A respected chef shared this handy trick with me while we were cooking for an event last year. I was running the sauté station, which had stainless-steel cookware, and the tofu kept sticking to the skillet even though I had added oil to the pan.
Chef came over, took a clean pan, added a small pinch of salt, and heated the pan on the stovetop for a few minutes. He then added just a little oil. Amazingly, the tofu I added to the pan didn’t stick even when I was on the third and fourth batch.
If only I had known this trick when visiting my boyfriend’s parents for the first time. They were skeptical of the tofu that we were going to make them for breakfast but willing to give it a try. I realized the sad fate of the tofu the moment I saw their stainless-steel pans. Until then, I had only cooked with nonstick, and I had no clue what I was doing with stainless steel. The result was this half-burnt, half-raw crumbled mess that stuck to the pan and resembled what most people end up with the first time they cook tofu, but I’ve been doing this for more than 11 years! It was a sad, sad site, but thanks to chef’s essential tip, I’ve had a problem-free relationship with stainless steel ever since.
By submitting this form, you’re acknowledging that you have read and agree to our privacy policy and agree to receive e-mails from us.
You May Also Like
What if you could get more vitamins and nutrients without the fancy diets or supplements? Coconut sugar just may be the answer.
Did we try the next big vegan product at Expo West? Find out which new animal-friendly items you can look forward to trying soon.
These vegan Easter recipes will help you celebrate a compassionate holiday that leaves animals in peace.
Wait—Oscar Mayer announced vegan options?! Find out PETA’s role in the good news as we relish applauding the company for this compassionate move.
WORST Cookware Lurking In Your Kitchen to Toss Right NOW | Dr. Steven Gundry
FAQ
Is stainless steel the healthiest cookware?
Is stainless steel safe to eat with?
What is the best cookware for a vegan kitchen?
Here’s the key cookware for a well-equipped vegan kitchen. The pots and pans recommended below will enable you to make an incredible assortment of vegan dishes. You’ll use these for heating up sauces, making a small amount of rice, and for heating up cans of soup or beans. A stainless steel saucepan with a glass lid is a terrific choice.
Is stainless steel safe?
Quality stainless steel is a safe alternative to many potentially unsafe cookware options (see below for more information on what to avoid). This is what we most often use, partially because we were handed down some very high quality stainless steel pots and pans.
Are stainless steel pots & pans better than ceramic cookware?
Stainless steel pots and pans are another great choice. They’re much more durable than ceramic cookware, and easy to keep gleaming and gorgeous. Their downfall is that stainless steel conducts heat poorly, so skillets heat slowly and unevenly.
Is stainless steel a safe non-stick pot or pan?
These non-stick products carry some of the same potential risks of any other non-stick pot or pan, but a high quality stainless steel with a safe coating that does not carry contamination risk could be a very good option if you research the product and manufacturer carefully.