Now we'll explain in a little more detail how to prepare a brand new steel pan so that it is non-stick and will last you a lifetime.
Wash the new pan with hot water - not lukewarm or warm, but really hot - and use a soft sponge and a drop of detergent to remove the layer of beeswax that has protected the pan from rusting during storage.
Dry the pan so thoroughly that not a single drop of water remains on it.
Pour the oil into the pan and spread a thin layer over the entire surface of the pan, including the edges. Heat over medium heat. After about three minutes the surface of the pan will begin to darken, after about 10 minutes it will smoke and the inside will be burnt brown.
Let the pan cool and wipe off excess oil with a paper towel.
Finally, heat the pan once more to complete the firing process. But this time only for about two minutes, until the surface is almost black. Simply put, the darker the interior is, the better the properties of the steel pan will be.
Steel pan care guide: how to ensure a pan for life
A steel pan is an investment in your kitchen that will repay you with years of faithful service - if you give it the right care. It's not complicated, just a few simple steps and your pan will become your right hand for cooking. Let's see how to do it.
- Wash with hot water.
- Dry completely.
- Bake and brush with oil.
Popular steel pans
Restoring non-stick properties of a steel pan
If the pan loses its non-stick properties, if the surface is too sticky or if rust appears, repeat the entire browning process.
Remember that steel pans are best served by vegetable oils with a high smoke point. That is, oils that can withstand the highest temperatures, such as rapeseed or sunflower oil.
Heat the pan for a sufficient time before cooking. This is the only way to prevent food from sticking.
Prepare food at medium temperatures. Too much heat causes the food to stick and, more importantly, burn. At the same time, don't turn the ingredients too soon, but allow enough time for them to form a crust, so that they stick to the surface of the pan.
Cleaning a steel pan
Never wash steel pans in the dishwasher. This removes the protective layer and also contributes to corrosion. Do not soak the pan, ideally do not wash it at all, and certainly do not use detergents, wire cloths, etc. In fact, wiping the pan with a paper towel should be sufficient to maintain its non-stick properties. However, if it is still necessary to remove residue from the pan, use hot water and a sponge or brush. After washing, dry the pan thoroughly and lightly oil it. If necessary, repeat the baking process. Also make sure that the pan is stored in a dry place to prevent corrosion.