Between sourcing fresh ingredients, pairing unique flavors and sprinkling the perfect amount of seasoning into your dish — cooking is an art form. One way to further enhance your craft is by learning how to use ceramic cookware effectively.
Our guide will provide a helpful overview of ways to use your ceramic cookware so that each meal is a chef's kiss. By giving your skillets, pans and Dutch ovens a little TLC from the start, you can use them to prepare your favorite dishes for years to come.
Understanding Your Ceramic Cookware
When you purchase quality ceramic cookware, you're setting yourself up for years of healthy cooking and convenience. Pure ceramic cookware pieces are also gorgeous, making them a beautiful addition to your kitchen. Here's a brief rundown on why ceramic cookware is a smarter choice for your lifestyle:
- Suitable for regular or glass stove tops: Ceramic cookware works well on both regular and glass stovetops. Just remember to place your cookware carefully on the stove — rather than sliding it — to avoid scratching or marking the surface.
- Refrigerator- or freezer-friendly: You don't need to dirty another dish to put your leftover meal in the refrigerator or freezer — you can pop ceramic cookware directly into cooling appliances.
- Easy to maneuver: Ceramic cookware is lighter than cast-iron sets, making it easier to flip pancakes and wash after cooking.
- Microwave and dishwasher safe: These appliances have made modern life that much more convenient — high-quality ceramic cookware is designed to ensure great results when used in the microwave or dishwasher.
- Nontoxic materials: Each item in a ceramic cookware set consists of natural minerals, clay and water. Cooking with these materials helps keep toxins out of your food.
- Maximum versatility: Whether you decide to grill a salmon cutlet, broil a veggie casserole or bake a cheesy quiche, the versatility of ceramic cookware is expansive. You can even take it camping and whip up an exciting campfire menu.
- Made to last: The first instance of ceramic pottery emerged in 28,000 B.C. Since then, technology has enhanced ceramic cookware so that it offers exceptional durability.
Preparing Your Ceramic Cookware
Whether you're unboxing your ceramic cookware for the first time or looking to extend the life span of your existing set, these preparation tips will help you meet your culinary goals. Here's the lowdown on how to prepare ceramic cookware.
Preheat Your Cookware
When you slowly heat your ceramic cookware over three to five minutes, you benefit from a more even cooking surface. Constant cooking temperatures help you heat your ingredients consistently and ensure tastier dishes. In addition, cooking at the right temperature offers increased food safety — an essential factor in preparing food for yourself or others.
It's also best to fit the pan to your burner in the preparation stage. Matching a bigger pan with a large burner is another way to ensure more consistent heat.
Coat the Pan
You'll need a little oil or fat to ensure the best results from your ceramic pans and skillets. Some recommended oils and fats include:
- Avocado oil.
- Extra-virgin olive oil.
- Tallow.
- Ghee.
- Grass-fed butter.
- Coconut Oil
Cooking Techniques With Ceramic Cookware
Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice discovering new recipes to add to your repertoire, ceramic cookware is a game-changer in the kitchen. Apply these cooking techniques with ceramic cookware for the most flavorsome results.
Thaw Meat and Veggies
Pure ceramic cookware is resistant to scratches and flakes. Thawing frozen food provides an additional level of caution, as it limits sudden temperature changes that may cause damage. Also, avoid adding cold water to your pan or placing it on a cold countertop to increase longevity.
Use Nonreactive Utensils
While ceramic cookware is robust, avoid using metal utensils that could leave marks on the surface. Some safe options include:
- Wooden spoons, spatulas, spurtles and chopsticks.
- Silicone spoons, tongs and spatulas.
- Nylon utensils.
Take Your Time
All forms of art — especially cooking — deserve to be enjoyed. Cooking is a creative pursuit and is often considered a powerful way to relieve stress. Enjoy the process of chopping your ingredients, cooking a meal with quality cookware and savoring each mouthful.
Cleaning Your Ceramic Cookware
Once every morsel has disappeared from your plate, it's time to begin the cleanup process. The good news is that cooking with ceramic cookware makes post-dinner cleaning a breeze. Ensure your cookware is cool before trying these cleaning tips:
- Soak your cookware: Once your ceramic cookware is cool, soak it in a basin of warm, soapy water. A quick soak is often sufficient to dislodge particles from your pots and pans and enable you to wipe them off with a soft cloth.
- Use boiling water: In the event of stubborn greasy spots or burnt-on food, fill your cookware with water and bring it to a boil. The process will help to lift food for easier cleaning.
- Scrub with baking soda: When all else fails, bring out your secret cleaning formula — some baking soda and elbow grease. Use a nonmetal scouring pad to work on particularly stubborn spots. You can also use scrub brushes made of natural fibers or silicone.
- Pop in the dishwasher: Ceramic cookware is dishwasher-safe, so you can load it into the appliance with your other dishes and run a cycle like normal.
- Dry with a soft towel: Leave your cookware to dry naturally on a dish rack or dry each piece with a soft towel before storing it in its designated spot.
Storing Your Pans for Next Time
Between uses, layer your ceramic cookware between a soft towel or specialized pan liner to prevent scratches and chips.
Another great option is to display your high-quality ceramic pieces on a kitchen shelf or in a dedicated cabinet. After all, once you purchase one ceramic skillet, you're sure to add another. You may even extend your collection to include a teaware set, pan or Dutch oven!
Perfect Your Cooking With Xtrema Cookware
Whether you're making a simple frittata or grilling a juicy steak, ceramic cookware will help you achieve mouth-watering meals. Pure ceramic surfaces also offer better heat retention and nontoxic materials, making it easier to prepare a wholesome meal for your loved ones.
At Xtrema, we've made it our mission to provide high-quality cookware that adds to the joy of cooking. Explore our range of ceramic cookware, including skillets, pans and Dutch ovens, and feel inspired to make your foodie dreams come true!
