Woks are one of the most versatile pieces of cooking equipment around, but they’re also one of the most easily ruined. If you’re not careful, you can ruin your wok in minutes. So how to ruin a wok? Do you know it also depends on your cooking habit? It depends a lot on what oil you are using, how you are storing it, and what type of cleaner you are using. This guide on how to ruin a wok will help you understand what damages it most and how to avoid it.
Not Using The Correct Oil
If you use the wrong oil when cooking with a wok, you risk damaging the wok. When cooking with a wok, it is important to use an oil that can withstand high temperatures. Using oil that has a lower smoke point can cause the wok to become damaged. The best oil to use with a wok is a high smoke point oil such as vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil. These oils can withstand the heat needed to cook with a wok properly. If you use an oil with a lower smoke point, the oil will smoke and ruin the wok.
Not Preheating The Wok
Another common mistake is not preheating the wok before adding oil or food. This can cause the food to stick to the wok and make it harder to clean. The wok needs to be heated slowly and evenly before any cooking is done in it. Otherwise, you preheat the wok to create a barrier between the metal and the food. This barrier helps to prevent sticking and makes it easier to clean the wok. If you don’t do it, it will ultimately shorten your wok’s lifespan and make it more difficult to cook with.
Adding Too Much Food To The Wok
If you overcrowd the wok, you won’t be able to cook all the ingredients properly. Not only will this result in food that’s not evenly cooked, but it can also damage the wok.
When you overcrowd the wok, the ingredients touch each other and start to steam instead of fry. This not only results in less favorable texture and flavor, but it can also cause the food to stick to the wok and be difficult to clean.
So, next time you’re stir-frying, ensure you give your ingredients plenty of room to move around. You’ll end up with better-tasting food and preserve your wok in the process.
Using The Wrong Utensils
Using metal utensils can scratch the surface of the wok and cause it to become damaged. If you use metal utensils when cooking with your wok, some scratches will inevitably occur. While minor scratches won’t do much damage, deep scratches can cause the wok’s surface to become thin and weak. If you can, try to avoid using metal utensils. To prevent this type of damage, it is best to use wooden or bamboo utensils to avoid this.
Not Cleaning The Wok Properly
Another reason why wok gets decayed fast is poor maintenance. If a wok is not properly cleaned and seasoned, it will start to rust and decay quicker. It is important to clean and season your wok regularly to prevent this from happening. After each use, it is important to clean the wok properly to prevent it from rusting. Allowing the wok to dry completely before storing it can also help to prevent damage.
Using The Wrong Soap Or Cleaner
One of the worst things you can do to a wok is to clean it with the wrong soap or cleaner. Many dishwashing soaps contain harsh chemicals that can damage the wok’s finish. If you must use soap, opt for a mild, natural soap that won’t strip the wok’s seasoning. Otherwise, rinse the wok with hot water after cooking.
Abrasion from cleaning
Over time, the constant scrubbing and rubbing when cleaning can start to wear down the surface of your wok. If you’re not careful, this can eventually lead to the formation of pits and dents. To avoid this, clean your wok gently with a soft sponge or cloth. However, you can still damage your wok if you scrub too hard. So, be gentle when cleaning the wok, and avoid using abrasive scrubbers.
Improper seasoning
If you don’t season your wok properly, it will be more susceptible to damage. Seasoning the wok helps to form a protective layer that prevents the metal from rusting and helps to prevent sticking. Be sure to follow the seasoning instructions carefully to protect your wok properly.
Extreme Change Of Temperatures
Sudden temperature changes can cause the metal to expand and contract, leading to cracking and warping. To avoid this, always heat the wok gradually and never put it directly into cold water.
Storing The Wok Improperly
Another way to damage your wok is to store it improperly. For example, never put a wet wok away in the cabinet – always make sure it’s completely dry first. And don’t stack other cookware on top of the wok, as this can dent or scratch the surface.
Conclusion
To wrap up stuff, it may seem like much work and maintenance for cooking in a wok, but proper care and just some careful handling can make it last for decades. Not so surprisingly, some people even passed down their wok even to their grandchild as well. So follow this guide on how to ruin a wok and avoid the reasons I have noted down here to make it last.