12 woks to help you cook a feast for Lunar New Year

The Lunar New Year is a major festival for families of East and Southeast Asian descent, such as those with Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean roots. The lunar calendar is based on the moon's monthly cycle and starts on Jan. 23 in 2023. A zodiac animal represents each lunar new year, and 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit. 

In addition to honoring traditional deities, many families prepare feasts that last several days. Having a high-quality wok is ideal for creating delicious stir-fry and other traditional Asian meals that can make the Lunar New Year celebration one to remember. 

In this article: TeChef Art Pan Wok, Anolon Advanced Nonstick Stir Fry Wok Pan and Willow and Everett Wok Pan.

What is a wok?

Compared to a traditional nonstick cooking pans, a wok typically has a rounder bottom that traps liquids such as oils and sauces in the center. Woks also have higher walls that trap more heat inside. This leads to faster cooking times, since woks are working with higher temperatures. 

What are the advantages of using a wok?

There are numerous advantages of cooking with a wok.

• Speed. It takes a little time to prepare the stir-fry ingredients, but once in the wok, they cook in just a matter of minutes.
• Less expensive meals. The fresh vegetables and rice used for stir-fry are relatively inexpensive, which helps the family budget.
• Healthy. Woks don't overheat vegetables, so they retain their nutrients for your consumption.
• Presentation. Because they don't overheat, the vegetables hold on to their original color and look brighter and fresher when you serve them.

What are woks made from?

• Carbon steel woks are lightweight, last for years and have a natural nonstick surface that may require seasoning.
• Stainless steel woks are also lightweight, but the surface may require extra oil to keep food from sticking. They also are durable for cleaning with coarser brushes or steel wool.
• Cast-iron woks are heavy but extremely durable. They take longer to heat and cool down. They also require seasoning with a neutral oil such as vegetable oil.
• Anodized aluminum woks are lightweight and have a nonstick coating. They are excellent at distributing heat but take longer to heat up than steel models. 

Can woks be used in the oven?

For the most part, woks can be used in a conventional oven. You will need to check the manufacturer's recommended maximum heat. Some woks can be heated up to 500 degrees, while others have maximum temperatures closer to 400. A few woks are not designed for the oven. Always check the instruction manual.

Check your wok handles to make sure they are made from cast iron or steel. If the handles contain wood, plastic or rubber of any kind, the oven could damage the material at high temperatures. 

Best woks

TeChef Art Pan Wok

This forged aluminum wok has a five-layer nonstick coating and is free of lead and cadmium. It comes in a stylish purple glaze that can be used safely in the oven and dishwasher. 

Sold by Amazon 

Anolon Advanced Nonstick Stir Fry Wok Pan

This versatile 14-inch wok is made from hard-anodized aluminum and comes with a shatterproof glass lid. It's safe for all cooking utensils, has easy-to-grip handles and comes with a lifetime warranty. 

Sold by Amazon, Target and Kohl's

Willow and Everett Wok Pan

This 13-inch three-layer wok is constructed from stainless steel with an aluminum center. It has a deep, wide nonstick surface that resists scratches. It comes with a stainless steel lid and bamboo spatula. 

Sold by Amazon

T-Fal Jumbo Wok

This high quality, affordable wok is ideal for stir-fry and browning. It has a nonstick interior and ergonomic, stay-cool handle. It's dishwasher safe and extra large for family cooking. 

Sold by Target

Oxo Obsidian Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Induction Wok

This high-quality wok is precision engineered to develop a nonstick patina as you keep using it. It has a removable silicone sleeve and soft touch handle. It is 12 inches wide and requires hand-washing. 

Sold by Kohl's

Joyce Chen Classic Series Wok

This stylish 14-inch wok has a classic tapered-edge look and a Xylan nonstick interior made from carbon steel. It has birchwood handles and can be used on electric, gas or induction stovetops. 

Sold by Amazon

Oster Findley Carbon Steel Wok

This affordable wok is made from carbon steel and is 13.7 inches wide. It cooks evenly to retain nutrients and has a nonstick interior coating, plus wooden handles for easy tossing and transporting. 

Sold by Target

Calphalon Premier Flat Bottom Wok

With extra durability from its Mineral Shield technology, this wok has a three-layer nonstick interior that's safe against metal utensils. It is safe for the oven, too, and can be cleaned in the dishwasher. 

Sold by Amazon and Target

NutriChef Pre-Seasoned Cooking Wok

This classic-design wok is made from heavy-duty cast iron with a nonstick pre-seasoned coating. It has silicone grips and a wooden lid. It can be used in the oven and has a one-year warranty. 

Sold by Amazon and Target

Ninja Foodi Nonstick Premium Wok

This high-quality wok is made from forged aluminum and is oven safe up to 500 degrees. It is safe for metal utensils and the dishwasher. It has a stay-cool handle and impressive 10-year warranty. 

Sold by Kohl's

Worth checking out

• To simplify cooking and have a 7-quart capacity for large gatherings, consider Aroma's 7-Quart Electric Wok, with 1,500 watts of power and a 3-foot cord. 
• For enjoying the benefits of wok cooking outside, think about the Eastman Outdoor Gourmet Carbon Steel Wok, featuring a 22-inch deep pan and supporting leg stand. 

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