How to Season A Stainless Steel Pan?

Stainless steel pan has attractive looks, sturdiness, non-toxic features, and high heat endurance making them stand out from other cookware. But their non-stick performance could be more impressive. Luckily, there is a quick and straightforward way to solve this problem. By seasoning the pan properly, you will have a better nonstick experience when cooking in it. Let’s look at how to season a stainless steel pan now.

• How to Season Cast Iron Dutch Oven?

Should you Season stainless steel pans? 

Not all cookware is ready to use right out of the box. Some cookware does not have a nonstick coating and needs seasoning before use. 

Seasoning is the process of coating the pan’s surface with a thin layer of oil, which acts as a barrier between the cookware and what you’re cooking, preventing food from sticking on the surface. Seasoning is an essential step before the first use; below are some reasons why you should do it:

• Creating a smoother, more nonstick surface. You won’t have any problems with taking the prepared food out of the pan.
• Helps improve the cookware’s ability to retain heat well.
• The oily layer will prevent stainless steel from rusting, look good, and have a great cooking experience. 

Seasoning the stainless steel pan helps to prevent the food from sticking to the pan and makes cleaning it easier. However, you only need to season the pan for the first time using it or whenever you notice that food is starting to stick to the pan. It will be enough to season twice a year.

How to season stainless steel pan 

Below are steps for seasoning to make your stainless steel cookware non-stick. It is an easy process that can greatly improve your cooking experience pleasantly:

• Step 1: Wash the pan: Wash the pan with soap water thoroughly. Use a sponge and gentle scourer or brush to scrub the stains remaining and get rid of existing flavors. Clean both the inside and outside of your cookware and rinse with warm water. Let the pan air dry for about 10 to 15 minutes, or use a paper towel.
• Step 2: Coat the pan with oil: Prefer oil with a high smoking point such as avocado oil, Grapeseed oil, Canola oil, Coconut oil,… are among the best options. Pour a generous amount of oil into your pan to cover the entire cooking surface. Then, rotate the pan around to cover all the sides evenly.
• Step 3: Heat the pan: Use the oven or the stovetop to heat the oiled pan. In the oven, heat the oil at 350°F for about one hour. Put the pan on medium heat on the stovetop, and remove it as soon as the oil begins to smoke. It usually takes 2 to 3 minutes to season the oil evenly.
• Step 4: Cool the pan: Next, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool for about 30 to 45 minutes at room temperature.
• Step 5: Wipe down the pan: Use a paper towel to remove the excess oil. Never touch the oil to check if it is cold enough. Carefully pour the remaining warm oil into a bottle and put it into the trash. Now, your stainless steel pan is seasoned well and ready to use.

When you notice grease and oil build up on the cookware’s surface, it’s time to re-season the pan. Clean it thoroughly with a brush and soap, then repeat the steps above.

FAQ relate to the topic Season A Stainless Steel Pan

What is the best thing to season stainless steel pans?

Grapeseed oil with a high smoking point is the ideal oil for seasoning stainless steel pans. Canola, peanut oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, and sesame oil are among other oils with high smoke points you can use. 

How do you keep stainless steel pans from sticking?

You can reduce sticking and enjoy cooking with your stainless steel pans with the following tips:

• Preheat the pan slowly over medium heat before cooking.
• Use the right amount of oil or fat (prefer high smoke points oil like canola, vegetable, or avocado oil).
• Season the pan, etc.

Do you wash a stainless steel pan after seasoning it?

You don’t need to wash a stainless steel pan after seasoning it. Use a paper towel and wipe it thoroughly to finish the process of seasoning. The purpose is to remove excess oil from the cooking surface. Now, you can use or store it for future use. 

Does seasoning a stainless steel pan make it non-stick and easier to clean?

Seasoning a stainless steel pan creates a thin layer of polymerized oil on the surface. This layer helps to fill in the tiny pores in the metal, giving a smoother surface, and reducing the chance of food sticking to the pan while cooking. Furthermore, a seasoned stainless steel pan is easier to clean than an unseasoned pan. 

Seasoning your pans is a convenient solution to keep food from sticking to your cookware. Try the guidance above to enhance the better experience with your stainless steel pan with a smoother, more nonstick surface.

Session Kitchen

Founded by a group of passionate foodies and cocktail enthusiasts, We believe that the act of cooking a delicious meal and concocting the perfect drink isn’t just about satisfying hunger and thirst; it’s a form of self-expression and an avenue for nurturing your well-being from the inside out.