Introduction
For ages, Chinese food has relied heavily on the iconic and revered wok. It is a handy tool for a variety of cooking techniques because of its distinctive form and design. The Chinese wok is a multipurpose pan that may be used for stir-frying, deep-frying, steaming, and other cooking methods in addition to Chinese cuisine. It is ideal for everyday cooking due to its great heat retention and equal distribution.
In this blog, we will talk about the best uses of a chinese wok and how to properly season it after using. We will also talk about the best online store in Dubai that sells premium quality Chinese wok.
The Best Chinese Wok to Use
When it comes to buying a good quality chinese wok it is crucial to choose the right one according to your requirements. We have listed down 3 important factors that you must consider to ensure that you choose the right wok according to your cooking preference:
Types of Woks: Before you begin your wok cooking journey, it's important to grasp the various types of Chinese woks that are available. Cast iron, carbon steel, non-stick, and other materials are available. Each type has its own pros and cons and is appropriate for various cooking methods.
Size and form: The size and form of your wok can have a big impact on how well you cook. Think about how many people you often prepare for and how much food you'll be making. The design of the wok can also include certain cooking methods, so make an informed decision based on your requirements.
Purchasing a Genuine Chinese Wok: Authenticity and quality are important when buying a Chinese wok. To ensure you receive the real deal, look for woks crafted using traditional materials and expertise. To find a genuine Chinese wok that will last a lifetime, check out specialty kitchen shops or reliable online suppliers.
Important Wok Cooking Methods
Now that you exactly know how to choose a wok, let’s look at some of the cooking methods that you can perform in it:
Stir-Frying: The most well-known and flexible cooking technique is stir-frying, in which items are swiftly cooked in a little oil over high heat while being constantly tossed.
Deep-Frying: To deep-fry food in a wok, add a lot of oil, heat it up, and cook the meal until it is crisp and golden.
Steaming: This delicate cooking technique uses a bamboo steamer inside the wok to cook food using steam while retaining its flavour and nutrition.
Smoking: You can smoke food to give it a distinctive smokey flavour by putting wood chips or tea leaves directly on the wok's surface.
Soup Making: Although not the wok's primary use, it is possible to boil water and prepare soups in a wok, particularly a bigger one.
How to Season a Chinese Wok
Even one of the best kitchen items in the utensil genre needs proper care. Seasoning is important to extend the life of your wok and give it the best cooking results. Seasoning enables you to cook with comfort and confidence by generating a natural non-stick surface and protecting the wok from corrosion, which also keeps the food safe. Here is a step-by-step guide for perfect seasoning:
- Wash the wok with warm, soapy water.
- Rinse thoroughly and use a scrub brush or steel wool to remove any stubborn particles.
- Place the wok on high heat until it is completely dry.
- Add a thin layer of neutral cooking oil to the inside surface of the wok.
- Using a paper towel or cloth, spread the oil evenly across the entire cooking surface.
- Heat this kitchenware on medium heat until it begins to smoke, then turn off the heat.
- Allow the wok to cool down naturally while the oil forms a dark patina on the cooking surface.
- Once cooled, discard any excess oil and wipe the wok with a clean paper towel.
- Repeat the oil application and heating process two to three more times to build a robust seasoning layer.
- After seasoning, the wok is now ready for cooking. Remember to use wooden or silicone utensils to preserve the non-stick coating.
- Apply a thin layer of cooking oil after each use to maintain the seasoning and prevent the wok from rusting.
Conclusion
In this informative guide, we have covered all the essential points you should know before investing in a Chinese wok. We have tried our best to give you helpful insights into the adaptability and advantages of using a wok in regular cooking, from picking the best wok to mastering fundamental techniques like stir-frying, deep-frying, steaming, and smoking. Woks are considered one of the best cookware items, and buying one would definitely be worth the investment.
If you are looking to buy Chinese woks for your kitchen or restaurant, you must check out Khiara Stores. They are one of the best kitchen equipment suppliers in Dubai, with a wide range of kitchen essentials. They sell cookware, knives, coffee machines, mixers, refrigerators, and much more. Visit their website to learn more about their services.
