Oil Pan For Pancakes: Is It Necessary?

There are many different ways to make pancakes, and the method you choose will depend on the type of pan you have and the type of pancake you want to make. For example, if you want fluffy pancakes, you should use buttermilk, whereas if you want crisp edges, you should cook your pancakes in oil. If you're using a non-stick pan, you may not need to oil it up at all, but if you're using a frying pan or griddle, you'll need to grease it with a little oil, butter, or non-stick cooking spray to prevent your pancakes from sticking.

Oil vs. butter

Whether you should use oil or butter to cook pancakes depends on the type of pan you are using, the desired taste, and texture of the pancakes.

Oil

Vegetable oil or oils with a high smoke point, like peanut, grapeseed, and avocado oil, are good options for cooking pancakes. Oil is preferable if you are looking for a thin and crispy texture. Oils with a neutral flavour, like vegetable oil, can be used sparingly to ensure the pancakes are not too hard.

Butter

Butter is also a common choice for cooking pancakes. It is recommended to use a high-fat butter sold in a stick, not whipped, for the best results. Butter can give the pancakes a delicious flavour and fluffy texture. However, it can burn quickly, especially when the pan is on medium heat for an extended period. To avoid this, you can use clarified butter, which has had the milk solids removed, or wipe the pan off after every two batches.

Other Options

Some people also use cooking spray, ghee, or coconut oil to cook their pancakes.

Non-stick pans

When it comes to non-stick pans, the general consensus is that you should still use a little grease to be safe. This is because non-stick pans can still cause your pancakes to stick together if they are crowded in the pan. However, some people have reported success without using any oil or butter, so it is not strictly necessary. If you are using a non-stick pan, it is recommended that you heat the pan on medium heat for a while before adding your batter. This will help to ensure that your pancakes don't stick.

One trick to prevent your pancakes from sticking is to use a paper towel with a little oil or butter on it to wipe the pan between each pancake or every few pancakes. This will help to ensure that there is a thin coat of oil on the pan at all times, preventing sticking. Another option is to use a cooking spray, which can be easier and quicker than melting butter.

If you are using a non-stick pan, it is also important to use the right tools when flipping your pancakes. A thin spatula, such as a fish spatula, is ideal. You should also use a subtle, quick wrist motion to flip the pancakes, rather than your whole arm. This will help to prevent smearing the batter.

In addition to using a non-stick pan, there are a few other tips that can help prevent your pancakes from sticking. One is to make sure that your batter is the right consistency. It should be smooth, with no lumps. Overmixing the batter can also cause your pancakes to become rubbery and tough, so be sure to only mix until the ingredients are just incorporated.

Another tip is to test the heat of your pan before adding the batter. You can do this by dropping a small amount of water onto the surface of the pan. If it sizzles, then the pan is hot enough and you can add your batter. Maintaining the right temperature is crucial to preventing sticking. For pancake cooking, the ideal temperature is around 325 degrees Fahrenheit or medium heat.

How much oil to use

The amount of oil you need to make pancakes depends on the type of pan you're using, the temperature, and your personal preference for crispy edges.

If you're using a non-stick pan, you don't need to add any oil at all. However, if you want to, you can give the pan a very thin brush of oil or butter using a paper towel before cooking each pancake. This will give your pancakes a smooth, evenly brown top. If you're using a cast-iron pan, you'll need to add a little more oil, about 1/2 teaspoon, and wipe it over the surface with a paper towel before heating the pan.

If you're cooking at a high temperature, be aware that oil can burn. If you're using too much oil and your pan isn't hot enough, your pancakes may become oily. It's also important to note that if you're cooking at too low a temperature, your pancakes will absorb the oil instead of frying.

If you're cooking multiple batches of pancakes, you may need to add a little more oil before each batch. However, if there's leftover oil in the pan, you can usually get away with cooking a few pancakes before adding more.

When to add oil

Type of Pan:

If you are using a non-stick pan, it is generally recommended to use a small amount of oil or butter to prevent the pancakes from sticking. A light coating of oil or butter can be applied to the pan before adding the batter. However, some sources suggest that you can cook pancakes in a non-stick pan without any oil or butter, especially if you are using a good-quality non-stick pan. In this case, you should be careful to watch the heat and flip the pancakes carefully.

If you are using a cast-iron skillet or a regular pan, it is recommended to use oil or butter to prevent the pancakes from sticking and to enhance the flavour.

Temperature of the Pan:

It is important to ensure that the pan is hot enough before adding the batter. You can test this by dropping a small amount of water onto the pan; if it sizzles, the pan is ready. If the pan is not hot enough, the pancakes may stick, and you may be tempted to add more oil or butter, which can result in greasy pancakes.

Number of Pancakes:

If you are making multiple batches of pancakes, it is important to wipe out the excess grease between batches with a paper towel. This will help prevent the grease from burning and affecting the taste of your pancakes. You should also add a bit more butter or oil if you notice the pancakes starting to stick to the pan.

In summary, the key to adding oil when making pancakes is to use just enough to prevent sticking and enhance flavour without making the pancakes greasy. The type of pan, temperature, and number of pancakes you are making will all factor into when and how much oil to add.

How to prevent oil burning

Whether or not you need to oil up the pan for pancakes depends on the type of pan you are using. If you are using a non-stick pan, you may not need to add oil. However, if you are using a cast-iron pan, it is recommended to use a small amount of oil or butter to prevent the pancakes from sticking.

• Choose the right type of fat: Use an oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut oil, refined safflower oil, or canola oil. Avoid using unrefined vegetable oils, butter, or other fats with low smoke points.
• Control the temperature: Do not let the pan get too hot. Heat the pan on a medium setting and adjust the temperature if the oil starts to smoke. The ideal temperature for cooking pancakes is around 200°C.
• Use a small amount of oil: You only need a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking. Too much oil can lead to oily pancakes or an uneven cooking surface.
• Wipe the pan between batches: Use a paper towel or kitchen towel to wipe any excess oil from the pan after cooking each batch of pancakes. This helps prevent the oil from burning and keeps the cooking surface clean.
• Rest the batter: Allow the pancake batter to rest for a few minutes before cooking. This gives the gluten time to relax, resulting in softer and more tender pancakes.
• Avoid overmixing the batter: Overmixing can develop gluten, making the pancakes chewy instead of fluffy. Mix only until the dry and wet ingredients are combined, and it is okay to have some lumps in the batter.
• Do not add too much sugar to the batter: Sugar can burn easily, causing the oil to smoke and imparting an unpleasant taste to the pancakes.
• Use a non-stick pan: Non-stick pans can help prevent sticking and make it easier to control the temperature. However, be careful not to heat a dry non-stick pan above 250°C, as the non-stick coating can break down and release toxic fumes.
• Use clarified butter: If you prefer the taste of butter, use clarified butter, which has a higher smoke point than regular butter due to the removal of milk solids.

Frequently asked questions