Ella Walter
Skillets and frying pans are the same types of pans, but skillets are usually associated with cast iron. Cast iron skillets are great at retaining heat and, once seasoned, they become non-stick. They are excellent for searing meat and can be used in the oven, but they are heavy and hard to manoeuvre. If you don't have a cast iron skillet, you can use a stainless steel or carbon steel pan, which are lighter and easier to handle. However, if you're baking, it's important to ensure that your pan is oven-safe and doesn't have plastic handles, which may melt.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can a skillet be used as a baking pan? | Yes, skillets can be used as baking pans, but they must be oven-safe. |
| Materials | Cast iron, stainless steel, carbon steel, oven-safe aluminium, iron |
| Handle material | Not plastic |
| Preheating | Not necessary for cast iron skillets |
| Seasoning | Required for cast iron, carbon steel, and new skillets |
| Cleaning | No bleach or abrasive cleaning tools; mild soap can be used |
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What You'll Learn
Skillet materials
Skillets are available in a variety of materials, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common materials used for skillets:
Cast Iron
Cast iron skillets are a popular choice for many cooks due to their durability, heat retention, and ability to handle high temperatures. They are virtually indestructible and can last for decades with proper care. Cast iron skillets are also versatile, as they can be used on the stovetop or in the oven. They are known for delivering excellent flavour and texture to dishes when properly seasoned. However, cast iron requires extra care and maintenance, as it needs to be seasoned before use and can be challenging to clean. It is also not ideal for cooking acidic foods as they can strip the seasoning.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is another common material for skillets and is known for its durability and corrosion resistance. It is created by adding chromium and nickel to steel, with the ideal ratio being "18/10". Stainless steel skillets are safe to use with acidic or alkaline foods and are generally oven-safe. However, they may not distribute heat as evenly as other materials, and higher-end options often provide better results.
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel skillets are made primarily of iron with some carbon added. They are highly durable, lightweight, and excellent at retaining heat, making them ideal for searing. When seasoned correctly, carbon steel skillets develop a naturally non-stick surface. However, they require regular seasoning and are not dishwasher-safe. Additionally, they are not recommended for cooking acidic foods.
Copper
Copper is an excellent heat conductor, heating up quickly and evenly. It is also highly responsive, cooling down rapidly when removed from the heat, giving cooks maximum control over the application of heat. However, copper cannot be used alone in cookware as it reacts with natural minerals and acids in foods, imparting a metallic taste and yellow tint. Therefore, copper cookware is usually lined with a non-reactive metal such as tin or stainless steel.
Aluminium
Aluminium is a lightweight and practical material for skillets, especially for larger pieces like roasting pans. It is often anodized to create a non-stick surface, making it attractive, durable, and easy to clean. However, specific dishwasher and oven use may vary among different types of aluminium skillets, so it is essential to check the manufacturer's instructions.
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Baking pan materials
Baking is an exact science, and the ingredients, mixing techniques, and temperature are all crucial factors in the outcome. The shape, size, and material of the baking pan are also important considerations.
The most common materials for baking pans include metal, such as aluminum, stainless steel, or silicone. Metal pans are excellent heat conductors, making them ideal for baked goods that need to be cooked evenly and quickly, like cookies and cakes. Anodized aluminum is a popular choice due to its non-reactive nature, light colour, and ability to reflect heat, resulting in quicker baking times. Aluminum steel, a combination of steel and an aluminum-silicon alloy, is another popular option for commercial bakeries due to its superior durability, efficient heat distribution, and corrosion resistance.
Other materials, like carbon steel, offer durability and require regular seasoning and maintenance. Cast iron skillets are also a popular choice for baking, especially when searing meat, as they retain heat well and develop a non-stick surface with proper seasoning.
For delicate baked goods, silicone baking moulds are a good option as they are flexible, naturally non-stick, stain-resistant, and easy to clean. However, they are poor heat conductors, resulting in longer baking times. Exoglass® is another durable, non-porous, and natural composite material with non-stick properties that can withstand a wide range of temperatures.
The choice of baking pan material depends on the specific needs of the baker and the type of baked goods being produced. Each material has unique properties that can affect the outcome of the baked goods, so choosing the most appropriate pan is essential for achieving the desired results.
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Skillet recipes
Skillets can be used for baking, but it is important to ensure that the skillet is oven-safe. Cast iron, stainless steel, and oven-safe aluminum skillets are suitable for baking, but nonstick Teflon pans should only be used at low or medium heat. When baking in a skillet, it is also important to consider the material of the handle, as plastic handles may not be oven-safe.
Skillets are versatile cookware that can be used for frying, sautéing, braising, stewing, and baking. Here are some skillet recipes to try:
One-Pan Pork Tenderloin
Spice-rubbed pork is served with sautéed spinach, blistered cherry tomatoes, and baby potatoes. This dish is easy to prepare and can be served straight from the skillet, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner.
