What is a wok pan and what is it for? A question that requires an immediate explanation, because this "contraption" for Europeans (well, for us too) is a novelty. Although Chinese chefs have been using this wonderful dish for many years to prepare their culinary masterpieces (sometimes even too culinary). What are the benefits of FOC?
Benefits of wok pans
WOK pans are not really a frying pan, and not really a saucepan. This is something in between. The classic version of the utensils is a non-standard height, a tapered bottom, a large diameter of the upper part of the walls, the presence of handles on both sides.
This household item has the following advantages:
- Saving time. Food at WOK can be prepared quickly and effortlessly.
- One skillet - many cooking methods. One wok can replace several types of kitchen utensils. After all, you can fry, steam, and bake in it ...
- The product retains vitamins, micro and macro elements. The frying pan has a shape different from its counterparts, which significantly reduces the cooking time of products. This allows them to maximize their benefits, and you keep your health in shape.
- Products do not absorb oil. Cooking in such a frying pan involves constant stirring. Since the products are in constant motion, they do not have time to absorb oil. This means that this dish is perfect for those who adhere to strict (and not so) diets.
- Food always stays in the pot. Thanks to the high sides, food always stays in the pan and not on the stove, walls or floor.
See also - How to choose an electric kettle?
Criteria for choosing the perfect wok
If the thought flashed through your head: “I want!”, You can proceed to the second stage, namely, the choice of a suitable wok. As it turned out, it is not so easy to dwell on one model, because this household item has its own characteristics. Let's talk about them.
Materials
The main selection criterion is the material from which the pan is made. Not only its price depends on this, but also reliability, safety and even the taste of food. For the manufacture of woks are used:
- Cast iron. Such products are divided into two types: thin (with a wall thickness of no more than 3 mm) and thick (with a wall thickness of no more than 9 mm). Cast iron is a non-stick material. Therefore, despite the thickness of the product, you can be sure that the food will not stick to it and will not create additional discomfort. Thin woks heat up faster, while thick ones keep the temperature longer. As you can see, there are pluses everywhere, which you will appreciate depending on your needs.
- Carbon steel. When choosing such a wok, remember that it has as many disadvantages (well, almost) as well as advantages. Yes, it is lightweight, inexpensive, with excellent thermal conductivity. At the same time, the food on it can burn, it is difficult to wash it and over time it deforms.
- Aluminum. These woks are relatively inexpensive and lightweight. They have a non-stick coating. The disadvantages include the fact that it is strictly forbidden to work with it at high temperatures, since the Teflon (protective) layer is destroyed.
- Ceramics. Heavy. This is a minus.But it is reliable, comfortable to use and can withstand high temperatures. And this, you see, is a huge plus.
- Stainless steel. Long-lasting dishes with the only drawback - I didn't keep track of them, I have to scrub the pan from burnt food.
Bottom
In the standard (classic WOK), the bottom is convex. So it was originally conceived, because this dish was created for cooking on an open fire. Today manufacturers offer us a wok with both a convex and a flat bottom. How to choose a wok pan?
Depending on the stove, of course. If your home has an electric stove or induction cooker, flat-bottomed utensils should be preferred. For gas units, you can use either option.
Pens
We must give the classics their due. Initially, the wok was designed with two handles, thanks to which the dishes could be removed from the oven. But modern woks are an ordinary handle (like a frying pan we are used to), and sometimes a round holder. Products with a removable handle are popular.
Diameter
If your family consists of two people, it is enough to buy a WOK frying pan with a diameter of up to 35 cm. If your house is often visited by guests, get a unit of 40 cm or more.And yes, it doesn’t hurt to let your friends and family cook something in the wok. And they are interested, and you feel good.
Manufacturer
Many people believe that in the modern world, the brand no longer matters. In fact, this is the case with phones (well, with some other electronics). But with the dishes, everything is different. And this is another story, which we will consider in a separate article.
Buy woks only from well-known companies: Tefal, Mayer and Bosch, Thomas, Zepter. These manufacturers value their reputation, so rest assured you won't buy a pig in a poke.
Have you received an answer to the question: what is a frying pan and what is it for? Write in the comments. We need to know your opinion. See you in the next posts.
