Aluminum foil, baking paper, freezer paper, and wax paper are just some of the many products used for cooking. Aluminum foil is known for its metallic, silver-like appearance. It could be used as a temporary cover for a quick marinade or wrapped in freshly-cooked food to keep its heat longer. You can also wrap your favorite vegetables and proteins in an aluminum foil before grilling to retain its moisture. Baking paper is made with a different material, but it could be substituted with aluminum foil.
Can I Use Foil Instead of Baking Paper?
Baking paper is made with thin rolls of paper coated with silicone. Silicone is an amazing heat conductor, and it could resist high temperatures to a certain degree. The silicone found in the baking paper can also serve as a nonstick coating, which lessens the time needed to grease and degrease your bakeware.
You can use aluminum foil instead of baking paper. Foil can be used to line baking pans and molds to prevent the batter or solids from sticking directly. Aluminum foil is bent easily and requires minimal pinching to pouch foods inside, unlike the baking paper’s necessary folding methods.
Another beneficial use of aluminum is for direct-heat cooking. Direct-heat cooking involves placing the food directly into the heat source (broiler, griller) to release a multifaceted array of flavors, textures, and aroma. Aluminum could withstand heat from direct cooking and could protect the food from catching flames.
The only downturn of using aluminum foil is the lack of nonstick coating found on baking paper. It could be fixed by applying grease (oil, margarine, butter) to the aluminum foil before using it to prevent food from sticking.
Can You Bake Without Baking Paper?
Certain baking techniques require specific bakeware and liners before cooking. Liners (like baking paper) could help in many ways. You can lift your baked cake easily with baking paper that will serve as handles. You can reduce the need for greasing and degreasing your pans. You can even wrap your baked goods with baking paper before storing them to retain their moisture.
If you cannot purchase baking paper, you can substitute it with several materials. Wax paper can work as cupcake liners, cake batters, and anything that covers your liners. Cookies, meatballs, and vegetables can be baked using a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
Metallic baking trays, molds, and pans can be used without liners. It should be covered in cooking spray, butter, and flour to prevent it from sticking. This, however, will make your baking pans vulnerable to tough stains and dirt.
Grease, oil, and sediments stuck on a baking sheet could be cleaning by soaking your soiled sheet with warm soapy water. Wait until the food clumps disintegrate and float on the soapy water. Scrub your pans gently with a brush until clean.
For oily stains, you may soak your baking sheet with baking soda and lemon squeeze. This will also remove the tough food odor on the sheet.
