If I tell you about the kitchen at "guò" , This means nothing to you ? This is actually the traditional Chinese name for wok (definitely, you will not have come for nothing:one more step in learning Mandarin!). The wok is indeed one of the many fruits of Asian culinary art.
Known since ancient times by our friends on the other side of the globe. Thanks to its ability to retain and restore heat, it was of great help to them in less happy times to be able to continue eating cooked food. Since Eastern countries are always one step ahead of us Westerners in terms of combining flavor and healthy cuisine, wok cooking has only been widespread among us for a few years.
The wok is therefore a culinary utensil for cooking food by the diffusion of heat. The wok comes in the form of a large bowl with a very high edge, and a flat or round bottom depending on the model. Thanks to this semi-spherical shape, the wok allows food to be seared differently than with an ordinary frying pan, by diffusing intense heat downwards (the diameter being narrower), then which will rise while softening. The advantage of the wok is that it allows different types of cooking.
Some accessories often supplied with the wok, to facilitate its use:
There are all kinds of wok, from the wok resembling the pot with its two handles, to the one imitating the frying pan with its large handle. The choice of wok depends partly on your appreciation, but also on your cook. Semi-spherical woks with round bottoms are ideal for gas stoves , while flat-bottomed woks are more suitable for electric stoves . Some models are specially designed for induction cooking .
But whatever the cooker you have, it is recommended to opt for a very heavy and solid wok, to be sure that it resists well to the heat and does not abandon you to the twelfth cooking. Also prefer a large wok which will allow you on the one hand to be able to cook larger quantities for the reception of guests, but you will also be more comfortable sautéing food.
As we have already said, the wok allows different types of cooking, while preserving the olfactory and nutritional qualities of the food each time.
The wok offers you the possibility of sautéing your food for a minimum of fat! Needless to say, the wok is therefore a great ally for having fun when times are tough when on a diet. It simply requires coating it very lightly with the chosen oil. The food should then be cut into very small pieces while the wok is already heating up.
The cooking is then very brief and is done over high heat , so that the food is properly seared. As far as possible, cook all the foods separately so that the fragility of each of them is respected, and that they retain all their nutritional value. In addition, the semi-culinary grid will allow you to keep them warm. To create a homogeneity in the flavor of your dish, you can perfectly put all the food together a few minutes in the wok before serving. This type of cooking is perfect for all lovers of golden and crunchy vegetables.
Steam cooking is also permitted by this magical instrument. All you have to do is boil water in the bottom of the wok, then install the grid and the bamboo basket. Fill your basket with vegetables and cover it with a lid to preserve all the flavor and all the nutritional qualities of your food. You will then benefit from all the benefits of steam cooking.
You can also steam . To do this, brown the food beforehand (meat or vegetables), then cover it with water or the liquid of your choice. Place the lid on and simmer until the sauce thickens.
Finally, the wok also indulges in frying , while requiring very little oil thanks to its flared shape. It is, among other things, the ideal instrument for making "homemade" spring rolls. The semi-culinary grid will allow you to lay the fried spring rolls and let them drain.
