--- title: "Nonstick pan: what it means in cooking — Tiny Plates" description: "A nonstick pan has a slick coating that stops eggs, fish and pancakes from sticking with little fat. Here is how to use it and make the coating last." url: "https://www.tinyplates.dev/glossary/nonstick-pan" --- # Nonstick pan A nonstick pan has a slick coating that stops eggs, fish and pancakes from sticking with little fat. Here is how to use it and make the coating last. Also called Non-stick pan, Nonstick skillet, Nonstick frying pan. A nonstick pan is a frying pan or [skillet](https://www.tinyplates.dev/glossary/skillet) with a slick coating on the cooking surface. Most coatings are PTFE, a type of plastic, and others are a ceramic-style coating made from silica. Food that would glue itself to bare steel, such as eggs, omelets, delicate fish and crepes, slides right off. It also needs less oil and is very easy to clean. ## How to use it 1. Add a little oil or butter before you heat it, or heat the pan with fat on medium. Do not preheat it empty on high. 2. Cook on low to medium-high. Most foods that need a nonstick surface do best at moderate heat. 3. Use wooden, silicone or nylon utensils, such as a nylon [fish spatula](https://www.tinyplates.dev/glossary/fish-spatula). 4. Let it cool before washing, then wash by hand with a soft sponge. It is the best pan for scrambled and fried eggs, omelets, pancakes, fish fillets with skin, fried rice, and anything breaded and [pan-fried](https://www.tinyplates.dev/glossary/pan-fry)in a little oil. ## How to store it Hang it, or stack it with a cloth or pan protector between it and other pans. Metal on metal scratches the coating. ## Common mistakes * Heating it empty on high heat. PTFE coatings break down at very high temperatures and can give off fumes. Keep the heat moderate. * Using it for a hard [sear](https://www.tinyplates.dev/glossary/sear) on steak. It cannot safely get hot enough. Use cast iron or a [carbon steel pan](https://www.tinyplates.dev/glossary/carbon-steel-pan). * Using metal utensils, steel wool or abrasive cleaners. * Using cooking spray. It can leave a sticky film that builds up and makes food stick. * Putting it in the dishwasher, even when the label allows it. Harsh detergents wear the coating faster. * Running it under cold water while hot. It can warp the base. * Keeping it once the coating is badly scratched or flaking. Replace it. ## In recipes "In a nonstick skillet" means the recipe needs food to release easily with little fat, often eggs or fish. A well-seasoned carbon steel or cast iron pan can stand in once you are used to it. ## Recipes made with it 5 recipes from the sites we collect. * [![](https://www.onceuponachef.com/images/2020/01/thai-red-curry-chicken-1-1200x878.jpg)Thai Red Curry Chickenwww.onceuponachef.com · 30 min](https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/thai-red-curry-chicken.html) * [![](https://www.skinnytaste.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/garlicky-shrimp-stir-fry-with-shiitakes-and-bok-choy-7.jpg)Garlicky Shrimp Stir-fry with Shiitakes and Bok Choywww.skinnytaste.com · 20 min](https://www.skinnytaste.com/garlicky-shrimp-stir-fry-with-shiitakes-and-bok-choy/) * [![](https://www.skinnytaste.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Chicken-and-White-Bean-Enchiladas-with-Creamy-Salsa-Verde-1.jpg)Chicken and White Bean Enchiladas with Creamy Salsa Verdewww.skinnytaste.com · 85 min](https://www.skinnytaste.com/chicken-and-white-bean-enchiladas-with/) * [![](https://www.skinnytaste.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Scallops-Beets-Goat-Cheese-and-Arugula-Salad.jpg)Sea Scallops, Arugula, and Beet Saladwww.skinnytaste.com · 65 min](https://www.skinnytaste.com/sea-scallops-arugula-and-beet-salad/) * [![](https://www.onceuponachef.com/images/2023/10/panang-curry.jpg)Panang Currywww.onceuponachef.com · 40 min](https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/panang-curry.html) ## Related terms * [SkilletA skillet is a frying pan with low, sloped sides for searing, frying and sautéing. Here are the materials, sizes and how to choose the right one.](https://www.tinyplates.dev/glossary/skillet) * [Carbon steel panA carbon steel pan is a light, fast-heating iron pan that turns nearly nonstick once seasoned. Here is how to season it and keep it rust-free.](https://www.tinyplates.dev/glossary/carbon-steel-pan) * [Fish spatulaA fish spatula is a thin, flexible, slotted turner that slides under delicate fish, eggs and pancakes without breaking them. Here is how to use one.](https://www.tinyplates.dev/glossary/fish-spatula) * [Pan-fryPan-frying cooks food in a skillet with a thin layer of hot fat over medium to medium-high heat, so it browns on each side as it cooks through.](https://www.tinyplates.dev/glossary/pan-fry) * [SearSearing browns the surface of meat or fish in a very hot pan to build a deep, flavorful crust. It adds flavor but does not seal in juices.](https://www.tinyplates.dev/glossary/sear) [More in equipment](https://www.tinyplates.dev/glossary/category/equipment)[Every term from A to Z](https://www.tinyplates.dev/glossary)