How To Use A Wok On An Induction Stove? Simple Guide

Once you fall in love with wok cooking, you can never go back to anything else. Be it pad tai, stir-fried meat, or veggies, everything tastes just heavenly on a wok. This is due to the high heat and flash frying technique that takes years to master.

But that shouldn’t stop you from using a wok at home. You can customize your induction stove and use one, right? Wrong. You cannot use a regular wok on an induction stove. As the induction stove is flat and a wok has an oval or round bottom, they just don’t go together.

So how to use a wok on an induction stove? The solution is flat bottom woks. Yes, they are a thing, and no matter how people criticize their authenticity to traditional wok cooking, they are the same.

There are also a few other things that we need to talk about in detail. So buckle up. 

Using A Wok On An Induction Stove | The Secret Explained  

While you cannot use a traditional wok on an induction stove due to the structure of the wok, you can go for an induction-friendly wok. This not only has a flat bottom but also works in a similar way. But there are 3 things you have to keep in mind before going forward with it. 

Flat Bottom

Although traditional works are round-bottomed, you cannot use them on an induction stove. Some might suggest using a wok ring, it could be more efficient. Because induction works at its full potential when the cooking vessel is in direct contact with the glass surface. This way it can reach temperatures up to 600 Fahrenheit. 

But if you use a wok ring or cradle, this will take a long time, and sometimes the induction won’t even work at all. So going for a flat-bottomed wok is the best thing to do. 

Ferromagnetic Material

As we talked about a flat-bottomed wok, this doesn’t mean any flat-bottom pan will work. To achieve the same output as a traditional wok, it has to be made out of ferromagnetic material like stainless steel, carbon steel, or cast iron. Other than these materials, the wok won’t work on an induction stove. 

Induction stoves don’t work with aluminum or copper wok. So keep this in mind and you will get the best output out of your flatbed wok on an induction stove. 

Note: As you season carbon steel wok on a regular stove, you have to season it twice more on an induction stove. This is because induction stoves reach temperatures rather faster and keep them constant than gas stoves. 

A Round Bottom Induction Stove

Why should the wok have all the fun? There is also a new round bottom induction cooker where the plate is curved inwards. This is done so that you can use traditional wok on them. 

And if you are a frequent wok user, investing on one would be a great addition. You can not just choose the wok, the wok chooses you. So give it its own induction stove. 

Additional Questions May Ask

Does stainless steel wok work on induction?

Yes. Apart from carbon steel and cast iron, stainless steel woks also work on induction.

How do I know if my wok is induction?

The easiest way to tell if your wok is induction-compatible is to check the bottom of your wok. It will have a circular pattern under it. And if you use a magnet, it will get attached to the bottom. If the magnet doesn’t stick as much, then it is not induction-compatible.

Can I use an Aluminium wok on an induction hob?

No. The induction hob doesn’t work with aluminum or copper work.

Can you stir fry in an induction cooker?

Yes. You can stir fry, flash fry, and do everything on an induction cooker. You won’t be able to take the wok out of the induction cooker motion or flip it around like a traditional gas cooker. 

Conclusion

We hope you got the idea about using a wok on an induction stove. No traditional wok on an induction stove. No matter how much Uncle Roger criticizes it, you can use a flat-bottomed wok and it will give the same output. It’s only about practice and precision. And in time, you will be the induction wok master!