Dancing Water Fairies. How to tell if your pan is hot to cook. LeidenFrost effect

Описание: This is a useful trick to know if you want to avoid nonstick cookware but still make cleanup easier. It comes down to timing the heat of the pan so the oil can lift slightly off the surface, allowing food to move more freely on a stainless steel pan.

If you are an observant cook, you may have noticed oil change from a slow, thick movement to a faster, almost watery motion as the pan heats. That moment is usually the right time to add your egg, steak, or batter.

A simple way to check if the pan is ready before adding oil is to drizzle a few drops of water into the pan. If the water beads up and skitters across the surface like little dancing water fairies, the pan is hot enough.

Safety note:
Do not wipe the water out with a towel. Let the water fully evaporate on its own before adding oil. Wiping a hot pan can cause steam burns or splashing, and a towel near heat can be risky. Once the pan is dry, add your oil. ( I know I wiped it with a cloth... but take care.)

After cooking begins, you may need to lower the heat slightly to prevent the crust or sear from browning too quickly. The goal is controlled heat, not maximum heat.

This effect is related to the Leidenfrost effect. While it does not make stainless steel truly nonstick, it helps reduce sticking and makes cleanup easier when used correctly.

It is a helpful technique for beginner cooks and for anyone looking to feel more confident using stainless steel pans.