How To Cook With Stainless Steel Cookware

Cooking with Stainless Steel Cookware can be intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's amazing for achieving a perfect sear, sauté, and even cooking. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you avoid sticking and get great results:

Prep Your Pan

1. Start with a clean, dry pan – Residue and moisture can cause food to stick.
2. Preheat the pan before adding oil – This is key to creating a non-stick surface.
   • Heat over medium to medium-high heat for about 2–3 minutes.
   • To test if it's ready, sprinkle a few drops of water:
     • If the water forms tiny balls that roll around = It's ready!
     • If it sizzles and evaporates instantly = Too hot; reduce the heat and wait.

Add Your Oil (or Butter)

1. Once the pan is hot, add oil or butter (high smoke point oils like avocado, grapeseed, or canola are ideal).
2. Swirl to coat the surface evenly.
3. Let the oil heat until it shimmers (but not smoking).

Cooking

1. Place food in the pan – Pat food dry beforehand to prevent sticking.
2. Let it cook without moving – Don’t flip or stir too early!
   • Meat will naturally release when it forms a crust.
   • For proteins like chicken or steak, wait until the edges start browning before flipping (3–4 minutes).
3. Adjust heat as needed – Stainless steel holds heat well, so lower the heat if things get too hot.

Deglazing (Optional)

• If food sticks, don’t worry! You can deglaze the pan with wine, broth, or water:
  • Pour a little liquid into the hot pan.
  • Scrape the browned bits with a wooden spoon to create a flavorful sauce.

Cleaning Tips For Stainless Steel

• Let the pan cool slightly before washing.
• Use warm water and a soft sponge.
• For tough stuck bits, boil water in the pan for a few minutes, then scrape with a wooden spoon.