Do you have to have a wok to stir fry?

If you think you can’t make a good stir-fry without a wok, think again. … You do lose some of the high-sided cooking area you get with a wok, but even stir-fry expert, Grace Young agrees that a skillet makes a suitable substitute.

Why use a wok instead of a frying pan?

A wok is ideal for stir-frying; as the food is cooked, it’s pushed up to the sides of the wok while the remaining food is cooked on the bottom. A wok uses less oil than a conventional large skillet, and its high, sloping sides contain most of the splatter. … The cooking is very quick and requires attentive stirring.

Can you cook stir-fry in a normal 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 if I dont have a wok?

A sauté pan (which most of us already have at home) makes a good substitute for a wok; just heat a few tablespoons of vegetable oil in the pan and stir-fry as usual.

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 is the benefit of using a wok?

One obvious benefit of cooking in a wok is that its high, sloping walls allow you to easily move food around the surface without spilling it over the sides. I also discovered that a wok’s tall sides create two distinct heat zones that work in tandem to cook food efficiently and evenly.

Can you use a wok for anything?

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’s the best oil to use in a wok?

The best oils for a wok are coconut, sesame, vegetable, avocado, and grapeseed oils. When cooking in a wok, it is important to use an oil with a high smoke point. Opt for neutral flavors or those complementary to your dish.

Does broccoli need to be cooked before stir-fry?

Blanching broccoli is not necessary for stir frying, especially if you cut the florets small. … You can either make sure the florets are small, or blanch the broccoli first to ensure it gets cooked thoroughly during the stir fry process.

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.