Cooking in a pan is a common technique used in many types of cuisine. It involves using a flat-bottomed pan to heat ingredients over a direct heat source. The two most common techniques for cooking in a pan are frying and sauteing. Frying involves submerging food in hot oil or fat, while sauteing involves stirring food in a small amount of oil or fat. Both techniques can be used to cook a variety of ingredients, from vegetables to proteins.