Nowadays, a variety of high-quality, durable frying pans are not only easily accessible but also reasonably priced. For those passionate about cooking at home, possessing two or three specialized frying pans is quite common. The versatile skillet allows for numerous cooking techniques such as frying, sautéing, steaming, and braising. A common drawback, however, is that many frying pans lack accompanying lids. Instead of going on a lengthy search for the perfect lid, consider using an inverted mixing bowl instead.

Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann

The Importance of Having a Lid for Your Frying Pan

None of the frying pans in my kitchen arrived with lids. It’s not something that crosses the mind during the purchase process. However, the need for a makeshift lid frequently arises. A common scenario is when toasting a grilled cheese or panini, where completing the melting of the cheese proves challenging. Frying pans allow steam to escape and promote airflow, focusing heat solely at the bottom. This is ideal for searing and browning but can leave the cheese cold while the bread burns. A lid can resolve this issue effectively.

Using a lid, or in this case, an overturned bowl, traps steam within the pan, allowing heat to circulate around the food and melt any cheese in the center. This strategy is also effective for quickly steaming frozen gyoza, ensuring that the filling is adequately heated. After a few moments, the lid can be removed, allowing steam to escape while crisping the base.

Understanding the Effectiveness of Mixing Bowls as Lids

Chances are you have multiple frying pans of varying sizes in your kitchen arsenal. Mixing bowls, particularly a nesting set, serve well as lids because many circular kitchen items (such as bowls, pots, and pans) share similar diameters—commonly measured in whole inches (like six, eight, 10, etc.). If you own a set of mixing bowls, it’s likely that one will fit your frying pan perfectly.

Utilizing a metal mixing bowl as a cover is straightforward. Simply grab a bowl, turn it upside-down, and place it over the pan, allowing the bowl’s edge to rest on the pan’s rim. The roundness of the bowl ensures it avoids interference with the pan’s handle, unlike using an oversized plate that may not sit comfortably. If the bowl tilts sideways, it indicates a size mismatch; a too-small bowl might not seal well, while a too-large bowl will leave gaps for steam to escape.

Cautions to Consider

Select a metal mixing bowl for this purpose; glass is not advisable. While glass bowls are significantly lighter, they are prone to breaking from thermal shock, an unhappy occurrence to say the least.

When removing the metal bowl from the pan, exercise care. The bowl is likely in contact with temperatures exceeding 300°F, not to mention the steam inside, which will be around 212°F. Employ oven mitts for safety and use both hands to lift the hot bowl off.

While some may opt to purchase lids, why add unnecessary items and costs to your kitchen? The versatility offered by a mixing bowl extends beyond just using it as a lid; consider its usefulness in mixing cookie dough or marinating meats. The argument certainly stands strong.