The wok originated in China but has since found its way into the kitchens of many other countries. Its unique shape makes it perfect for stir-frying, but its large surface area makes it great for smoking, steaming, pan-frying, and deep-frying foods as well! Grilling with a wok might seem like an unusual choice, but there are actually several reasons why this technique works so well. So let’s learn how to grill with a wok in detail.
What is a wok:
Mainly a wok is used in Chinese cuisine. It has a thin wall but acts like a cooling pan. The state of a wok resembles a shallow bowl with screwed handles base parts are round. The inclining side of a wok helps in keeping the dishes warm with a lesser measure of cooking.
Types of wok
There are actually many types of woks, each better suited for certain uses than others. Round-bottomed woks are used most often by professional chefs as they allow quick movement and efficient cooking. Flat-bottomed models, on the other hand, are preferred in home kitchens because they allow you to stir your food easily. We do not recommend nonstick or electric models because they cannot achieve high temperatures and tend to damage more easily when exposed to high heat.
How the wok come to be known as a grilling utensil
The word wok is frequently translated as pan in English, but there are significant differences between Western and Asian cookware. The most fundamental difference is that traditional Chinese cookware doesn’t have handles. As such, it can be a little harder to use in an outdoor environment compared to some Western-style grills —And you’ll likely end up smelling like smoke when you’re done cooking!
However, if you can get used to working with it and manage not to set yourself on fire, chances are good that you’ll create some incredibly delicious food. One major advantage of using a wok for grilling is its large surface area— if your steaks or burgers don’t fit in your pan then they probably won’t fit anywhere else either!
How you can use your Chinese Wok for grilling
First, you need to make sure your grates are clean and free of debris and grime. (A stiff wire brush can help.) Be sure that you have hot coals; a nice hot fire will give you better flavor from your foods when you are cooking them. Get your meats ready: You should put all of your raw meat on an easy-to-move platter. Then, soak bamboo skewers in water—the bamboo really holds on well! Just remember that soaking too long will lead them to turn into mush!
Why wok is great for grilling
The wok has been used for thousands of years for cooking over the fire, whether it be on an open hearth, inside a fireplace, or in a wood-burning stove. The Asian version of grilling (charcoal and wood are burned while the food cooks in its own juices.) is incredibly popular across much of Asia. While you may not have gotten your hands on one yet, getting your hands on a cast iron and carbon steel Chinese Wok should be enough to replicate these fabulous flavors on your home grill.
One great thing about a Chinese Wok is that it is easy to work with and does not require any form of preparation. Since it comes in different sizes, you can use it for anything from making dips or even full meals. You can make omelets, paninis, pizzas, and more!
Safety Precautions
Safety is crucial when it comes to grilling. However, many people don’t realize how dangerous grilling can be because of its accessibility. You might think that you don’t need any safety precautions for such a small and simple activity, but surprisingly there are dangers lurking everywhere. The fact is that cooking over an open flame requires just as much attention as doing so in your kitchen—maybe even more so because of the wind and other external factors. At least in your kitchen, you have countertops and walls to keep things stable; when you’re working on a grill, everything’s out in the open air, which makes it more difficult to maintain control over your food.
Prepping your wok for grilling
If you’re using a traditional carbon steel or cast-iron skillet, be sure it’s fully seasoned and well-cared for before you place it on your barbecue. Remove any debris and excess oil from inside and out; lightly coat it in vegetable oil or line it with aluminum foil. You may want to season your wok further by adding some oil or cooking spray before cooking, though depending on how well seasoned it is, you might not need to do so.
How to grill with a wok
Final verdict :
Cooks have used Chinese woks for hundreds of years. Woks were traditionally made from cast iron, but now are also commonly made from stainless steel and carbon steel. Many professional chefs use traditional methods in their restaurants. You can, too! Woks are used for a lot more than just stir-frying. You can use them for soups, deep-frying, steaming, and roasting. With a little wok, you can cook many types of foods on your charcoal or gas grill.