An electric wok is made to work similarly to a standard wok, except it has a nonstick coating so you do not have to worry about seasoning it. An electric wok is a versatile piece in your kitchen. From making stir fry to deep frying food, a wok needs to maintain high heat, so when purchasing an electric wok you want to be sure it is made of a heavy gauge metal.
Equipment Needed
To cook with your wok, you will need a spoon or spatula for stir frying and sauteing. Be sure to use only wooden or heat-resistant plastic to protect the nonstick surface. If you will be deep frying your food, you will also need tongs or a skimmer. A quality oil is necessary for sauteing, stir frying or deep frying. Be sure to have all your spices and ingredients nearby before you begin.
Temperature
The temperature of your wok should be set on medium high or high. Add oil and the seasonings to your wok, then preheat the wok. When the oil begins to smoke, the wok is ready. A high temperature is crucial to searing your meat.
Cooking
You really do not need much oil to stir fry, only about two tablespoons. When the oil has begun smoking, you will want to add your meats and sear them by allowing the meat to sit in the hot wok for up to 30 seconds before stirring. The meat should be cooked halfway in as little as two minutes. Add your vegetables and continue stirring. When the color of your vegetables has changed slightly, add your sauces and spices and one-fourth cup of stock to deglaze the wok and serve. A hot wok can cook the meal within four minutes. For deep frying, fill the wok halfway with oil. When bubbles rise to the surface, the oil should be ready for use. Place cooked food on an absorbent surface after removing from the wok.
Spicy Chicken Recipe
A great recipe to begin with is an easy spicy chicken. This recipe serves one. Heat and season the wok with your oil of choice and add eight oz. of thinly sliced chicken and cook for 30 seconds. Add three oz. each of sliced white onion and bell peppers and two oz. of fresh chopped basil leaves. Cook for 45 seconds then add 1.5 oz. chili sauce and three oz. fish sauce. Add three oz. of stock to deglaze the wok. Serve with rice.
Tags: deep frying, sauce three, stir frying, stock deglaze, with your
