Re-Inventing The Meal In A Cast Iron Wok.

Elite, but useful, the cast iron wok can be a boon to fresh tasting meals. Whether a stir fry pork & vegetable dish or a simmered teriyaki tuna steak, an iron wok is without a doubt the handiest quick-cooker around. And why assign it to indoors only,- when it's just as good a tool outdoors? Try taking your oriental iron wonder on a campout, or to your backyard grill. Cooking outdoors can be a fun and creative break from the mundane, and can keep the heat out of your kitchen on those hot summer days.

Finding an iron wok is not as tricky as you might think. Major cast iron makers, such as Lodge, Cajun and CampChef, are including the cast iron wok in their cookware line-up, and you can even buy your wok pre-seasoned, which is a necessary step to easy, non-stick cast iron cooking. But if you want control over the seasoning process, jump right in as it's not a difficult task, and creates a pan you can be proud of. Woks are sized in either diameter or volume, such as the 17.5 inch diameter model from Mr. Bar-B-Q or the 4 qt model from Cajun Cookware, and cover a wide range of prices. Most online cooking stores will carry a selection of cast iron woks from these quality makers, and will ship right to your door, saving you the effort of lugging home that heavy package yourself.

Designed For Ease and Primed For Flavor.

Since your iron wok is heavy, you'll notice that designers have made a small portion of the bottom of the wok flat. This efficiently prevents tipping or rolling away, and also helps in evenly distributing heat, which is a true cast iron characteristic. Also helpful are the large handles on the sides, - big enough to easily manhandle your wok while wearing oven mitts, which you will want to have on hand for obvious reasons. But be reminded that an iron wok has different properties than a steel or aluminum wok. It will heat up slower, but retain heat longer, so after making that great flash-fry entree, remove your food from the wok or the continued heat will turn that favorite dish into mush.

The true test of any cookery is its ability to handle the cooking process, and cast iron is an excellent candidate. It's even, consistent heating makes a reliable cooking companion, and seasoned cast iron accomplishes what no other metal cookware can, adding a unique flavor that's been savored by generations of cast iron users. This due to the woks "patina" or that seasoning layer that builds on the surface, which yields a sensational flavor to all foods cooked in it, and makes it easy to clean. That's probably why you will find cast iron used in many restaurant kitchens, by professional chefs across the globe.

So if you want great tasting food and pleasing family approval, invest in an iron wok. Its time-honored taste cannot be beat, and it can cook anywhere you can, lasting for generations to come.