Mastering the Wok

[gainphile 712]

Being born in the 'teflon' generation I had been wondering why chinese cooking taste so good at the restaurant, but I could not replicate it at home.

 

Brand new Wok from Springvale $2 shop. This 12" cost me $15.

 

 

 

Like a good cable or capacitor, the Wok needs to be burn in. Luckily it does not take 200 hours but a mere 1 hr.

 

 

 

All the way throughout the Wok, then coat a thin film of vegetable oil. I use sunflower oil here.

 

 

 

Do it three times or more until the carbon-steel wok is, well .. carbonated. Non sticky surface !

 

The awesome heat retention of the Wok created these effect when cooking !

 

 

 

 

 

 

Never.. ever wash the carbonated wok with soap. Just pour water when hot and scrub with this asian tool.

 

Too easy !!

 

 

 

My wok after 3 test runs: Nasi goreng, stir fry vegetables, and prawns:

 

They get better as they age/used. Unlike teflon.

 

 

 

Next... to buy a proper burner. While my stove will do 18Mj and commercial wok burners are about 55Mj, this beast will output 130Mj !!

 

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/130Mj-Safety-Ex-High-Pressure-Gas-Wok-Burner-Stove-Hose?item=250697802808&cmd=ViewItem&_trksid=p5197.m7&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D5%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D5136802160568283763

 

 

My future birthday present

[Addicted to music 7,112]

These are the best wok money can buy, it's not high tech but the procedure you have shown is the best for that wok. I have been married for 24yrs and we have gone through a 2nd one of these, countless number of Teflon frying pans. You can buy these at almost all Asian type grocery stores, it's a sin not to have one if you have an Asian member in the group!

[soundfan 9,077]

Being born in the 'teflon' generation I had been wondering why chinese cooking taste so good at the restaurant, but I could not replicate it at home.

 

Brand new Wok from Springvale $2 shop. This 12" cost me $15.

 

 

 

Like a good cable or capacitor, the Wok needs to be burn in. Luckily it does not take 200 hours but a mere 1 hr.

 

 

 

All the way throughout the Wok, then coat a thin film of vegetable oil. I use sunflower oil here.

 

 

 

Do it three times or more until the carbon-steel wok is, well .. carbonated. Non sticky surface !

 

The awesome heat retention of the Wok created these effect when cooking !

 

 

 

 

 

 

Never.. ever wash the carbonated wok with soap. Just pour water when hot and scrub with this asian tool.

 

Too easy !!

 

 

 

My wok after 3 test runs: Nasi goreng, stir fry vegetables, and prawns:

 

They get better as they age/used. Unlike teflon.

 

 

 

Next... to buy a proper burner. While my stove will do 18Mj and commercial wok burners are about 55Mj, this beast will output 130Mj !!

 

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/130Mj-Safety-Ex-High-Pressure-Gas-Wok-Burner-Stove-Hose?item=250697802808&cmd=ViewItem&_trksid=p5197.m7&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D5%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D5136802160568283763

 

 

My future birthday present

 

What price do they sell for?

[PorkBun69s 491]

Yep, nothing taste's better than a good fried rice dish done on a wok...just brilliant!

[Willco 1,913]

 

 

Never.. ever wash the carbonated wok with soap. Just pour water when hot and scrub with this asian tool.

 

 

 

Ummmm-- I'm a white guy--will mine work?

 

W

[gainphile 712]

:D

 

Ok.. my first documented 'wok project'... Bok Choy Baby stir fry...

 

Ingredients are simple:

- Bok Choy Baby

- Garlic

- Shrimp (not shown)

- Fish Sauce

- Sunflower oil

 

 

 

Heat the wok extremely, then put in oil, prawn. Put in garlic.

 

It made a HUGE fire, setting off the smoke alarm... yum

 

 

 

 

The final 'product' ....

 

[LogicprObe 7,625]

One prawn?

Stingy bastard!

[gainphile 712]

correction: one healthy stingy bastard

[Mr_Gimlet 252]

What price do they sell for?

