noun
The process of baking a thin layer of oil onto the surface of cookware, such as cast iron or carbon steel pans, to create a non-stick, rust-resistant coating.
新しい鉄のフライパンは、使う前に油ならしが必要です。
A new iron frying pan needs seasoning before use.
油ならしをしっかり行うと、焦げ付きにくくなります。
If you season it well, it becomes less prone to sticking.
Loanword from English 'seasoning', often used in the same cookware context. 油ならし is the native Japanese term and may feel more traditional or explanatory.
Compound of 油 (oil) and ならし (連用形 of ならす, meaning to accustom or break in). Literally 'oil-accustoming', referring to the process of conditioning cookware with oil.