If you know how to use a stainless steel pan, you’ll change your cooking game forever. Cook eggs, fried rice, noodles, and get the best seared meat and proteins all in a stainless steel pan without sticking! Find out how to use a stainless steel pan so you can elevate your cooking and even discover a healthier way to cook.
Table of contents
What is a Stainless Steel pan?
A stainless steel pan is more than those shiny intimidating pans that the cooks use in the fancy restaurants. Specifically, it’s a cooking utensil made primarily of durable, non-reactive, and rust-resistant steel alloy.
These pans feature a smooth, metallic surface and are commonly used in both home and professional kitchens due to their versatility and longevity.
The material’s composition allows for even heat distribution, making it suitable for a wide range of cooking techniques like making perfectly seared steak, evenly cooked pancakes, and perfect scrambled eggs. Since the heat is uniformly distributed, there is less surface for food to stick.
Stainless steel pans are build like steel…because they are steel and that means they’re tough! These pans can withstand high temperatures and are compatible with induction cooktops.
Additionally, their non-porous nature makes them resistant to stains and odors, contributing to their overall durability. Once you go stainless steel, you’ve invested in cookware that lasts for a very long time.
Why is a Stainless Steel pan healthy?
Stainless steel pans offer several health benefits, making them a popular choice among health-conscious individuals. Especially with the knowledge of PFAS (forever chemicals) and the leaking of micro-plastics into our foods, stainless steel is the best choice for a very clean and “healthy” cooking surface.
- Non-porous surface resists absorption of food particles and flavors
- Non-reactive material prevents leaching of harmful chemicals
- Eliminates the need for potentially harmful non-stick coatings
- Easy to clean and maintain, reducing the risk of bacterial growth
How to use a Stainless Steel Pan
To effectively use a stainless steel pan, follow these steps:
- Prepare the Pan: Before use, wash the pan with warm, soapy water and dry it thoroughly.
- Preheat the Pan: Place the pan on the stove over medium heat for a few minutes to ensure even heat distribution. The entire pan needs to heat before adding anything.
- Add Cooking Oil: Once preheated, add a high-heat oil such as vegetable, avocado, coconut, or grapeseed oil to the pan, swirling to coat the surface evenly. This small amount of oil or fat can create a barrier between the food and the pan, reducing sticking. The smooth surface of stainless steel allows the oil or fat to spread evenly across the cooking surface, further minimizing friction. It is essential to add some oil or fat.
- Heat the Oil: Allow the oil to heat up for a minute or two until it shimmers and becomes fluid, indicating it’s ready for cooking. Adding food before this will result in sticking.
- Cooking Process: Add your ingredients to the pan, being mindful not to overcrowd it. Use gentle heat and avoid abrupt temperature changes to prevent food from sticking.
- Let the food Sit: Once the food is in the pan, such as an egg, do not move it! Let the food sit for a minute before starting to toss and mix it. Doing this allows the food to get a little sear and not stick to the pan.
- Monitor the Heat: Adjust the heat as needed throughout the cooking process to maintain the desired temperature.
- Remove and Serve: Once the food is cooked to perfection, remove it from the pan and serve, then promptly soak the pan in warm, soapy water for easy cleaning.
What is the Water Test
The water test is a simple method to determine if a stainless steel pan is sufficiently preheated and ready for cooking. Here’s how to perform the water test:
- Preheat the Pan: Place the stainless steel pan on the stove over medium to medium-high heat. Allow the pan to preheat for a few minutes until it’s heated evenly.
- Sprinkle Water: Once the pan is hot, sprinkle a few drops of water onto the surface of the pan using your fingertips or a spoon. The water should sizzle into little balls and “dance” in the pan. These droplets should evaporate almost immediately upon contact with the pan.
- Observation: Watch how the water behaves on the surface of the pan. If the water droplets dance and sizzle rapidly before evaporating, the pan is sufficiently preheated and ready for cooking.
Preheating the pan properly ensures that the cooking surface is evenly heated, creating a thin layer of steam between the food and the pan, which helps reduce sticking.
It’s essential to note that the water test may not be as effective with non-stick or coated pans, as they have different heat conductivity and surface properties. Additionally, always exercise caution when working with hot pans to prevent burns or injuries.
Cleaning
Maintaining and cleaning a stainless steel pan is essential for preserving its quality and ensuring its longevity. Here’s a detailed guide on how to effectively clean and care for your stainless steel pan:
Cleaning Process:
- Cool Down: Allow the pan to cool down after cooking to a safe temperature before cleaning.
- Hand Wash: Wash the pan by hand using warm, soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads that can scratch the surface.
- Soak if Necessary: For stubborn food residues or stains, soak the pan in warm, soapy water for a brief period to loosen the particles. Fresh lemon works well to help scrub off tough spots.
- Scrub Gently: Gently scrub the pan with a non-abrasive sponge or nylon brush to remove any remaining food or grease.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the pan with clean water to remove all soap residue and food particles.
Drying and Maintenance:
- Towel Dry: After rinsing, towel dry the pan with a soft cloth to prevent water spots and maintain its lustrous appearance.
- Air Dry: Alternatively, allow the pan to air dry on a rack to ensure thorough drying.
- Avoid Air-Drying Wet: Avoid leaving the pan to air-dry while wet to prevent water spots and mineral deposits.
- Avoid Abrasive Materials: Refrain from using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals that can damage the stainless steel surface.
- Routine Maintenance: Regularly inspect the pan for signs of wear, such as scratches or discoloration, and address any issues promptly.
By following these steps and best practices, you can effectively clean and maintain your stainless steel pan, ensuring it remains in top condition for years to come.
What to Cook
A stainless steel pan is incredibly versatile and suitable for a wide range of recipes. You can use it to cook various dishes, including:
- Seared Meats: Achieve a beautifully caramelized crust on steaks, chops, or chicken breasts by using a stainless steel pan for high-heat searing.
- Eggs: Prepare delicious and evenly cooked eggs, such as omelettes, frittatas, or sunny-side-up eggs, without the risk of sticking.
- Sauteed Vegetables: Use the pan to sauté an assortment of colorful and flavorful vegetables, preserving their natural texture and taste.
- Pan Sauces: Create flavorful pan sauces by deglazing the pan with wine, stock, or other liquids to enhance the taste of your dishes.
- Fried Rice and Noodles: Enjoy tasty stir-fried rice or noodles with a delightful char and without the hassle of sticking.
- Fish Fillets: Cook delicate fish fillets to perfection, achieving a crispy skin and tender, flaky flesh.
The smooth surface and even heat distribution of a stainless steel pan make it ideal for achieving consistent and delicious results across various culinary creations.
Enjoy your stainless steel pan journey and a healthier way to prepare your food.
If you are serious about stainless steel pans and want a very long lasting, quality product, these are my favorite stainless steel choices:
- All-Clad Stainless Steel Pans – My husband and I invested in a few and they last through the decades. These pans are strong and very durable.
- MADE IN Stainless Steel Pans and Pots – These are crafted to last and high quality as well.
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