• Woks come in two basic shapes. The classic round-bottom wok with its accompanying ring stand is appropriate for use on a gas range. It is not, however, recommended for the electric range. The flat-bottom wok can be used on either an electric or gas range. No ring stand is needed to support this type of wok because the flat bottom allows the pan to rest directly on the burner. Electric woks are also available. They have the great advantage of being portable, so they are well suited to table-top cooking. However, most electric woks don’t maintain the high temperatures ideally needed for stir-frying, so the food may take a little longer to cook.
• Woks made of aluminum and stainless steel require minimal maintenance. Simply wash in hot soapy water after each use. Some aluminum and stainless steel woks have nonstick interior coatings that need seasoning. (Follow the manufacturer’s directions for seasoning.)
• Steel woks are still the most popular, although they require more care. They come from the factory protected with a rust-resistant coating which must be removed before use. To remove the coating, scrub the wok, inside and out, with a plastic scouring pad and hot soapy water. Dry thoroughly, first with a towel and then by heating it on your range for several minutes. When thoroughly dry, season the new wok by evenly coating the inside surface with 2 tablespoons of cooking oil. Heat over high heat till both the wok and the oil are very hot. Allow to cool, and then rub in the oil with a paper towel. After each use, the wok should be soaked in hot water (detergent is not recommended) and scrubbed with a plastic scouring pad. Rinse and dry the wok. Then heat it on the range to dry completely. Add 1 teaspoon of cooking oil to the wok and rub it in with a paper towel.
• All woks should be stored in a well-ventilated place. Long periods in a warm airless cupboard can cause the oil used on a seasoned wok to turn rancid.
A Word About Cooking Oil
• The total amount of cooking oil needed in a recipe will depend on the type of wok or skillet used. Those with a nonstick lining tend to use less oil than their counterparts.
• As a matter of safety, begin heating the cooking oil in a cold wok. Avoid heating the wok first before adding the oil. If more oil is needed during the stir-fry process, push the meat and/or vegetables to the side of the wok and pour a small amount of oil directly into the center; allow it to heat up before continuing to stir-fry.
Getting Ready
• The single most important thing you need to do before you even think about heating your wok is prepare. Since stir-frying is a very rapid cooking technique, it requires the constant involvement of the cook. Once you begin, there is no time between steps to stop and prepare ingredients, so it’s essential that everything be organized beforehand.
• Cut and measure all ingredients. Meats and vegetables should be uniformly sliced to ensure fast, even cooking. If you partially freeze the meat, you’ll be able to cut thin slices without difficulty.
• Marinate, precook, or preseason any of the ingredients as directed in the recipe.
• Combine all the ingredients for the sauce.
• Cook the rice, pasta, or noodles called for in the recipe.
Steps For Stir-Frying
1. Begin by heating the oil in a wok or large skillet. When the oil is hot, add garlic, gingerroot, and/or onion, and stir-fry for just 15 seconds. This will release the flavors of the seasonings into the oil and subsequently season the vegetables, meat, and sauce.
2. Next add the vegetables according to the amount of time each needs to cook. The denser and tougher ones, like carrots, go into the wok first. The more tender ones, including pea pods and bean sprouts, are added last. Use a wooden spoon or a long-handled Chinese spatula for stir-frying. A Chinese spatula resembles a shovel and is ideally suited for the constant lifting and turning of ingredients that ensures even cooking. When done, remove the vegetables from the wok.
3. Meat, poultry, fish, or seafood are stir-fried next. To ensure that the meat cooks quickly and the juices are sealed in, do not overload the wok. Cook no more than 12 ounces of meat at a time. If larger amounts are called for, stir-fry the meat in two or more smaller batches and then return all of the meat to the wok.
4. The sauce mixture is now ready to add. Push the meat to the side of the wok, stir the sauce mixture, and pour it directly into the center of the wok or skillet. Cook and stir the sauce till it is thickened and bubbly. Now return the vegetables to the wok. Gently toss together all of the ingredients to coat with the sauce. Allow the mixture to heat through and serve immediately.