 

It's on the listing, $200. The problem is that it's LPG, which most people don't have. That's the only way to get that degree of heat.

 

I have a 50MJ burner in my wet kitchen for wok use and it's plenty hot enough. It scares me a bit so there is a fire blanket close by.

[Peter the Greek 1,326]

It's on the listing, $200. The problem is that it's LPG, which most people don't have. That's the only way to get that degree of heat.

 

I have a 50MJ burner in my wet kitchen for wok use and it's plenty hot enough. It scares me a bit so there is a fire blanket close by.

 

50.....nice......we've got an 18? (5Kw) in our cooker and its not nearly enough IMO. In other words, I dont bother anymore and just pop up to the noodle shop up the road

 

Edit: I found the lack of heat retention in the cheap woks an issue. We've tried - the cheap ones, cast iron le creuset, and our current which is an AllClad tri steel. We heat the buggery out of it and then cook in relatively small batches (half what the shops do) and it works well enough, but its a pain for something that should be quick

Edited January 26, 2013 by Elill

[LogicprObe 7,625]

It's on the listing, $200. The problem is that it's LPG, which most people don't have. That's the only way to get that degree of heat.

 

I have a 50MJ burner in my wet kitchen for wok use and it's plenty hot enough. It scares me a bit so there is a fire blanket close by.

 

My stove is LPG and has a wok burner in it.

Could be hotter, I reckon.

 

 

 

edit - the blurb says it's 15.0MJh-1.

Edited January 26, 2013 by LogicprObe

[comfortablynumb 1,461]

You bought a wok from the "$2 Shop" and it cost you $15 ???

 

I bought a large one like this from a commercial kitchen place. Cost $25....18"

 

Edited January 27, 2013 by comfortablynumb

[madamesimplifi 196]

Great topic. The very good pics make it look really tempting too.

[LogicprObe 7,625]

I'm going to admit that I don't use the 'proper' wok as featured in this thread.

I use a flat bottomed stainless steel jobbie.

[Paul Spencer 1,140]

You bought a wok from the "$2 Shop" and it cost you $15 ???

 

I was thinking the exact same thing!

 

So, the question is: "Does the Gainwok taste better than the teflon wok?" Is it more accurate!

 

I have some woks like those, but I can't say I notice a difference to the non stick fry pan (yes, not even a wok). Could it be that my cooking is not good enough to reveal the difference? Or did I make a mistake by not testing it blind? What is the test protocol for wok evaluation?

 

I think the next GTG should involve the gainwok!

[Jake 4,031]

From what I have read you do need at least 50000 BTU for a good wok burner. I was looking at getting a free standing commercial unit but geez they are expensive. That small one linked to (although the linky no worky) looks great. I could set it into a stainless benchtop and save a bundle.

 

If I had a decent wok burner I would use it just about every day I reckon, such a great way to cook. Unfortunately no stove top manufacturer makes a gas burner even remotely hot enough for proper wok cooking.

 

 

[Addicted to music 7,112]

You bought a wok from the "$2 Shop" and it cost you $15 ???

 

I bought a large one like this from a commercial kitchen place. Cost $25....18"

 

 

This is the exact one I have at home, @ 5000BTU the teflon will die within a few minutes. :huh:

 

My parents ran a Fish and Chip Shop on Centre RD Clayton for 17yrs, I grew up peeling patatoes and chopping them to produce french fries on the weekends.  I clearing remember the long hours I put in with no pay, just the love of it.  They use to offer home made Chiko Rolls, the fillings that consist of was beef mince and chopped cabbages  and a small variety of other goodness was all done on this type wok but larger.  Then we would use a smaller wok to make the pastry that the fillings were rolled in.  It is then place in batter until the pastry skin is golden brown and floats to the top.  Out of this mix it would give us  over 100 units, they would sell out by Friday and then the process would start again.  I helped until I was 22.  Then my parent retired as it was too much for my dad.  

