Can you use a wok with an electric stove?

Question

I'd like to get a wok because I LOVE Asian cuisine, but I have an electric stove and I am unsure if I should just go out an buy one, because I am unsure if my stove would distribute heat properly.

Answer 1

Absolutely, just use a wok ring which can be found at most asian specialty food stores.

Answer 2

Definitely, you can. The electric stove offers the same amount of heat as the gas stove. The only difference is that gas stoves give you an instant heat, thus better control of heat and cooling time. The electric stove takes a couple of extra minutes to bring the wok to desired temperature, and it also takes a couple of extra minutes to cool down. Therefore, if you have an electric stove, pre-heat your skillet or wok before you start cooking any Chinese dish because most Chinese dishes require fairly accurate cooking times and temperatures. With a little bit of patience and effort you should be able to cook up just as good a dish on an electric stove as on a gas stove. A wok ring (stand) may be required if you have a very sharply curved wok. In the past 50 years, all of the places where I have lived have had only an electric stove, so I know that electric wokking can be done. (In fact, all the recipes in this book were tested on the electric stove in my humble kitchen.)

Answer 3

you sre can but make sure it is very hot before you start using it

Answer 4

If you have a Western type stove, it's recommended to get a flat bottomed wok rather than the traditional curved one. Although a wok ring allows you to balance a normal wok, it is missing the point of even heating at the bottom over a large area at the same time. Or just use a larger skillet/frying pan that has higher sides.

A wok is not mandatory for Asian cuisine, through trial & error you learn to adjust timings & temperature in recipes for your own stove. Another alternative is a small portable gas burner that is attached to a gas cylinder, which can be used for both indoor & outdoor cooking (eg. BBQ in the garden).