When you hear the word “wok,” your first thought might be of Chinese takeout. But in fact, a wok is an extremely versatile piece of equipment that can be used for a variety of purposes. A wok is a round-bottomed pan that is used for stir-frying, deep-frying and boiling.
The origin of the word “wok” is uncertain, but it may have originated in the Cantonese word “wauk,” which means “hollowed out.” Today, it is used in many Asian cultures and cooking traditions.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, you’ll want to know the difference between a wok and a griddle.
In this article, we’ll be exploring the similarities and differences between a wok and a griddle.
What Is a Wok?
A wok is a widely used cooking vessel in many Asian cuisines. The Chinese use it most often, but Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese cuisines also feature it. A wok is typically a round-bottomed pan with a diameter between 8 and 20 inches, though some versions have a hexagonal cross-section. Traditionally, the wok was used for cooking vegetables and other ingredients in a very hot oil or other fat. The round shape of a wok he
lps to maximize surface area for searing and frying foods.
Unlike a saute pan, a wok doesn’t have a well or indentation in the bottom from which a cylindrical tower of food can be lowered into the oil. Instead, the food is tossed and stirred as it cooks, which allows for more even cooking and a better incorporation of air into the food.
The round-bottomed construction of a wok also distributes heat evenly within the vessel, making it an excellent tool for making hash or stir-fries with vegetables.
What Is a Griddle?
A griddle is similar to a wok, but with one subtle difference. It is an outdoor appliance, and it is typically rectangular in shape, with a length between 30 and 36 inches and a width between 6 and 10 inches. The difference between a wok and a griddle lies in the materials used in their construction. A wok is typically made of metal or cast iron, while a griddle is typically made of steel.
A griddle is also known as a hot plate or a frying pan. It is a flat metal surface with multiple cooling surfaces that can be used for cooking. A common use for a griddle is to make pancakes or French toast. It can also be used to make grilled cheese sandwiches or other grilled foods.
What are the similarities between a wok and a griddle?
Both a wok and a griddle are flat-bottomed, round-shaped pans with a large surface area. While a wok is more commonly associated with Asian cuisine, a griddle can be used for many different types of food. They are both excellent for searing and browning foods.
Both a wok and a griddle distribute heat evenly within the vessel, so the cooking surface remains at a consistent temperature.
Both a wok and a griddle can be used to make fried rice, omelets, and other dishes with eggs.
Both a wok and a griddle can be used to make stews, soups, and hot pots.
What are the differences between a wok and a griddle?
The main difference between a wok and a griddle is the material they are made of. A wok is typically made of metal or cast iron, while a griddle is typically made of steel.
A wok holds heat well, so foods cook quickly and evenly. A griddle, however, provides more stable heat, so you’ll want to take care when moving a griddle around while it’s hot.
A wok has a sloped lip at the bottom, which allows oil or other fats to drain from the wok. A griddle does not have this lip, so food can easily get stuck in the griddle.
A wok has a small handle that is usually attached to the side of the wok with a wire loop. A griddle does not have a handle, so you’ll need to use a wooden or silicone spatula to lift foods out of the griddle.
Final Words
There are many similarities between a wok and a griddle, but they are also two different types of pans. A quick search online might lead you to believe that a wok is essentially a smaller, less expensive version of a griddle, but this is not the case. A wok is used for stir-frying and deep-frying, while a griddle is used for making pancakes and other grilled foods.