These woks are the main tools for asian cooking, I just did my Serloin beef steak in one of these this evening for dinner. I should have taken some pics but didnt realised I was going to share this with you on SNA.

These woks are F****g tough. No scanpan, or circulon with unconditional warranty thats European made are ever going to outlast the $18 or $25 wok from a $2 dollar shop. In my 17 yrs @ my parents Fish & Chips, I only remember it getting replaced 3 times.  Not bad for a something thats used commercially day in day out.  And with a commercial kitchen, 5000BTU you can fry the scanpan or circulon in these wok, but the wok will survive.

[LogicprObe 7,625]

LOL!

We only used deep fryers in our Fish and Chips shop in Manly.

[Addicted to music 7,112]

I was thinking the exact same thing!

 

So, the question is: "Does the Gainwok taste better than the teflon wok?" Is it more accurate!

 

I have some woks like those, but I can't say I notice a difference to the non stick fry pan (yes, not even a wok). Could it be that my cooking is not good enough to reveal the difference? Or did I make a mistake by not testing it blind? What is the test protocol for wok evaluation?

 

I think the next GTG should involve the gainwok!

 

You can go at higher temperature with this, much higher than a Scanpan or a Circulon,  the idea is to get enough heat into the oil, toss the goodies in and then get it out when it looks done, therefore the flavour, texture in the goodies remains.  

 

Once teflon is heated to around 400 degree C the fumes you see being emitted is toxic, you have to stay around 200 to be safe this was shown in ACA.

[Addicted to music 7,112]

LOL!

We only used deep fryers in our Fish and Chips shop in Manly.

 

 

Manly has some nice Fish and Chip Shops, I know I stay at the Hotels in Manly when I come up for training in Fenches Forest.  I go every 6-12 months depending on new releases, but my next trip may not be there as the company has moved West.

 

The Fish and Chips were done using a deep fry, so were the Chiko Rolls we made, it was the fillings and pastry that was done on the wok.

[LogicprObe 7,625]

I always liked the home made spring rolls.

(we didn't have them.................I'd get them from the Chinese restaurant)

[Addicted to music 7,112]

BTW, 

 

ZB, if you read this thread and get to this post, most of these woks are MADE IN CHINA! 

[madamesimplifi 196]

Its rather tiring replacing those teflon pots and pans but still need one or two for the convenience. I would say we are eating teflon as they age...

[LogicprObe 7,625]

Its rather tiring replacing those teflon pots and pans but still need one or two for the convenience. I would say we are eating teflon as they age...

 

There was a report a year or two ago blaming teflon for something or other.

 

edit - http://home.howstuffworks.com/nonstick-cookware5.htm

 

Du Pont says don't get them too hot.

Edited January 27, 2013 by LogicprObe

[gainphile 712]

I was thinking the exact same thing!

 

So, the question is: "Does the Gainwok taste better than the teflon wok?" Is it more accurate!

 

I have some woks like those, but I can't say I notice a difference to the non stick fry pan (yes, not even a wok). Could it be that my cooking is not good enough to reveal the difference? Or did I make a mistake by not testing it blind? What is the test protocol for wok evaluation?

 

I think the next GTG should involve the gainwok!

 

$15 is to expensive hey... I feel ripped off !! :lol:

 

There is a MASSIVE difference between carbon-steel wok and alumunium frying pan. If you can't tell the difference then your tounge is not sensitive enough

 

For one, there is no huge flaming fire out of alumunium wok !! I can't even think to eat food cooked without huge flaming fire

 

Next GTG I will bring the wok and I can cook 2 stir fry bok choy on differet pans. blind.

[Sir Triode 1,445]

Ummmm-- I'm a white guy--will mine work?

 

W

 

 Nah...probably too big for the job...  :lol:

Edited January 28, 2013 by triode12

[gainphile 712]

For the next wok project ...

