Woks are the ideal tool when it comes to making stir fry, but are there any other benefits to that?
When we examine the market, we see that many versatile pieces are available to help you cook your food to perfection. However, many people are unaware of a wok’s best ability for deep frying.
It is best to deep fry in a wok due to its clamshell design, which uses very little oil as compared to a regular pot. Because the wok is roomy, you can fry more food in one go without it being crowded, which lowers the number of servings you will have to make.
But it is not as easy as it seems. There are several rules and advice one must follow to have the best results. Let us walk through them one by one.
Advice On Using A Wok For Deep Frying
Deep frying is easy and quick, but you need to be patient if you are just starting. Here are a few pieces of advice to master this technique swiftly.
- Never add additional oil to the wok beyond halfway. It can be difficult to handle when you first start and can lead to disaster, so you may want to avoid bad calling.
- Ease up on your food. It is preferable to gently place your food in the wok rather than dropping it from a great height. You don’t want hot oil splattering everywhere.
- Make use of a thermometer. Even expert cooks use a thermometer to ensure that their oil is precisely the temperature they require.
- Before actually frying it, dry the food. By doing this, you can guarantee a pleasant, crunchy finish and avoid boil overs.
- Avoid overcrowding your wok. Food can stick together when you place too much of it in boiling oil. It also increases the likelihood of a boil-over, which can be disastrous.
- Maintain momentum. Food should be kept moving while it fries to avoid pieces sticking to one another. It also aids in the even cooking of food.
Can You Deep Fry In A Stainless Wok?
The short answer is that you can. Unlike carbon steel woks, stainless steel woks do not necessitate seasoning. The 3-ply construction wok has an aluminum layer jammed between them, giving them superior thermal tolerance.
The best feature of a stainless steel wok is the evenly distributed heat, which helps to cook food evenly. For a better experience, deep fry in a stainless steel wok while following all of the rules listed above.
Can You Fry French Fries or Donuts In A Wok?
People frequently inquire whether they can fry french fries in a wok. Surprisingly, it works well for french fries and doughnuts because the wok’s surface is slightly deeper than usual.
Since the doughnuts are light, they float on the surface when frying. This allows them to use 70% of the oil without sacrificing taste.
However, if you believe the same technique will work for a chicken, you may be mistaken. Chicken sinks to the bottom because it is heavier.
It might work if you use some sort of support or scapula for deep frying.
What Are The Benefits And Drawbacks Of Frying In A Wok?
Woks aren’t only proficient in deep frying, but they may also be your best choice in many situations.
They might not be the first item of cookware you think of when you want to fry something, but you will change your outlook. Have a look at these benefits.
Simpler To Manage
Food can be lowered into woks more readily than other types of cookware because of their wide mouths. The large opening also makes for stirring food and keeps everything moving smoothly.
Less Possibility Of A Boil-Over
Adding more steamy oil to the pan will result in more air bubbles. This can cause a boil-over, resulting in chaos and a kitchen threat.
Fortunately, the shape of a wok makes it possible to fry more meals while comfortably dispersing bubbles.
Less Mess In The Kitchen
The broad and tall edges of a wok are ideal for nabbing extra oil that splatters over the edges. The wok will prevent any mess while deep frying, keeping the surrounding area neat.
Rapid Heating Of The Oil
Your time will be saved while working with a wok. Because of its conductive surface, the oil in the wok heats up quickly. It makes it simple to cook meals in a short amount of time.
While there are many benefits when it comes to frying using a wok, we can’t ignore the disadvantages as well.
No Measure Of Temperature
One thing is missing when comparing a wok to an electric fryer: a thermometer. When checking the temperature, the thermometer comes in handy.
There is a real danger of overheating the oil, which could result in a kitchen disaster. It is preferable to keep an eye on it for safety.
Final Words on Deep Frying Using a Wok
Deep frying is an art, and using a wok can result in delicious and well-cooked food. It should come as no surprise that deep-frying in a wok has become commonplace.
However, for those who want to deep-fry at home, the wok’s unique structure makes it the ideal tool.
All you need to do is remember the tips, and you’ll be ready to prepare the perfect cooked meal for your loved ones.