How to Season and Maintain a Carbon Steel Wok

How to Season and Maintain a Carbon Steel Wok - Ultimate Care Guide

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Күн бұрын

How to Season and Maintain a Carbon Steel Wok - Ultimate Care Guide
A step-by-step real time guide.
Steel woks are great. They can generate 'Wok Hei' which is like a cooking superpower, and they're so versatile as you can use them for stir frying, steaming, boiling, deep frying, blanching. They are the icon of Chinese and Asian cooking - but you can also use them to fry your breakfast!
However they can be intimidating because you have to 'season' and maintain them. Non-stick alternatives are easier to use and look after but can't really cook like a steel wok in the right hands.
So this video is your one stop, in depth guide on how to season and maintain your steel wok. It's actually quite easy and fun to do. And cooking with a well seasoned wok is a real joy.
So if you've just got a new wok, you've come to the right video. And if you've still got a brand new one still in its box gathering dust, this is the perfect time to learn how to use it.
If you want to buy any of the kit I use the links are below. If you purchase using these links my channel gets a small commission BUT you don't pay any more. It's a great way of supporting my channel :)
My carbon steel wok amzn.to/3oHPSyW
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0:00 Intro
0:23 Introduction to carbon steel woks
1:01 Wok Hei
2:00 Prepping a new wok
2:55 The 1st burn
8:18 The oil burn
16:48 The cooking test
19:26 The taste test
20:30 How to clean your wok
21:55 How to maintain/store your wok
23:24 Conclusions

Пікірлер: 93

@ChowWithLau 2 жыл бұрын

A great little weekend project. Carbon steel woks can be a bit daunting for some people but they’re actually fun and easy to use. And they cook amazingly well. Check out this video to see how easy it is to season a steel wok 😊

@valerietulett4108 2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant informative video and brilliantly funny loved it x

@ChowWithLau 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I had a lot of fun making this video 😊❤️

@Mae-vq1du Ай бұрын

Thank you for your demonstration

@ChowWithLau Ай бұрын

You are welcome! 🤗

@Mae-vq1du Ай бұрын

I have the very same work you're demonstrating with.

@Mae-vq1du Ай бұрын

I just got my first carbon steel wok. God bless you ,I will never boil anything in my wok.

@ChowWithLau Ай бұрын

Hope you enjoy it 😊

@WallStreet749 Жыл бұрын

The main difference in a Non Stick and a Carbon Steel Wok is that the Non Stick will eventually end up in the trash can. The Carbon Steel will be handed down to the grand kids

@ChowWithLau Жыл бұрын

True enough. But I’m here to show that you can get good results whichever you have. Not everyone is ready for a steel wok and the last thing I want to do is to put them off from cooking 👍

@Seashoreification Жыл бұрын

Ive just purchased a carbon steel wok, so really welcomed your very informative video. Do you have any vegan recipes you can share?

@ChowWithLau Жыл бұрын

I’m glad you like my video. I’ve got a playlist on my channel with some vegetarian and vegan recipes on it. Hope that helps, and happy cooking! 😊

@deniseriopel9125 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video. Questions : You don’t need to season the outside of the wok with oil? There is a lot of smoke, can I do it on a Gaz BBQ outside? Tks!

@ChowWithLau Жыл бұрын

Hi Denise - you’re welcome! I don’t tend to season the outside of my woks. After I wash them I generally coat the wok in a thin layer of oil with a piece of kitchen paper. When you cook with it it’ll naturally season the wok anyway on the outside. Yes you can season a wok on a gas bbq - it’s a really good way to do it actually. Hope that helps 😊

@boogles263 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Lau, highly informative as ever, quick question, why do you use a wok ring with a flat bottom wok ??

@ChowWithLau 2 жыл бұрын

You're welcome! 2 reasons for using the ring. When burning the wok it allows for resting the wok at certain angles whilst keeping it the optimum distance from the flame. Also I do like to use it when cooking as it gives me a 'lip' to help flick the wok when stir frying. This is good because the wok is quite heavy. And it also raises the wok a little further from the flame so the heat is in a more concentrated spot and I believe the flame is at its hottest a little higher from its base. Just my preferences really, but I hope that explains/helps :)

@boogles263 2 жыл бұрын

@@ChowWithLau thanks again, you should try a cast iron wok ring. Sits over your existing cooker support and doesn't slide about as your present one does, for a small investment its well worth it. Highly recommend.

@ChowWithLau 2 жыл бұрын

@@boogles263 You’re right, I’ll have to look into getting one. I was hoping the one I got would do the job but it is too light 👍

@ilyatermini1022 Жыл бұрын

Do you have an idea of what is meaning not cleaning a pan without a detergent in Italy….? 😂 sorry for my english, and a last question. Where I will put my wok without touchin the other pans. Thanks for video.

