So pancakes are on the menu for breakfast. You’ve got the batter ready and finally, it’s time to cook them babies. The pan is on and you add the batter. But when it comes time to turn those pancakes, they stick!!!. Nothing more annoying, not to mention making a mess in your pan. And you moan to yourself “Why do my pancakes stick?”
Why Do My Pancakes Stick?
Are your pancakes sticking to the pan when flipping them? Well, let’s take care of that!. The pan you are using can be one of the culprits. The best type of pan for pancakes is non-stick. Check to make sure that your heat is not too high. Pancakes tend to be finicky. You need to coat your pan evenly with butter/oil. Do not flip your pancake too late. On the other hand, flipping them too soon can also cause them to stick.
Follow these tips and you will be flipping pancakes like a pro. No more messes to be had.
How Hot Should Your Skillet/ Griddle Be?
The heat should be medium when making pancakes. Not high and not low. Too hot and your pancakes are going to stick. Too low and not only does it take longer for them to cook but they may stick as well.
Not too high and not too low:) Those pancakes are like Goldielocks and the 3 bears. The temperature has to be just right.
If you are using an electric griddle the ideal heat setting is 375 degrees.
Let your pan pre-heat before adding butter or oil. The butter or oil heats faster this way and you can immediately add your pancake batter.
How Much Butter/Oil Do I Need?
You only need enough to coat your pan. I wouldn’t add more than a couple teaspoons, a tablespoon at most. Using too much butter or oil can make your pancakes greasy. And nobody likes greasy pancakes.
But on the other hand, if you don’t use enough then your pancakes are gonna stick. Many times in the past when making pancakes I have used too much oil and the eating experience was not pleasant.
I just wanted to be sure that my pancakes didn’t stick to the pan.
Add the oil or butter just before you add your pancake batter. Although butter makes things taste better it also tends to burn more quickly than oil so then it becomes tricky if your pan is too hot.
When Should You Flip Your Pancakes?
Let your pancakes cook for about 5-6 minutes. When bubbles appear on top, carefully take a spatula and gently lift up your pancake to check the underside for browning.
Also, check the edges of the pancakes, if they are firm then your pancakes are ready to be turned. If you turn them too early then you are going to have a gooey mess on your hands, too late, and most likely they are gonna be overdone and stick.
Cast-Iron Skillet
If you are going to use a cast-iron skillet, preheating the pan is very important, not only for even cooking but will ensure that those pancakes don’t stick. A caution here, a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet will have your pancakes release easily. I actually used my cast-iron skillet as an experiment. But then I have had my cast-iron skillet for years and it is well-seasoned.
I didn’t have a new one but may add that to my list. It never hurts to have more than one. I love cooking in my cast-iron skillet. But some foods are better made/cooked in a non-stick skillet.
Final Thoughts
Pancakes prefer a non-stick pan. Although they can be made in a cast-iron skillet, the skillet needs to be well seasoned.
They also prefer medium heat. After all, you are not cooking a steak or searing meat. Pancakes need a delicate touch and tender loving care to get those lovely fluffy pancakes that do not stick to your pan.
You need to flip them to the other side at just the right time. Gently with your spatula, lift an edge and if they are a golden brown then they are ready to be turned.
Your pan needs to be evenly coated with butter or oil and added after you pre-heat your pan. If you prefer using butter, after all, it does make tasty pancakes, just remember that butter burns faster than oil especially if your pan is too hot.
Do your pancakes stick? I hope you found this article helpful. Please leave me a comment below with your thoughts and experiences. I always love hearing from you!
And As Always
Have A Wonderful Day!
