You have finally succumbed to temptation and bought a stainless steel pan, this jewel of durability and healthy cooking .
But on the first try… disaster: it sticks, it burns or it lacks crispness?
Don't panic: stainless steel is an incredible ally in the kitchen , provided you know how to use it.
Here is a simple, practical and complete guide to mastering cooking with your stainless steel pan like a chef.
Why choose a stainless steel pan?
Before getting to the heart of the matter, a quick reminder of the advantages of stainless steel:
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Exceptional durability : a stainless steel pan can last a lifetime.
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Healthy cooking : no chemical coating, therefore no health risks.
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Perfect cooking : ideal for searing, browning and enhancing flavors.
💡 Also discover why food sticks to a stainless steel pan (and how to prevent it) to understand the physical basics of cooking in stainless steel.
The 5 key steps to properly using a stainless steel pan
1. Preheat your pan properly
Preheating is the golden rule for successful cooking.
A cold pan = food that sticks.
➡️ Place the empty pan over medium heat.
➡️ Test the temperature with the water drop test :
If the drop forms small beads that "dance", that's perfect.
If it evaporates immediately, the pan is too hot.
Once you've found the right balance, you're ready to cook.
2. Add oil or butter
Stainless steel is not non-stick, so oil plays a key role .
Choose a suitable oil (olive, rapeseed, sunflower) and heat it until it becomes fluid and glossy — without smoking.
💡 Looking for a lighter alternative? Discover our tips for cooking without oil using a stainless steel pan .
3. Place your food at the right time
Timing = anti-snag.
Place your food in the pan only when the pan and oil are hot.
Then, don't touch them right away : let the crust form.
Examples:
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For a piece of meat: wait 2-3 minutes before turning.
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For vegetables: stir-fry them regularly for even cooking.
👉 Need inspiration? Discover how to perfectly cook meat in a stainless steel pan to achieve that golden crust and melting center.
4. Adjust the cooking time according to the food
Stainless steel is extremely versatile , but each ingredient has its own rules:
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🥩 Meats: medium-high heat for a nice sear.
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🥦 Vegetables: medium heat with regular stirring.
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🍳 Eggs: a little fat and low heat.
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🍷 Sauces: deglaze the pan juices with water, wine or stock.
💡 To go further, try how to cook fried eggs in a stainless steel pan (without them sticking) .
5. Easily clean your stainless steel pan
Good news: cleaning is simple and effortless .
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Deglaze while still hot with a little water to remove any residue.
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For stubborn stains: hot water + a spoonful of baking soda.
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Avoid using pure vinegar to preserve the shine.
👉 These care tips also apply to our SAINE 18/10 stainless steel pans designed to last a lifetime.
Why mastering stainless steel will change your kitchen
Stainless steel is the choice of professionals, and for good reason:
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Perfect searing of meats and fish,
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Controlled cooking methods without toxins,
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Unmatched durability (no more disposable pans!).
Our SAINE stainless steel cookware offer even heat distribution and resistance to high temperatures.
In summary: stainless steel is easy to work with if you use the right techniques.
Using a stainless steel pan is a matter of technique:
Preheating, adding oil, patience and good cleaning.
With a little practice, you will cook healthily, efficiently and sustainably.
👉 Discover the complete collection of SAINE stainless steel pans and transform your everyday life into a kitchen.
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