Blue Apron Pans: What You Need

Blue Apron is a meal kit delivery service that provides interesting recipes and quality ingredients. The service offers three types of meals: Standard meal kits, Ready to Cook meals, and Prepared & Ready meals. While Blue Apron provides most of the ingredients and cookware needed, there are a few essential pans that you should have on hand to make the most of your Blue Apron experience. These include a non-stick frying pan, a medium saucepan, a large pot, and a sheet pan. Additionally, having a few kitchen tools such as a chef's knife, mixing bowls, and a wooden spoon can enhance your cooking experience. Blue Apron's recipes may require specific pans, so it's always good to be prepared with a well-equipped kitchen.

Non-stick frying pan

A non-stick frying pan is an essential item for your Blue Apron box. It is ideal for sautéing vegetables or searing chicken breasts, and it can also be used for cooking fish with crispy skin, glazed tofu for ramen, and frying okonomiyaki.

When choosing a non-stick frying pan, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, think about the size you need. If you're cooking bigger meals, a larger pan can prevent overcrowding. Next, select the type of non-stick coating you prefer. There are two main types: ceramic and PTFE. Ceramic coatings are generally more environmentally friendly, while PTFE coatings are more durable and heat-resistant. Finally, make sure the handle is comfortable to grip and securely attached to the pan.

To care for your non-stick frying pan, avoid using metal utensils as they can scratch the coating. Instead, opt for wooden or silicone utensils. Harsh detergents or scouring pads can also damage the coating, so use a gentle soap and a soft sponge to clean the pan. Avoid stacking heavy items on top of the pan during storage, and if the non-stick surface becomes cracked or chipped, it's time to discard the pan.

Some recommended non-stick frying pans include:

• T-fal Professional Nonstick Thermo-Spot Heat Indicator Fry Pan
• Tramontina Professional Aluminum Nonstick Restaurant Fry Pan
• OXO Non-Stick Pro 10-Inch Frypan
• All-Clad HA1 Hard Anodized 10-Inch Frying Pan
• BulbHead Red Copper 10-inch Pan

Sheet pan

A sheet pan is an essential item for your kitchen. It's perfect for roasting vegetables, making pizza, and baking cookies. Blue Apron recommends lining your sheet pan with aluminium foil for easy cleanup.

Next, melt some butter in a large bowl and stir in a spice blend and some Dijon mustard. On a separate plate, combine breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper. Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels, and season with salt and pepper. Coat the chicken in the spiced butter, then in the seasoned breadcrumbs. Transfer the coated chicken to the sheet pan with the Brussels sprouts, and drizzle with olive oil.

Roast the chicken and vegetables for 19-21 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked through. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the chicken should read 165°F. While the chicken and veggies are roasting, make a sauce by combining mayonnaise, maple syrup, and more Dijon mustard. Serve the roasted chicken and vegetables with the sauce.

Saucepan

A medium saucepan is one of the essential cookware items you'll need for Blue Apron. This will be used for cooking rice and making flavour-filled sauces, broths, and stocks.

Blue Apron recommends the USA Pan Stainless Steel Medium Saucepan. This 8-inch pan is handcrafted in the USA and features a five-ply stainless steel design with an aluminium core, allowing for even heat distribution and all-around perfect cooking. The pan is oven and dishwasher-safe, and its easy pour rim and vapor seal cover design help to lock in flavour.

When choosing a saucepan, it's important to consider the size you'll need, based on the number of people you'll be cooking for. You should also think about the type of non-stick coating you prefer—ceramic coatings are more environmentally friendly, while PTFE coatings are more durable and heat-resistant. Finally, make sure the handle is comfortable to grip and securely attached to the pan.

To care for your non-stick saucepan, avoid using metal utensils as they can scratch the coating. Instead, use wooden or silicone utensils. Avoid harsh detergents or scouring pads, opting for a gentle soap and a soft sponge to clean the pan. Proper care will ensure your pan lasts for years and continues to perform at its best.

Colander

A colander is a kitchen utensil that is used for rinsing vegetables, draining pasta, and draining noodles or steamed vegetables. It is a deeper vessel with larger holes that allow for quick drainage. Colanders are usually made of stainless steel or plastic and have handles that allow them to be hung on hooks when not in use. Some colanders are designed to fit securely on top of sinks, making it easier to drain pasta water or blanch vegetables. Others are collapsible, fitting into 3-quart or 5-quart cookware, and can be used as steamer inserts for vegetables or pasta inserts.

When choosing a colander, consider the size and the type of food you will be preparing. A larger colander can be useful for bigger meals or when cooking for more people. Additionally, look for features that enhance convenience, such as anti-slip rubber edges or collapsible designs that save space.

Wooden utensils

You can find affordable wooden utensils at most stores, such as Walmart, or even on Amazon.

To keep your wooden utensils in good condition, it's important to care for them properly. Avoid putting them in the dishwasher, and instead, hand wash them with gentle soap and a soft sponge. Additionally, consider oiling your wooden utensils to prevent splitting and encourage seasoning. You can use butcher block oil or olive oil for this purpose, applying it with a denim scrap to massage the oil into the wood.

Frequently asked questions