Show Not all cookware is ready to be cooked with straight out of the box. Some cookware doesn’t come with a nonstick coating, and is designed to be used after being “seasoned.” Seasoning is the process of applying a very thin layer of coating (such as vegetable oil) on the surface of your pot or pan, which then acts as a barrier between the cookware and what you're cooking in it. Most home cooks know that Carbon Steel and Cast Iron pots and pans are examples of cookware that must be seasoned before they can be used. But is the same true for Stainless Steel Cookware ? (Spoiler alert: no, we don’t suggest seasoning your Stainless Steel Cookware.) Read on to settle the debate as to whether or not you should season Stainless Steel Cookware. Do I Need to Season My Stainless Steel Pan?No, we don't recommend seasoning Stainless Steel Cookware. After unboxing your Stainless Steel Pan, you can get started cooking with it right away without worrying about this extra step. Seasoning cookware adds a layer of oil to the cooking surface, which then fills in the pores of metal to make the cookware non stick. Since oil is added during the cooking process with Stainless Steel Cookware, we don’t believe it’s necessary to season with oil beforehand. In addition, cleaning a Stainless Steel Pan with soap and warm water once you’ve finished cooking removes oil from pores. This means your Stainless Steel Skillet would need to be seasoned before and after each wash. The Case for SeasoningWhile seasoning Stainless Steel pans is not a required step, some professional chefs and home cooks alike may choose to season their Stainless Steel Frying Pans to create a smoother, more non stick surface. Food can stick to Stainless Steel cookware, so some believe seasoning makes for an easier cleanup and more non stick cooking experience. The truth is that it may make cleaning up more difficult as you’ll need to season before and after each use. Instead, we recommend preheating your Stainless Steel Skillet and letting it get nice and hot before putting in any cooking oil. At the end of the day, seasoning Stainless Steel comes down to your personal preference. Cooking with Stainless Steel Pans will be different than using a Non Stick Frying Pan, but will still produce incredible results — seasoned or not. Download Article Download Article It’s always much easier to cook with pans that don’t stick; however, the majority of nonstick pans on the market contain harmful chemicals that make them less than ideal for cooking. The best, easiest, and healthiest solution to nonstick cookware is seasoning your pans at home! Add oil to a clean stainless steel pan and let it heat to kick off the seasoning process. Afterward, you’ll be able to use your freshly seasoned pan to whip up all kinds of tasty meals for you and your family!
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Advertisement ReferencesAbout This ArticleArticle SummaryX Seasoning a stainless steel pan is a natural way to reduce sticking and keep your pan from getting rusty. To season your pan, start by washing the pan with dish soap and warm water. Rinse the pan thoroughly and let it air dry. Next, choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as sesame, vegetable, peanut, or soybean oil. Pour about 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of the oil into the pan, then swirl the pan around to evenly coat the bottom and sides. Heat the pan over medium heat on the stove for 2 to 5 minutes, or until the oil begins to smoke. As soon as you see any smoke rising from the pan, immediately move it off the burner and turn off the heat. Let the oil cool for 30 minutes, then pour it out of the pan or soak it up with a clean paper towel. Wipe the remaining oil out of the pan with a paper towel using circular motions. To keep your seasoned pan in good condition, always preheat it to medium for about 10 minutes before cooking. This will help your food heat more evenly and prevent it from burning and sticking. Avoid cooking anything in a seasoned pan on high heat. You can also minimize sticking by thawing frozen foods to room temperature before cooking them and making sure not to overcrowd the pan with too many ingredients. Some types of foods work better in seasoned pans than others, so stick to dishes like sauces, vegetables, gravies, and broths. They also work well for frying or searing proteins like eggs and fish. When you’re done cooking, gently wipe the pan with a dry paper towel. To prevent scratches, put a layer of paper towels in the bottom of the pan before stacking other cookware inside of it. It’s okay to wash a seasoned pan with soap and water if it gets very soiled and greasy. You can also soak off stubborn gunk by boiling water in the pan for 5 minutes. When you’re done, wipe away any remaining residue and re-season your pan before using it again. For more tips, including how to store your seasoned pan, read on! Did this summary help you? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 237,862 times. Reader Success Stories
Did this article help you?Are you supposed to season stainless steel pans?No, we don't recommend seasoning Stainless Steel Cookware. After unboxing your Stainless Steel Pan, you can get started cooking with it right away without worrying about this extra step. Seasoning cookware adds a layer of oil to the cooking surface, which then fills in the pores of metal to make the cookware non stick.
How do you keep food from sticking to stainless steel pans?To prevent food from sticking to stainless steel, simply pour a few drops of water into a stainless-steel pan over high heat. If the drops crackle and slide onto the pan, it means it is the right temperature. You can then reduce the heat slightly and pour your food in the pan.
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