@ChowWithLau Жыл бұрын

Hi! When I mean that when you have seasoned your wok, after you cook with it clean it with just water - no detergent. My wok has its own shelf in a cupboard, if the handle has a loop you can hang it on a hook too. Hope that helps 😊

@rafterL78 Жыл бұрын

The little indentations are for holding food on the edges and keeping it warm while cooking the next part of the meal. They are mimicking the natural hammer forges which aren't as sharp and easier to clean. Yes, those cost extra 😄

@ChowWithLau Жыл бұрын

Definitely worth it though 😊👍

@veronical3135 Жыл бұрын

Saw this type of wok on Amazon, was wondering what those identations were all about. Thx for sharing the info.

@ChowWithLau Жыл бұрын

@@veronical3135 Hi Veronica - thanks for your question. I don’t have the definitive answer as to what the dimples are there for. It seems that traditionally the hammering process to make the wok shape would make these dimples. I’ve read that air pockets created by the dimples can help with the non-stick properties of the wok but I’m not sure if that one. The dimples could hold oil better around the sides of the wok which could help with the non-stick effect. Also when you move food to the cooler sides of the wok whilst cooking other pieces in the hotter centre, the dimples could help prevent the food from slipping into the centre of the wok. Whatever the real function/s I know that this particular wok cooks beautifully. Hope that helps 😊

@flare2337 8 ай бұрын

When i did the oil burn i ended up with a yellow brown sticky oil layer, did i set my temp too high or use too much oil, should i redo the seasoning?

@ChowWithLau 8 ай бұрын

Sounds like too much oil. Keep your heat steady and take your time. Don’t rush. And yes, maybe scrub it down and try again. Don’t get disheartened, it does take a bit of trial and error. Please come back and tell me how you get on.

@SuperEasyRecipes 2 жыл бұрын

Wok on!

@ChowWithLau 2 жыл бұрын

Tommy! :)

@peterhubertus 4 ай бұрын

I wonder why you were more intensely concentrating the gas flame to the part closer to the handle. This was also visible with the brown burning spot there. Secondly my laymans impression is, that the gas flame seem too weak to produce immediate high power if needed. Thank you for the video!

@ChowWithLau 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for your comment Peter. Ultimately, although my gas hob isn’t the most powerful, it can do a good job with a wok as a direct flame is more instant than an electric ring or induction system. Having said that you can still use a wok to stir fry on those, it just entails a slightly different method. It would be relatively easy for me to buy a powerful wok burner but my ethos on this channel has always been to show people that you can still cook Chinese food without having the absolute perfect set up. I’ve always wanted to encourage as many people as possible to cook and I don’t want equipment to be any kind of barrier. Thanks for watching and your comment 😊🙏

@peterhubertus 4 ай бұрын

@@ChowWithLau Thank you very much for your reply. I appreciate it.

@ChowWithLau 4 ай бұрын

@@peterhubertus You’re very welcome! 😊

@nonyobiz6481 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome video!!!! Can you tell me where you purchased your wok‽? And if they have a website, thanks!!

@ChowWithLau 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Rob - thank you! Glad you like it! I’ve just updated the video description with a list of links to the kit I use. The wok is from Amazon and is listed as the carbon wok in my description. If you purchase it using the Amazon link I get a very small percentage of the sale which helps support my channel, but it won’t cost you any extra. Hope that helps 😊

@nonyobiz6481 2 жыл бұрын

@@ChowWithLau ......would love to support your channel, thanks for the info.

@ChowWithLau 2 жыл бұрын

@@nonyobiz6481 That’s very kind of you 😊

@billlyoliveman Жыл бұрын

@@ChowWithLau I too have just this second made that purchase using the link and I'm more than happy to hear you get something out of it!

@ChowWithLau Жыл бұрын

@@billlyoliveman You’re an absolute star! Thank you. It is a fabulous wok - it cooks really well and resists sticking better than any other steel wok I’ve used 😊👍

@veronical3135 Жыл бұрын

Dang, taking the coating off from a new wok is the most important part that I need to know. I have a wok that I mistakenly made stew in it for the first time using it and some black bits of coating from the bottom peeled off. I haven’t used it since (it’s been sitting in my pantry for a year) and I wonder if I should take the coating off completely and then season it if that’s advisable or if I should throw it away. Any advice? Btw what is the dimension of the wok used in this video? With the handle and without.

