The Clever Trick That Will Prevent Food From Sticking To Stainless Steel Pans
Whether you're a seasoned chef or an occasional cook, there are few things more disheartening than spending hours preparing a meal just for it to stick to a stainless steel pan. It's pretty annoying to scrap your entire home-cooked creation in exchange for takeout or pizza delivery because of this. In all your frustration, you might be wondering why popular kitchens use stainless steel pans in the first place.
According to TampaSteel, stainless steel is typically selected for restaurants thanks to its strength to endure high-volume applications and superior resistance to rust and corrosion. Because it doesn't harbor bacteria, it's simple to clean in a dishmachine after use. These amazing benefits make it clear why this metal is a go-to choice, but to use it at home, you need to learn how to prevent food from sticking to stainless steel pans. Luckily, you can reduce the risk of your meals turning into nightmares.
Use water to test out the temperature
To ensure food doesn't stick to a stainless steel pan, you must first set the oven to the correct temperature. You can test whether the pan is too hot or too cool using a simple water droplet. The Kitchn advises you to keep your pan over medium heat for around two minutes before adding water droplets; if nothing happens, try again in a few minutes, and if water separates, the pan's heat needs to be lowered.
On the opposite end, CristelUSA states that water will dissolve if the pan isn't hot enough; crackling drops mean that the pan is at the right temperature, meaning you are ready to start cooking on it. The aforementioned piece from The Kitchn says that you can tell the pan is ready when the water glides around seamlessly. You can prepare a wide range of foods by ensuring proper temperatures, from meats and vegetables to breakfast favorites.
Further steps to ensure success
After performing the water droplet test, it's essential to add some sort of fattening agent such as oil to most foods. An article from Prudent Reviews states that a common mistake is greasing the pan before it reaches proper temperatures. It reminds users to coat the entire pan thoroughly for the best results. The Kitchn suggests swirling the oil around to help eggs be as cohesive as possible when preparing breakfast.
An additional tip to keep in mind while cooking with stainless steel: The material conducts heat effectively, so the highest temperatures aren't necessary and could burn your food, according to CristelUSA.
Next time you're in the kitchen preparing food for your family or a dinner party, keep these tips in mind to prevent food waste and a kitchen disaster. If at any point you get frustrated with the results, remember all the benefits stainless steel has to offer, including maximum durability, a simple cleaning process, and resistance to rust and corrosion.