Do you need a wok to make stir fry?

Why is a wok better for stir-fry?

A wok should be used instead of a frying pan because it is made up of carbon steel, it cooks quickly, and helps to stir-fry the food with less oil. The curved and round shape of a wok ensures that the cooked food is less oily. A wok also has a larger capacity to cook food compared to a frying pan.

Can you make stir-fry in a regular pan?

“Anytime you’re thinking about stir-frying, you should be reaching for a wok,” says Young. “But a 12-inch straight-sided skillet will work, too. You’ll need more oil to keep the chicken and vegetables from sticking. Whatever you do, though, don’t reach for nonstick.

What’s the best oil to use in a wok?

For wok cooking, use oils with a high smoke point and low polyunsaturated fat content. Grapeseed oil, peanut oil, etc… Sesame oil and olive oil will burn and taste bitter.

Can you eat stir-fry everyday?

Eating a stir-fry may be a healthy option, but cooking it could be bad for your health because it shoots microscopic particles of fat into the air, which could be hazardous if inhaled, scientists have warned.

What type of wok do Chinese restaurants use?

Carbon Steel woks are by far the most popular option, and for good reason. Chinese restaurants prefer them, and we prefer using them at home as well. Whether it is a “pow wok” with a single handle or a large wok with two metal handles, carbon steel is our top choice.

Can you use a wok for everything?

Dunlop says: “The wok is not only for stir-frying—it’s used for pretty much everything. It’s very economical. … You can also use it for boiling and making stews, or even as a smoker—you cover the base of the wok with several layers of foil, and then you put some sugar and tea leaves and some flour.

What oil do you use for stir-fry?

Chinese cooks normally use soybean oil, vegetable oil, or peanut oil, all of which have a high smoke point. Peanut oil usually has a pleasant nutty flavor and is suitable not only for stir-frying but also for deep-frying. Canola oil, which has a high smoke point but a neutral flavor, is also a good choice.

Can I make stir-fry in a cast iron skillet?

A cast iron skillet can retain just as much heat as a wok, which makes it an ideal vessel for making stir fry. A successful stir fry is crispy, and the only way you’ll end up with rice, meat, and vegetables that are that texture is if you cook them in a pan that doesn’t lose heat when you add food to it.