Glass stovetops are fancier and appealing to the kitchen. This material is delicate but brings out the best cooking when done the right way. You will find the glass either in black color, transparent or translucent.
However, it may not accommodate any wok like the usual gas stoves with burners. Using a wok on this type of surface is easy to cook with but needs a lot of care and proper maintenance. In this article, you will learn how to use wok on a glass-top stove.
Woks to avoid using
While most glass stoves accommodate almost all wok, there are some which are not suitable to use. A glass cooktop is very delicate, and you should not use some materials like cast iron.
A cast iron wok can leave the glass with scratches during and after cook time. It doesn’t handle the weight of certain materials. It could make the glass break and put you on a repair budget. Avoid warped woks.
Carbon steel woks: Consider using a carbon steel wok instead of cast iron. They are lightweight, which is suitable for your glass top stove. It retains a lot of heat when used for cooking. Its smooth bottom will not cause any dents to the surface.
Flat bottom woks: When it comes to choosing a wok, consider using a flat-bottomed wok over round-bottomed woks. Cookware with rounded bottoms will not get proper heat from the stove and make food undercook or become soggy. With a flat-bottom wok, heat gets distributed evenly on all surfaces.
Round bottom woks: Although this is not the best option, with a lot of care, you can use it on a glass top stove. You will, however, require a wok ring to keep it balanced and prevent it from wobbling during cook time. You will also have to hold it while cooking just if it moves and accidentally scratches the surface.
Setting up the wok
When setting up a wok on the glass top stove, go for the largest burner available on it. It will make cooking easier and bring less damage. The wok should be the same diameter as the zone labeled for cooking.
Let the wok have a bigger diameter than the burner. Working with a wok that is small-sized will leave some space in the cooking zone. Energy gets wasted, and it can also cause a fire accident when other things drop on the left area.
Place the flat-bottomed wok on top of the glass surface and pre-heat the wok. Turn on the controls and put the heat to high to season the wok before starting to cook. You can pre-heat it for a few minutes since they have high heat compared to the gas stoves. Some burners have higher BTUs and will get you the high heat needed for stir-frying in a wok.
Cooking on the glass stove
Before starting to cook, ensure both the wok and the top stove are clean. The surfaces should be smooth as well.
When the wok is at the right temperature, add two tablespoons or a little more if cooking a large batch of food. The oil added should be enough for the recipe you are making. You should add it at the wok’s center and then swirl to form a thin coating on the wok’s sides.
Let the oil become hot and start to sizzle before adding the ingredients. Add ingredients step by step according to the cooking technique you are using. For example, you can begin with aromatics, then add proteins and finally vegetables and finish off with sauce and garnishing.
Stir-frying
When stir-frying, do not place any utensils on the stovetop. Have a tray set aside for putting the spatulas or find somewhere convenient to keep them. Anything that isn’t cookware will add weight to the glass. It will also stain the area or create other damages. Do not leave food unattended when cooking on a glass cooktop.
When the food gets ready, please turn off the heat, lift the wok and place it aside. Avoid dragging it over the glass surface and avoid touching heating elements too. Let the glass top stove cool before cleaning it.
Read more: How to Cook Stir Fry in a Wok?
Cleaning the glass stovetopÂ
Food will spill on the glass surface either when you are frying or stirring. If left uncleaned, the stains can bring discoloration and make it difficult to clean. Proper cleaning and maintenance are required at all times to keep the glass looking stain-free. Make it a habit of regularly cleaning it after every use. Remove burnt food or food particles on it using a razor blade.
Clean it with a solution of vinegar, water, and dishwashing liquid soap. Spray the mixture and use a clean cloth to wipe over the surface in a circular motion until clean. Do not use abrasive materials while cleaning. Rinse and dry. Avoid drying it with kitchen cloths; use recommended cleaning and drying materials.
Tips for perfect glass stovetop cooking
When cooking with a wok on this surface, avoid dragging over it. A little scratching on the glass will cause damage. A wok comes with handles on both sides that help you to lift it instead of dragging it.
Before cooking, countercheck the bottom of the wok to see if it’s clean enough and ready to use. Clean any food particles or dirt build-ups and only cook with a smooth surfaced wok.
Read more: How to Use Wok on an electric stove?
Conclusion
A glass stovetop comes with a flat surface to place any cookware. Heat gets distributed evenly on the cooking zones. Since it is delicate, it can easily get scratched or dented. Using the right wok can make cooking comfortable without creating damages. The next time you think about a wok on a glass surface, have these tips in mind.
Heavier cookware like cast iron is not suitable for use. The best wok to always consider is flat-bottomed ones and the ones that are lightweight even with food added on them. With all these at hand, you’ll find it easier to set up a wok and prepare a meal on any glass-top stove.
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