Wok pan
Why cook with a Pyrex® wok pan?
Hugely popular for many years now, the wok is one of the best tools you can have in the kitchen. Versatile, it can be used just as easily to stir-fry vegetables as to deep-fry. Pyrex® offers two practical non-stick, PFAS-free wok pans to transform the way you cook. Start enjoying Asian-inspired cuisine today – with all its proven benefits – and complete your cookware collection with a wok pan.
What is a wok pan?
The wok is one of the most recent cooking utensils to arrive in Western kitchens, both at home and in restaurants. Now found all over the world, it has become a favourite thanks to its ease of use and the consistently delicious results it delivers.
A wok pan is a large sauté pan or frying pan with high, flared sides. Originating in China over 2,000 years ago, it is traditionally made with a deep, rounded body and a reinforced handle. While it can be made of stainless steel or carbon steel, it also exists in aluminium or even 100% recycled and recyclable aluminium coated with a non-stick layer – such as the Pyrex® Cook&Care wok pan.
The word “wok” can be translated as “cauldron.” Originally crafted from clay, it was soon replaced by forged steel, which proved more durable and versatile. Today, it is most commonly seen as a non-stick frying pan, like the one offered by Pyrex®. A staple in households worldwide, the wok pan is almost limitless in its uses.
What makes it stand out from other kitchen utensils is its ability to retain heat and cook vegetables or stir-fried dishes quickly and evenly.
What to cook with a Pyrex® non-stick wok pan?
Thanks to its deep, flared shape, the wok pan is ideal for preparing meals for the whole family. Perfect for blending spices and flavours, it delivers healthy and tasty dishes – from vegetable stir-fried noodles, to sweet and sour chicken with pineapple, and even a rich Basque-style chicken simmered gently in its sauce. You can also use it to fry doughnuts or prawns.
The wok naturally pairs well with Asian cuisine, but not only that. With a Pyrex® non-stick wok pan, you can cook a delicious beef with peppers or a creamy risotto. And of course, you can explore Asian classics such as bò bún, caramel pork or pad thai.
Keep in mind that your wok pan allows you to:
- fry meat and fish
- simmer stews and sauces
- reheat leftovers to avoid waste
- stir-fry vegetables or noodles with ease
Our tip: if you are cooking with oil, always choose one that withstands high temperatures, such as peanut or sunflower oil. Be careful with olive oil – some types are not suitable for frying, as their fatty acids begin to break down at around 200 °C.
Why is the wok pan a healthy choice?
Cooking with a Pyrex® non-stick wok pan allows you to reduce the amount of fat in your meals. Thanks to its flared shape and small flat base, the wok heats up quickly and evenly along its sides, ensuring faster and more homogeneous cooking. This not only enhances flavour but also helps preserve vitamins and minerals, as the shorter cooking time prevents the natural nutrients from being lost.
A practical everyday cooking utensil
Leftover rice or pasta? Grab your Pyrex® non-stick wok pan, add a little oil, heat it gently (to protect the PFAS-free non-stick coating), then toss in a few vegetables or pieces of meat. Add the rice or pasta and you’ve got a complete family meal in minutes. The wok pan is therefore a true ally in the kitchen, especially for stir-fried vegetables that keep their full nutritional value.
Why choose a Pyrex® non-stick wok pan?
When you choose a wok pan from the Optima range, you get a 28 cm model that is compatible with all hobs, including induction and gas. Its durable PFAS-free non-stick coating is easy to clean with a soft sponge and washing-up liquid. Thanks to its wide, flared sides, you can cook meals quickly while enjoying healthy food with preserved flavours.
The Cook&Care wok pan is made from 100% recycled and recyclable aluminium and features a PFAS-free ceramic non-stick coating. Its wood-effect “soft-touch” handle ensures a comfortable grip. Also 28 cm in diameter, it is perfect for family cooking and is compatible with all hobs, including induction and gas.
By opting for a Pyrex® non-stick wok pan, you ensure:
Pyrex® tips for taking care of your wok pan
The PFAS-free non-stick coating of the Pyrex® wok pan offers 5 key advantages:
- easy cleaning with quick handwashing
- perfect non-stick surface for all your dishes, with even cooking results
- faster cooking thanks to its flared shape
- gentle and consistent cooking through ideal heat distribution
- healthier meals with less fat needed, thanks to the PFAS-free non-stick coating
To ensure your wok pan lasts for many years, Pyrex® recommends that you:
- limit dishwasher use, as it may gradually damage the non-stick coating
- handwash with a non-abrasive sponge and mild detergent
- wash without letting food residues dry inside and dry it quickly afterwards to prevent limescale build-up
- keep cooking temperatures below 230 °C, always add a little fat before preheating, and never heat the wok pan empty
- always choose PFAS-free non-stick cookware
- replace your wok pan if the coating becomes scratched
How to use a wok pan in the kitchen
The wok pan is so popular that entire recipe books are dedicated to it. Depending on the type of dish, here are some tips for using your Pyrex® wok pan:
For stir-frying vegetables
Heat the wok pan gently after adding a little oil to the base. Add your chopped vegetables and sauté them lightly. Season with spices and herbs. Stir regularly. You can serve straight away or add pre-cooked rice or Chinese noodles for a complete dish.
For simmering a dish
Follow the same method as for stir-frying vegetables, but first brown your pieces of meat in the Pyrex® wok pan. Then add vegetables if needed, along with stock or tomato purée. Cover the wok pan and let it simmer gently.
For deep-frying
Pour frying oil into the wok pan and heat it gently before adding your doughnut batter, prawns or battered vegetables. After use, allow the oil to cool completely, then strain it for future use.
Frequently Asked Questions about wok pan
What is the difference between a frying pan and a wok pan?
A wok pan has higher, flared sides that make it easier to stir-fry meat and vegetables quickly, helping preserve their nutritional value. Thanks to its depth, it can also be used for deep-frying.
How do I choose the right wok pan?
Pick a wok pan with a diameter large enough to cook a complete meal. The ideal size is 28 cm, which allows you to stir-fry meat, vegetables and starches together for a quick, tasty family dish.
Can a wok pan be used like a frying pan?
Not exactly – its smaller flat base makes it less suitable for the same cooking style as a frying pan. Instead, a wok pan is designed for stir-fried dishes such as cashew chicken, beef with onions or a wide range of Asian recipes.
Can a wok pan be used on an induction hob?
Yes, if it is designed for it. The Pyrex® non-stick wok pan is compatible with induction hobs, as well as gas, halogen, ceramic and electric hobs. It is easy to clean and allows you to cook a wide variety of dishes quickly – including Asian cuisine.
Is cooking with a wok pan healthy?
Yes. Wok cooking is considered healthier because using a non-stick wok pan limits the need for fat. It also cooks vegetables faster, helping to retain their nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
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