Tiffany Haney
There are many reasons why you might need to use a homemade pan cover. Perhaps you're in the middle of cooking and you realise the lid to your pan is broken or missing, or maybe you're cooking in someone else's kitchen and they don't have the right lid for the pan you're using. Whatever the reason, there are several household items that can be used as a substitute for a pan cover.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Foil, parchment paper, cookie sheet, pizza pan, frying pan, baking sheet, splatter shield, fine-mesh strainer |
| Advantages | Free, easily accessible, durable, versatile |
| Disadvantages | May not provide a tight seal, difficult to manipulate, may not be suitable for certain recipes or diets |
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What You'll Learn
Cookie sheets or pizza pans
Cookie sheets and pizza pans can be used as makeshift lids for pots and pans. They are usually wide enough to cover large pots and pans, and they are heat resistant. Cookie sheets may not provide a tight seal, but they are still useful for retaining steam and moisture. Pizza pans can be modified to serve as pot lids by drilling a hole in the centre and screwing on a handle.
Using a cookie sheet as a pan cover is a simple and free solution for pots without lids. Cookie sheets are typically stored near the oven, making them easily accessible when cooking. They are also useful for retaining heat, such as when melting cheese on top of scrambled eggs or cooking thicker items like burgers.
Pizza pans can also be used as a substitute for pot lids. In some cases, pizza pans may already have handles, making them a convenient option for covering pots and pans. However, it is important to note that some pizza pans have holes in them, which may not be suitable for certain cooking applications.
While cookie sheets and pizza pans can be effective pan covers, they may not provide as tight a seal as a traditional lid. This means they may not be ideal for cooking methods that require a tight seal, such as steaming rice. Nevertheless, they can still be useful for retaining heat and moisture during cooking.
It is always a good idea to use oven mitts when handling cookie sheets or pizza pans used as pan covers, as they can become hot. Additionally, ensure that the ingredients in the pan do not pile up higher than the sides to avoid contact with the cookie sheet or pizza pan.
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Parchment paper
To use parchment paper as a pan cover, you can cut a circle out of the paper that is slightly smaller than the pan. This circle of parchment paper can then be placed on top of the dish to act as a lid, helping to limit evaporation during cooking. This method is particularly useful when sweating vegetables.
While parchment paper is commonly used in baking, it can also be used on the stovetop as a temporary lid to cover foods and limit evaporation.
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Another frying pan
If you're looking to cover your frying pan, there are several alternatives to a lid that you can easily find in your kitchen. You can use another frying pan of roughly the same size, or a little larger, and place it upside down on top of the pan you're using. This method may not give you a tight seal, but it works well if you don't need to steam or trap heat, such as when making scrambled eggs or blue cheese-stuffed burgers.
Another option is to use a cookie sheet or pizza pan as a lid. These tend to be wide and heat-resistant, making them suitable for covering large pots or frying pans. You can also modify a pizza pan by drilling a hole in the centre and screwing on a chunk of hardwood to create a handle.
If you need a closer fit, you can use a double sheet of aluminium foil or parchment paper. Foil is a versatile option for trapping heat and moisture, but it is not recommended for cooking for children or individuals with renal disease. Parchment paper can be cut into a circle and placed on top of the dish to retain moisture, especially when sweating vegetables.
Some other creative solutions include using a splatter shield, fine-mesh strainer, or even the lid from another pan that is not currently in use. These alternatives can help you cover your frying pan without having to purchase a dedicated lid.
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Foil
Aluminium foil is a common household item that can be used as a makeshift lid for pans. It is a versatile option as it can be moulded to fit the shape of the pan, creating a tight seal. This is particularly useful for slow-cooked recipes, such as stews and braises, where a tight seal is necessary to prevent moisture loss.
To use foil as a pan cover, simply tear off a sheet that is slightly larger than the pan's dimensions. Carefully place the foil over the pan, ensuring that it covers the entire surface area. For an even tighter seal, you can try using a double layer of foil. This technique is especially useful when you need to trap steam or heat, such as when finishing off sunny-side-up eggs or when transferring a dish from the stovetop to the oven.
It is important to note that when using foil to cover a pan, you should avoid direct contact with food to prevent any possible aluminium contamination. Additionally, if you are cooking for children or someone with renal disease, it is recommended to avoid using aluminium foil as it may pose potential health risks.
While foil is a convenient option for a makeshift pan cover, it may not always be the best choice. In some cases, a simple sheet of parchment paper placed over the pan or under a pot lid can be more effective at retaining moisture during cooking.
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Splatter shield or fine-mesh strainer
Splatter shields are designed to block splatter from foods like steaks, tomato sauce, pasta water, and more. They are usually made from stainless steel mesh with a sturdy rim, and some have silicone handles and resting feet. The mesh is fine enough to catch and contain grease splatters, while also allowing steam to escape. Some splatter shields have a raised handle design, which means the handle sits directly above the pan's handle, keeping the screen flat on the pan.
You can also use a fine-mesh strainer as a splatter guard. Just be sure it has a long handle or heat-proof grips so you can pick it up easily without burning your hand. You can buy them online or from most superstores that have a cooking tools section.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a pizza pan or cookie sheet as a lid. If you want a closer fit, you can drill a hole in the centre of the pan, screw on a chunk of hardwood for a handle, and use it as a lid. Alternatively, you can use a double sheet of aluminium foil, or a sheet of parchment paper, to cover your pan.
You can use a splatter shield or screen to minimise oil from jumping out of the pan. You can also use a fine-mesh strainer with a long handle or heat-proof grips.
Covering a frying pan for the entire cooking time is not ideal if you're trying to achieve a crispy, fried texture. If you're cooking chicken or fish, it is recommended to cover the pan for only the first half of cooking.
