Control high heat by moving the pan off the burner (not just turning the knob down)
If something is cooking too fast, slide or lift the pan off the heat to cool it quickly.
When cooking at higher heat, turning the burner down may not cool the pan fast enough. Instead, lift the pan or slide it to an unused spot so it’s fully off the heat, then return when under control.
The short version
- Plan a safe off-heat zone before you start
- Moving the pan off heat can be faster than lowering the flame
What you need
- frying pan
- stovetop
How to do it
- 1
Before cooking, make sure you have a clear spot next to the burner to move the pan to.
This is especially helpful if you’re prone to burning food.
Watch this step - 2
If the pan is getting too hot or food is about to burn, lift the pan off the burner or slide it to the clear spot.
This can be faster than waiting for the burner to cool down.
Watch this step - 3
Once the heat is under control, return the pan to the burner and continue cooking.
Watch this step
What goes wrong
Only turning the burner down and hoping it cools fast enough
Move the pan off the burner temporarily for immediate control
Why it works
The burner and pan retain heat; removing the pan from the heat source reduces energy input immediately.
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