The Perfect Olive Oil Pan Seasoning Method

Seasoning a pan is essential to keeping it well-maintained and ensuring that food doesn't stick to its surface. While various oils can be used for seasoning, olive oil is one of the most popular choices due to its wide availability. However, it's important to note that olive oil has a low smoke point, so it may not be the best option for seasoning pans that are frequently used at high temperatures. In this article, we will discuss the process of seasoning a pan with olive oil, including the necessary steps and some precautions to take.

Cleaning the pan

Cleaning your pan is an important step in the seasoning process. A clean surface is required for effective seasoning. Here is a detailed guide on how to clean your pan before seasoning it with olive oil:

Firstly, scrub your pan with a sponge or scrub brush, using an abrasive scrubber and dish soap. This is especially important if your pan has a factory coating, as you will need to remove this before seasoning. If there is burnt food on the pan, use kosher salt or coarse salt with warm water to scrub it off. For very rusty pans, use a hard brush or a commercial cast-iron rust cleaning product.

Once you have removed all food residue and the pan is clean, dry the pan thoroughly. Use a towel or kitchen cloth to dry the pan, and then place it on the stovetop for a couple of minutes to ensure all remaining water is removed.

After drying, your pan is ready for seasoning. However, if you are not going to season the pan immediately, it is important to add a layer of oil to prevent rusting.

If your pan has been well-used and seasoned, it may develop a patina, or discolouring, over time. To remove this, you can use Bar Keepers Friend, a powdered cleaner that will return your pan to its original silver shine. Alternatively, you can use baking soda, which is a decent, more versatile alternative. Simply make a baking soda paste and let it sit on the stains for a few minutes before scrubbing off with a scouring pad.

For very tough stains, you can try a more intensive method. Boil water and baking soda in your pan, which will leave a film of baking soda that you can then scrub off. This method is most effective for fresh stains and may not work for grime that has accumulated over time.

For extremely tough, old stains, you can try submerging your pan in a pot of boiling water and baking soda. This method can effectively remove years of built-up scorch marks.

Drying the pan

Drying your pan is an important step in the pan-seasoning process. It is also important to dry your pan after washing, to avoid rusting and water spots.

Firstly, it is important to note that you should never wash a hot pan in water. This can cause thermal shock and ruin your pan over time. It is best to let your pan cool down naturally before washing it with cold water. This will also prevent warping and cracking.

Now, there are a few ways to dry your pan. You can use paper towels, a cloth towel, or a cotton cloth. If you are using paper towels, make sure the pan is not too hot, as this can cause the paper to stick and tear, leaving residue on your pan. You can also air-dry your pan, but be aware that this may cause water spots. To avoid this, you can use a cloth towel to dry the pan after washing.

If you are drying your pan on the stovetop, be sure to heat it for a couple of minutes to remove any remaining water. This is an important step to ensure your pan is completely dry before you begin the seasoning process.

Finally, if you are using a cast-iron pan, it is important to towel-dry it immediately after washing to prevent rusting. You can then apply a light coat of cooking spray or vegetable oil and wipe away any excess with a paper towel.

Applying a thin layer of olive oil

To apply the olive oil, start by adding a small amount of olive oil to your cast iron pan. Use a paper towel to spread the oil evenly, ensuring you cover the entire pan, including the bottom, handle, sides, and interior. You don't need to be too generous with the coating, but make sure every part of the pan is coated.

When applying the olive oil, it's important to use just enough to create a thin layer. Excessive oil can burn and form lumps, so aim for a light, even coating. Additionally, be mindful of the smoke point of olive oil, which is around 350°F to 375°F. Keep the oven temperature below this point to avoid burning the oil, which will impart a bitter flavour to your pan.

Once you've applied the thin layer of olive oil, your pan is ready for the next step in the seasoning process, which typically involves heating the pan in an oven.

By following these steps and applying a thin layer of olive oil, you'll be well on your way to creating a non-stick, protective coating on your cast iron pan.

Baking the pan upside down

To season a pan with olive oil, you must bake it upside down in the oven. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, preheat your oven to 350ºF. Olive oil has a smoke point of about 375ºF, so keeping the oven temperature below this is important. A little smoke is fine, and in fact, indicates that the seasoning is working. However, prolonged excessive heat will cause the olive oil to burn and become bitter, so it is important to monitor the pan carefully for the first few minutes of baking.

Next, place a layer of foil or a baking sheet under the pan to catch any drips. Then, clean your pan thoroughly with an abrasive scrubber and dish soap. Cast iron pans often have a factory coating that needs to be removed before seasoning. You can do this by scrubbing the pan with a sponge or steel wool and dish soap.

After this, dry the pan thoroughly with a towel, and then on your stovetop. It is important to remove all moisture from the pan before seasoning.

Now, apply a thin layer of olive oil to the entire pan, including the bottom, handle, sides, and interior. You can use a paper towel to spread the oil, ensuring that the entire pan is covered.

Finally, place the pan upside down in the oven and bake for one hour. This prevents the olive oil from pooling in the bottom of the pan, which would result in a sticky finish.

Once the pan has been baked for an hour, turn off the oven and allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes. And that's it! Your pan is now seasoned and ready to use.

You can repeat the oil application and baking process a few times to create a tougher layer of seasoning on your pan if desired, although this is not necessary. It is recommended to reseason the pan twice a year, or more often if you frequently cook with acidic food or at high temperatures.

Cooling the pan in the oven

After the designated time has passed, turn off the oven and allow the pan to cool completely. This is an essential step, as it allows the oil to polymerize and form a protective layer on the pan's surface. The pan should be left in the oven for at least 30 minutes to cool down gradually. This helps to create a stronger seasoning layer and prevents thermal shock, which can cause the pan to crack or warp.

It is important to note that the pan should not be removed from the oven until it has cooled down completely. This ensures that the seasoning layer has had sufficient time to set and prevents any damage to the pan.

Additionally, the cooling process also allows for the removal of any excess oil residue. Once the pan has cooled, it can be wiped down with a clean cloth, ensuring that it is ready for use.

By following these steps, you will be able to properly season your pan and create a durable and non-stick surface.

Frequently asked questions