How To Cure An Iron Skillet On An Open Campfire

New iron skillets need to be seasoned, and doing this at the camp site requires you to know how to cure an iron skillet on an open campfire. A cured iron skillet builds a layer on the cooking surface that prevents foods from sticking and also prevents the skillet from rusting while not in use.

To cure an iron skillet on an open campfire, you will need:

• iron skillet
• campfire
• steel wool (if the skillet is rusty)
• dish soap
• paper towels
• vegetable oil
  

Process:

1. Remove rust. If there are signs of rust on the iron skillet, use the steel wool and scrub the rust off in warm water.
2. Clean the skillet. Use mild dish soap and wash the iron skillet to start with a clean surface. Dry the skillet with paper towels or a dish towel.
3. Coat the skillet. Take some vegetable oil and coat all of the surfaces of the iron skillet. A paper towel will make spreading the oil evenly an easier task. Vegetable shortening, like Crisco, can be used instead of the oil.
4. Put a grill over the camp fire. Don't put the grill right on the fire, there should be space above the fire.
5. Place the skillet on the grill. Let it sit there for about an hour.
6. Remove the skillet from the hottest part of the fire. Set the skillet to the side of the grill, away from the hottest part, so it can cool slowly.
7. After the skillet has cooled it is cured.
   

Make sure not to have too hot of a fire or to place the skillet too close to the fire. Too much heat for too long can cause an iron skillet to discolor or warp. If some time later the skillet looks like it has some rust spots or if food starts sticking to the surface badly, do these steps again to re-cure.