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.
Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
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![]() | Helen’s Asian Kitchen Stir Fry Spatula, Natural Bamboo, 13-Inch | PrimeEligible | Buy on Amazon | |
![]() | Zhuoyue Kitchen Cooking Utensils Set, 6 Pcs Bamboo Wooden Spoons & Spatula Kitchen Cooking Tools for Nonstick Cookware and Wok | PrimeEligible | Buy on Amazon | |
![]() | Joyce Chen a Division of Columbian Home Products Joyce Chen Burnished Bamboo Angled Spatula, 14-inch, Pack of 1, Brown | Prime | Buy on Amazon |
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.
Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
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![]() | Spatula & Ladle Wok Tool Set, 14.2-15 inches wok utensils, Stainless Steel wok spatula. | PrimeEligible | Buy on Amazon | |
![]() | Wok Spatula stainless steel, Wide Spatula Turner with Hollow Long Heat Resistant Handle Wok Utensils,Silver/14.7Inch | PrimeEligible | Buy on Amazon | |
![]() | Wok spatula and ladle,Skimmer Ladle Tool Set, Chinese Wok Utensil Set, All metal 304 Stainless Steel Cooking Utensils(15in,15in,14in) | PrimeEligible | Buy on Amazon |
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!
Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
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![]() | TEEVEA Silicone Spatula Set Rubber Jar Spoon Spatula Kitchen Utensils Non-Stick Heat Resistant for Scraping Cooking Baking Mixing Tools 4 Pack | PrimeEligible | Buy on Amazon | |
![]() | Heat Resistant Silicone Spatula Set, One Piece Design Baking Spoon & Spatulas with Stainless Steel Core, Kitchen Utensils for Cooking, Baking and Mixing | PrimeEligible | Buy on Amazon | |
![]() | MOACC Silicone Spatula Heat Resistant Non-Stick Flexible Rubber With Solid Stainless Steel Kitchen Essential Gadget Small Premium Scraper Spoon Set of 5 (Random Color) | PrimeEligible | Buy on Amazon |
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.
Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
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![]() | Winco Stainless Steel Round Skimmer, 12-Inch, Medium | PrimeEligible | Buy on Amazon | |
![]() | Tablecraft Wok Skimmer with Bamboo Handle, 15", Brown | PrimeEligible | Buy on Amazon | |
![]() | RJ Legend Stainless Steel Spider Strainer With Handle – Exceptional Fry Ladle, Skimmer & Strainer | Metal Kitchen Strainer – Wok Skimmer Ladle – Oil Skimmer – Noodle Strainer | 304 Stainless Steel | PrimeEligible | Buy on Amazon |
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!
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