Pre-Seasoned Oven Safe Cookware 12" Inch Frying Pan with Assist Handle

To ensure even heating, gradually preheat the cast iron skillet on a similar-sized burner. A well-seasoned cast iron pan can handle high temperatures, but it's best to start cooking on medium heat and then adjust as needed.

Before cooking, add a neutral oil with a high smoke point to the skillet. Vegetable oil, soybean oil, grapeseed oil, and even olive oil are great choices. Avoid butter or other fats with low smoke points, as they can burn and leave a sticky residue.

Acidic foods like tomatoes can damage the seasoning on a cast iron pan. If you need to cook acidic foods, it's best to use a well-seasoned cast iron pan or add the acidic ingredients after the pan has been heated and the food has been added.

After cooking, let the skillet cool down before cleaning it. Avoid using soap or harsh scrubbers, as they can strip the seasoning from the skillet. Instead, use hot water and a soft sponge or brush to clean the skillet. Dry it completely and then add a thin layer of oil to protect the skillet from rust.

If the skillet starts to lose its seasoning, it's easy to re-season it. Preheat the oven to 350°F and rub a thin layer of vegetable oil or another neutral oil onto the skillet. Place the skillet upside down on the oven rack and bake for 1 hour. Let it cool down and then wipe away any excess oil.

A pre-seasoned cast iron skillet is great for searing meat, frying chicken, and even cooking fish. To fry an egg, heat the skillet on medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Crack the egg into the skillet and cook until the whites are set but the yolk is still runny.