what is the difference in frying a steak using a grill pan or regular pan?

Question

It is still considered fried not grilled?

Answer 1

A grill is like a fire, well at least I think it is.

Answer 2

It depends on the cooking surface. Steak will sear a million times better on cast iron or a stainless steel surface. A grill pan will drain away some of the juice and fat and create those grill marks. I think technically frying and searing is only different because of the amount of oil you use. If you are searing the steak, you only drizzle enough oil to coat the bottom. If you are frying a steak, you use more oil. But over all, stay away from nonstick pans for steak...it won't do the meat justice!

Answer 3

The difference is that more of the fat drips out of the meat when using a grill pan and is not retained in the meat. It's thought to be a healthier way of cooking than frying in a flat-bottomed skillet. A very small percentage of fat, when subjected to frying temperatures, forms chemicals suspected of being mild carcinogens - but how serious a health threat, if any, this is remains in doubt. Personally, I don't own a grill pan, but I do limit my intake of fried foods. I own five cast-iron, flat-bottomed skillets and a flat-bottomed iron griddle - but these items can be used in a variety of ways besides frying. The trick is to become well-informed regarding healthy eating. Fried foods are okay, but in moderation, in my professional opinion. Others may disagree.

Answer 4

A grill pan has those ridges so the meat is elevated away from the heat source and the fat runs off...

The other frying pan puts the meat flat in its own fat and juice...

Use the grill pan. I think flat pan frying is more like searing and makes meat tough unless you plan to simmer it in some yummy sauce for awhile.

Answer 5

The only difference is you get little stripes on the steak's surface. I would call them pan-grilled.