How to Use a Wok on an Electric Stove

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Some types of wok will work on a high-end induction stovetop.
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It is possible to use a wok on an electric stove coil, but you need to make some adjustments if you want your dish to be successful. If you have the choice, buy a flat-bottomed wok rather than a round-bottomed one. Flat-bottomed woks don't need a wok ring to work. If you already have a round-bottomed wok, you can adapt it to your electric stove with a wok ring, which concentrates the heat to the bottom of the wok.

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Step 1

Place the wok ring over the coil you intend to use for your wok with the wider portion of the ring pointing up. This will give your round-bottomed wok better stability. Replace the wok ring if it is too large or too small to closely cover the burner or if it keeps the wok bottom too high from the heat. The wok should be lifted from the electric coil by about 1/2 to 1 inch.

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Step 2

Let your wok preheat on the electric stove for 10 minutes before adding the food or oil for a stir fry. The wok should be giving off smoke.

Step 3

Add cold oil according to your recipe and swirl it around to coat the inside of the pan. Once the oil is hot and sizzling, add the food and stir fry as usual.

Tip

Use a wooden spoon instead of a wok shovel if you are using a flat bottomed wok.

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