How To: Grill with a wok

What cooler way to cook your food than with an oriental wok? Check this out if you want some easy steps on how to do it.

Woks were originally designed to be in direct contact with hot coals, and you can use these steps to grill with a wok yourself.

Step 1: Choose a wok

Choose a wok that is deep and round instead of flat-bottomed, has a long handle, and is made of carbon steel. This type of wok will maintain adequate heat.

TIP: If you use a rounded wok, you will need a wok ring to set the wok on the grill.

Step 2: Prepare ingredients

Prepare ingredients before cooking either as called for by a recipe or by cutting meat and vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Heat the wok

Heat the wok on a hot grill before adding anything to it. Wait until the surface begins to let off some smoke and then dribble in enough oil to coat its surface, heating the oil for 30 seconds.

Step 4: Add ingredients

Add ingredients in small batches. Most recipes call for stir-frying meat or poultry before vegetables.

Step 5: Toss the food

Keep the food in constant motion by stirring with your wok spatula or toss by holding the wok handle.

TIP: A wok on a grill is hotter than on a stovetop, so use gloves if you need to.

Step 6: Listen to the sizzle

Listen to the sizzling sound of food cooking in your wok. If the sound slows, slow down the stirring.

Step 7: Cook

Continue stirring until the ingredients are cooked through. Then add seasonings and serve.

Did you know? To save money, a New Zealand television station transmits its signal with a wok fashioned into a satellite dish.