Who hasn't experienced the frustration of watching food stubbornly stick to the pan?
Like Thanos in
The Avengers,
it seems inevitable: no matter how much you buy a non-stick pan, it always ends up sticking.
But don't despair, because there is a way out: from choosing the pan to cooking tricks with which to prevent food from sticking, at Escaparate Gastro we present a complete guide with tricks and tips so that your meals do not become a culinary battlefield.
Choose a suitable pan
The first step to prevent food from sticking when cooking is to choose the right pan.
This is one of those cases where “cheap is expensive” is more true than ever;
But don't worry, because it's not necessary to invest a fortune either.
Opt for those made with quality materials, such as Teflon or ceramic, which offer a smooth surface that is resistant to stuck-on food.
Set of three non-stick frying pans, La Mustache
An exceptional set of three frying pans made of cast aluminum and granite coating to achieve long-lasting, high-quality non-stick protection, making them ultra-resistant to wear and scratches.
With a diameter of 20, 24 and 28 cm, they are suitable for all types of cookers, including induction, and are equipped with a reinforced inner layer that conducts heat quickly and evenly.
This set of three pans has a granite coating and a reinforced inner layer that prevents deformation. Courtesy of Amazon
Buy for €49.70 on Amazon
Ceramic pans, GreenLife
Set of two 18 and 26 cm frying pans made of aluminum and with a ceramic non-stick coating free of PFAS, PFOA, lead and cadmium, so you can cook in a completely healthy way.
They are equipped with ergonomic Bakelite handles that make them easy to grip, and a reinforced base for greater stability and to prevent deformation.
It accumulates more than 5,700 reviews on Amazon.
Set of two frying pans with ceramic non-stick coating. Courtesy of Amazon
Buy for €45.99 on Amazon
Initial pan curing
If you're upgrading your kitchen accessories, it's important to learn how to properly season a pan before using it for the first time to maximize its nonstick ability.
Of course, be sure to wash and dry it well before using a soft sponge, and then apply a thin layer of vegetable oil on its entire surface, including the sides, with a kitchen brush or kitchen paper.
Add a pinch of salt (as this will act as a gentle abrasive, helping to seal the surface of the pan and improving its non-stick ability) and place over medium heat for five to seven minutes, or until the oil has completely consumed. .
Turn off the heat and, with the same brush or kitchen paper, pass it over the entire surface of the pan again (being careful not to burn yourself).
Maintenance tips
To keep your pans in optimal condition and to withstand the test of time, it is important to perform proper maintenance.
You can, for example, try these tips:
Always wash the pan by hand with warm water and mild soap after each use.
One trick is to use a soft sponge or kitchen brush to remove residue without damaging the non-stick coating.
If you find that food is starting to stick despite your best efforts, try gently rubbing the surface of the pan with a cloth or sponge soaked in hot white vinegar.
This can help remove residue and restore its non-stick ability.
Do not put the hot pan under tap water.
Let it cool first, since sudden changes in temperature affect the metal and can even cause it to bulge to the sides.
When storing them, do not place other containers directly on top;
Use protectors that cover the surface of the pan.
Cellulose sponges, Mr. Siga
This set of 12 highly absorbent cellulose sponges is ideal for cleaning pans and pots with non-stick coating.
Furthermore, thanks to their versatility, they can also be used to clean other surfaces such as kitchens, countertops, sinks, bathrooms or grills.
They have dimensions of 11.7 x 7.6 x 1.5 cm, and do not leave marks, scratches or streaks on any surface.
These scouring sponges are perfect for protecting the non-stick surface of pots and pans. Courtesy of Amazon
Buy for €12.99 on Amazon
Pot and pan protector, Tefal
Set of four foam discs to protect pans and pots of all sizes.
Thanks to the flexibility of their material and their 38 cm diameter, they adapt to any surface, protecting it from any accidental scratches.
The protectors protect both pans and pots and allow space savings, allowing pans or pots to be stacked on top of each other.
These foam protectors are flexible and suitable for pans and pots of all sizes.Courtesy of Amazon
Buy for €14.99 on Amazon
Non-stick spray for cast iron, Oputec
This spray is an ideal accessory for maintaining cast iron pots and pans, as well as ovens, grills, grills and other kitchen utensils made of this same material.
With 100% vegetable ingredients, its use gives the pans a thin non-stick layer, in addition to protecting them against rust and corrosion.
Just apply it evenly over the entire surface, let it sit briefly and rub it with a napkin or kitchen paper before you start cooking.
Non-stick spray for cast iron pots and pans. Courtesy of Amazon
Buy for €12.95 on Amazon
How to prevent the pan from sticking
Once you have your pan ready to use, try these tricks to prevent food from sticking to the cooking surface:
Preheat the pan over medium-high heat before adding foods.
An additional trick is to splash a few drops of water on the pan;
If the water sizzles and evaporates quickly, it is ready to use.
Heat the pan and add a thin layer of oil just before adding the food.
This will help create an additional barrier against sticking.
When preparing foods such as rice or pasta, add a pinch of baking soda to the cooking water.
Baking soda helps prevent foods from sticking to each other or to the container.
To prevent meats from sticking, make sure they are at room temperature before cooking, and dry them completely with kitchen paper before adding them to the hot pan.
When cooking, it is advisable to avoid using metal utensils, which can damage the non-stick coating of pots and pans.
Instead, use wooden or silicone utensils.
If you have an old frying pan but you are not ready to change it for a new one, you can resort to the coarse salt trick: put a couple of tablespoons of salt on the surface of the saucepan or pan, let it heat up for three or four minutes without move it, and then remove it (being careful not to burn yourself) with the help of a piece of kitchen paper.
Wooden kitchen utensils, Zeller
This set of high-quality kitchen utensils made of bamboo wood includes seven different units (tongs, spoons, spatulas and fork) with which you can cook without fear of damaging the non-stick surface.
Thanks to its stylized container (made of the same material), you can easily store them without taking up much space and always keeping them within reach.
These bamboo wood cookware are ideal for pots and pans with non-stick protection. Courtesy of Amazon
Buy for €12.99 on Amazon
Silicone Utensil Set, KagoLing
It is easy for you, with this set of 12 kitchen utensils, to cover all the needs that may arise when cooking.
They are made with a wooden handle and food grade silicone and are resistant to high temperatures.
Includes spoons, spatulas, kitchen brush, tongs and even a manual whisk.
According to the manufacturer, they are stain resistant and easy to clean.
They have accumulated more than 2,100 opinions on Amazon, and an average rating of 4.6 out of 5.
12-Piece Silicone and Wooden Handle Kitchen Utensil Set.Courtesy of Amazon
Buy for €19.99 on Amazon
All purchase prices included in this article are current as of February 23, 2024.
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