{"id":1133261,"date":"2019-07-26T16:21:18","date_gmt":"2019-07-26T21:21:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?p=1133261"},"modified":"2022-12-14T12:42:06","modified_gmt":"2022-12-14T18:42:06","slug":"how-to-season-a-wok","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/how-to-season-a-wok\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Season a Wok"},"content":{"rendered":"Anyone who makes stir-fry at home<\/a> knows it's one of the easiest, most flavorful ways to put dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes. Sure, you could use a regular 12-inch skillet, but why not do it right with a traditional carbon steel wok? These pans are similar to lightweight cast iron; they heat up quickly and evenly, and can reach hotter temperatures than stainless steel. Perfect for flash-searing meat and veggies! These are the best woks for your kitchen<\/a>, according to our experts.\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, you can't use most woks straight out of the box. The first step to stir-frying like a pro is learning how to season a wok.\r\n

Why Do You Have to Season a Wok?<\/h3>\r\nSome carbon steel pans come preseasoned, but like a cast-iron skillet<\/a>, most of them require an initial seasoning step. The pan should come with a sticker announcing the seasoning requirement, along with a list of steps for how to do it. This process first removes the wax coating that keeps the pan from rusting during shipping. Then, you use heat to bond cooking oil to the pan's surface, creating a patina layer that protects the steel.\r\n\r\nYou'll end up with a black-seasoned surface on the pan that continues to develop as you use it. It not only creates a nonstick coating, but it also imparts something called wok hei <\/em>to your food\u2014a smoky, charred aroma that really takes stir-fries to the next level.\r\n

How to Season a Wok<\/h3>\r\nThe seasoning process is relatively simple, although it is slightly time-consuming. All in all, it will take 30 to 45 minutes, so we'd recommend setting aside a specific time to season your new pan.\r\n

You'll need:<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n