Here's Why You Shouldn't Leave a Ladle in the Pan While Cooking

If you use the same ladle to stir and taste food while cooking, there is a risk of bacterial transmission. This is especially problematic if you are cooking raw meat or products with delicate textures, such as eggs.

Heat is not always enough to kill all germs if the ladle is regularly dipped in and out of the pan.

Changing the taste of food
A metal or plastic ladle can absorb aromas and gradually release them into the dish, changing its taste.

Additionally, a ladle exposed to direct heat may burn slightly on the edges, which can give the dish an unpleasant aftertaste.

Risk of tipping and burning