To deep-fry food, you submerge it in a large vessel full of the bubbling-hot oil. Meanwhile, pan-frying is a more accessible technique, simply necessitating a thin layer of oil heated in a skillet.

Instead of relegating olive oil to the frying pan, we can make it the key ingredient in long, unctuous braises. ... The oil penetrates the beans, now carrying their full flavor.

If your pan is beyond redemption and you’re looking for a new one, check our top pan picks below or read our full list of nonstick frying pan ratings and recommendations. 1. Avoid metal utensils.