What are some good tips or techniques for using a carbon steel wok on electric coil range?
I was just given a carbon steel wok for christmas. I used it to cook my first stir-fry vegetable dish and I noticed on that the directions indicated to cook on a high flame. I was not sure if this translates to an electric range as turning on the electric burner on high. I am interested in any general knowledge or hints on the most effective use of a carbon steel wok on an electric coil range.
Best Answer
My father-in-law, an authentic Chinese person from China, has a round-bottom wok, which sits on a little stand so that the bottom is just above the element of the stove. He turns the heat up to max. Seems to work for him but it's probably not super efficient.
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How do you use a wok on an electric stove?
If you're cooking with a flat-bottomed wok, place it directly on the burner of choice, ensuring the burner is the same size as the wok, if possible. For a round-bottom wok, start by placing the wok ring on your electric burner, then place the wok on top and check to make sure it's sitting securely.How do you use a wok on a coil stove?
1] Scrub your wok in hot, soapy water and then dry it over low heat on the stove. 2] Turn the burner on your stove to HIGH and add 2 to 3 tablespoons of oil to the wok. I prefer peanut oil, but any oil can be used \u2013 sesame, chili, or canola. Coat the wok surface evenly with oil by tilting and turning it.How do you season a carbon steel wok on an electric stove?
Carbon steel can retain the heat perfectly, durable, and nonstick pan if perfectly seasoned, especially when used frequently. You can use it on ceramic cooktops, induction, electric, and gas, as well as over a campfire or on the grill.Use a Wok Like a Pro
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Answer 2
I wok on an electric stove and have found there's a few tips to really help - its not perfect, but it helps:
Preheat, preheat, preheat. Before you start any of your prep, put your wok on the stove and crank the heat. Let it heat up before you do anything at all to it.
Make sure everything is at least at room temperature. We often use frozen stir fry veggies, but we thaw them out first and they're at least at room temp before they go in. The same goes for meat. For sauces, we'll often microwave it so that its a bit warm before it even goes in. If you have a screaming hot wok, and you add cold food - then for a long time it will only steam the food.
Do it in batches. Don't crowd your wok until everything is already hot. If you're doing meat and veggies - do the meat first, take it off, let the pan reheat, and then do some of the veggies. Work in batches so that the pan temperature doesn't drop and give it time to reheat between batches. Assemble it all at the end.
Answer 3
I am first of all assuming your carbon steel wok has a flat bottom. You want maximum contact.
If you're stir frying, you want to turn your heat as high as possible. The idea is to cook everything very, very quickly. Crank it all the way. :-)
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