How To Season a Wok in 3 Steps

Using a wok is essential for crafting delicious stir-fries, but it can be daunting for new cooks. A wok is not like a regular pan. It requires a thorough seasoning process to ensure that it’s durable and non-stick. This post will guide you through the three steps to season a wok and get it ready for cooking up all your favorite dishes.

We’ll take you through the process step-by-step, including preparing your wok, the best way to season it, and how to properly maintain it for years of use. With the appropriate seasoning and care, your wok will turn into your favorite cooking tool in no time.

Preliminary Work

Clean your wok thoroughly to ensure it is ready for seasoning. You can use a wire brush or steel wool to eliminate debris and rust. Make sure to dry the wok completely with a soft towel.

Once the pan is dry, heat it on low-medium heat for approximately 5 minutes until it’s uniformly warm. Reduce the heat to low and apply a thin layer of oil to the entire interior surface of the pan using paper towels or cloth napkins.

Pre-Seasoning

After coating the pan with oil, increase the heat to medium-high and let the oil heat up for approximately 10 minutes until it starts producing smoke. This process, known as “burning in,” seals the pores of the metal and creates a protective layer against oxidation and rust.

Apply another thin layer of oil to the entire interior surface of the pan using paper towels or cloth napkins, just as before. Repeat this step until your electric wok has gone through at least 2-3 layers of pre-seasoning oil.

Seasoning

To begin seasoning, you’ll need to follow these steps. Preheat your electric wok on medium-high heat for about 10 minutes. This step ensures that the wok is adequately heated and ready for cooking. Add cooking oil to the wok using either paper towels or cloth napkins, as mentioned earlier. Any high smoke point vegetable or animal cooking oil will work well. Apply the oil to all sides of the wok, ensuring it’s evenly distributed but not excessively greasy.

Once the wok is heated and coated with oil, it’s time to add the seasonings. These could include ingredients like diced ginger, garlic, onions, and any other herbs or spices you prefer. Add them to the hot cooking oil and stir quickly over medium-high heat. This step usually takes a few minutes.

While stirring the seasonings, be mindful of any bits that may stick to the sides of the wok. Use a wooden spatula or spoon to scrape off these bits and prevent them from burning or charring during the cooking process.

After stirring in the seasonings, you can reduce the heat slightly to low-medium. Continue stir-frying over this lower heat until the ingredients look done. This step allows the flavors to meld together.

Final Seasoning

Add salt to properly season your electric wok and ensure its durability and flavor enhancement for future stir-frying. This step helps protect the wok against rust buildup and enhances the flavor of your stir-fried dishes down the line.

There are two methods you can use to add salt to your electric wok. The first method involves deep frying large chunks of pork fat, also known as lard, on low heat for approximately 30 minutes. If you’re up for it, this method can be quite effective. If you prefer an alternative approach, you can achieve similar results by boiling plain saltwater on low heat for the same duration.

Regardless of the method you choose, after the deep frying or boiling process, wipe off any excess moisture or oil from the inside walls and base of the wok. It’s crucial to do this step thoroughly. Once the wok has fully cooled down, transfer it to an airtight container or bag. This step will help to prevent moisture from accumulating, which reduces the chances of oxidation over time. To maintain your electric wok’s longevity, it’s critical to clean and dry it after each use. Storing it in an airtight container or bag helps minimize oxidation and prevents any unwanted odors from developing.

Conclusion

Seasoning a wok is a relatively straightforward process, and with the proper steps, you can easily get your wok ready for use. With the tips outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to creating delicious dishes. You can ensure a longer-lasting wok by adding salt after the pre-seasoning step and storing the wok between uses. Your wok will become your favorite cooking tool with the proper seasoning and care.