too! Because our products have such defined and extensive marbling, using the cast iron skillet allows the meat to retain and baste in its own natural buttery flavors.

The true secret behind using a cast iron skillet is seasoning it correctly. Although most cast irons come pre-season these days, it is important to care for your skillet as the seasoning erodes over time. The Food Network recommends following these four simple steps for seasoning your cast iron skillet to create a flavor sure to enhance your cooking experience!

What You'll Need for Seasoning a Skillet

• Cast Iron Skillet
• Neutral Oil (canola or vegetable oil)
• Paper Towels
• An Oven Preheated to 350°F
• Aluminum Foil

Directions

Coat Your Cast Iron Skillet with Oil

• Dampen one paper towel with neutral oil. Using this paper towel, coat the entire cast iron skillet with oil (this includes the bottom and handle of the pan).
• Using another paper towel, wipe away all excess oil. There should only be enough to coat the pan and it should feel dry to the touch.
• If too much oil is used, it will develop a sticky feeling. Be sure there is only a thin layer of oil before step two!

Bake Your Coated Cast Iron Skillet with Oil

• Line lower rack of oven with aluminum foil and preheat to 350°F.
• Once the oven is heated, place the cast iron skillet upside down on center rack.
• Bake for one hour. This allows the pan to develop a non-stick quality.

Leave Your Cast Iron Skillet to Cool in the Oven

• After one hour, turn off the oven and allow the skillet to cool completely before removing. 

Repeat for an Unseasoned/Stripped Skillet or As Needed

• If your cast iron skillet is not already pre-seasoned, you should repeat these steps until your pan develops a smooth finish.

This method is tried and true here at Wilders! We highly recommend it for many of our products, especially our Prime Wagyu Steaks!