A frying pan, also known as a fry pan or skillet, is a flat-bottomed pan with relatively low sides that flare outwards. It is typically used for frying, searing, and browning foods. Here are some of the most common uses for a frying pan:
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Shallow frying: A frying pan is perfect for shallow frying, meaning your food is not submerged in oil the way it would be in a deep frying situation. Whether you’re frying up bacon for breakfast or steak and potatoes for dinner, a quality frying pan keeps the moisture out of your dish so you can count on perfectly browned and crispy food every time.
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Sautéing: Frying pans are designed for sautéing or shallow-frying foods. The slanted sides and long handles make it easier to stir, flip, and toss ingredients in the pan so that everything is cooked quickly and evenly.
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Pan-frying meat: The large cooking surface of frying pans makes them great for pan-frying meat because it helps to keep moisture away from the food, resulting in a nicely browned dish.
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Frying eggs: Frying pans are perfect for frying eggs, whether you want them sunny-side up or over-easy.
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Quick-cooking: Frying pans are great for quick-cooking foods, such as vegetables, fish, and chicken.
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Crisp frying: Frying pans are also great for crisp frying, such as making fried chicken or fish.
Frying pans can be made of various materials, including cast iron, carbon steel, copper, stainless steel, and aluminum. They can be used on the stovetop or in the oven, and some electric frying pans can function independently off of a cooking stove.