The bacon grease that you’ve been putting into your pan for years is not doing it the justice it deserves. It’s causing a mess, sticking to your pans surface, and leaving some greasy residue behind after cooking; all of which can be avoided by following this guide.
What if I told you there was a better way? There are plenty of YouTube videos out there on how to season cast iron pans with bacon grease (the wrong way), but what about the right way?
This guide will teach you how to season a cast iron pan with bacon grease (the right way). By following the instructions, you’ll be able to create the perfect bacon-infused pan every time.
What is cast iron?
Cast iron is a type of iron that contains carbon, silicon and other impurities. It is made by melting iron ore in a blast furnace and then adding various alloys to create different properties.
Properties:
Cast iron has a high carbon content, which gives it excellent castability (the ability to be cast into shapes), but also makes it brittle. It also has good resistance to wear and abrasion.
Benefits:
Cast iron is often used in the construction of buildings and bridges because of its strength and durability. It is also used in the manufacturing of cookware, as it provides even heat distribution and retention.
How do you use bacon grease to season a cast iron pan?
Start with a clean pan. If your pan is new, skip to the seasoning instructions. If your pan is old or has been used before, it will need to be cleaned and reseasoned. The easiest way to do this is to scrub the pan with hot, soapy water and a stiff brush. Rinse the pan well and dry it completely with a clean towel.
Seasoning:
Seasoning your cast iron pan is simple, but it does require some time and patience. First, heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, rub a thin layer of bacon grease all over the inside and outside of the pan. Be sure to cover all surfaces completely; you don’t want any bare spots.
Once the pan is coated in bacon grease, place it upside down on the top wire rack of your oven (this ensures that any excess oil drips off during baking). Bake for 1 hour, then turn off the oven and let the pan cool inside until it’s comfortable to handle. Repeat this process 2-3 times for best results.
Curing:
After seasoning your cast iron pan, it’s important to cure it before using it for the first time. This ensures that the seasoning bonds to the pan and creates a durable, non-stick surface.
To cure your pan, heat it on the stove over medium heat until it’s hot to the touch. Then, add a thin layer of cooking oil to the surface and spread it around with a paper towel. Turn off the heat and let the pan cool completely; repeat this process 2-3 times.
Maintenance:
Once your cast iron pan is seasoned and cured, it’s ready to use! To keep it in good condition, just be sure to wash it with hot, soapy water after each use (avoid using harsh detergents or scouring pads). Dry the pan thoroughly with a clean towel and apply a light coating of oil before storing. With proper care, your cast iron pan will last for many years to come!
What to avoid:
1. Don’t use too much bacon grease: As mentioned above, using too much bacon grease can cause smoking and fire hazards in your oven. So be sure to use just enough to coat the bottom and sides of your pan (you shouldn’t need more than that).
2. Avoid using other types of fat: While bacon grease is great for seasoning a cast iron pan, other types of fat (like vegetable oil) can actually damage the pan’s seasoning. So stick with bacon grease for best results.
3. Don’t forget to clean your pan afterwards: Seasoning your cast iron pan with bacon grease will create a bit of a mess in your oven. Be sure to clean up any drips or spills before using your oven again
What are the benefits of using bacon grease to season a cast iron pan?
1. It creates a non-stick surface: When you cook with bacon grease, it creates a barrier between the food and the pan. This means that food is less likely to stick to the pan, making cleanup easier.
2. It adds flavor: Seasoning your pan with bacon grease can add a delicious flavor to your food.
3. It prevents rust: Cast iron pans are prone to rusting if they’re not properly cared for. Seasoning them with bacon grease can help protect them from rust and keep them in good condition for longer.
Save your bacon grease (liquid gold)
Bacon grease is essentially pure fat. And fat is flavor. So, when you cook with bacon grease, you’re infusing your food with intense bacon flavor. It’s the secret ingredient that can take your dishes from good to great.
How to store it:
The best way to store bacon grease is in a glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. You can keep it in the fridge for up to six months, or in the freezer for up to a year. Just make sure to label it so you know what it is!
How to use it:
Bacon grease can be used in all sorts of recipes, from savory to sweet. It’s great for frying eggs, potatoes, and greens; making cornbread; and adding flavor to soups and stews. You can even use it in place of butter or oil when baking!
What causes bacon to stick to my cast iron skillet?
Bacon fat is rendered from the pork belly and is about 50% monounsaturated, 40% saturated, and 10% polyunsaturated. It has a high smoke point of 400 ˚F / 200 ˚C.
Once the bacon fat hits the smoke point, it begins to polymerize to your cast iron skillet forming a hard plastic like coating on the surface of your cast iron pan.
