I feared cooking eggs on stainless steel for most of my adult life. And when I made the switch to toxic-free pans (stainless steel, cast iron, and glass), I stopped making scrambled eggs. There are ultimately only two things that affect cooking eggs on stainless steel: the temperature of the pan and then when you add the oil.
My goal is to tell you that cooking eggs on stainless steel is simple, and anyone can master this technique. When the eggs touch the stainless steel pan, the pan’s temperature is two of the most critical factors.
If the pan is too cold, the eggs will stick. If the pan is too hot, the egg will cook quickly outside, causing them to stick while the center remains runny.
The ideal temperature for cooking eggs on stainless steel is medium-low and medium. The heat allows the egg to cook slowly enough to set the center while the whites get crispy around the edges. You’ll know the pan is at the right temperature when you see tiny bubbles forming on the egg’s surface.
Adding oil to your pan is also vital in getting your eggs not to stick and also makes it easy to master. Too little oil and the egg will stick; too much fat and the egg will be greasy. Coat the pan just enough with oil to ensure even cooking.
Easy Steps for Cooking Eggs On Stainless Steel
Making eggs not stick on stainless steel is indeed a learning process. However, if I can learn it, then you can too! Because let’s face it, this is not rocket science. ?
Stainless Steel Cookware Temperature
What’s the right pan temperature for eggs?
Get the pan up to 325°F to start. After the pan is hot, then you can reduce the temperature.
Oil/Fat – Important Factor for Cooking Eggs on Stainless Steel
Once the pan is hot, add the oil. Once you add the oil, you can swirl the pan around, making sure that the oil coats the entire surface. Before adding the egg mixture, reheat the pan for a few seconds.
I like to use avocado oil for cooking eggs on stainless steel. Another pro tip is to use some avocado oil first; then, right before adding the eggs, drop in a sliver of butter. The small amount of butter will give your eggs a deeper flavor.
What Makes Cooking Eggs In Stainless Steel Easy? (With Video)
Practice makes cooking eggs in stainless steel easy. Items you will need to make cooking eggs on stainless steel easy. Get everything ready ahead of time.
- Oil (have it sitting out and ready to go)
- A hot pan
- Eggs already cracked and ready to pour into the pan
- Salt and pepper
How To Cook Scrambled Eggs On Stainless Steel
Step 1
- In a small bowl, crack your eggs and then whisk them with a fork or whisk. You want to add air into the egg mixture.
Step 2
- Get your oil and take the lid off + get a sliver of butter (if you want).
Step 3
- Put your stainless steel pan on the stovetop, and turn the heat on medium.
Step 4
- Add the oil when the pan is hot (about 1-2 minutes). If the oil burns, then start over. The oil should not be boiling, bubbling, or burning. Knowing when to dump the oil and start over is an important step.
You can also do the water test. Before adding any oil, place a drop of water on the pan; the water should dance around but not completely evaporate. If the water evaporates immediately, then the pan is too hot.
Step 5
- Swirl the pan to coat the entire bottom surface with the oil. Add your egg mixture and reduce the heat to low-medium. Take a spatula and push the eggs around. (See the video above)
How To Fry An Egg In Stainless Steel Pan?
Step 1
Place the pan over medium heat.
Step 2
Coat your pan with oil (about one teaspoon).
Step 3
Once the pan is hot, gently place the egg in the center of the pan.
Step 4
Let the egg cook to your desired style. If you like the runny, then cook for under 1 minute. On the other hand,d if you want them well done, let them cook for longer.
Can You Make An Omelet In A Stainless Steel Pan?
You don’t need a traditional omelet pan to make a good omelet, instead, you can create one in a stainless steel pan with sloping sides. The sloping sides will help you flip the omelet. Being able to convert the omelet is part of perfecting the omelet-making process.
How To Make Stainless Steel Nonstick
First, place the pan on the stove over medium heat. Once the pan is hot and reaches 325°F, you can safely add your oil. A stainless steel pan doesn’t need a lot of oil to be nonstick. It only needs hot pan and cold/room temperature oil.
What Makes Eggs Stick To Stainless Steel?
There are two reasons why eggs will stick to stainless steel.
One reason is that the pan is too hot. The eggs will burn quickly if the pan is too hot, which will cause them to stick.
A second reason is that you didn’t put enough oil into the pan. Not enough oil will make the eggs stick to parts of the pan. Once you get some sticking then it’s a challenge to reverse to fix the problem. You may need to start over.
How To Cook Eggs Without Oil?
If you have a nonstick pan then you might be able to cook eggs without oil. However, when you are cooking eggs on stainless steel, you will need oil.
What’s The Best Pan For Cooking Eggs?
The best pan for eggs is all a matter of personal preference. We will break down the differences in how to pick the best pan for cooking eggs
The three pans that are best for cooking eggs are the non-stick pan, the stainless steel pan, and the cast iron pan. Whether you choose non stick vs stainless steel vs ceramic the choice is yours.
Non-Stick Pan
If you are going to choose a nonstick pan for cooking eggs then definitely go with one that is non-toxic. We like the MICHELANGELO non-stick pan, for two reasons. Firstly is that it comes with a lid and the second is that it’s compatible with induction. Being able to cook with induction is important since induction is becoming more and more popular each year.
