The Perfect Pancake: Oil In The Pan?

There are many ways to make pancakes, and many ways to ruin them. One of the most important steps is to grease the pan to prevent the batter from sticking. The two most common types of cooking grease are butter and oil. While some chefs prefer to use butter for pancakes, others swear by oil. If you're using butter, it's best to use clarified butter, as the milk solids in regular butter can burn. If you're using oil, vegetable oil is the most popular choice.

Oil vs butter for cooking pancakes

When making pancakes, it is important to grease the pan to prevent the food from sticking. The two most common types of cooking grease are butter and oil. However, the choice between the two depends on the type of dish being prepared.

For pancakes, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Some chefs prefer using butter, while others opt for oil when cooking this breakfast staple. If you decide to use butter, it is recommended to choose a high-fat butter sold in sticks rather than whipped butter. Butter can impart a delicious flavour and fluffy texture to pancakes. However, one downside of using butter is that it can burn too quickly, especially when the pan is on medium heat for an extended period. To avoid this issue, clarified butter, where the milk solids have been removed, can be used instead. Alternatively, regular butter can be used, but the pan may need to be wiped after every two batches.

On the other hand, oil is a good option for cooks who want to avoid the risk of burning. Oils with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, peanut, grapeseed, and avocado oil, are suitable choices for cooking pancakes. When using oil, it is important to use it sparingly and choose a neutral-flavoured oil like vegetable oil to maintain the desired texture of the pancakes.

Ultimately, the decision between butter and oil comes down to personal preference and the desired outcome. Both options can be used successfully to create delicious pancakes, but it may take some experimentation to find the perfect technique for your setup.

How much oil to use

When making pancakes, the amount of oil you use depends on the type of pan you are cooking with and the desired texture of your pancakes. If you are using a non-stick pan, you may not need to add any oil at all. If you do choose to add oil, a light coating or a small amount (around 1-2 tablespoons) should be enough to prevent sticking.

If you are using a stainless steel skillet or a cast-iron pan, it is recommended to add a small amount of oil or butter to the pan to prevent the pancakes from sticking. For a cast-iron pan, you can also add a touch of butter to the pan to get a nice crispy edge on your pancakes.

If you are using a griddle, it is recommended to use oil instead of butter because butter can burn more easily, especially when cooking over medium heat for an extended period of time. Vegetable oil is a good option for griddles as it has a neutral flavour and will not affect the taste of your pancakes.

It is important to note that adding too much oil to the pan can result in oily pancakes. Therefore, it is recommended to use a light coating of oil or a small amount to prevent sticking and achieve the desired texture.

When to add oil to the pan

When making pancakes, the choice of whether to use oil, butter, or no fat at all depends on the type of pan you are using, the desired texture of your pancakes, and your personal preference.

If you are using a non-stick pan, you may not need to add any fat to the pan before pouring in your batter. However, if you want to add some fat, you can use either oil or butter. If you opt for butter, be aware that it can burn more quickly than oil, especially if your pan gets too hot. To avoid this, you can use clarified butter, which has had the milk solids removed, or wipe down the surface of your pan occasionally to get rid of the milk solids that start to turn brown.

If you are using a stainless steel skillet or a cast-iron pan, it is recommended to add a touch of butter or oil to the pan to prevent sticking. For a cast-iron pan, you can also add a touch of butter to the pan to prevent sticking.

When using oil, it is best to brush your pan lightly with vegetable oil, ensure your pan is hot, and then pour in your batter. This will give you a few brown spots on the surface of your pancake and allow you to cook a large batch of pancakes without burning.

If you want crispy edges to your pancakes, adding a little oil or butter to the pan for each pancake is recommended. However, if you are using a non-stick pan, you may not need to add any additional fat after the first pancake, as the butter or oil in the pancake mix should be enough to keep the surface non-stick.

Ultimately, the decision of when and how much oil to add to the pan when making pancakes is up to the individual cook, and you may need to experiment with different amounts and types of fat to find the method that works best for you.

How to prevent pancakes from sticking

To prevent pancakes from sticking, it is important to use the right type of pan. A non-stick frying pan is best, and heavy pans work better than thin pans. Thin pans can heat unevenly, causing pancakes to stick even if the pan has a non-stick coating.

Before you start cooking, rinse and dry your frying pan. Even if the pan has been previously washed, remaining food residue can cause your pancakes to stick.

Next, coat the pan with oil. Dip a paper towel in vegetable or canola oil and wipe the bottom and sides of the pan until it has a light sheen of oil. You can also melt some oil in the pan, sprinkle some salt, heat it up, and rub the pan's surface and sides with a towel. This will season the pan and prevent sticking.

After several minutes, test the temperature of the pan. It is hot enough when drops of water sizzle before disappearing. A hot pan slightly sears the outside of each pancake, preventing the batter from sticking.

You can also add some butter to the pan for flavour and to prevent sticking. The amount of butter will depend on the size of the pan. If you are making a large batch of pancakes, periodically add more butter to the pan.

When cooking, pour the pancake batter into the pan and wait until the edges begin to bubble before flipping. This will prevent the pancake from sticking and ensure that the bottom is cooked.

If you are using an ordinary pan instead of a non-stick pan, be sure to thoroughly grease the pan with butter or oil before adding the batter.

Another option is to cook the pancakes in the oven instead of on the stovetop. This method requires no flipping and prevents sticking. Simply grease a non-stick skillet well, preheat the oven to 350°F, and drop ladles of batter onto the skillet. Place the skillet in the oven and immediately turn the heat down to 280°F. Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the tops of the pancakes are no longer wet.

How to clean the pan between pancakes

When making pancakes, it's important to keep your pan clean to ensure your pancakes don't stick and burn. Here are some tips on how to clean your pan between pancakes:

• Use a paper towel or kitchen tissue to wipe down the pan between pancakes. This will help remove any excess oil or butter and prevent it from burning.
• If using butter, wipe the pan after every two batches or so. Butter burns easily, especially when the pan is on medium heat for an extended period.
• For non-stick pans, there is no need to use oil or butter. Simply wiping the pan with a paper towel between pancakes should be sufficient.
• If using a cast-iron pan, season it frequently and wipe it down with a damp dish towel after each use.
• To prevent a buildup of grease, wipe down your pan with a damp paper towel after each use. This is especially important for non-stick and ceramic pans.
• If your pan has burnt bits of food stuck to it, use a flat-headed spatula to scrape off the debris while the pan is still hot. Be gentle to avoid scratching the surface.
• If your pan has a lot of grease or burnt-on food, you can boil a little water on the surface to loosen it up. Add a few drops of dish soap to the water and repeat as needed. Use a paper towel or napkin to soak up any remaining water and soap residue.
• If using an electric pancake griddle, do not immerse it in water or clean it under running water. Instead, wipe it down with a soft dishcloth or sponge.
• To prevent your pancakes from sticking, use a paper towel to grease the surface of the griddle lightly with oil or clarified butter. Alternatively, use cooking spray to create a thin, even layer of grease.

Frequently asked questions