If you are looking for an easy and simple way to stir-fry your rice or any other dish, a wok will come in handy. The wok also makes a great addition to any kitchen because it is a versatile piece of cookware that can be used for different cooking methods including searing, sautéing, and steaming.
Now, the traditional wok is round-bottom and we dare say that it does deliver the authentic taste that you have probably indulged in if you have had Asian cuisine.
Unfortunately, the curved bottom cannot be accommodated on most modern stovetops, so where does that leave you? Of course, you can opt for a flat-bottomed wok but we both know that the round-bottomed one is better.
With a wok ring, you can use your round-bottomed wok on your gas stove because it is designed to support the pan in a way that the gas burner cannot.
Benefits of Using a Wok Ring
A wok ring comes with many benefits, let us look at some of them.
- They stabilize round-bottomed pans on gas stoves so that they do not wobble while cooking.
- They concentrate the flame at the base of the wok for even heat distribution and uniform cooking
How to Choose a Wok Ring
Picking a wok ring is not a hard job but it is not the easiest either. You need to consider several factors as you pick the wok ring.
You do not have to figure that out on your own because we are here to figure that out. Here are several tips to help you make the right choice.
Type of Ring
You will find a variety of wok rings in the market and the difference mostly has to do with the material used in the making of the rings. Expect to come across wire, steel, and cast iron.
There are even wok rings made specifically for gas stoves. However, the perfect wok ring does not have to be made of the same material as the wok you will be using.
Ensure that the ring you pick is compatible with your wok and while we are at it, you want to keep in mind that steel rings concentrate your heat source, which can be either good or bad for your food.
That said; let us look at some of the commonest wok ring materials.
Wire Wok Rings – These work perfectly as multipurpose holders and they are typically made for particular sized woks. You can also use them to hold up serving platters and dinner plates.
Steel Wok Rings – These are perhaps the most popular and understandably so because they do a good job of keeping your flame concentrated. They are perfect for meals that require high heat.
Cast Iron Wok Rings – Such rings are often an additional piece that is within your cooktop. It acts as an extension that replaces your burner to stabilize your wok.
However, instead of sitting on top of the burner, it is placed inside.
Ring Size
Woks come in different sizes so it would only make sense that wok rings come in different sizes as well. The last thing you want is to invest in a wok ring that will be too big or too small for your wok.
Wire rings for instance are not very accommodative and are exclusively designed for particular wok sizes. As such, you want to ensure that the diameter of your wok matches that of your wok ring.
The best part is that the rings can be used for serving as well so you will be getting value for your money when you buy one.
Ring Versatility
As you shop for a wok ring, you want to consider its versatility. Consider whether the ring can be used on various cooking surfaces or whether it can be used to serve from the wok.
Some of these rings can also be used as grills, which is quite ingenious if you ask us. If you are sure that you only intend to use your ring on the cooktop but ideally, your choice should come with other uses.
How to Use a Wok Ring on Gas Stove – Guide
We are now at the point where the rubber hits the road. Using a wok on your gas stove is not rocket science but we are still going to explain how to do it.
Step 1
The first thing you want to do is match the diameter of your wok to that of your wok ring. You do not want your wok ring to be too big or too small for your wok.
Usually, both will be labeled but if not, you can do the measuring manually.
Step 2
Next, you want to pick an appropriate wok ring material. Just as we had mentioned, the ring material does not have to be the same as the wok.
However, the material used to make your wok ring of choice should be able to withstand the high temperatures from your heat source and transmit heat well as well so that your food can cook evenly.
Step 3
After getting the right sized ring and from a material of your preference, you want to place it on top of your gas stove.
Ensure that the ring you get has holes or perforations that allow oxygen in because fire needs the same to thrive.
Step 4
Place the wok ring directly over the ‘dead spot’ on your gas burner. This way, the flame will directly heat the bottom instead of spreading out. What that does is to facilitate high heat and fast cooking so instead of a ‘dead spot’ you will have a ‘hot spot’.
Step 5
You have now installed the wok ring and you can now turn on the flame to enjoy your wok cooking.
Final Thoughts
If you intend to use a wok on your gas stove, it is important to use a wok ring. This is because the gas stove produces an open flame that only a wok ring can regulate.
You get concentrated heat in one area to allow for high heat cooking. With this guide in your possession, you should not have a hard time picking the best wok ring for gas stove.