Can You Cook Rice In A Wok? (8 Easy Steps)

You can cook rice in a wok. The rice will cook evenly and quickly in the wok, and you can use the same methods you would use for cooking rice in a pot.

To cook the rice in a wok first you need to boil the water on a high heat setting. When water is boiled then stir the rice in and cover the wok. Then reduce the heat to medium and simmer the rice for 15 minutes. When the water is absorbed then turn off the heat and leave the rice to sit for 5 minutes.

How to Cook Rice in a Wok: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Boiling the Water

• Place the wok on the stove and set the heat to high.
• Add an appropriate amount of water to the wok, depending on the quantity of rice you’re cooking.
• Allow the water to come to a rolling boil.

2. Adding and Stirring the Rice

• Once the water is boiling, carefully stir in the rice.
• Ensure that the rice is evenly distributed in the wok.

3. Covering the Wok

• Place a lid on the wok to cover it completely.
• The cover helps trap steam, facilitating the cooking process.

4. Reducing Heat and Simmering

• Turn the heat down to medium to maintain a gentle simmer.
• Allow the rice to simmer in the covered wok for approximately 15 minutes.
• Simmering ensures that the rice cooks evenly and absorbs the water.

5. Checking for Water Absorption

• After 15 minutes, check if the water has been absorbed by the rice.
• The rice grains should be tender but not mushy.

6. Turning Off the Heat

• Once the water is absorbed, turn off the heat on the stove.

7. Allowing the Rice to Sit

• Keep the wok covered and let the rice sit for an additional 5 minutes.
• This resting period allows for residual steam to finish cooking the rice and for it to achieve the desired texture.

8. Fluffing and Serving

• After the resting period, gently fluff the rice with a fork.
• Your perfectly cooked rice is now ready to be served alongside your favorite dishes.

Is a Wok Good for Fried Rice?

Yes, a wok is a good choice for making fried rice. Because of their sloped design, woks are ideal for stir-frying because they allow food to move fast, evenly, and reliably. The high ridges of the wok’s surface also allow for the use of minimal oil, making fried rice a healthier option.

To make fried rice in a wok, you need to follow some simple steps:

• Pre-cook the rice and let it cool down completely. You can use leftover rice or cook fresh rice and spread it on a tray to cool faster.
• Heat up the wok over high heat and add some oil. Swirl the oil to coat the wok evenly.
• Add some chopped onion, garlic, ginger, and other aromatics to the wok and stir-fry for a few minutes until fragrant.
• Push the aromatics to the side of the wok and add some beaten eggs to the center. Scramble the eggs and then mix with the aromatics.
• Add the rice and toss it with the egg mixture. Break up any clumps of rice and make sure everything is well combined.
• Season the rice with soy sauce, salt, pepper, and any other sauces or spices you like. You can also add some cooked meat, seafood, or vegetables to the rice for more flavor and nutrition.
• Stir-fry the rice until it is hot and slightly charred. Garnish with some chopped scallions or cilantro and serve.

See Also: What Is The Best Oil To Use With A Wok

Care Tips When Cooking Rice in a Wok

Care for a wok is a basic part of the preparation process, and you should make sure it is kept in top condition to ensure long-term use.

The basic cleaning process involves soaking the wok in hot water and using a soft sponge to remove excess food.

Once the pan is clean, it is important to dry it over low heat to prevent rusting. Moreover, you should never use soaps on your wok, as they could strip the seasoning.

Before you begin cooking rice in your wok, start by adding vegetables and protein. Using a wooden spatula, stir-fry the vegetables until they are soft and tender.

Add seasonings, such as oyster sauce and Japanese ponzu sauce. Be careful not to use too much salt. Using too much salt can lead to high blood sugar.