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Woks are treasured utensils for Oriental cooking and they're an excellent choice for many other types of foods. This centuries-old tradition continues to provide new joys today with a host of classic and new designs that will excite new and experienced cooks alike. Once you have stir-fried veggies to crispy perfection and added specially sauced meat or poultry, you'll wonder why you waited so long.
The round-bottomed design was once favored for use in wood-fired pits. The sloped sides are perfectly angled to scoop selected foods to the side while others continue cooking in the middle. This angling also allows for the addition of thickening and flavoring sauces at just the right moment before incorporating all the ingredients for a final toss. This method could never be duplicated with a skillet.
In today's kitchen, the flatter bottomed styles pair beautifully with flat or specialty cook tops. Rounder bottoms work well on an electric coil and can certainly be used with freestanding plug-in units or gas stovetops. Flat-bottomed woks are also highly functional and most incorporate specialty cores for increased heat conduction. In fact, that's the key to a perfect meal. Start with a high temperature before adding the first drops of oil and you'll have spectacular results every time. Let the oil begin to smoke before adding foods. The sizzling sounds are part of the pleasures of cooking Asian style. It's a healthful choice, also, as not much oil is ever needed to create tender meat, poultry or fish and the crunchiest vegetables.
The classic carbon steel and cast iron varieties remain in popular use and are historically the materials of choice. Steel is the lighter of the two and both have excellent convection capabilities. Unless they are "pre-seasoned," they'll arrive from the manufacturer with a protective coating that should be washed off. Then, you can easily season and, over time, the surface will develop a blackened, baked-on coating that truly adds wonderful flavors to any food you. Once that's done you'll love the baked-on oiled surface. Cleanup is simply a breeze; just rinse, reheat, cool and hand dry.
You can also select among the anodized, aluminum and stainless versions that are all beautiful choices for any stir-fry. Non-stick surfaces provide extra versatility on the cook top, too. These will be great for more sensitive types of foods that include dairy products or eggs and will prevent burning and scorching.
One-piece electric units are also fun appliance choices that let you display your expertise anywhere. They're great for taking along to a friend's house or setting up quickly on the countertop or table. You'll be able to adjust the heat range with simple controls. These are great for beginners and for preparing dishes in smaller spaces.
You'll find different sizes as well and with that in mind, you should never crowd the foods. Choose a larger size if you're in doubt and let the heat circulate around the different ingredients. When browsing, always plan for larger servings. Once you discover how easy it is to stir-fry, you'll be entertaining more often! Typically, a 14-16 inch diameter model will serve four people
Once you have selected the right wok, you'll discover many other types of cooking. You can scramble eggs, steam vegetables and even deep-fry.
Woks Direct offers a full range of the best designs for every cook and kitchen. Select single pieces or choose among those with lids for the convenience of steaming. You'll find units that are conveniently dishwasher safe. We also offer great prices so you can purchase one for yourself and fill a gift list as well.