If you are a new cook, shopping for cookware amidst the haul shouldn’t be anything new. Though the typical cookware lies around a few saute pans and kitchen appliances, you might need to go the extra mile if you are interested in Asian or other continental cooking.
A wok must be on your wishlist if you prefer Asian cooking with all the spices and condiments. It is nothing but a round-shaped fry pan that resembles a bowl. You can also enjoy multiple benefits from using this fry pan. From quick-cooking to better flavour, using these bowl-shaped fry pans can add versatility to your cooking!
How to use a wok?
According to a recent study, Australians tend to spend a significant amount of money on a new kitchen. If this is your first take with Asian cooking and fry pans, it is pretty tricky to ensure safety while handling the cookware. With these fry pans, your cooking does not just limit to frying or sizzling.
However, as a beginner in using a wok, you will have to practice how to use, handle and fry food without any injury. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use these fry pans,
1. Preheat the pan well before cooking
Like every other frying pan, ensure you preheat the pan initially. To begin with, place the pan on high for a few minutes but do not let it burn or give out a charring flavour. Nextly, add a few drops of oil (of your choice). You can even add up to one tablespoon of oil if your dish requires more oil. Try spreading the oil evenly across the pan. Toss the pan to avoid the oil from burning.
Ensure you do not overheat the pan as it can affect your cooking intensity, time and flavour. Pre heat needs to be minimal. To ensure the oil does not burn, prefer using oils that withstand higher temperatures until you get the food chopped and ready.
2. Adding veggies/meat to the pan
If you are cooking an all-veggie dish, some fried rice or tofu, you might have all veggies and meat chopped and ready to get added. However, with such fry pans, you need to be careful about adding the ingredients. It is so because some veggies can get burnt, some overcooked, while others may remain raw. These fry pans keep distributing heat evenly across the surface.
So, initially add hard to cook ingredients and keep leaves and spices for the final addition. With that said, add ingredients step-by-step, never hurry and constantly keep stirring or moving the ingredients. For those, use a metal spatula that comes with a sturdy handle.
3. A different technique for steaming
As already mentioned, these pans are not just for frying. These fry pans can also carry out steaming vegetables and other dishes. To steam food using these fry pans, you will need a steaming basket that fits perfectly within the pan. You can choose a metal rack.
However, the best choice is a bamboo steamer rack if you want a perfect steaming rate (no more, no less). Use steamer baskets that have clips that can clasp over to the pan. Add adequate water to boil and use a lid to cover the pan without any gaps. Leave it undisturbed for 10 minutes (depending on the ingredients).
4. Seasoning the pan
Unlike other pans, you need to season a wok every time you use it for the best results. To begin with, wash the pan using warm water and a little detergent (if needed). Nextly, add some oil and gently heat the pan till high. Try spreading the oil evenly on the surface. Once there are traces of smoke coming from the surface, switch the gas off and allow the pan to cool. You can actually repeat the process twice or thrice to get a non-stick surface. Also, read about 6 Best Grilling Hacks and related articles on Viral Sant.
