What am I doing wrong??

I got a stainless steel pot set for Christmas, I had been dying for a new set since I have an old non stick set...and the teflon is chipping

I have never once in my life cooked in stainless steel, but I really want to learn.

First, I made rice and now my pot has residue that I can't get off and I can see where the rice was sitting in the pot. Second...how to I not burn stuff on? Pam? AM I using heat too high??

I made beef and broccoli and followed the directions perfectly and the bottom of my pan had caked on crud! I had to let it soak and then I had to scrape with a wooden spoon to get everything off

What am I doing wrong? What do I need to know?

Re: What am I doing wrong??

I have mostly stainless steel pots. Takes some getting used to to cook with them.

I don't like Pam for cooking in general. I use regular olive or canola oil for cooking, a medium to high heat is sufficient.
With rice or other starchy foods, you might see an outline of the food. Doesn't mean the pan is dirty. I use white vinegar to get rid of it, heat it in the pan until it simmers then let sit for a while until cool. I do the same for the frying pan. Stinks up the house for a while but boy-o-boy do the pots shine like new.
If something burns on the pan or does not come off easy, I put a liberal amount of baking soda and hot water in the pan, then let it sit for a while. Amazing how that loosens everything up.
Most important thing is to avoid scratching the pans because then food/oil will always stick. Never use scrubbing pads. Use a sponge and baking soda - that will never scratch.

In time you will get used to your pots and how to cook in them.
Oh, and mine never go into the dishwasher. Something I was taught a while ago, can't remember the reason behind it.

Re: What am I doing wrong??

I use stainless steel and I love them.

I use evoo to cook usually. Rice though, I do it just as the directions state on the box or bag and it never sticks. However, the pots and pans do get stained/discolored/outlines show... there isn't much you can do about it but take care of them the best you can.

I use the yellow scotch brite dobie pad sponges and bar keepers friend stainless steel liquid cleanser (bought at bed bath and beyond). That cleaning solution and sponge help bring life back into pots but it is really important to clean them immediately and then use this stuff almost every single time.

Once you don't take care of a stain or discoloration, it usually can't be as easily removed and stays. Either way, it doesn't matter too much it is just a visual thing. I hated it at first, but now I am used to it but I am just obsessed with caring for them now.

Make sure your dish soap you use is not citrus at all. Any lemon or orange cleaners are not good for stainless steel. Do not put them in the dishwasher, they must be cleaned by hand.

I don't like the pam spray on the stainless steel cookware. If you don't want to use oils or butters, I would recommend using chicken broth. You just need a little liquid in there to keep things from sticking so I always add a few tablespoons of chicken broth when needed to each item.

Re: What am I doing wrong??

always deglaze your pan with water, wine, stock..etc..use fat in the pan. Non-stick spray is not my first choice.

Also Bar Keeper's friend cleaner works great. I use it a few times a week. makes your pots sparkle.

Re: What am I doing wrong??

A new set of pot and pans takes a little bit of getting use to...if stuff is burning you have the heat too high..if it is sticking try using oil or pam like pps suggested. I use the liquid bar keepers friend to get rid of stains on my stainless cook wear. It is the best! BBB carries it so you can use a coupon and get 20% off.