What is a "sauté pan"?

A sauté pan is a versatile cooking vessel with a flat bottom and tall, straight sides, typically made of stainless steel, aluminum, or clad materials. It is specifically designed for sautéing, searing, and frying food, but can also be used for a variety of other cooking methods. Sauté pans often feature a long handle for easy maneuvering and tossing of ingredients, as well as a lid to help retain heat and moisture during cooking. They are valued for their even heat distribution and ability to cook food quickly and efficiently.