Wok cooking typically uses a spatula. Whether sauteeing in a pan or cooking with a wok, spatulas make great tools to have on hand. This leads some to ask what is the best type of spatula to use. Although there isn’t one correct type of spatula, wood, bamboo, and silicone are your best options. Bamboo wok spatulas are wildly popular as they resist heat and are versatile tools.
Bamboo Wok Spatulas
When shopping for a spatula, you may want to look for a specific type. You might choose a spatula with a particular shape to make cooking easier. Wok spatulas look similar to a shovel rather than your typical spatula. As a result, when stir-frying, the spatula can scoop, hold food, and keep your wok’s sides and bottom clean. The unique shape also conforms to the side of the wok.
Keep in mind that while a bamboo spatula offers years of use, not taking proper care can shorten its lifespan. Any wooden or bamboo tools should not be cleaned in the dishwasher. The combination of hot water and detergent leads to breaking down bamboo and can also change its shape. To keep your spatula in good condition for longer, handwash and dry after each use.
Another reason why I like bamboo spatulas is that I use mine to scrape down the sides of the wok and it allows me to remove any food stuck to the side of the wok without scratching the patina off.
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Wood Versus Metal Spatulas
You may already have plenty of spatulas around. Do you really need to get one more just for wok cooking? Take a look at your current spatulas to see if you have any bamboo ones available. Chances are, it’s still a good idea to get one for your wok.
When shopping for wok spatulas, you may notice that there are metal options available. Depending on the material of your wok, you can use metal tools. Some chefs even prefer a metal tool. However, they do have some disadvantages. If you scrape too hard with a metal spatula some of the patina can be removed. No worries though if this happens because it is easy enough to re-season your wok.
Metal Spatulas
I have used this metal spatula for years in one of my older well-seasoned woks and it has always performed great. The end is curved which fits nicely in the curvature of my woks. The handle is made of bamboo and this helps with keeping the spatula cool. Check this spatula out here at Amazon.
Metal woks, especially cast iron, are prone to being scratched by abrasive instruments. Without caution, your metal tools may damage the surface and cut through the patina of the pan. With a wooden spatula, you won’t have this same problem.
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Bamboo spatulas can be used safely in woks made of any material such as carbon steel, cast iron, stainless steel, and those woks that have a nonsticking surface.
Some silicone wok tools are available but may not be the best option. While heat resistant, they may not be sturdy enough to hold up to cooking dishes. You want a tool that is sturdy enough to manage both large and small dishes you’re cooking. Here is a silicone wok spatula that I really like from Amazon. This particular set of spatulas is hard enough and will not bend easily when cooking.
Here are some additional Silicone spatulas that you might take a look at. These can be found at Amazon. Check em out!
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Getting the Right Tools
When it comes to cooking with a wok, a spatula remains one of the best tools to have on hand. It’s not the only one, though. Cooks who use it to fry may also purchase a strainer or a wok ring to use on a stovetop. If you’re just getting started, you don’t need these tools but may want to expand over time as you find more uses for your wok.
Other Tools for Your Wok
If you are thinking about sets of tools for your wok, I can recommend this set which you can find on Amazon.
This spatula is 15″ in length and the ladle is 14.2″ in length. They are both made of high-quality stainless steel. The Spatula and ladle are treated with titanium plating technology. This titanium treatment is what gives both of these tools the black color. The benefits of titanium plating are high-temperature resistance, wear-resistance, oxidation resistance, safe, rustproof, durable, and will last long.
Solid Stainless Steel Spider Strainer Skimmer Ladle
Another tool for your wok would be this skimmer ladle. Skimmer ladles are necessary tools that remove food from your wok or any other cooking utensil. This particular skimmer is made of stainless steel and it has a 15.5-inch length. The diameter of the strainer is 5.4 inches. If you are into hanging your kitchen utensils then this skimmer would be perfect for you because it has a loop on the handle end made for hanging. You can find this skimmer and others at Amazon.
Once you start to use this skimmer you will discover many uses for it such as removing French fries for hot oil, removing washing vegetables from containers, and removing food from your wok without the mess.
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All you need to start cooking and using all your utensils is the food to put in your wok. Remember that cooking with your wok should be an enjoyable experience and can be shared with all your family. Enjoy!
Recommended Reading
The 7 Best Woks of 2021 For Stir-Frying
If you are looking for the Best Non-Stick woks for 2020 then look no further. I have selected some of the best Non-Stick woks for stir-frying in this article.
The Best Wok for Asian Cooking
The best wok allows you to optimally perform its multiple functions. There are many styles, sizes, materials and helper handles to choose from. Round-bottom, flat-bottom, electric, and cast iron woks are only a few to consider.
What is the Best Bamboo Wok Brush?
Natural bamboo wok brush, environmental safe! These brushes are suitable for cleaning woks, pots and pans in your kitchen.
Best Carbon Steel Wok [Top 5 Woks for Great Meals]
The five mentioned woks in this article will give you the pros and cons as why I personally chose each one of them. This will help you to make an informed decision as to which wok would be best for you.
Cast Iron Wok Stands vs Wok Rings?
Cast iron wok rings will solidly support your round-bottomed wok or your flat-bottomed wok. Cast iron wok stands are not made for electric stovetops either ceramic/glass tops or electric coil tops.
What is the Best Oil to Use With a Wok?
Using the right oil for your stir-fry is the first step to a wonderful dish. No matter what oil you choose, try to use organic oil which does not have any GMO ingredients.