Anyone can Be A Wok Star!

I call myself a Wok Star so as not to be confused with a celebrity chef. My focus is quick, easy, delicious, weeknight, one-dish dinners cooked in a cast iron wok! I use the analogy to music...

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Howto & Style

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• Wok
• Star
• Eleanor Hoh
• cast
• iron
• wok
• asian
• chinese
• cooking
• stir
• fry
• food
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• video
• healthy
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[dan1427]

I used a cast iron wok until I found a carbon steel one much gentler to my wrist when flipping. I haven't noticed any change in taste between the two. I think that is the 'flame in the wok' that gives food the characteristic 'wok hey' flavor and not the material of the wok.

[eleanorhoh]

My cast iron wok is a lightweight (only 3 lbs) and thin walled, so easy to hold. You're probably referring to a heavy cast iron wok, most over 10 pounds!! No wonder your wrist hurts. You need "wok hei" and the right material to be successful. Also for small people like myself, it's not enjoyable holding a heavy wok every night, then it becomes a chore. Cast iron gives your food flavor + texture. Lots of carbon steel users say they're surprised they noticed such a big difference.

[dan1427]

@eleanorhoh

no, my 18" cast iron wok weighs about the same- 3lb. 10lb woks must have a much greater diameter... never seen one around...

well, I don't think that you'd flip the wok empty... despite your small size you must have quite powerful wrists unless you cook max two servings at a time. even so-at about 300g per serving plus your 3 lbs wok weight would amount to about 5lb... as I've been using both, I repeat: it is the technique, not the pan, that gives texture and flavor!

[eleanorhoh]

@dan1427 My response to your other message applies to this too.

[eleanorhoh]

@dan1427 Apologies, didn't get this. You're entitled to your opinions but many who converted from using carbon steel woks to cast iron tell me they do notice a huge difference. I have used both and I still prefer cast iron. As I keep reiterating, you need 4 components: high heat, good wok, good technique and good ingredients! It's not one or another.

[australisman]

No I don't cook in a Wok, I stand beside it, as I would burn myself!:)

I cook various meats in a Wok, as it gives them a unique flavour and a consistancy that cannot be achieved using western methods.

Love your show and keep inspiring!

[eleanorhoh]

Don't need to post your comment 3 times, I need time to approve, O.K.?

[TheLittleWelsh]

I love "wok can i say" hahaha!! genius

[knotoftoads]

Take a wok on the wild side.

[australisman]

Yes I have a cast iron Wok.

The only way to cook!:)

[australisman]

Hi eleanorhoh,

Sorry, didn't mean to send 3 times, but I thought when it didn't show up on the comment window it wasn't received properly.