How to use a pan perfectly every time?

We all know how wonderful outdoor cooking can be, and nothing beats the taste of grilled meat, fish or vegetables on a barbecue. However, let's face it, the UK weather is unpredictable at best and catastrophic at worst. So instead of curling up under a raincoat and desperately trying to light those coals, how about investing in a high-quality pan and enjoying the smell of an outdoor barbecue in the warmth and comfort of your kitchen?

Baking trays are an efficient and versatile kitchen kit. Cooking with a frying pan is slightly different from a regular frying pan, especially if you're trying to mimic the taste and look of an outdoor barbecue. However, if you prepare, use and store your food properly, there's no reason you can't make a delicious plate of food every time!

Here are some helpful tips on how to use a pan perfectly in cooking:

Pick your pan

The first thing is the first thing. Your food can only be as good as the pan you prepare, which is why it's important to choose your pan carefully according to your needs. If you want to impress with a dramatic charred, you'll need a brand with a deep ridge to help create the classic charred look.

A cast-iron pan is usually a wise choice because it holds heat better and browns food more efficiently. Cast iron pans also have a non-stick surface, which means you don't need to add oil to your food (unless you want to), resulting in healthier dishes!

To prepare food

To ensure your food is cooked properly, it is recommended to slice it into thin slices. This will help you get a burnt appearance and smoky taste, while ensuring your food is thoroughly cooked. Before you put meat or vegetables into your plan, it is best to rinse and dry to ensure that you have removed any dust that may have accumulated in the area between use.

Ideal foods to cook on a pan include:

The steak

chicken

Fish and shellfish

Thin burger

Sliced vegetables, including eggplant, zucchini and peppers

After slicing, if you want to add flavor, you can brush the food with oil (this will double to ensure the food doesn't stick to the pan). Choosing the right oils also ensures perfect cooking -- some oils have a higher smoke point than others and will work better. Try avocado soy, canola or peanut oil and avoid olive oil, which has a low smoke point and can cause food to burn.

Cook on a pan

Before you start cooking, place the pan over a medium heat for a few minutes and let it heat up slightly. This will also ensure that the entire surface of the pan is equally hot, which means your food will be cooked at the same rate. Preheating will also help ensure that you get those most important charcoal marks!

Once the pan is hot, use tongs to place your meat and/or vegetables on top and slice perpendicular to the ridge. It's best to leave a decent gap between the pieces to keep them from sticking together -- about half an inch should do the trick.

Make sure you don't flip food too early - flipping early may mean not seeing hot marks, so leave everything as it is for at least a minute before checking to see if you are ready to flip.

You can use tongs to rotate food and make sure everything cooks evenly. Food tends to be cooked quickly in a pan, so staying vigilant to ensure it doesn't burn is essential. The cooking time will vary depending on what you put in the pan and how thick the slices are. You can always use a thermometer to check the temperature of meat and fish to ensure they are cooked. You can continue to flip and rotate your food until it's ready, which will also help you get the featured diamond character pattern!

Cleaning and storage

Cleaning your pan properly after each use will ensure that you stay hygienic and make the most of it. To clean a frying pan, let it cool first and then rinse with hot water - this will help break down the oil and grease, making it easier to clean. You can soak it in hot water first and then wipe the pan. You can then wipe the pan with a cloth or sponge and some detergent, making sure to pay special attention to the ridges and grooves to ensure there are no food residues left. Dry the pan thoroughly and store it in a dry place - this will prevent it from rusting and keep it in good condition until your next use!

Here we have a great range of frying pans to choose from. Once you've chosen yours, why not go to our products section for fantastic cooking inspiration?