Caring For Stainless Steel Saute Pans (Explained)
A stainless steel saute pan is an essential piece of cookware for any home cook. Saute pans are ideal for quick cooking techniques like stir-frying, sauteing, and pan-frying. With proper care and maintenance, a stainless steel saute pan can last for years.
In this comprehensive guide, we will provide tips on how to select the right stainless steel saute pan, proper usage and care methods, as well as solutions to common issues that arise.
Whether you are a beginner looking to buy your first saute pan or an experienced cook wanting to extend the life of your existing pans, this guide has got you covered.
Choosing the Right Stainless Steel Saute Pan
When selecting a stainless steel saute pan, here are some key factors to consider:
Construction
Look for pans made from 18/10 or 18/8 stainless steel. This refers to the percentage of chromium and nickel which makes it resistant to corrosion. Opt for tri-ply construction with an aluminum or copper core which allows for even heat distribution.
Weight
Heavier pans are better for searing and tendon retention. Lighter pans are easier to maneuver. Choose based on your cooking needs.
Handles
Stay-cool handles prevent burning fingers. Helper handles provide extra grip and control when lifting a full pan.
Lids
Lids trap heat and moisture. Tempered glass lids allow you to monitor food easily.
Size
An 8 to 12-inch pan is ideal for most home kitchens. Consider your stovetop size and cooking needs when deciding.
Seasoning a New Stainless Steel Pan
Seasoning fills in the microscopic pores of the metal, preventing food from sticking. Here is how to season a new stainless steel saute pan:
1. Wash and Dry
Remove manufacturing residue by washing pan in hot soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
2. Coat with High Smoke Point Oil
Rub a thin layer of high smoke point oil like grapeseed or avocado oil completely over the interior cooking surface. Avoid non stick sprays.
3. Heat in Oven
Place pan upside down on middle rack of oven. Bake at 500°F for 1 hour to polymerize the oil.
4. Allow to Cool
Turn off oven and allow pan to cool down completely before removing. The pan is now seasoned.
Daily Usage and Care
With regular use, here are some tips for caring for your stainless steel saute pan:
Clean After Every Use
After cooking, allow pan to cool slightly before washing. Use hot water, mild dish soap and a soft sponge or cloth to clean. Avoid abrasive scrubbers.
Rinse and Dry Thoroughly
Ensure to rinse off all soap residue and hand dry immediately to prevent mineral deposits and water spots.
Oil After Drying
Apply a thin layer of oil to interior surface after drying. This prevents rusting.
Avoid Overheating
Do not leave an empty pan to heat on high for an extended time as this can damage the pan.
Allow Fats to Heat Slowly
Melt butter, oil or render fat on medium heat before turning up the heat for searing or frying.
Use Utensils with Care
Silicone, wood or plastic utensils are ideal. Avoid using sharp metal tools that can scratch the cooking surface.
Store Properly
Hang or nest pans carefully without scratching the interior.
Restoring a Sticky Stainless Steel Pan
With constant use over high heat, stainless steel pans can eventually develop sticky residues. Try these simple methods to restore a sticky pan:
1. Boil Water
Bring water to a rolling boil in pan for 5 to 10 minutes. This loosens burnt on food bits.
2. Use Baking Soda
Sprinkle some baking soda and add water to make a spreadable paste. Apply paste and allow to sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing and washing as usual.
3. Simmer Vinegar
Pour 2 cups of white vinegar and 1 cup of water into pan. Allow to simmer for 15 minutes then wash pan thoroughly after.
Be sure to season your pan after restoring it. If your pan has developed hot spots or permanent stains however, it may require re-tinning by a professional.
Common Problems and Solutions
Here are some common issues that can arise with stainless steel pans, along with possible solutions:
Warping
Using very high direct heat causes warping. Use medium to medium-high heat instead.
Rust Spots
Leaving pans wet leads to rusting. Always dry pans thoroughly after washing. Season with oil to protect surface.
Mineral Deposits
Hard water leaves white mineral residue. Remove deposits by boiling diluted vinegar or lemon juice.
Food Sticking
Improper preheating or lack of oil/fat causes sticking. Allow pan to heat before adding cold ingredients.
Burned On Food
Burnt food indicates overheating. Soak pan to loosen residue. Use non-abrasive scrubber and avoid steel wool.
Tips and Preventative Measures
Implement these tips to get the most out of your stainless steel saute pan for years to come:
Pre-heat Properly
Heat pan gradually for 2-3 minutes on desired temperature before adding oil or food.
Control Heat
Use medium-low heat for simmering or sweating vegetables. Use high heat only for boiling liquids or searing meats.
Use Oil/Fat
Coat pan properly with oil, butter or other cooking fat before adding ingredients to prevent sticking.
Allow Fond to Form
When searing or browning meat, resist moving it around initially so a brown fond develops for making pan sauces later.
Deglaze
After searing meats or browning aromatics, deglaze pan with wine, broth or water while scraping up browned bits stuck on bottom.
Adjust Seasoning
Re-season pan every few months after heavy use to maintain its non-stick patina.
Store Properly
Ensure pans are clean and dry before storing. Keep lids off to allow air circulation.
FAQs
How to clean burnt on food from stainless steel pan?
Make a paste of baking soda and water and allow to sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing and washing pan. Use a soft cloth or sponge rather than abrasive scrubber.
Why is my stainless steel pan sticky?
Overheating empty pans causes oil residue to deposit on surface leading to stickiness. Restore pan by boiling water, using baking soda or simmering vinegar to loosen residue.
How to fix warped stainless steel pan?
Unfortunately warped pans cannot be repaired. Avoid using very high direct heat to prevent warping your next pan. Opt for multi-ply pans which withstand heat better.
How to remove hard water stains?
Boil water with diluted white vinegar or lemon juice to loosen and lift mineral deposits off pan surface before washing as usual.
Should stainless steel pans be seasoned?
Yes, seasoning fills in microscopic pores of the metal, preventing food from sticking. Wash, dry and rub oil over interior surface of new pans and re-season used pans to maintain non-stick patina.
Conclusion
Caring for stainless steel saute pans does require some work but the effort pays off with years of service. Follow this guide on choosing the right pan, seasoning techniques, daily care, restoring sticky pans and preventative measures to get the most out of your stainless steel cookware. Implement the tips shared on controlling heat, using oil and deglazing to take your sauteing game to the next level.
