How to Season a Ceramic Frying Pan: Seasoning ceramic pans? If you’re new in the kitchen then this is a phrase you have hardly heard! However, truth be told, you should season ceramic pans often as the life span of the cookware increases and taste in the cooked ingredients is enhanced as well.
Seasoning ceramic pans refer to applying fat or oil to the nonstick surface of the pans. This prevents the pan from becoming rusty. Hence, you should season the ceramic pans very often.
What do you need to Season Ceramic Pans?
- Ceramic Pan
- Cloth
- Dishwashing Soap
- Water
- 1 tablespoon oil
How to Season Ceramic Pans?
Follow these step by step procedures to season the ceramic pans.
Step 1: Wash the Ceramic Pan
Even if you have already washed the ceramic pan and kept it in the cupboard; be extra cautious to clean the pan before seasoning it. Wash it with some dishwashing soap and rinse it with cold water. Wipe the pan dry with a cloth or dish towel.
While washing the ceramic pan, remember not to scrub the surface hard as you might risk damaging the surface of the pan. Use a soft sponge for cleaning the ceramic pan
Step 2: Apply Some Oil to the Ceramic Pan
Things to remember:
- Choose oil that has a high smoking point. That is why avoid using olive oil as it has a low smoking point.
- We recommend that you use vegetable oil however if you have peanut oil or canola oil at home, you can use that too.
Use your fingers to apply the oil to the pan. Normally 1 tablespoon would be required however if you feel that some parts of the pan are still dry, then you can use more.
If you’re uncomfortable using your fingers then you can also use a cooking brush or a towel to apply oil on the pan.
Step 3: Heat the Pan
There are two ways through which you can go about this; use a stove or a baking oven.
If you’re using a stove, then put the pan on the burner and set it up on medium heat. The pan will take some time to get heated so no need to turn up the burner. Wait for 5-10 minutes. Once the oil in the pan is heated, you’ll see smoke coming from the pan. As the oil would get heated up, it would get soaked in the pan.
Alternatively, if you’re using a baking oven then set the oven at 300 Fahrenheit and let it preheat for 15 minutes. Once done, put the pan inside the oven for 20 minutes.
However, before doing this, make sure that it’s a baking ceramic pan. If it is, then the pan is safe for oven use.
Step 4: Let the Pan Cool Down
Once you see that the oil has cooled down and you see smoke coming from the pan, take it off from the burner or the baking oven.
Let it sit till the pan cools down. This step may take a few minutes. No need to be hasty! Remember not to put the pan under cold water or in the refrigerator. If you do this, you might risk damaging the ceramic pan due to extreme temperature changes.
Patience is the key! The longer you wait, the better the oil would be absorbed and will fill up the consistency in the pan.
Step 5: Dry the Ceramic Pan
Once the pan has cooled down to room temperature, wipe the pan with a towel or tissue paper to clean the excess oil.
After cleaning the oil, you might feel that the pan is still greasy! No need to get worried!
Don’t start washing the pan again; this is what makes the pan nonstick.
Step 6: Season the Ceramic Pan Regularly
You would want to build a permanent layer of seasoning on the pan. Thus, if you have bought a new pan, then season it every month. Once you see that the food is gliding with ease this means that you have built a proper layer of seasoning.
However, to ensure that the pan remains like this, we recommend that you keep seasoning it every six months.
How to Take Care of Your Pans
Whether it’s a cookware set or vegetable grilling pans, you must look after your kitchen appliances.
While seasoning ceramic pans is one way of taking care of the appliances, you should further follow these tips for more protection.
- Use safe utensils like a rubber spatula, or spoons made up of silicone and wood.
- While cooking, keep the heat of the burner on medium so that the surface of the pan is not ruined on high heat.
- Don’t use cooking oil sprays on the ceramic pans as it contains chemicals which can ruin the seasoned layer of the pan.
- Don’t wash the pan in a dishwasher as the chemical detergents and the drastic changes of the hot and cold water can damage the ceramic pans.
- Store the pan safely, don’t stack them with other kitchen appliances.
Final Words on How to Season a Ceramic Frying Pan
Ceramic pans are one of the most popular items in any kitchen. Season them regularly and enjoy cooking in them every day!