Pancake Sticking: Regular Pan Vs. Non-Stick Pan

Pancakes are a breakfast staple, but getting them just right can be tricky. One of the most common issues when making pancakes is them sticking to the pan. This can happen for a number of reasons, including using the wrong type of pan, the pan being too hot, not using enough oil or butter, or the batter being too sugary or eggy. Luckily, there are several ways to prevent this from happening and ensure your pancakes come out light and fluffy.

Use a non-stick pan

Using a non-stick pan is the easiest way to ensure your pancakes don't stick. There are different types of pans available, and not all of them are non-stick. If you don't have a non-stick pan, you can purchase one from a variety of places.

It is important to note that if you are using a non-stick pan that is old and worn out, it may not be as effective as a newer one. In this case, it is recommended to invest in a new non-stick pan to enjoy the best results.

When using a non-stick pan, it is still important to prepare it properly before cooking your pancakes. Firstly, wash and dry your pan to ensure there is no residual debris. Next, you can wipe the pan with an oil-drenched paper towel before use. This will create a thin and even layer of oil, which is essential to prevent sticking.

It is also recommended to preheat your non-stick pan gently and evenly over medium heat. This will ensure the pan is hot enough before adding your batter. You can test this by adding a small amount of butter to the pan; if it sizzles, the pan is ready.

Using a non-stick pan with the proper preparation will help you achieve the perfect pancakes that are light, fluffy, and easy to flip!

Turn the heat down

Turning the heat down on your pan is a simple but effective way to prevent pancakes from sticking. This is because the butter will brown before the other ingredients have cooked, causing it to stick to the bottom of the pan. By reducing the heat, you allow all the ingredients to cook together, creating a better final pancake.

Even on a very low heat, the pancake will cook—it will just take a little longer. This is a small price to pay to avoid the frustration of a pancake that is stuck to the pan!

If you are using butter, it is particularly important to keep the heat low to medium-low. Butter has a low smoke point, which means it could go bad at even medium-high temperatures. If you are using oil, you can afford to go a little higher, but it is still a good idea to keep the temperature low to medium.

If you are new to making pancakes, it may take some trial and error to figure out the best temperature for your pan. A good way to test this is to cook a "sacrificial" pancake first. Flip this after about a minute and, if it looks and tastes good, you know your pan is at the right temperature.

Season the pan

Seasoning a pan is a crucial step in maintaining its non-stick properties and preventing rust. It involves creating a natural, non-stick coating on the surface of the cookware by applying a thin layer of oil and heating the pan to a specific temperature. This process polymerizes the oil, forming a protective layer that prevents food from sticking and enhances the flavour of the dish.

To season a regular pan, start by choosing an oil with a medium to a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or corn oil. Avoid using butter or olive oil, as they have lower smoke points and can leave a sticky residue. Place the pan on the stove over medium heat and allow it to heat up gradually. Once the pan is warm, add a small amount of oil to the pan and use a clean, dry towel held with tongs to spread the oil evenly across the entire surface, including the sides.

Let the oil heat up until it starts to smoke slightly, indicating that it is polymerizing and creating a protective layer. Turn off the heat and allow the pan to cool down completely. Once cooled, wipe off any excess oil with a clean paper towel. Repeat the process of heating, oiling, and cooling the pan up to three times to build a durable seasoning layer.

It is important to note that not all pans require seasoning. Non-stick pans, for example, come with a pre-coated surface. However, if food starts to stick, you can occasionally season them to reinforce their non-stick properties. Additionally, cast iron, carbon steel, hard-coat aluminium, and tin-plate pans benefit from seasoning to create and maintain their non-stick surfaces.

Reduce sugar content

A high sugar content in your pancake recipe can cause it to stick to the pan. You don't have to sacrifice the sweetness of your pancakes, but try reducing the sugar content by a quarter. It may be that the recipe is calculated incorrectly or that you are using more sugar than it calls for by accident.

If you are happy with the amount of sugar in your pancakes, you could try cooking them in the oven instead of on the stovetop. This method ensures that both sides of the pancake are heated evenly, and it also removes the need to flip them.

Another option is to "season" your pan with oil and salt. Simply pour some oil into the pan and heat it up. Add a pinch of salt, and then use a towel to rub the bottom and sides of the pan with the oil and salt. This will create a barrier between the pancake and the pan, helping the pancake to slide off more easily.

If you are cooking your pancakes on the stovetop, make sure that your pan is hot enough before adding the batter. If your butter is browning before you put the pancakes in, try reducing the heat a bit. If the butter is melted or foaming, increase the heat until the foam subsides.

Use butter

Using butter is a great way to prevent pancakes from sticking to a regular pan. Here are some tips to achieve this:

Choose the Right Pan

It is important to select a suitable pan for cooking pancakes. While a non-stick pan is generally recommended, a regular pan can also be used if properly prepared. Choose a heavy pan, as thin pans tend to heat unevenly, which can cause pancakes to stick even if they have a non-stick coating.

Prepare the Pan

Before cooking, ensure your pan is thoroughly cleaned and dried. Leftover food residue can cause pancakes to stick. To create a non-stick surface on a regular pan, "season" it by pouring some oil into the pan and heating it up. Add a pinch of salt, then use a kitchen towel to rub the bottom and sides of the pan with the oil and salt mixture. This process will create a barrier that helps the pancakes slide off easily.

Now, it's time to add butter! Drop a small spoonful of butter into the pan and allow it to melt completely. The amount of butter needed will depend on the size of the pan. Larger pans will require more butter. Keep in mind that pancakes absorb butter while cooking, so you may need to add more butter periodically, especially if you're making a large batch.

Cook Your Pancakes

With the pan prepared and buttered, it's time to cook your pancakes! Pour the batter into the pan to your desired size. Wait until the edges of the pancake start to bubble before flipping. This indicates that the bottom of the pancake has solidified, reducing the risk of sticking when turned.

Other Tips

• Avoid using metal utensils on non-stick pans to prevent scratching the coating. Opt for wooden or plastic utensils instead.
• Test the pan's temperature by sprinkling a few drops of water on the surface. In a properly heated pan, the water will bead up and sizzle before disappearing.
• Ensure your pan is hot enough before adding the batter. A pan that is not hot enough can cause the pancakes to stick.
• If using a non-stick pan, be cautious about its condition. Worn-out non-stick pans can become extremely sticky.

Frequently asked questions