Creamy, Cheesy One-Pot Pasta
This recipe combines ground beef, pasta, canned tomatoes, broth, cheese, and cream to create a hearty and flavorful dish. It is a one-pot meal that is simple to prepare and perfect for a busy weeknight.
Skillet Pizza Chicken
This 20-minute recipe by Sara Haas is a crowd-pleaser that can be served with freshly cooked pasta or a big salad. It allows everyone to add their toppings of choice, making it a fun and interactive meal.
Spring Frittata
This recipe by LIVESTRONG.com includes artichokes, peas, green onions, and goat cheese. It is a healthy and flavorful option that can be baked in the oven, making it a quick and easy meal for any time of day.
Steak
This recipe involves searing a piece of sirloin in a skillet on the stove for two and a half minutes on each side before placing it in the oven for eight to ten minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit for food safety.
Yeast Cinnamon Rolls
The National Outdoor Leadership School recommends using a skillet to bake yeast cinnamon rolls, which can be done either on a camp stove or hot coals, making it a versatile option for outdoor cooking.
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Baking pan recipes
Skillets can be used as baking pans, but it is important to ensure that the skillet is oven-safe. Skillets are typically made of cast iron, stainless steel, or oven-safe aluminum, and the handle should also be oven-safe. Cast iron skillets are particularly good for baking as they retain heat well and, once seasoned, have a non-stick quality.
There are many recipes that can be made using a skillet as a baking pan. Here are some ideas for baking pan recipes that can be made in a skillet:
- Yeast cinnamon rolls: The National Outdoor Leadership School suggests baking these either on a camp stove or hot coals.
- Cornbread: This can be made using honey instead of sugar for added flavour.
- Fruit cobbler: A cast-iron skillet can be used to make a gluten-free version of this dish.
- Frittatas: These are quick and easy to bake in a skillet.
- Steak: Sear a piece of sirloin in a skillet on the stove, then place it in the oven to finish cooking.
- Chicken: A cast-iron skillet is ideal for searing chicken breasts.
- Pork tenderloin: This can be glazed with teriyaki and served with roasted baby potatoes and green beans.
It is important to note that skillets should be seasoned before use, especially if they are made of cast iron. To season a cast-iron skillet, rinse and dry the pan, heat it on the stovetop, add a spot of oil, and rub it in with a paper towel. Allow the pan to cool, then repeat the process.
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Cleaning and seasoning skillets
Skillets, especially cast-iron skillets, require regular cleaning and seasoning to maintain their non-stick coating and prevent rusting. Here is a detailed guide on how to clean and season your skillet:
Cleaning Skillets:
- After each use, hand-wash your skillet with hot water and a mild soap or dish liquid. Use a nylon brush or a soft vegetable scrubber to gently scrub away any food residue. Avoid using abrasive cleaning tools or bleach, as these can damage the skillet's surface.
- If you have stubborn, stuck-on food, try this: while the pan is still warm, add a small amount of kosher salt and a few drops of warm water. Use a sponge or scrub brush to gently scrub and remove the stuck-on food. The salt will dissolve and won't damage the seasoning.
- Rinse the skillet with hot tap water to remove any traces of oil or soap. Ensure that you remove any oily residue by swiping your finger across the interior surface—if it feels oily, continue wiping with a clean cloth or paper towel until it feels dry.
- Dry the skillet thoroughly with a clean towel or paper towel. It is important to ensure the skillet is completely dry before storing it or applying any seasoning.
- Never put your skillet in the dishwasher, as the heat and detergent can damage the seasoning and cause rusting.
Seasoning Skillets:
- Seasoning your skillet creates a non-stick coating and helps protect the surface. Start by coating the entire skillet—inside, outside, and handle—with a thin layer of cooking oil, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, avocado oil, or peanut oil.
- Use a cloth, clean rag, or lint-free paper towel to spread the oil evenly across the surface. You want a thin, even layer with no excess oil, as too much can cause blotchy, uneven seasoning.
- Place the oiled skillet in a preheated oven, inverted, and bake for about an hour. The high heat may cause some light smoke, so ensure proper ventilation.
- Turn off the oven and allow the skillet to cool completely inside. Repeat the seasoning process several times to build up multiple layers of seasoning. You'll know it's sufficiently non-stick when you can fry an egg without it sticking.
- Season your skillet at least once a month, or after each use. Regular use and heating of the skillet will also improve its seasoning over time.
Remember, the more you use and season your skillet, the smoother its surface becomes. With proper care and maintenance, your skillet will last for generations.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use a skillet as a baking pan, but make sure it is oven-safe. Cast iron skillets are a popular choice for baking, but skillets made from stainless steel or oven-safe aluminium can also be used.
You can bake a variety of dishes in a skillet, including cornbread, fruit cobbler, pie, steak, frittatas, and yeast cinnamon rolls.
Before using a new skillet for baking, it is recommended to season it by rinsing, drying, and heating it on the stovetop. Then, apply a spot of oil and rub it in with a paper towel. Repeat this process several times to create a non-stick surface.
