Stir Fry Cooking Tips- 3 Tips For Choosing Your Wok

While a wok isn’t a necessary tool for stir-fry cooking, it can definitely be beneficial and make the process easier. A wok is created specifically for this type of cooking, meaning that it is designed to need less oil, spread heat evenly, and with the deep sides food will land back in the pan when you toss it during the stir-frying process. So, let’s take a look at how to choose a wok. Here are three main things you need to think about and be aware of when choosing a wok.

1 - Size

The first thing to think about is the size. If you’re cooking for 1 or 2 people, a small wok that is 6” to 11” in diameter will work. If you’re cooking for 3 to 5 people, a medium wok that is 12” to15” in diameter will work. And if you’re cooking for more than 5 people, you will want to choose a 16” or larger size wok.

2 - Material

The next thing to take into consideration when choosing a wok is what it’s made of. They come in several different materials and there really isn’t a ‘rule’ about which is better. It basically comes down to preference and what you feel comfortable working with.

However, the most popular wok on the market is one made of carbon steel – perfect for stir-frying because of how easily and evenly it heats. Keep in mind if you choose a carbon steel wok, it’s very important that you season it properly before using it. Other materials that a wok may be made of are stainless steel, nonstick, cast iron, copper and aluminum.

3 - Design

Another thing to think about when choosing a wok is the design of it. You can get them with either a flat bottom or round bottom. There is some debate as to whether a flat bottomed wok is a traditional wok design, but we won’t get into that. Just keep in mind that a flat bottom wok will sit on a burner, whereas a round bottom wok will need a 'ring' to sit on, which raises the bottom away from the burner. If you do choose a flat bottom wok, make sure the area that is flat is quite small compared to the overall area of the wok. If there is too much of a flat bottom, the oil will gather in the bottom of the wok, and you might as well be cooking with a skillet at that rate.

Another design element is the handles. Do you want two loop handles or one longer stick handle? This is another one of those personal preferences and what you feel comfortable working with. Having a wok with one long stick handle can make tossing food during the stir-frying process easier. Having two loop handles can make serving easier, especially for carrying the wok to the table or counter.

You also will find electric woks available. This may be an advantage for you in that your stir-fry isn't limited to your stove top area.  However, some people don't care for the surge, then drop, in heat. The electric element won't run constantly, so the wok may get too hot, then too cool. Ask around and do some research to find out what other people think.

While these aren’t the only things to consider when choosing a wok, they are the three main elements to think about and take into consideration. With this information, you should be armed with enough knowledge to make a comparison about the size, shape,  and design of a wok that will best suit your stir-fry needs.