Greasing The Pan: Perfect Pancakes

Whether you grease a pan for pancakes or not depends on the type of pan you're using, the heat you're cooking at, and the type of pancake you're making. For example, if you're using a non-stick pan, you may not need to grease the pan at all. However, if you're using a cast-iron pan, it's recommended to grease the pan with a small amount of butter or oil to prevent the pancakes from sticking. If you're cooking at a high heat, oil is generally better than butter as it has a higher smoke point and is less likely to burn. Some recipes also recommend cooking pancakes in the oven, which doesn't require greasing the pan at all.

Use butter for flavour and a non-stick finish

Using butter to grease a pan for pancakes is a great option, especially if you're looking for flavour and a non-stick finish. While some people prefer using oil, or even cooking spray, butter is a popular choice for achieving that perfect golden-brown, crispy finish.

When using butter to grease your pan, it's important to use a cold stick of butter and run it across the surface of the pan before adding your pancake batter. This will create a thin, even layer of fat, ensuring your pancakes don't stick. If you're using a non-stick pan, you might not need as much butter, but it's still a good idea to grease the pan lightly to guarantee perfect results.

One thing to keep in mind when using butter is its lower smoke point compared to oil. Butter can burn more easily, especially when your pan is at medium heat for an extended period. To avoid this, you can use clarified butter, which has had the milk solids removed, giving it a higher smoke point. Alternatively, simply keep an eye on your pan and wipe it off with a paper towel after cooking a few batches of pancakes.

The amount of butter you use will depend on your personal preference and the size of your pancakes. Some people add a small amount of butter for each pancake, while others use a larger amount and cook multiple pancakes before adding more butter. Experiment to see what works best for you.

In addition to its non-stick properties, butter also enhances the flavour of your pancakes. It gives them a delicious, buttery taste and can make them fluffier. However, be cautious when cooking with butter, as it may cause your pancakes to brown too quickly or burn before they are fully cooked. If this happens, try adjusting the size of your pancakes or the level of heat, or switch to oil, which can give you a more even colour and cook your pancakes all the way through without burning.

Vegetable oil is a good neutral-flavoured option

When it comes to making pancakes, greasing your pan is essential to prevent sticking and ensure your pancakes cook evenly. While some people opt for butter, vegetable oil is a good neutral-flavoured option.

Vegetable oil has a high smoke point, which means it can withstand higher temperatures without burning, making it a safer choice than butter when cooking at medium to high heat. It also has a neutral flavour that won't overpower the taste of your pancakes.

When using vegetable oil to grease your pan for pancakes, it's important to use it sparingly. A thin, even layer of oil is all you need to create a non-stick surface. Too much oil can make your pancakes greasy and affect their texture.

If you're concerned about the mess and waste of greasing your pan with vegetable oil, there are a few alternatives you can try. One option is to use a non-stick pan, which may require less or no additional grease. Another option is to cook your pancakes in the oven, which eliminates the need for flipping and reduces the risk of sticking.

However, if you prefer the traditional stovetop method and want to avoid using too much oil, you can try using a pastry brush to apply a thin, even layer of oil to your pan. Alternatively, you can pour a small amount of oil onto a paper towel and use that to wipe the surface of your pan before adding your pancake batter.

Avoid using too much oil, or your pancakes will be oily

When making pancakes, it's important to avoid using too much oil. If you use too much oil, your pancakes will become oily and may even be blotchy. The key is to use just enough oil to create a non-stick surface for your pancakes to cook evenly.

There are a few techniques you can use to avoid this issue. Firstly, it's recommended to use a non-stick pan or griddle, as this will reduce the amount of oil needed. You can then add a thin coat of oil to the pan using a brush or paper towel. This will ensure an even distribution of oil and prevent any excess.

Another technique is to heat your pan to a high temperature before adding the oil. This will help the oil spread evenly and create a non-stick surface. It's also important to note that you may not need to add oil between each pancake. If there is still oil remaining in the pan after cooking the first pancake, you can simply use that for the next one without adding more.

Additionally, the type of oil you use can make a difference. Vegetable oils, such as corn oil, canola oil, and safflower oil, are known for their neutral flavour and can be a good choice for pancakes. However, if you're looking for something with more flavour, extra virgin olive oil can be a great option, adding a fruity note to your pancakes.

Finally, it's worth mentioning that the batter itself may contain oil, so be mindful of this when adding oil to the pan. By following these tips, you can avoid using too much oil and end up with perfectly cooked, non-oily pancakes.

Don't use a sauté pan—use a griddle or wide heavy-bottomed pan

When making pancakes, it is best to avoid using a sauté pan. Instead, opt for a griddle or a wide heavy-bottomed pan. Here's why:

Firstly, the sloped sides of a sauté pan are not ideal for pancake making. You want a flat, wide surface to easily flip your pancakes without any mess. A griddle or a wide heavy-bottomed pan provides a larger cooking surface, making it easier to flip pancakes and manage multiple pancakes at once.

Additionally, the width of the pan is important. A wide heavy-bottomed pan or a griddle gives you more room to flip your pancakes without the risk of them spilling over the sides. It is also essential to consider the thickness of the pan. If your pan is too thin, your pancakes are more likely to burn. A griddle or a wide heavy-bottomed pan will distribute heat more evenly, reducing the chances of burning.

The straight sides of a griddle or a wide heavy-bottomed pan also provide a greater usable surface area. This is especially useful if you're cooking multiple pancakes at once or if you're making larger pancakes. The vertical sides of a sauté pan may restrict your movement and make it challenging to flip pancakes smoothly.

Furthermore, a griddle or a wide heavy-bottomed pan is preferable for temperature control. The flat surface of a griddle allows for even heating, ensuring your pancakes cook evenly. With a sauté pan, the heat distribution may be uneven, leading to hot spots and potentially burning your pancakes.

Lastly, a griddle or a wide heavy-bottomed pan is designed to handle the specific requirements of pancake cooking. The flat, wide surface, even heating, and ease of flipping make these pans ideal for achieving perfectly cooked pancakes.

Don't use butter if you're making a large batch

If you're making a large batch of pancakes, it's best to avoid using butter to grease the pan. Butter has a low smoke point, which means it burns easily, especially when the pan is on medium heat for an extended period of time. The milk solids in butter are what cause it to burn, leaving your pancakes with an unpleasant taste.

Instead, use a vegetable oil or cooking spray to grease the pan. These have a higher smoke point, reducing the risk of burning. Alternatively, you can use clarified butter, which has already had the milk solids removed.

If you're making a large batch, you'll also want to wipe the pan clean after every two batches or so. This will help prevent a build-up of grease and ensure your pancakes don't become soggy.

Another option is to use a non-stick pan, which may not require any additional grease. However, even with a non-stick pan, some cooks prefer to add a small amount of butter or oil to ensure the pancakes don't stick.

If you do choose to use butter, it's important to heat your pan on medium for a while before adding the butter and batter. This will help ensure your pan is hot enough and reduce the risk of sticking.

Frequently asked questions