How to Season a Wok in the Oven

Last Updated on August 6, 2023 by Emily Anna

A wok is a versatile and essential tool in the kitchen that is perfect for creating a wide variety of dishes. However, proper Wok seasoning is required to create a non-stick surface and enhance the flavor of your dishes. Therefore, it is necessary to season this cookware before using it.

While there are a few traditional methods for seasoning a Wok, an oven is more convenient and easy. Seasoning it in the Oven eliminates the risk of smoke and fumes in your kitchen and allows for a more consistent and controlled process.

However, if it’s your first experience and you need to learn how to season a wok in the Oven, this guide will help you through the process step by step.

As mentioned earlier, seasoning the cookware offers many benefits. For example, it enhances its durability and imparts the best taste to the food. The seasoning process is quite simple, and if you have an oven, you can easily carry it out at home with minimal effort. To season a Wok in the Oven, follow the steps outlined below.

1 Preparing the Wok

Before seasoning the Wok in the Oven, it must be thoroughly cleaned. Clean this cookware mild soap and water, and scrub it with a sponge or soft cloth to remove dirt and dust.

After scrubbing, rinse it thoroughly with plain water. Next, dry it using tissue or a towel, and allow it to air dry completely. Alternatively, you can save time by gently heating it on very low heat to aid in drying.

2 Applying oil

Apply a thin layer of any high smoke-producing oil, such as canola, peanut, or vegetable, to the Wok. Make sure to coat the entire Wok’s inner and outer surfaces thoroughly using a tissue.

Remove any excess oil by wiping it off with a tissue. However, it is important to note that the coating should be applied to all sides of the it, including the handle.

3 Heating in the Oven

Place the upper side of the Wok face down in the Oven. Line the bottom of the Oven with aluminium foil or use a baking sheet as an alternative. Preheat the Oven to 400°F or 200°C.

4 Seasoning process

Let the it heat up in the Oven for about 20 to 30 minutes. Then, turn off the Oven and allow the Wok to cool down for a while. If you’re in a hurry, use tongs to remove the it, but be careful, as touching a hot Wok can burn your hand. Turn the tissue over the coookware thoroughly to completely remove any excess oil.

5 Cooling and repeating

After thoroughly cooling the Wok, apply another layer of oil and repeat the entire process. Repeat this procedure approximately 3 to 4 times, ensuring the Wok is well baked in the Oven.

With each repetition, the layer on the it will become more seasoned. Once the it has thoroughly cooled for the final time, allow it to sit for a while before storing it.

How to season a wok on an electric stove

If you are comfortable using an electric stove instead of an oven, you can also season a Wok on an electric stove. Follow the method below to season a Wok on an electric stove easily.

Start by thoroughly scrubbing the Wok with ordinary soap using a sponge, and rinse it with water. Then place the Wok on low heat for approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Gradually increase the heat and keep the it high for 2 to 3 minutes. Next, lower the heat and use a spoon to coat it completely with high smoke-producing oil.

Use tongs to flip the Wok, then increase the heat and allow the oil to absorb into the it for 2 to 3 minutes. Lower the heat again and sprinkle two tablespoons of salt over the it.

Increase the heat for 2 to 3 minutes to ensure the salt is well-mixed. Reduce the heat and wipe off any excess oil with a tissue. Finally, please switch off the stove and let the Wok cool down before removing and storing it.

Seasoning a cast iron wok in the Oven

Start by rinsing the cast iron with water and drying it thoroughly. Apply a thin layer of high smoke-producing oil, such as canola or peanut oil, to the cast iron. Wipe off any excess oil with a tissue.

Place the cast iron upside down in the oven and place aluminium foil on the bottom to catch any drips. Heat the cast iron for 1 hour at 450°F (232°C). Once done, please turn off the Oven and allow cast iron to cool before removing it.

FAQs

What temperature do you season a wok in the Oven?

Cover the Wok entirely with oil and place it upside down in the Oven. Put a large baking sheet at the bottom to catch any oil drips. Preheat the Oven to 400°F and let the cast iron bake for one hour. This will ensure thorough seasoning in just one hour.

What is the best way to season a wok?

Wash the Oven thoroughly to ensure that any residue is cleaned off. Apply oil to all sides of the Wok, including the handle. Preheat the Oven to 400°F.

Then, place the it upside down in the oven and place aluminium foil on the bottom. After an hour, please turn off the Oven and remove the Wok to let it cool.

Can you season a wok in an electric oven?

Seasoning this cookware on an electric stove is a simple process. Start by thoroughly cleaning the Wok and placing it on the electric stove. Heat the it until it begins to smoke, then lower the heat and apply oil using tongs.

Increase the flame once more and reduce it when smoke appears. Next, add salt to the Wok using a spoon or tongs, ensuring it spreads evenly, and heat it again. After approximately three to five minutes, turn off the stove and use a tissue to remove excess salt and oil.

Do you season a wok on high heat?

The Wok can be seasoned on high heat. You can season the Wok in the Oven at 400°F to 500°F or even at 260°C. Seasoning the Wok can also be done on high heat on an electric stove.

Do you heat the Wok before adding oil?

It is best to preheat the Wok before applying a layer of oil for seasoning because there might be small holes in the Wok that could have residue and oil.

Preheating helps in cleaning and drying the Wok completely, and it also enhances its oil absorption capacity.

Do you wash the Wok after seasoning?

After seasoning, if you wish to wash the Wok, you can safely use lukewarm water and a soft sponge, as they will not damage the coating.

Conclusion:

After reading this entire article, you now know that seasoning a wok is very easy in the Oven and can also be done on an electric stove. Moreover, depending on your preference, you can choose between using an oven or an electric stove for seasoning in a short time.

Seasoning is crucial for achieving the best results with your work and enhancing your food’s flavor. By following the above simple steps, you can effectively season your Wok.