Cleaning A Seared Pan: Tips And Tricks For Sparkling Cookware

Cleaning a burnt pan can be a challenging task, but with the right techniques and some elbow grease, it is possible to restore your cookware to its former glory. In this article, we will explore various methods for tackling even the most stubborn burnt-on food and stains, ensuring your pans are left sparkling clean. From deglazing to natural cleaners like baking soda and vinegar, we will cover everything you need to know about cleaning a seared pan effectively.

Deglazing: loosen the crust with water and scrape it off

Deglazing is a simple process that can be used to clean a pan while it is still on the stove. It is a technique that involves pouring a liquid—usually cold—into a hot pan that has been used to sear or cook food. This process releases any food particles stuck to the bottom of the pan, which can then be scraped off easily.

To deglaze a pan, first remove any meat, poultry, or vegetables from the pan, leaving behind the browned bits. If there is any excess fat or oil, pour it off. Then, pour in a small amount of liquid—just enough to cover the bottom of the pan by about 1/4 inch or less. Water is a good option if you're just looking to clean the pan. Other liquids that can be used include wine, stock, or juice.

Once the liquid is in the pan, turn the heat to medium or medium-high. Use a wooden or silicone spoon or spatula to vigorously scrape the bottom of the pan as the liquid comes to a boil. Continue stirring and scraping until all the tasty browned bits have been released from the pan. If you are using wine or another type of alcohol, be sure to cook until the alcohol has evaporated and the liquid has a syrupy consistency.

For flimsier pans, it is recommended to let the pan cool slightly before adding the liquid to avoid warping or damaging the pan. It is also important to note that non-stick pans are not ideal for deglazing, as the ingredients won't stick and caramelize, resulting in a loss of flavor. Stainless steel, cast iron, or aluminum pans are better suited for this technique.

Baking soda and water: make a paste and apply it to the pan

To clean a burnt pan with baking soda and water, you'll need to make a paste. Start by removing as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Then, make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. You'll want to make enough to cover the scorched portion of the pan. For a full pot bottom, try 1 cup of baking soda and 1/3 cup of water.

Liberally apply the paste to the burnt pan. It should be thick enough to fully coat the pan. Alternatively, you can cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water and then add enough baking soda to create a paste.

Let the mixture sit for a few hours or overnight. Then, add more baking soda and scrub with a nylon brush or scouring sponge. If you don't want to wait, you can add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water to thin the paste and then place the pan on the stove to bring it to a boil. However, be careful not to let it burn again! Let the pan cool and then wipe or scrub to remove the scorched bits.

Baking soda and vinegar: combine in the pan to create a fizzing reaction

To clean a burnt or seared pan with baking soda and vinegar, follow these steps:

Firstly, fill the pan with enough water to cover the bottom of the pan, and bring the water to a boil. Place the pan in the sink, without pouring out the water. Then, add a cup of white vinegar to the water. The vinegar will help to neutralise odours and loosen any baked-on food residue.

Next, add two tablespoons of baking soda to the pan. The baking soda and vinegar will react, creating a fizzing, bubbling mixture. Leave the mixture to fizz for a few minutes while the pan cools. The reaction will help to lift any caked-on food residue.

Once the pan has cooled, use the scouring side of a sponge to scrub the inside of the pan vigorously, focusing on any stained or scorched areas. You will be surprised at how much grime you can remove!

Finally, empty the pan and wash it normally with dish soap and a clean sponge. Dry the pan with a clean dish towel.

Baking soda and lemon: scour the pan with lemon and baking soda

Lemon and baking soda can be used to clean a seared pan. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. This will make the cleaning process easier and reduce the amount of scrubbing required.

Next, fill the pan with a thin layer of warm water. The water should be warm, not hot, as you don't want to risk burning yourself during the cleaning process.

Then, sprinkle the bottom of the pan liberally with baking soda. The baking soda will react with the water to form a paste. Ensure that the paste is thick enough to fully coat the bottom of the pan.

After that, cut a lemon in half and use the flesh side to scour the pan. The lemon will react with the baking soda to form a fizzing, slightly acidic solution. This combination will help to loosen and lift any remaining food residue from the pan.

Finally, once you have finished scouring the pan, rinse it thoroughly with warm water and dry it with a clean cloth or towel. Ensure that all residue is removed before using the pan again.

This method is effective for cleaning stainless steel or copper cookware. The baking soda has mild abrasive properties, and its alkaline pH can help neutralise acidic burnt foods. The lemon provides additional cleaning power and helps to restore shine to the cookware.

Salt and stiff scrub brush: clean the pan with hot water and a scrub brush

Salt and hot water are a great combination for cleaning a burnt pan. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Allow the pan to cool down before cleaning it. Once it's cool, fill the pan with warm water and add 2-3 tablespoons of regular table salt. Stir the mixture until the salt is evenly distributed in the water.

Step 2: Soaking and Boiling

Let the pan soak for about two minutes. Then, place it on the stovetop and boil the water for around 15 minutes. Make sure to wipe off any excess water from the bottom of the pan.

Step 3: Salt Scrub

After boiling, pour out most of the hot salty water, leaving about half an inch of water in the pan. Add a couple more tablespoons of salt and use a stiff scrub brush to wipe away the burnt residue. Be cautious of the hot water, and consider wearing dish gloves or letting the water cool before scrubbing.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

Finally, rinse the pan with hot soapy water and leave it to dry. Your pan should now be clean and ready for use!

This method is an effective and relatively quick way to clean a burnt pan without too much elbow grease. It's important to note that this process is intended for stainless steel cookware and not those with non-stick coatings. Always be cautious when handling hot water and pans to avoid any accidents or injuries.

Frequently asked questions