HOW DO I KNOW IF MY PAN IS HOT?

How do you know if your pan is hot?

Here's how to make sure your pan has reached the right temperature for frying before you start cooking:

• Heat the pan:
  Place your pan on the hob and add some oil. Heat the pan for 2-3 minutes on a medium to high heat. Note, however, that not every oil is suitable for frying. Every oil has a so-called smoke point - the temperature at which it starts to smoke and break down. Oils with a high smoke point, such as rapeseed, peanut, or sunflower, are more suitable for frying as they can withstand higher temperatures. Oils with a low smoke point, such as olive oil or butter, should not be used at high temperatures as they burn more quickly and can leave an unpleasant flavour.
• Temperature test with a wooden spatula:
  Hold a wooden spatula or spoon in the oil in your pan. Watch to see if bubbles form around the wood. If this is the case, the oil has reached the right temperature and is hot enough to fry.
• Cooking without oil - the water test:
  If you want to cook without oil, you can check the temperature of your pan using the water drop method. To do this, splash a few drops of water into the pan. Watch the drops closely: If the drops start to ‘dance’ and move quickly in the pan, the pan has reached the right temperature and is ready for frying.
  Too hot: The pan is too hot if the droplets evaporate immediately and dissolve into small, fast-moving bubbles. In this case, reduce the heat and allow the pan to cool slightly before frying.
  Too cold: If the drops are just sitting in the pan and barely moving, the pan is still too cold. Allow the pan to heat up a little longer before testing the temperature again.
• Adjust the temperature:
  As soon as the desired temperature is reached, reduce the heat to keep the temperature constant and prevent the pan from overheating. This will help you cook your food evenly and maintain control while cooking.