- ULTRA NON STICK & SCRATCH RESISTANT COATING - The elegantly designed granite interior of this 10 inch stone earth frying pan is ultra non stick and scratch resistant that enhances both durability and cooking performance. Food slides right off the truly nonstick surface for optimum cooking. No chipping, no peeling or flaking. Ideal for use over low to medium heat with minimum oil or butter for healthy diet. Cleans easily.
- HEATS QUICKLY & EVENLY - Made of professional grade aluminum alloy that conducts heat quickly and evenly with precise temperature control and no hot spot. Anti-Warp base of the granite frying pan provides outstanding warp resistance and even heat distribution. This nonstick frying pans is designed for professional multiple cooking use and allows you fry up your favorite breakfast, eggs, veggies, meats and more with less oil for healthy diet.
- CONVENIENTLY DESIGNED LID & ERGONOMIC HANDLE - Heat resistant glass lid of the stone skillet with lid makes viewing food easy from start to finish. It seals in the flavor and nutrients for a healthier and better tasting food. The nonstick omelet pan stone is specially designed with a long stainless steel handle that is nice to grip, easy to maneuver, and stays cool while cooking. The hanging loop of this nonstick fry pans is for convenient for storage.
- INDUCTION COMPATIBLE - This frying pan is made with a flat bottom which allows it to be placed evenly over heat source and suitable for use on all stove tops including induction, glass & gas. Oven safe up to 450°F.
- PTFA, PFOA, lead and cadmium free, ideal for healthy cooking. Choose Michelangelo Stone Frying Pan for greener and safer cooking. Package Includes: 1 x 10 Inch Frying Pan with Lid
Stainless Steel Pan
You’ll be able to cook a variety of foods with this one tool. There are many reasons why stainless steel is a great choice for cookware.
Stainless steel is non-toxic, so you don’t have to worry about harmful chemicals leaching into your food. It’s also very durable, so it will last you a long time. Stainless steel is also heavy-duty, so it can stand up to lots of wear and tear.
Additionally, you can use it for virtually any type of cooking. And stainless steel always looks amazing, so your kitchen will look great too!
- Premium 12-inch stainless steel fry pan with a lid, featuring a durable and versatile tri-ply construction for even heat distribution and retention, making it perfect for various cooking techniques.
- Fast and Even Heat - D3 tri-ply is fully bonded to the rim for professional performance & durability. The high quality 18/10 stainless steel surface sears to perfection and is ideal to deglaze for pan sauces.
- Design You Will Love - D3 has a professionally polished stainless steel finish. Our classic, double riveted stainless steel handles ensure a secure grip.
- Built to Last - Trusted by generations of chefs and backed by All-Clad's Limited Lifetime Warranty. Our cookware is oven & broiler safe up to 600°F and compatible with any stovetop, including induction. Handwashing is recommended.
- Bonded, Engineered, & Assembled in Canonsburg, PA - USA Since 1971.
Cast Iron Pan
Cast iron cookware offers many benefits. It is non-toxic and long-lasting, making it a safe and environmentally friendly option. It is also very heavy duty, so it can withstand high temperatures and heavy use.
Additionally, it is very versatile, so you can use it for frying, baking, or even as a serving dish. And because it looks great, you can use it as decoration in your kitchen as well.
Finally, depending on how it is seasoned, cast iron can add a deep flavor to food that other cookware simply cannot match.
- YOUR NEW GO-TO PAN: Lodge cast iron cookware is the perfect kitchen tool for beginners, home cooks and chefs. Cast iron can handle any kitchen cooktop, oven, grill and open flame. Crafted in America with iron and oil, its naturally seasoned cooking surface creates an easy-release and improves with use.
- SEASONED COOKWARE: Seasoning is simply oil baked into the iron, giving it a natural, easy-release finish and helps prevent your pan from rusting. Lodge pre-seasons all cast iron cookware with 100% natural vegetable oil; no synthetic coatings or chemicals. The more you use Lodge the better the seasoning will get!
- RUST? DON’T PANIC! IT’S NOT BROKEN: When your pan arrives you may notice a spot that looks like rust. It’s simply oil that has not fully carbonized. With regular use and care the spot will disappear. If you do notice rust simply scour the affected area with steel wool, rinse, dry and rub with vegetable oil.
- COOKING VERSATILITY: Our skillets have unparalleled heat retention that gives you edge-to-edge even cooking every time you use your skillet. Cast iron cookware is slow to heat up but retains heat longer which makes cast iron ideal for pan-frying and roasting. These delicious moments are cast to last.
- FAMILY-OWNED. Lodge is more than just a business; it’s a family. The Lodge family founded the company in 1896, and they still own it today. From environmental responsibility to community development, their heads and hearts are rooted in America. Lodge products are made in the USA with non-toxic, PFOA & PTFE free material.
Final Thoughts on Cooking Eggs On Stainless Steel
If you’re like me, and love a healthy egg breakfast but always have trouble getting them to not stick, then this is the blog post for you. I am here to tell you that cooking eggs on stainless steel is easy, and anyone can master the technique.
By following these simple tips, your eggs will come out perfectly every time without sticking to the pan.