Scrambled eggs are the most intriguing breakfast staple; they can be made in under 5 minutes, but a really good batch of scrambled eggs needs quite a bit of skill and a really good spatula! Gentle and strategic stirring is the golden rule of soft, fluffy scrambled eggs. Scrambled eggs can be made anywhere, be it a kadhai, a wok, a tawa or a simple pan, but it ideally needs a non-sticking base which allows slow heating without making the eggs stick.
Since metal spoons or ladles can’t be used on non-stick surfaces, wooden and silicone spatulas are some of the only options. Silicone spatulas are thinner than wooden ones so their mixing can be gentler and they can also stir in the egg mix without fluffing them up up too early.
Their flexible nature ensures that the eggs are stirred delicately, preventing them from becoming overly beaten or tough. The gentle motion of a silicone spatula allows for even incorporation of ingredients without breaking the curds, resulting in a velvety texture. There are some other reasons why you should invest in a good silicone spatula. Let’s find out.
Non-Stick Properties
Unlike traditional spatulas, silicone doesn't scratch or damage non-stick coatings, preserving the integrity of your cookware. This means you can effortlessly glide the spatula along the surface of the pan, ensuring that no delicious morsel is left behind.
Heat Resistance
Scrambled eggs require precise temperature control to achieve the right balance of fluffiness and softness. Silicone spatulas excel in this due to their impressive heat resistance. Unlike their wooden or plastic counterparts, silicone spatulas can withstand high temperatures without melting or warping. So you can use them in hot pans without worrying about them deforming or releasing harmful chemicals into your food.
Easy to Clean
The smooth silicone surface repels food particles, preventing residue from clinging to the spatula. Egg stains can be sticky and with silicone you don’t have to clean stubborn stains as you can simply swipe it once with a sponge or scrub
Versatility
Silicone spatulas can help with a whole lot of other cooking methods besides crumbling eggs. They are versatile tools, ideal for sautéing vegetables and stirring sauces. Their flexibility and heat resistance make them very useful in several kinds of stirring. Moreover, they are built to last. Unlike flimsy plastic spatulas that can snap or wooden spatulas that can splinter over time, silicone spatulas boast exceptional durability. Their resilient base makes sure they can withstand daily use without losing their shape or functionality.
What To Look For
Besides looking for food-grade spatulas, you also have to make sure they are melt-proof and can withstand high temperatures and won't leak harmful chemicals into your food. It’s safer to go for a reliable brand and not buy something cheaper since it could be your primary cooking tool and needs to be of a certain quality. Here are some things to look out for when you’re buying a silicone spatula.
Heat Resistance
Look for spatulas that are heat resistant up to at least 400°F (200°C) to ensure they can withstand high cooking temperatures without melting or deforming. If you plan to use the spatula for tasks like scraping hot pans or mixing ingredients over direct heat, consider opting for a spatula with even higher heat resistance.
Flexibility and Strength
A good silicone spatula should be flexible enough to easily manoeuvre around curved surfaces and scrape bowls clean. At the same time, it should have enough strength and rigidity to handle heavy mixing and lifting tasks without bending or flopping over.
Design
Look for spatulas with seamless or one-piece construction to prevent food from getting trapped in crevices and make cleaning easier. Check the handle design for comfort and ergonomic features that provide a secure grip and control during use. Consider spatulas with a reinforced core or handle for added durability and stability.
Size and Shape
Consider the spatula's shape, such as flat or curved edges, depending on the specific tasks you'll be using it for, whether it's flipping delicate foods or scraping the edges of pans.