Woks & Stir Fry Pans

Woks and wok pans – Scratch resistant allrounders for the kitchen

If you like to cook Asian dishes, there is no getting around the purchase of a wok or a wok pan. Woks or stir fry pans as they are also called, are real multi-talents for the kitchen and can be used in many ways. For example, there are so called wok pans with one handle, woks with two handles or without any. The handle style of a wok can influence its usability for tossing and lifting.

What is a wok?

A wok is a bowl-shaped cooking vessel originating from China. The special thing about the shape of woks is their high sidewalls. The frying surface gets hot very quickly, while the outer walls have a lower temperature. This allows you, for example, to store ready-fried food on the side edges while you sear other ingredients in the middle. Alternatively, you can also take the finished fried food out of the wok and mix it again in the wok at the end.

What are wok pans used for?

Woks are used in Asian cuisine for various cooking methods. With a wok or a wok pan, you can, for example, roast, cook, braise, deep-fry, steam, or smoke. Woks can hold liquids well, which is beneficial for braising and stewing.

What are the types of woks?

Woks come in several types, each suited for different cooking needs and stove types. The main types include:

• Round-bottom woks: Traditional style, ideal for gas stoves where the wok can sit securely in a wok ring. They allow for excellent heat distribution and tossing of ingredients.
• Flat-bottom woks: Designed for electric and induction cooktops, these woks have a stable base and provide even heating on flat surfaces.
• Non-stick woks: Coated with a non-stick surface, these are easy to clean and require less oil, but they are not suitable for high-heat cooking methods.
• Carbon steel woks: Lightweight and quick to heat, carbon steel woks develop a natural non-stick patina with use and are highly durable.
• Cast iron woks: Heavy and retain heat well, cast iron woks are excellent for steady, even cooking but take longer to heat up.
• Stainless steel woks: Durable and low maintenance, food however tends to stick to these woks.

Choosing the right type depends on your stove type, cooking style, and maintenance preferences.

How do you use a wok?

The best known and most popular cooking method is frying while stirring meat, vegetables, and pre-cooked rice or noodles, with the ingredients being fried in the order of their cooking time. As a rule, first the meat, then the vegetables, and then the rice or noodles.

Woks can also be used as a cooking pot. When cooking, however, make sure that the liquid stays below boiling point, otherwise it will bubble too much. Furthermore, woks are also suitable for braising, whereby the braising time is shortened in contrast to the conventional cooking pot. When deep-frying, you can cook meat, fish, or vegetables in floating fat. When deep-frying, however, make sure that your wok stands securely. For smoking or steaming you will also need additional attachments and, where appropriate, a lid. Discover not only high-quality woks or wok pans but also the matching cookware accessories in ZWILLING's online store.

How do you clean a wok?

Cleaning a wok properly is essential to maintain its performance and longevity. For carbon steel and cast iron woks, avoid using the dishwasher as it can cause rust and damage the seasoning. Instead, hand wash with warm water and a soft sponge or brush immediately after use. Avoid soap or abrasive cleaners that can strip the wok's natural non-stick patina. Dry the wok thoroughly and apply a thin layer of oil to prevent rusting. Non-stick woks are typically dishwasher safe, but handwashing is always preferred. Using a spatula made of wood or silicone helps protect the wok's surface during cooking and cleaning.

Discover more cookware for every kitchen need

For more of what ZWILLING has to offer, check out our wide range of other pans that are available, ranging from French ovens to tea kettles. Discover our pots & pan cookware sets to complete your kitchen collection, and feel free to take a look at which of our current offerings are on sale.