Aluminum cookware is a popular kitchen item worldwide due to its versatile manner. However, it might be a tricky task to season an aluminum pan since improper seasoning causes it to scratch the surface and lose its shine. Therefore, it is worth knowing how to season aluminum pans properly to avoid any damage.
There are two simple methods to season your aluminum pan with your regular kitchen stuff. Today, we will guide you on how to do those two procedures methodologically, so stick with the article.
What is ‘Pan Seasoning’?
Pan seasoning has become a must to save its good quality. The reason why aluminum is a lightweight metal and all metals decay with its time. The process of deterioration may be quickened due to the heat and acids. And we know that aluminum pans often deal with heat and acidic food when we use them for cooking, so they deteriorate quickly. Therefore, the pan seasoning has been a technique for decades to oppose deterioration.
We use oil to season a pan. Then, the oil heats up and bonds strongly with the pan’s surface. And the oil make a coating between the pan and food. There are two advantages of oiling the pan for seasoning. It not only acts as a non-stick coating on the pan but also makes it effortless to clean the pan after cooking. However, with time, the seasoning wears out. Therefore, you may have to do the seasoning again.
Anyways, seasoning is beneficial to prolong its life and protect the shine of aluminum pots and pans, although you use the pan frequently. Thus, you should always season your pans if you wish to use them for a long time.
Now let’s discuss when to season your aluminum pan. It is better to season a pan when it is a brand new one for the best protection. And if you have unseasoned pans yet, season them before you prepare your next meal in the pan because unseasoned pans might be a victim of corrosion, rust, and oxidation because of continuous exposure to heat and acidic food.
How to Season Aluminum Pan?
Seasoning your aluminum pan is not something difficult. And also, you only need a few inexpensive stuff for seasoning. We will explain to you all the essential details of this process so you will be able to keep your pans shiny.
There are two methods to season aluminum pans. You can season the pan using your gas or electric stove. Similarly, you can do it with your oven. Let’s discuss the stove method first.
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Seasoning the Pan Using a Stove
- First, it is highly recommended to clean your pan thoroughly, no matter if you cleaned it last time. Make sure to use some warm water and a gentle soap to clean it. But it is not needed to soak the pan; rinse the pan with a sponge or brush and wipe it using a soft cloth to dry it. It is necessary to have a clean pan without any residue of dirt and dust to avoid scratches and discoloration.
- Secondly, you can season your pan with oil. In order to do that, first, you must place your pan on the stove on low heat or flame. Remember to keep the pan on low heat; otherwise, the pan will burn due to excessive heat. You can use whatever stove you have, gas or electric. Then you can pour your vegetable oil into the pan. Keep in mind to put a generous coating and cover the base and sides of the pan.
- Then, keep the pan on the stove until all the oil is burnt off. So, keep watching near the stove. Usually, it may take 20 minutes to evaporate the oil. After this process is completed, you can take the pan off the stove. Ensure to wear an oven glove because the handle might also be too hot to touch after 20 minutes.
- After the pan cools down completely, you can give the pan a second wash. Use warm water again with a gentle soap. It will be unsafe to use a dishwasher since it may cause to scratch the pan. So, you should do the second wash by hand.
- Finally, you can dry your seasoned pan using a soft cloth. And make sure to keep the pan in a safe place to get rid of any damage or dirt.
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Seasoning the Pan Using an Oven
- If you wish to season your pan in the oven, you have to preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit first. This step is vital because if you do not preheat your oven, the oil you apply to the pan might run off before the seasoning. So, do not skip this step.
- While preheating your oven, you have time to wash your aluminum pan thoroughly. The properly-cleaned pan will let the oil do its duty better. So, use warm water and soap, as we mentioned in the above procedure, to clean the pan well.
- Thirdly, you can pour the oil into the pan. Again, do not miss the sides of the pan. Make sure to cover the base and sides of the pan with a generous amount of oil for the seasoning. When choosing an oil for this procedure, try not to go beyond vegetable and flaxseed oil because it is better to use an oil with a neutral flavor. And another thing is the oil you use should have the ability to bond well.
- Next, let the pan season in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Then the oil and aluminum pan will create a great bond. You should place the pan in the middle rack of the oven.
- After the seasoning, carefully take the pan out using an oven glove and let it cool down. Next, you have to rinse the pan with some warm water. You cannot use a dishwasher to wash your seasoned pan. Then dry your seasoned pan with a clean, soft towel.
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