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Do You need a wok ?


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Old 27-02-2014, 02:48
Sibeber
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I own a wok which is a pig to store due to it's size and won't fit in the dishwasher...didn't fancy digging it out today but did fancy a stir fry so used one of my tefal non stick saucepans.Used the usual wok oil heated till smoking and cooked my chicken etc and it was superb ..just wondered if a wok is just a gimmick that is flogged by Ken Hom etc ? planning on binning mine .
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Old 27-02-2014, 04:58
Toby LaRhone
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Hardly a gimmick given that Asian chefs use only a wok.

"The curvature of a wok allows you to easier toss foods. If you ever toss foods, then you will find it is much easily to toss and move food in a wok than most other cookware. Remember. Much of the wok surface is not for cooking. It is for maneuvering the food.
The curvature of a wok also allows two other things. First, the heat is concentrated at the bottom. This allows very high heat cooking for short duration as you toss the foods in the wok. The foods will be moving in and out of this very high zone. Second, the cooking oil concentrates at the bottom. This means you can use very small amount of oil to stir fry a relatively larger amount of food."


I understood that you shouldn't put a wok in a dishwasher as the wok, if used properly, will have become "seasoned" and non-stick.
Rinse in hot water, clean with a non abrasive and dry with kitchen roll or back on low heat.

Anyway, the main thing is you enjoyed your meal
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Old 27-02-2014, 10:21
molliepops
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Personally we use the wok for more than stir fries, it's a lidded frying pan, used to make sauces etc and being good size I cook all the dog food in it too. So it takes less room than a small saucepan, frying pan and large saucepan. So well worth having.

Made jam in it a couple of times too.
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Old 27-02-2014, 11:16
Glawster2002
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Personally we use the wok for more than stir fries, it's a lidded frying pan, used to make sauces etc and being good size I cook all the dog food in it too. So it takes less room than a small saucepan, frying pan and large saucepan. So well worth having.

Made jam in it a couple of times too.
We use ours all the time as well.

Apart from stir fries they are brilliant for things like chilli con carne, etc.
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Old 27-02-2014, 11:18
Jumbobones
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Yes please if you've got one spare
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Old 27-02-2014, 11:39
c4rv
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We have 5 of different sizes, use them for everything from stir-fry to curries, making any dishes with sauce/liquid, steaming and frying. TBH the only things I wouldn't use them for is when you need a flat surface like steaks, boiling where a saucepan is probably more efficient and a oven is required.
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Old 27-02-2014, 11:49
RAINBOWGIRL22
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I make loads in mine - spag bol, chilli. curries etc... as well as stir-fries.

We have the worlds smallest kitchen and it does take up a bit of space but I use it enough to warrant keeping it.
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Old 27-02-2014, 12:17
Welsh-lad
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It only takes up space if you keep it in a cupboard.

I have mine hanging on the wall, quite high up and out of the way,
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Old 27-02-2014, 17:29
degsyhufc
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Get a smaller wok.
And get a non-stick one. You wont get the same seasoning as with a traditional wok but also you wont have the same heat source or power under it either so not really a problem.

You could also look into getting a chef's pan which is also bowl shaped.
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Old 01-03-2014, 16:52
Toby LaRhone
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It only takes up space if you keep it in a cupboard.

I have mine hanging on the wall, quite high up and out of the way,
It cant be that high because we Welsh blokes are all 5'8"

PS - Dydd gwyl Dewi Sant hapus
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Old 01-03-2014, 18:09
Revenga
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I use my wok almost every day, for so much more than stir fries.
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Old 01-03-2014, 19:18
Welsh-lad
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It cant be that high because we Welsh blokes are all 5'8"

PS - Dydd gwyl Dewi Sant hapus
I must be a genetic mutation at 6'2" then

Hope you had a nice St Davids day too
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Old 01-03-2014, 19:31
Jelite
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If i tried doing my egg-fried rice in a frying pan most of it would end up on the stove.
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Old 01-03-2014, 21:46
Lyceum
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I have to say I cook pretty much everything in a wok (unless it's in the oven). I don't even look at the other pans.

Want a curry, I grab the wok. Spag bol. In the wok. Stair fry. In the wok. For me it's just easier.
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Old 01-03-2014, 22:46
Rogana Josh
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Do You need a wok ?

Is that a pseudonym for something?
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Old 01-03-2014, 22:49
Gadget_Girl
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I have to say I cook pretty much everything in a wok (unless it's in the oven). I don't even look at the other pans.

Want a curry, I grab the wok. Spag bol. In the wok. Stair fry. In the wok. For me it's just easier.
This pretty much applies to me too, I wouldn't be without my trusty wok!
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Old 02-03-2014, 07:08
Toby LaRhone
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I must be a genetic mutation at 6'2" then

Hope you had a nice St Davids day too
Strangely my son also mutated and looms over me.
Cheers
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Old 04-03-2014, 12:38
maggie thecat
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Having one made a world of difference in my steamed dumplings the other morning Right tool for the job, I guess.
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Old 04-03-2014, 13:58
LostFool
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If you are only cooking for 1 or 2 people then you can get by with a smaller wok and they work better on a standard household gas hob. Look for one that's around 20cm rather than 30cm.
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