It’s pretty common knowledge that the main tool you'll need for stir-fry cooking is the wok. Of course, you don’t have to use a wok, but it does make the stir-frying process easier. Other tools can also help make your stir-fry cooking more successful. Here is a list of 7 tools that you may want to have on hand for an easier stir-fry:
1. Surfaces – Okay, so this may not exactly be a 'tool' and probably doesn’t even need to be mentioned. Or does it? Having a proper preparation surface and cooking surface is an important 'tool' when laying out a stir-fry meal. Cleaning, chopping, organizing, and finally, stir-frying needs to be planned out. Be sure you have the decks cleared, your ingredients laid out properly, and your wok in position.
2. Knife – A good quality sharp knife will make cutting the ingredients easier, and safer. More accidents happen by using a dull knife than a properly sharpened knife. Make sure your knife is large enough to do the job, yet small enough to hold comfortably. One good sharp sturdy knife in a kitchen can work wonders.
3. Stirring tools – The best tool for this job is a wok spatula. The wok spatula is easier to use because it’s designed to make tossing the ingredients around a cinch. If you don’t have one, you can always use a large wooden or stainless spoon. Just make sure they have very long handles.
4. Strainer – You need a good, heavy-duty wire mesh strainer with a long handle. This is used to scoop out ingredients from the wok to set aside before you add the next ingredient. A slotted spoon will work, but in my experience, it takes a lot more time to grab those ingredients with a spoon than with a mesh strainer. They are not expensive, and save a lot of time scooping over that hot wok.
5. Scissors – If you're going to cook Chinese noodles to serve with the stir-fry, scissors will come in handy to cut up the noodles into easier to serve pieces. Also, I find scissors are a lot easier and safer to use to cut up small tender ingredients, such as fresh herbs and green onions.
6. Herb grinder – Herbs and spices will really make a stir-fry special. Keep an herb grinder or mortar and pestle handy to quickly crush or grind your herbs and spices (fresh or dried). This will release the oils making them even more fragrant and flavorful.
7. Wok brush – This tool is great for cleaning your wok properly. Having a well seasoned wok is one of the best tools you can use for your stir-fry. That's where a wok brush comes in. Just wash the wok with hot running water and use your wok brush to scour up any food residue, then dry the wok on a hot burner for a few moments. Never use dish soap to clean your seasoned wok. That beautiful 'patina' you worked so hard to develop will disappear if cleaned with soap.
This by no means is an exhaustive list of stir-fry tools. This list is just some basics that will help you be better prepared in the kitchen for your stir-fry cooking experience. You may find that you prefer some of these tools over others. You’ll also find that you’ll use tools that aren’t mentioned here. What you use for your stir-fry is an individual preference, and over time you’ll find what works best for you.
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