Cooking meat, fish, and vegetables on a cast iron pan have a rustic beauty all its own. The sear marks added flavor to the dish and the natural smoking of the seasoned pan adds excitement to using a cast-iron skillet. This makes the skillet pan a must-have pan for each aspiring chef. They are also exceptionally long-lasting, lasting for many years.

Cast Iron Shrimp Grill Pan

Frying Pan

Saute pans have straight sides instead of slanted ones, so a higher volume of ingredients or liquid can fit inside, making this style pan ideal for making sauces. Because of the design, sauces don't splash or slosh around as much, making clean-up a lot easier. Another bonus of this pan style is that most saute pans have a fitted lid, which reduces evaporation. These pans are well-suited for cooking methods such as braising, searing, or shallow-frying. But saute pans are heavier due to a wider base, making skillets easier to lift and move.

A sauté pan on high heat with oil or fat is used to fling objects back and forth into the air. Food cooked in this pan should have a golden crust and not be soggy at the bottom. Frying pans have slanted edges that allow cooking in a “jump and flip” motion. Using this strategy, you can cook quickly and evenly. It is easier to add and shake things into frypans than saute pans.

There are various hypotheses as to how this cookware got the name “French Skillet”:

Because the lower sloping edges allow for easy access and sliding of utensils, it’s ideal for frittatas and egg dishes.

In a restaurant, you will notice a variety of different pans, including stainless steel pans, cast iron pans, aluminium pans and more. However, most chefs prefer to use stainless steel pans when preparing food. The Indus Valley offers a range of Tri-ply Stainless Steel Pans, ideal for cooking chef-like meals at home.

    When looking to buy cast iron cookware, it's essential to consider factors such as the number of pieces included in the set, the type of enamel coating used, and the reputation of the manufacturer. Opting for an enameled cast iron cookware set ensures versatility in the kitchen, allowing for seamless transitions from stovetop to oven to table.

The occasional pouring spouts also make skillets ideal for reductions as you can easily pour it out without manually scooping. Not forgetting that skillets are often the outdoor enthusiasts’ favourite companion thanks to its almost indestructible and robust nature.