 

Bacon Nasi Goreng

 

Ingredients

- Bacon

- Egg

- Rice (long grain like basmati). If using jasmine then need to wait overnight after cooking

- Fish sauce

- Sunflower or Peanut oil

- Garlic

- Sweet soy sauce (e.g. "ABC")

- Chilli if you like (I don't)

 

 

- Heat wok extremely then trow the Bacon in

- Next, garlic, then wait until it smells good

- Throw in eggs and mix vigorously. Add fish sauce and salt sufficiently. The idea is that the 'core items' would be salty and not the rice

- Then put rice in, and a bit of sweet soy sauce.

- Mix until it caramelised just a tiny bit.

 

 

 

Serve ! .. Taste very good (what is not with bacon ?). Nice 'burnt in' texture.

 

[Mr_Gimlet 252]

For the next wok project ...

 

Bacon Nasi Goreng

 

I'm guessing this isn't a traditional Malaysian recipe...?

[LogicprObe 7,625]

I'm guessing this isn't a traditional Malaysian recipe...?

 

It's Halal bacon.

[Sir Triode 1,445]

It's Halal bacon.

 

Made from Chinese rabbits?

 

Edited January 28, 2013 by triode12

[gainphile 712]

as usual, most good things are "sinful" ....

[Willco 1,913]

 Nah...probably too big for the job...  :lol:

 

Shsssh!!- You said that was going to be our secret

[Jake 4,031]

Well, inspired by this thread I bought one of those cheap rambo burners last week. It's a monster of a thing and puts out a massive amount of heat, more than enough for wok cooking. Very impressed!

[Jake 4,031]

Here's the one I got, from ebayer Rambogallery.

[Mr_Gimlet 252]

Yes, mine is a Rambo but I think I may have an older model. It took ages to track one down, they are obviously much more common now than when I got mine.

 

I really like the little pilot burner so you can adjust the main ring without fear.

Edited February 6, 2013 by Mr_Gimlet

[legselevens 835]

I want to revive this thread because I love cooking in a wok almost as much as I love the results.

 

Definitely agree with an earlier post on cooking in smaller batches and would add particularly if doing it on an indoors burner. They don't get hot enough. Might be time to get one of these Rambo burners. Anything that releases water is going to kill your heat quickly so that I imagine is where the Rambo burner comes in by evaporating the liquid.

 

Favourites for me are char kwai teow(healthy one that is. no duck fat!) Char ho fun-wat dan hor with lots of pickled chilli and last but not least- fried kangkong. Love it spicy.

 

My wok is very well seasoned after a decade of use but only has D handles and I've always missed having a long handle.

 

Any suggestions on best wok or burner model/output for sale?

 

Cheers,

Legs11

[Jake 4,031]

The rambo can easily get your wok far too hot if not used with caution. A well seasoned wok helps of course.

[legselevens 835]

I knew there were lurkers around. Thanks for the reply and yes you are correct. Like I see in Thailand and Malaysia it is the adjustment of heat that coms into play with a good burner. Home stove  is full bore and load the ingredients accordingly to maintain heat as best it can and hope to avoid steaming the contents.

 

The rambo 50mj? at lowish temp setting is kind of idling it seems and you have the option to pump it up and downwhen needed. Having said that I still cook good food on the stove at home but can see the advantage of a hotter burner.

[943 88]

In my early 20's I was living with my parents and would occasionally house sit for an older friend of mine. Coming from British heritage where I was brought up on meat and 3 veg, I didn't have much exposure to the wonders of the wok.

So this one time when I was house sitting I decided that my friend's well-seasoned wok was a bit grubby and thinking I was doing the right thing, gave it a good scrub with some soap and steel wool. Needless to say he wasn't happy with what I did, taking all the "flavour" out of his wok.

Now I know.

[legselevens 835]

I was lazy recently and left a half inch of water in the bottom of my shiny black seasoned wok. I wiped it out and revealed a bit of the bare metal shock horror. But I know it will come good again with use and or re seasoning. Usually I rinse with steaming hot water and a brush. Very occasionally I'll use a bit of detergent. The wok has never let me down and leaves modern coated surfaces in it's wake.