Can You Use a Wok on a Glass Top Stove?
Using a wok for cooking is fun because your ingredients fly around, only to land safely back in the pan. Even at high temperatures, woks enable foods to be cooked evenly due to their massive sizes. However, woks are available in different shapes and sizes; and you can choose the right wok according to the stove you will be using to cook.
Can you use a wok on a glass top stove?
A flat bottom cast iron or stainless steel wok should be used on a glass top stove because, due to their weight, they are less likely to scratch it. On the other hand, carbon steel woks are lightweight and easy to use, but they can leave scratches on your glass stovetop and, in worst cases, even break it.
Would you like to know if flat-bottomed woks are better than round-bottomed woks? Find out by reading on. You will also learn if you need to season your woks or not. In addition to this, you will also learn alternative methods of cooking Chinese food if woks are not available.
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What Kind of Wok Can You Use on a Glass Top Stove?
You can use a flat bottom stainless steel or cast iron wok instead of a cast iron wok because these pans are heavyweight and will not slide on the stovetop, so there is less risk of stovetop damage.
Unfortunately, cast iron woks sometimes have a rough finish that may scratch your glass top stove. However, cast iron woks coated with porcelain enamel may work in your favor and will not damage the stovetop.
Moreover, carbon steel woks are handy to use because they are lightweight. But they are not advisable to use on a glass top stove because they make it impossible to avoid scratches on the stovetop.
Further, they may break the glass of the stovetop. Like, if you are cooking on a glass top stove and you accidentally fall the carbon steel wok on the stovetop, it may break the stovetop. A glass top stove can withstand higher temperatures but can not hold up to physical force.
Read Also: Can Ceramic Pots Stay Outside in Winter?
Which Is Better Flat or Round Bottom Wok?
A flat bottom wok works better than round-bottom woks. But choosing the type of wok depends on the stove type; that you use to cook your food because you have to adjust the stove temperature according to the wok to get desired results.
The round bottom wok needs extra equipment such as a wok ring to adjust on a glass top stove. This ring will make it easy for a round bottom wok to flatten out and allow this wok to sit flat on stovetops. Round bottom wok may not stabilize even with the help of the wok ring and can trip and fall can cause a mess and in the worst situation can cause harmful burns.
Also, the round bottom wok will never sit flat on the stove and does not work well from a heat perspective because it will not get heat directly; therefore, it takes more time to cook food. You can use a flat-bottom wok on an electric stove easily.
Contrarily, the flat bottom woks will not need any extra equipment and are very easy to use. These works are incredibly versatile and work great with any stovetop. They provide superior stability and rapid heat transfer. They take less time to cook because they conduct heat evenly as they have complete contact with the stovetop.
However, clean your flat bottom woks thoroughly before using them on a glass top stove to avoid staining your stovetop. Also, do not drag your pan on the glass stovetop to protect it against scratches.
Should You Season a Wok on a Glass Top Stove?
Seasoning the wok is an essential step when cooking in it since it prevents the wok from rusting. To properly season your wok, follow the steps listed below:
- First, wash your wok carefully from inside out with a stainless steel scrubber and hot soapy water.
- Place the wok on the glass top stove and let it dry completely.
- Take the wok off the stovetop now.
- Put two to three tablespoons of oil in the wok and spread it around until it forms a thin layer over its surface.
- Your wok is seasoned and ready for cooking. Set it back on the stovetop to start cooking food.
If you season a wok properly, you will not only prevent it from rusting, but it will also enhance its performance and increase its life.
Can You Make Chinese Food Without a Wok?
You can use a skillet, frying pan, or sauté pan to make Chinese food if a wok is unavailable. Although, woks are best for Chinese food and stir fry dishes. Because, with its even heat distribution, even the most difficult vegetables are never undercooked.
For Chinese food, ingredients are more important than the equipment you use for cooking. Just try to use a wide flat pan, so the food will have plenty of contact with heat and can cook evenly.
Furthermore, stainless steel pans are a better choice than non-stick pans for Chinese food; because you usually need to cook Chinese food on high flame. But if you have to cook on low flame, then use a non-stick pan because they use less oil for cooking.
You may have to use a little extra oil while using other pans for cooking Chinese food instead of a wok. In addition, do not overload the pan because it will take more time to cook, and your food may steam instead of being seared. Also, you may fall your ingredients out by overcrowding your pan.
Conclusion
Chinese foods are best cooked in woks as they are convenient and efficient. If you plan to cook with a wok on a glass top stove, choose stainless steel or cast iron wok over a carbon steel wok. Because carbon steel wok can damage your glass stovetop, whereas cast iron and stainless steel do not.
FAQs:
Can You Use Cast Iron on a Glass Top Stove?
Yes, you can use cast iron on a glass top stove, but avoid sliding the pan to prevent scratches.
Do I Need a Wok Ring for Glass Top Stove?
Yes, you need a wok ring for a glass top stove to prevent the wok from scratching or cracking the glass surface.
How to Use a Flat Bottom Wok on an Electric Stove?
To use a flat bottom wok on an electric stove, heat the wok slowly, use a high smoke point oil, and toss the food frequently.
How to Use a Round Bottom Wok on an Electric Stove?
To use a round bottom wok on an electric stove, you need a wok ring or stand to stabilize the wok and distribute the heat evenly.
Can I Use a Wok on a Glass Top Stove?
Yes, you can use a wok on a glass top stove with the right wok ring or stand to prevent damage to the glass surface.
Can a Wok Be Used on a Glass Top Stove?
Yes, a wok can be used on a glass top stove, but you need a wok ring or stand to prevent scratching or cracking the glass surface.
What Is the Best Wok Ring for Glass Top Stove?
The best wok ring for a glass top stove is one that is made of cast iron or stainless steel and fits the size of your wok and stove burner.
Can You Use Wok on Glass Top Stove?
Yes, you can use a wok on glass top stove, but you need to use a wok ring or stand to protect the glass surface from scratches or cracks.
