what is a wok

A wok is a deep, round-bottomed cooking pan of Chinese origin. It is a versatile cooking vessel that is commonly used in Greater China and parts of East, South, and Southeast Asia, and is now popular worldwide. The woks design allows for even heat distribution, making it suitable for various cooking methods such as stir-frying, boiling, braising, deep-frying, and steaming. Its rounded shape and high, sloping walls make it ideal for retaining food while quickly stirring and tossing, and its heat-conducting properties enable fast cooking times. Traditionally, woks have a round bottom, but flat-bottomed versions are gaining popularity as they can be used on standard ranges. Woks can also be used for smoking meats and cheeses when paired with wood chips and a rack. The woks versatility and ability to create different temperature zones make it a favorite among cooks for a wide range of cooking techniques.