Tips to Keep Food From Sticking to the Bottom of a Stainless Steel Pot
There are steps and methods that will help keep food from sticking to the bottom of stainless steel cookware. Stainless steel tends to cook foods faster and at higher temperatures than pots and pans clad in other metals or surfaces. One method to prevent food from sticking is to "season," or coat, a new pot with lard. Alternatively, there are numerous ways to prevent food sticking without the use of animal fats.
Cook at a Lower Temperature
Cook foods at a lower temperature than usual, if possible. Stainless steel cookware generally heats up faster and hotter than other cookware. If the cookware has no cladding or base made of aluminum or copper, it will likely have "hot spots" that can cause uneven cooking. This necessitates continuous stirring and monitoring to prevent sticking.
Use Oil or Butter
Use olive oil, butter or a nonstick spray to coat the pan prior to cooking. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is widely used as a healthy nonstick alternative to lard or butter. Margarine and butter also work well to prevent sticking, as do spray-on nonstick formulas as the quick and easy option.
Preheat the Cookware
Allow the pot or pan to preheat on medium (50 percent) heat for two to three minutes before adding oil, butter or liquid. Reduce the heat to medium low (30 percent) after adding oil and coating the pot's inner surface. Add food and monitor the pan for the first few minutes, lowering the heat setting as needed. Some foods will start to sear at this setting, which can seal the surface of meats and help prevent sticking; the food should begin to cook evenly as it is flipped or stirred.
Cover the Cookware
Covering the pot with a lid helps retain moisture, decreasing the likelihood of sticking. Foods cooked in stainless at high temperatures without a lid tend to stick more frequently because the water content in the food escapes. Trapping moisture also helps a food retain its flavor, as it is less likely to overcook and dry out.
Clean Pots and Pans
Clean stainless steel cookware thoroughly after each use. Remove any excess oils and caked-on or stuck food. Leftover oil and residue can cause food to stick during future uses. Some stainless steel cookware may require a soak in concentrated cleanser to remove buildup on the ware's interior and exterior. Using abrasive sponges that contain steel wool or other harsh substances is not recommended on stainless steel cookware, as these may scuff and damage the metal's surface.
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