How To Care For Your Wok

A good wok is best for making stir-fried dishes, deep frying, steaming, and smoking indoors, especially in Asian households where ‘Wok Hei’ is a necessity in any home-cooked food. Like many pans and pots, not all woks were created the same. Some come with a flat bottom while some come with a rounded one. In this article, we’ll share tips on how to care for your wok, regardless of their type.

Seasoning your wok

If you had just purchased a new wok, you may notice a shiny protective film that prevents it from tarnishing or rusting in the store. To remove this layer, scrub the wok with hot soapy water and dry immediately. Then, place it over a stove or burner on the highest heat until it starts to smoke. Carefully rotate the wok until every area is super-heated. Turn off the heat, and rub the wok down with oil (any neutral, edible oil works) held in a pair of tongs and you’re done!

Tip: Rub the oil until a very minimal shine is seen on the surface.

Cleaning your wok

Avoid scrubbing unless absolutely necessary. Otherwise, a rinse plus soapy water is usually all it needs. Once rinsed, dry it and rub vegetable oil on the surface to prevent it from rusting. Never, ever, ever put your wok in the dishwasher.

Cooking with a wok

You can pretty much cook anything in a wok. However, be mindful when cooking with acidic ingredients like vinegar and citrus juices. Acids can corrode when left in contact with the wok for long periods of time. Make sure to wash your wok out right away after cooking.

Storing your wok

Water can really damage your wok and its seasoning that you’ve worked so hard for. After washing, cleaning, and seasoning, keep your wok bone dry by storing them in a moisture-free area.

Achieving a well-seasoned wok with the perfect ‘Wok Hei’ takes a lot of dedication and hard work. But trust us, you’ll be left with one the more you cook and season (and when you follow these tips, of course)!