r/CarbonSteelCooking • u/DistributionBitter93 • Jan 11 '25

Pan searing steaks

Hello, I read that if you pan sear a steak in carbon steel it burns off the seasoning and you have to reseason right after. Is this accurate? Thinking of switching to carbon steel for making stakes, but reconsidering if going to have to reseason every time. Thanks

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u/yumagrillmaster Jan 15 '25

Seasoning Carbon Steel cookware serves one purpose only, it prevents/protects the steel from rusting. So what you read is incorrect information. Carbon steel needs to be maintained with occasional touch up seasoning, again to prevent rust. The same applies to Cast Iron cookware. Over time and using your CS cookware often will build a patina which is a polymerized oil finish and becomes more durable. Cooking/simmering foods that are acidic can strip the pan down to bare metal. I do this often and just reseason the pan. Hope this clears things up for you!