@ChowWithLau Жыл бұрын

Hi Veronica - when you say the ‘coating’ that peeled off, was it like bits of plastic?

@veronical3135 Жыл бұрын

@@ChowWithLau It was a very thin black coating that peeled off here and there. If that’s not a toxic coating I’d use it again but not sure if it was a non stick wok or if it’s an already seasoned wok…

@ChowWithLau Жыл бұрын

@@veronical3135 It looks like it’s one of those woks with a weird non-stick coating. I don’t like those because they never last long. I would personally get a new one

@veronical3135 Жыл бұрын

@@ChowWithLau Thank you for your reply. I’m definitively getting a new one.

@veronical3135 Жыл бұрын

@@ChowWithLau One more question, is the wok used in this video a non stick wok?

@Bettymisiones Жыл бұрын

Hi. When you cook with it again after oiling the outside, do you put it directly on the flame, or do you need to wipe or wash off the exterior oil coating?

@ChowWithLau Жыл бұрын

Hi Betty, I wipe it down with a kitchen towel before I use it again. As long as it’s not dripping with oil it should be fine. Hope that helps 😊

@Bettymisiones Жыл бұрын

@@ChowWithLau thank you!!!

@ChowWithLau Жыл бұрын

@@Bettymisiones You’re welcome! Please let me know how you get on 😊

@Bettymisiones Жыл бұрын

@@ChowWithLau oh wonderfully! It has become non-stick and the sautés are delicious! Thanks

@ChowWithLau Жыл бұрын

Hi @@Bettymisiones That’s great! I’m so glad this has worked for you. Happy wokking!!! 😊

@SDck5940 Жыл бұрын

Why not use full power of your stove? Half heat seems to take much longer for no benefit.

@jemafifa2788 3 ай бұрын

But when you cook for example chicken:Is water enough to get the chicken taste or sauce taste etc out of the wok just with water?

@ChowWithLau 3 ай бұрын

Chicken stock could work really well. It depends on what sort of sauce you’re using as it can end up too salty. It’s definitely worth experimenting. Thanks for your question and I hope that helps 😊

@jemafifa2788 3 ай бұрын

@@ChowWithLau sorry English isn’t my first language so I explained my question not that great Iam very sorry. I meant after you cook or are finished with cooking,there are bits and stuff and especially flavours staying in the wok. For example if I cook chicken and the next time beef I don’t wanna make my beef taste like chicken. So is water enough to get the chicken taste out of the wok or watered taste. I hope you understood now but nonetheless thank you for your answer

@ChowWithLau 3 ай бұрын

@@jemafifa2788 Ahhhh I think I understand now. You’re asking whether to use detergent to clean the wok after cooking a dish? Just water is fine - you can use a metal scouring pad if there’s food stuck to the wok. After drying the wok, use a kitchen towel to wipe a thin coating of cooking oil all over it. This will stop steel woks from rusting. Hope that clears this up for you 😊

@billlyoliveman Жыл бұрын

Is it possible to do it without the use of a blow torch or gas flame? Literally the only people in the world I know (my ex wife and her family!) have an induction oven. I'm going to have to buy a blow torch as well aren't I?

@ChowWithLau Жыл бұрын

It’s best to use a naked flame if possible. Do you own a barbecue…?

@billlyoliveman Жыл бұрын

@@ChowWithLau Sorry I didn't reply. No bbq, I live in a top floor flat so gravity is an issue. Took me a few weeks before I could afford a blow torch too (one that wasn't crucified in the reviews) and then I then I was cooking on.... ahem, electric, but anyway, so glad I bought the wok, it's fantastic. Can't explain why or how it's nicer and easier to use then my previous non-stick wok but it definitely is and I'm so glad I bought it. I might have mentioned your channel in the review I left too......

@ChowWithLau Жыл бұрын

@@billlyoliveman No worries! And yes, your neighbours might complain about you barbecuing in your flat 😅 Glad you like the wok, you won’t go back. They’re so good. I think it’s because you can get them so hot - even on electric and induction. I got a mention in a review?!?! Thanks Billy! 😊🙏🙏🙏

@jegadishmathias7903 Жыл бұрын

Hi. Did the same process with my new wok and tried frying an egg. Promptly got stuck to the pan. Very similar pan to yours ( soupedup recipe wok)

@ChowWithLau Жыл бұрын

Hi! Sorry to hear it didn’t work for you straight away. Seasoning is an ongoing process and the more you use your wok the better it gets. Eggs can be especially tricky to start with and also depends a lot on how you cook it. My favourite way is to fry them very gently and that usually helps. I hope you persevere - I think your wok will improve the more you use it. Ps and yes I think my wok is very similar if not the same as souped up recipe’s. I love mine but I’d say it took a few weeks if cooking with it before it started getting into its groove 😊

@jegadishmathias7903 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Dang

@ChowWithLau Жыл бұрын

@@jegadishmathias7903 You’re welcome 😊

@tipawanc.5411 10 ай бұрын

When buying wok it said nonstick, does it mean it already burn up to make it nonstick? Or every wok need to be burn like this? The instruction suggest to do the different than what you do. So I am super confused.

