What Are Spatulas Used For? 13 Surprising Ways to Use Them
Spatulas are a must-have tool in any kitchen. They come in different sizes, shapes, and materials, and are used for a variety of purposes.
From flipping pancakes to scraping the bottom of a bowl, spatulas can make cooking and baking easier and more efficient.
In this blog post, we will explore the many ways spatulas can be used in the kitchen and the different types of spatulas available to make your cooking experience even better.
What Are Spatulas Used For?
Spatulas are used for flipping and lifting food, spreading icing or frosting on cakes, and mixing ingredients. They are also handy for scraping the sides of mixing bowls and removing the last bits of batter or dough.
Most Common Uses of Spatulas
Here are some common users of spatulas:
Decorating Cakes or Pastries
If you enjoy baking, then you know how important it is to have the right tools for decorating cakes and pastries.
A good spatula is an essential tool for any baker. With a wide, flat blade, a spatula can help you smooth out frosting and icing on your baked goods.
A good quality spatula should be made of a sturdy material that can withstand the rigors of frequent use.
Additionally, it should be comfortable to hold and easy to maneuver, so that you can create the designs you want without making mistakes.
Serving Slices of Bars, Cake, or Pies
Serving slices of bars, cake, or pies can be a messy and tricky task.
You want to make sure that each slice is neat and clean, and that it doesn’t fall apart as you transfer it from the serving plate to the individual’s plate.
A spatula can help you with this task. A good quality spatula should have a wide blade that can easily slide under the slice of baked good without damaging it.
It should be easy to grip and maneuver, so that you can serve each slice with confidence.
Whether you are serving a single slice or a whole cake, a good spatula can make the job much easier.
Grilling, Specifically for Flipping and Draining Liquids Through the Slots
Grilling is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and cook delicious meals.
However, it can be challenging to flip and drain liquids through the slots of your grilled food without making a mess. A good spatula can help you with this task.
Look for a spatula with a wide, slotted blade that can easily slide under the food and allow liquids to drain through the slots.
Additionally, it should have a comfortable handle that can withstand high temperatures and provide a good grip.
With a good quality spatula, you can flip and drain your grilled food with ease and confidence.
Slicing, Flipping, and Filtering Food
Slicing, flipping, and filtering food or substances can be a messy task, especially if you are dealing with liquids. A good quality spatula can help you with this task.
Look for a spatula with a wide, slotted blade that can easily contain solid substances on top while draining liquids through the slots.
Additionally, it should have a comfortable handle that can withstand high temperatures and provide a good grip.
With a good quality spatula, you can slice, flip, and filter your food or substances with ease and confidence.
Handling Tough Jobs and Heavy Food with Ease
Handling tough jobs and heavy food can be a challenge, but a good quality spatula can make the job much easier.
Go for a spatula made of sturdy materials, such as stainless steel or aluminum, that can withstand high temperatures and retain its shape.
It should have a comfortable handle that can provide a good grip. With a good quality spatula, you can handle tough jobs and heavy food with ease and confidence.
Flipping Meat or Fish
Flipping meat or fish can be a tricky task, especially if you are dealing with delicate fillets. A good quality spatula can make the job much easier.
Look for a fish spatula with a strong, rigid, flexible, and thin blade that can easily slide under your fish without damaging it.
Additionally, it should have sharp edges and an angled head that can help you flip your fish in tricky situations.
With a good quality spatula, you can flip your meat or fish with ease and confidence, ensuring that it is cooked perfectly every time.
Turning over Food like Pancakes, Patties, or Vegetables
Turning over food like pancakes, patties, or vegetables can be a messy task, but a good quality spatula can make it much easier.
Look for a turner spatula with a wide, flat blade that can easily slide under your food without damaging it.
Cooking and Turning Small Items like Cookies, Meat Patties, Pancakes,
Cooking and turning small items like cookies, meat patties, pancakes, or eggs can be a delicate task, but a good quality spatula can make it much easier.
Look for a spatula with a shorter blade that can easily maneuver around your small items without damaging them.
It should have a comfortable handle that can provide a good grip.
With a good quality spatula, you can cook and turn your small items with ease and precision, ensuring that they are cooked perfectly every time.
Cooking Vegetables on the Stovetop with Medium-Sized Spatula Blades
Cooking vegetables on the stovetop can be a messy task, but a good quality spatula can make it much easier.
Look for a spatula with a medium-sized blade that can easily flip and stir your vegetables without damaging them.
Additionally, it should have a comfortable handle that can provide a good grip.
With a good quality spatula, you can cook your vegetables with ease and precision, ensuring that they are cooked evenly and to your liking.
Turning Delicate Fillets or Flipping Meats
Turning delicate fillets or flipping meats during grilling season can be a challenge, but a wooden spatula can make the job much easier.
