Ah, stainless steel! Synonymous with quality, durability and healthy cooking .
However, when you start using it, it's often the same struggle: food sticks, burns or tears.
Rest assured: this is neither a defect in the pan , nor inevitable.
Here's why your food sticks and, more importantly, how to naturally remove it to ensure successful cooking every time.
🤔 Why does food stick in a stainless steel pan?
Unlike non-stick pans, stainless steel has no coating .
This is what makes it healthier and more sustainable, but also more technical at the beginning.
When food is placed in a cold or poorly heated pan , the proteins react with the metal and stick to the surface .
However, in a hot pan, these proteins quickly create a protective crust that prevents sticking.
💡 To understand this reaction and learn how to control it, consult our complete guide to properly using a stainless steel pan .
🔥 3 simple tips to prevent sticking in a stainless steel pan
1️⃣ The water droplet technique: your best test
Before adding anything to the pan, check the temperature.
➡️ Heat over medium heat.
➡️ Pour a small drop of water :
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If it evaporates immediately → not hot enough.
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If it forms balls that roll → perfect!
👉 This simple tip is the basis for perfect cooking in a stainless steel pan .
Once the correct temperature is reached, add a little oil, spread it evenly, and only then add your food.
2️⃣ Don't add your food too early
Impatience is often the problem: even if the pan is hot, wait until the oil is hot too .
A slightly fluid and shiny oil creates a barrier between food and metal.
💡 For lighter cooking, also discover how to successfully cook without fat using a stainless steel pan without sticking anything.
3️⃣ Let the food "stick"... to make it easier to remove
It's counterintuitive, but it's the key to success !
When you place meat on the grill, let it sear without touching it .
Once the crust has formed, it will peel off naturally .
👉 To go further, follow our techniques for perfectly searing meat and achieve a chef's golden finish.
🍗 Bonus: Why is stainless steel still ideal?
One might think that a non-stick pan is simpler…
But stainless steel remains unbeatable on three key points :
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🌿 Healthy : no chemical coating.
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🔥 Taste : it sears and caramelizes food, revealing flavors.
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💎 Durable : good stainless steel can last a lifetime.
And at SAINE , our stainless steel pans are designed to last:
Triple encapsulated base, homogeneous diffusion and compatibility with all hobs.
👉 Discover the complete collection of SAINE stainless steel pans or opt for a versatile stainless steel cookware set if you cook often.
🍳 In short: mastering stainless steel is a matter of technique
If your food is sticking, the pan isn't the problem — it's just a matter of temperature and patience .
With a nice hot pan, a little oil and the right techniques, you'll succeed at cooking without stress.
👉 To progress quickly, also try our recipes for cooking in a stainless steel pan and discover all that stainless steel can do for your kitchen.
Want to get started?
Discover SAINE pans , designed to last and enhance every dish.
Because cooking well also means choosing your utensils well .
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Cooking meat in a stainless steel pan: Techniques for perfect searing