Helen Chen's Asian Kitchen 14-inch Carbon Steel Flat Bottom Lidded Wok Set
by Harold Import Company, Inc.
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Our Price: $33.15
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Category: Kitchen
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Product Summary
Manufacturer: Harold Import Company, Inc.Brand: HIC Brands That Cook
Release Date: 2007-04-25
Model: 97005
Color: Silver
Product features:
- Traditional carbon steel wok set created in collaboration with Helen Chen
- Includes 14-inch wok, domed metal lid, 13-inch bamboo spatula, and recipes
- Crafted from 1.6 mm carbon steel for durability, comfortable weight, and quick conduction
- Durable and attractive wooden handles; compatible with gas and electric stoves
- Washing by hand recommended; simple initial seasoning required
Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Helen Chen's Asian Kitchen 14-inch Carbon Steel Flat Bottom Lidded Wok Set
Customer Review: Great for that authentic stir fry experience
Summary: 5 Stars
I have this wok and was surprised at the number of negative reviews...especially as regards rusting. I treat this wok in the same manner that I treat my cast-iron. Living in the South, everyone has a cast-iron skillet and knowledge of how to properly treat one, so maybe that give me an advantage, who knows? The fact is that you should dry this wok immediately after use and cleaning. I like to clean mine as soon as I'm done cooking b/c the residual heat makes it very easy to remove any leftover bits of food or sauce. To clean, I don't use any soap, so as not to disturb the seasoning...merely run hot water over it and scrub away any food particles with a stiff bristle brush. A bit of manuevering is needed b/c of the size of this wok and the small sink in my house, but all in all it takes no more than a minute or two to get it clean. Afterwards, I use a single paper towel to get the water off and wipe the inside with a bit of oil. In the two years I've owned this wok, I never had a bit of rust show up. I do, however, concede that the seasoning instructions that came with the wok aren't as good as what you can find online. I used the onion method (found a great vid on Youtube), and my wok developed a nice, brown seasoning that has, over the last couple of years, developed into a pitch black, non-stick area. The only down side to this is that I'd really love to start steaming some meals, and I worry that repeated use of boililng water would degrade the seasoning over time. In that respect, I suppose a non-stick variety, which didn't require an outside process, would be better suited.
Yes, the lid is thin and easy to ding, but the wok is heavy enough that I already need two hands to move it from point A to B, I don't want a heavy lid to contend with either. That's just personal preference; however, having Chinese friends whose woks (some actually brought over from the mainland) have lids just as thin and look like they've been through meteor shower, I believe this trait is actually motivated by functionality and authenticity than just the company trying cut corners.
My favorite part of this wok is how it cooks. I have a little 10 inch nonstick model that I love because it's so light and easy to work with, however, the nonstick never gets hot enough to add that bit of char that I find so tasty in stirfries. I recently made some shrimp with vegetables and white sauce, and (when done right) the shrimp have these wonderful little singed edges that add such a wonderful nuance to the dish. The trick to to stirfry each group separately and then join them together at the end so as not to disperse the heat too much. Will post pictures soon. I've cooked squid stirfry, fried rice, shrimp stirfry, bitter melon with pork, and a host of other things that turned out really well.
Description of Helen Chen's Asian Kitchen 14-inch Carbon Steel Flat Bottom Lidded Wok Set
Part of the Carbon Steel Wok Series by Helen's Asian Kitchen the 14 inch Carbon Steel Wok Set is a great gift or beginner set. It is made for use on gas or electric burners and the pan's carbon steel body is designed for rapid, even heating and cooling ¿ a must for any stir-fry. Its generous size will enable you to make delicious Asian meals for your entire family. These heavy weight carbon steel pans will render superior cooking performance. This pan is perfect for creating such authentic Asian-style recipes as curried shrimp with lemon rice and Szechwan beef stir-fry. This pan features heat-resistant natural wood and helper handles. Has a loop on the handle for easy hanging storage. Set comes with 1.6 mm 14 inch carbon steel flat-bottom wok, 13 inch bamboo spatula, high-dome lid and recipe booklet.Fashioned with a handsome profile and a rugged build, this Asian Kitchen carbon steel lidded wok provides a smart-performing traditional tool for high-heat cooking. Created by Helen Chen, daughter of Chinese cooking pioneer Joyce Chen, the 14-inch piece is crafted from heavy-gauge 1.6 mm carbon steel for speedy conduction. As opposed to nonstick pans, this material does require seasoning but with a little initial help from the cook provides an optimum surface for searing and stir-frying.
Flat-bottomed for stability, this wok features deeply sloped sides and dual heat-resistant handles made of wood. A high-domed lid allows for steaming and accommodates bamboo steam baskets comfortably. The set also includes a 13-inch bamboo spatula and recipe booklet. For best results, both wok and lid should always be washed by hand. --Emily Bedard
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