Look for a wooden spatula with a thin, flat blade that can easily slide under your fillets or meat without damaging them.
Wooden spatulas are ideal for grilling because they do not conduct heat as well as metal spatulas, so you can use them to flip your food without burning your hands.
Additionally, wooden spatulas are durable and can last for years with proper care.
Stirring and Scraping Sticky and Wet Ingredients from Mixing Bowls
Stirring and scraping sticky and wet ingredients can be a messy task, but a good quality scraper spatula can make it much easier.
Look for a scraper spatula with a rectangular-shaped blade and one side rounded edge tip that can easily scrape the sides and bottom of your mixing bowl or pan.
Spreading Butter or Jam on Bread Slices with Butter Spatulas
Spreading butter or jam on bread slices can be a messy task, but a good quality butter spatula can make it much easier.
Look for a buttered spatula with a wide, flat blade that can easily spread your butter or jam without tearing your bread.
Additionally, it should have a comfortable handle that can provide a good grip.
With a good quality butter spatula, you can spread your butter or jam evenly on your bread slices, ensuring that they are delicious and satisfying.
Removing Items from Baking Sheets or Cake Pans
Removing items from baking sheets or cake pans can be a delicate task, but a good quality angled or offset spatula can make it much easier.
Look for an angled or offset spatula with a thin, flat blade that can easily slide under your baked goods without damaging them.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Spatula
Here are some key factors to consider when choosing the right spatula:
Consider the type of cooking you do regularly:
Silicone spatulas won’t harm nonstick cookware, making them a good choice.
Metal spatulas are preferable for grilling since they can resist high temperatures and are more durable.
Think about the temperature of the food you will be cooking:
Consider the cooking temperature while choosing a spatula.
Silicone spatulas are known for their heat resistance and can be used to stir hot ingredients without melting or warping.
In contrast, rubber spatulas are better suited for cold ingredients as they may not hold up well under high heat.
Consider the material of your cookware:
If you have nonstick cookware, it’s important to choose a spatula that won’t scratch the surface.
Silicone and wood spatulas are both gentle on nonstick surfaces and won’t damage the coating.
However, metal spatulas may scratch the surface and are better suited for stainless steel or cast iron cookware.
Material of spatula
The material of your spatula can have a significant impact on its performance and durability.
Silicone, plastic, and metal are the principal spatula materials.
Because it’s heat-resistant, non-stick, and flexible, silicone is a popular choice for cooking delicate foods.
Plastic is light and cheap, but it may not be as durable as silicone or metal.
Metal spatulas are the most durable and versatile option, but they can scratch non-stick pans and may not be heat-resistant.
Shape
The shape of your spatula can also affect its performance. There are two main shapes of spatulas: flat and slotted.
Flat spatulas are great for flipping and stirring foods, while slotted spatulas are ideal for draining liquids and lifting delicate foods like fish.
Some spatulas also have angled or tapered edges, which can make it easier to slide under food and flip it without damaging it.
Size
The size of your spatula should be chosen based on the size of the pan or dish you will be using it with.
A smaller spatula is ideal for small pans and delicate foods, while a larger spatula is better for larger dishes and foods that require more support.
Look for a comfortable handle:
The handle of your spatula should be comfortable to hold and use.
Be sure to choose a handle that suits your needs, whether you prefer a long or short handle, a textured grip, or a soft touch material.
A comfortable handle will make cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Cleaning
Finally, it is important to consider how easy the spatula is to clean. Some spatulas are dishwasher safe, while others require hand washing.
It is also important to consider how easy the spatula is to dry, as moisture can lead to rust or bacteria growth.
FAQs
What Are The Different Types Of Spatulas?
There are various types of spatulas such as silicone, wooden, metal, fish, offset, and turner spatulas, each designed for a specific purpose.
Can Spatulas Be Used For Mixing Ingredients?
Yes, spatulas can be used for mixing ingredients, particularly in baking, as they are gentle and won’t overwork the batter or dough.
How Do You Clean A Spatula?
Cleaning a spatula is easy – just rinse it under warm water with soap or place it in the dishwasher.
Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbers that may damage the spatula’s surface.
Is It Safe To Use Spatulas On Non-Stick Cookware?
Yes, it is safe to use spatulas on non-stick cookware as long as they are made of soft materials such as silicone, nylon, or wood.
Avoid using metal spatulas on non-stick surfaces as they can scratch and damage the coating
Conclusion
Hence, spatulas are multipurpose culinary equipment.
Any kitchen needs a spatula for flipping pancakes, sautéing vegetables, or scraping the last pieces of cookie dough.
There’s a spatula for every cooking requirement and desire with so many materials, forms, and sizes.
