How To Season A Wok On An Electric Stove: Explained

Last Updated on September 12, 2024 by Shari Mason

If you’re looking to get the most out of your electric stove, starting by seasoning a wok is a great suggestion.

This will help prevent food from sticking during cooking. But how do you season a wok on an electric stove?

We will guide you through the proper steps of seasoning a wok on an electric stove so that you can enjoy its full cooking potential.

10 Steps To Season A Wok On An Electric Stove

1. Start by heating the wok over high heat for 5-7 minutes. Make sure to use a pair of tongs to rotate the wok occasionally during this process to ensure all areas of the wok are heated evenly. 
2. Once the wok is hot, turn the heat down to medium and add a few tablespoons of oil. You can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or other of your choice. 
3. Use the tongs to spread the oil around the entire surface of the wok. 
4. Increase the heat to high and allow the oil to heat up for 1-2 minutes. 
5. Reduce the heat back to medium and add 1-2 tablespoons of salt (or other seasonings of your choice). 
6. Use the tongs to spread the salt around the wok. 
7. Increase the heat to high and allow the oil and salt to cook for 1-2 minutes. 
8. Reduce the heat to medium and use a paper towel to remove excess oil or salt. 
9. Please turn off the heat and allow the wok to cool down before using it. 
10. After using the wok, clean it properly before storing it.

Read: How To Cook Rice On An Electric Stove?

How Long Does It Take To Season A Wok?

Seasoning a wok [1] is important before using it for the first time. The seasoning process involves heating a small amount of oil in the wok and then cooling it. 

“With wok cooking, you chop things up into little pieces for maximum surface area, so they can cook in minutes, if not seconds. Sauteing is energy efficient; baking is not.”

– Jennifer Lee, Actress

This creates a patina in the wok that will help food to not stick while cooking. The seasoning process can take 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the type of wok and the oil used.

Read: What Happens If You Leave The Stove on?

How To Season A Carbon Steel Wok

To season a carbon steel wok, start by heating it on high heat until it is smoking. Next, add a few tablespoons of cooking oil and spread it around the wok’s interior. 

Use a paper towel to rub the oil on the wok’s surface. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the oil to cook in the wok for about 15 minutes. 

Finally, remove the wok from the heat and let it cool. Repeat this process several times to create a non-stick patina on the wok.

Read: Can You Put Glass On The Stove?

How To Season A Wok In The Oven

To season a wok in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly coat the wok with oil. Place the wok in the oven, and bake for one hour. 

After an hour, please turn off the oven and let the wok cool completely before taking it out. 

This simple process will help to create a non-stick surface and make your wok last much longer.

What Is The Best Oil To Season A Wok?

The best oil to season a wok is usually a neutral oil such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. 

These oils have a high smoke point, meaning they can withstand high temperatures without burning, which is important for seasoning a wok. 

Additionally, these oils will not impart any flavors, so the food cooked in the wok will not be affected by the oil. 

It is important to use an oil with a high smoke point for seasoning a wok, as this will help create a non-stick layer inside.

What Is A Patina On A Wok?

A patina [2] on a wok is a layer of seasoning slowly built up over time with regular use and proper care. 

It results from the fats and oils used to cook and the high heat and carbonized proteins that accumulate on the wok’s surface. 

The patina is not just an aesthetic addition to the wok but also helps create a non-stick surface, making it easier to cook. 

Additionally, the patina is what gives the wok its unique flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

By following the steps outlined in this article, you can successfully season a wok on an electric stove. 

When done correctly, seasoning a wok can help protect it from rust and make it more durable and easier to clean. It can also help improve the flavor of the food cooked in the wok. 

Seasoning your wok is a great way to extend its life and ensure you get the most out of it.

References:

1. https://www.allrecipes.com/recipes/17585/everyday-cooking/cookware-and-equipment/wok/
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/patina