@tipawanc.5411 10 ай бұрын

Wok that I just bought said Titanium wok. The instruction is Chinese. I used google translate. It was so confused.

@ChowWithLau 10 ай бұрын

Which wok did you buy. The wok in this video is not a titanium wok, it’s a carbon steel wok

@yolandevermeulen4596 2 ай бұрын

❤

@ChowWithLau 2 ай бұрын

Thank you 🫶

@mrkb5644 Жыл бұрын

Why can’t you use detergent?

@ChowWithLau Жыл бұрын

Hi Karim - because detergent can damage the layer created by the seasoning process. Also this layer should retain a very thin coating of oil which helps protect the wok from rusting. Most of the time you’ll just need to rinse your wok in plain water and then wipe it down with kitchen roll or a cloth. Thanks for your question and I hope this helps 😊

@Thaznar 6 ай бұрын

What's the diameter of this wok?

@ChowWithLau 6 ай бұрын

13.5 inches. Hope that helps 😊

@Thaznar 6 ай бұрын

@@ChowWithLau I bought 14 inches and already seasoned it. It is imo perfect size for home cooking :)

@ChowWithLau 6 ай бұрын

@@Thaznar Nice. Happy cooking & have a great Christmas! 🎅🏻🎊🎉

@gilberthardy8002 Жыл бұрын

oil make the barrier of non stick thats it on all metals

@ChowWithLau Жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍

@Mae-vq1du Ай бұрын

Something went wrong, my wok is sticky

@ChowWithLau Ай бұрын

Did you season it? It might take a few cooks before it develops the slipperiness of a well used wok. Keep trying 😊👍

@hanssommer4002 10 ай бұрын

Amazon purchased and see this instruction: No soap!!! READ BEFORE USE: The first time using your new wok, remove all packaging, wash your pan in warm water, DO NOT USE SOAP. DRY THOROUGHLY AND IMMEDIATELY, then apply a light coating of vegetable oil or cooking spray to the cooking surface. Wok must be completely dry before seasoning, it is recommended to heat the wok over low heat until completely dry, then coat the pan lightly with vegetable oil and wipe clean with a paper towel before use or storing.

@ChowWithLau 10 ай бұрын

Although I don’t use it if I don’t have to - I do use soap when it really needs it. Soap will not harm the wok, just make sure you dry it over a low flame and coat it lightly with a very thin smear of cooking oil (I use kitchen roll) to ensure that it doesn’t rust. I always wash any new wok with soap and water because they often come with a thin protective layer of grease. The instructions are not always very good. Hope this helps 😊👍

@M_Ladd 7 ай бұрын

You should not need that trivit for a flat bottom wok. There is a reason the wok is flat! You should know this. Oh, the outdide of the wok is just as important as the inside. Especially the first time, unless you want it to rust when you wash it. This very poorly done, just follow the directions that come with the wok!

@ChowWithLau 7 ай бұрын

I like a trivEt because it gives me something I can use as a pivot to toss the wok more easily. That’s a personal preference. I made this video well over a year ago when my wok was new and I use it nearly every day. It’s still in impeccable condition and cooks beautifully so I must be doing something right. All comments/critiques are welcome, but I have to ask: who sat on your bananas?

@M_Ladd 7 ай бұрын

@ChowWithLau Never said you did anything wrong! Just, not necessary to go through all of that work if you read the directions. If you like the trivit, then you should have purchased a round bottom wok because that is what a trivet is for. Again, you make it seem necessary when it is not. The wok is not that heavy for you to lift and shake if necessary. Gave you enough clicks, byeeee. Next time, try to help people, not just try to make a dollar.

@ChowWithLau 7 ай бұрын

@@M_Ladd Yeah like I’m gonna make thousands off a product that costs less than £10. Literally £0.03 each purchase 😅 I recommend Vit B1 and some exercise/fresh air for your irritability. There, I’ve helped someone 😘

@Mae-vq1du Ай бұрын

Non-stick woks are trash

@ChowWithLau Ай бұрын

Carbon steel woks are better, but some people like the convenience of non - stick. I just want to encourage everybody to cook so I always say that it’s fine as long as it works for you.