What is a wok pan and what is it for? A question that needs immediate explanation, because this "thing" for Europeans (well, for us too) is new. Although Chinese chefs have been using this wonderful dish for many years to prepare their culinary masterpieces (sometimes even too culinary). What are the advantages of a wok?
Benefits of Wok Pans
WOK pans are not really a frying pan, and not really a saucepan. This is something in between. The classic version of the utensils is a non-standard height, a tapered bottom, a large diameter of the upper part of the walls, the presence of handles on both sides.
This household item has the following advantages:
- Saving time. Food at WOK can be prepared quickly and effortlessly.
- One skillet - many cooking methods. One wok can replace several types of kitchen utensils. After all, you can fry, steam, and bake in it ...
- The product retains vitamins, micro and macro elements. The pan has a shape different from its counterparts, which significantly reduces the time of heat treatment of products. This allows them to maximize their benefits, and you keep your health in shape.
- Products do not absorb oil. Cooking in such a frying pan involves constant stirring. Since the products are in constant motion, they do not have time to absorb oil. And, therefore, this item of dishes is perfect for those who adhere to strict (and not so) diets.
- Food always remains in the dishes. Thanks to the high sides, food always stays in the pan and not on the stove, walls and floor.
See also - How to choose an electric kettle?
Ideal Wok Selection Criteria
If the thought flashed through your head: “I want!”, You can proceed to the second stage, namely, the choice of a suitable wok. As it turned out, it is not so easy to dwell on one model, because this household item has its own characteristics. We’ll talk about them.
Materials
The main selection criterion is the material from which the pan is made. Not only its price depends on this, but also the reliability, safety and even the taste of food. For making woks are used:
- Cast iron. Such products are divided into two types: thin (with a wall thickness of no more than 3 mm) and thick (with a wall thickness of no more than 9 mm). Cast iron is a material with non-stick properties. Therefore, despite the thickness of the product, you can be sure that the food will not stick to it and will not create additional discomfort. Thin WOKs heat up faster, while thick ones keep the temperature longer. As you can see, there are pluses everywhere, which you will appreciate depending on your needs.
- Carbon steel. When choosing such a wok, remember that it has as many drawbacks (well, almost) as well as advantages. Yes, it is lightweight, inexpensive, with excellent thermal conductivity.At the same time, food on it can burn, it is difficult to wash it, and over time it deforms.
- Aluminum. These woks are relatively inexpensive and lightweight. They have a non-stick coating. The disadvantages include the fact that it is strictly forbidden to work with it at high temperatures, since the Teflon (protective) layer is destroyed.
- Ceramics. Heavy. This is a minus. But it is reliable, comfortable to use and can withstand high temperatures. And this, you see, is a huge plus.
- Stainless steel. Long-lasting dishes with a single minus - did not follow, you have to scrub the pan from burnt food.
Bottom
In the standard (classic WOK), the bottom is convex. This was originally conceived, because this cookware was created for cooking on an open fire. Today manufacturers offer us a wok with both a convex and a flat bottom. How to choose a wok pan?
Depending on the stove, of course. If an electric stove or induction stove is installed in your house, it is worthwhile to give preference to “flat-bottomed” utensils. For gas units, you can use either option.
Pens
The classics must be given their due. Initially, the wok was created with two handles, thanks to which it was possible to remove the dishes from the oven. But modern woks are an ordinary handle (like a frying pan we are used to), and sometimes a round holder. Products with a removable handle are popular.
Diameter
If your family consists of two people, it’s enough to buy a WOK frying pan with a diameter of up to 35 cm. If your house is often visited, get an aggregate of 40 or more cm. And yes, it will not hurt to let friends and family cook something for wok. And they are interested, and you feel good.
Manufacturer
Many people believe that in the modern world a brand does not matter anymore. In fact, this is the case with phones (well, with some other electronics). But with the dishes, everything is different. And this is another story, which we will consider in a separate article.
Buy wok only from well-known companies: Tefal, Mayer and Bosch, Thomas, Zepter. These manufacturers value their reputation, so be sure you won’t buy a pig in a poke.
Have you received an answer to the question: what is a frying pan and what is it for? Write in the comments. We need to know your opinion. See you in the following publications.
