Best Wok For Fried Rice – Best 6 woks with full buying guide (Latest)

Are you looking for the best wok for fried rice? Well, then you have reached the perfect place. Fried rice is famous in Asia, and it is a widespread choice with Chinese, Japanese, and other Asian cultures. It is a favorite in Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam. There are also lots of delicious recipes out there that will satisfy even the fussiest taste buds. 

In Malaysia, it is customary to serve fried rice with vegetables and meat on top. There are several best woks for fried rice which one can try. You can find wok recipes that have vegetables as well as meats on top of the wok. These toppings make a delicious breakfast for people who don’t like to overeat solid food during the day. They can also enjoy a bowl of this during lunchtime.

Many people also look for cookware to use in RVs. Fried rice, which is easy to cook, is a popular RV meal. And our experts have sensed this need of yours because they have created a dedicated listing for best woks for RV, which you can check at our website.

Tips for cooking fried rice in woks

A few wok recipes are available that will show you the proper way to cook fried rice in a wok. Some wok recipes will tell you to heat the wok slowly. The slow heating prevents the overheating of the wok and thus saves the rice from burning. Once you get the hang of using a wok, it will only take a few seconds to flip the rice and clear away any scum that might have formed on the bottom of the wok. Just like this, we have many suggestions and tips for you to cook fried rice in a wok. 

Some suggestions are:

When making fried rice in a wok, you should use a large enough wok to hold the entire amount of rice you want to cook. It is better to have a wok with at least an inch wider inside than it is tall. That will allow you to fill the wok with sufficient rice. 

While using a wok for fried rice, you are more likely to have food stuck to the sides of the wok. If you use a wok with gaps in the sides, the food can spill out onto the floor or your hands. Any such spilling can cause some severe damage, especially if you are using hot oil. 

To know more about the history of fried rice, click here.

What are the best health benefits of fried rice?

Fried rice is an authentic dish with the splendor of taste and fragrances. The use of so many colorful vegetables and spices in fried rice makes it visually appealing and healthy. Here are some health benefits of eating fried rice:

• Fried rice has ample nutrients such as carbohydrates, calories, etc. Thus, it is a complete source of energy and strength.
• Since fried rice consists of numerous vegetables, this dish is rich in antioxidants that have been proved to play a protective role against heart diseases and cancer.
• This rice also helps in maintaining nourished and healthy skin and thus, prevents skin problems.
• And for those of you looking to increase their weight, this dish has enough carbohydrates to give you the desired results.
• Finally, fried rice is a good source of vitamin A that gives you healthy eyes.

You can also try some wok recipes which are very simple and easy to make. The most popular of these is stir-fried rice. This type of rice is stir-fried individually with small pieces of vegetables in a very hot wok. Once done, you can serve it along with Chinese vegetables or meat. You can also serve this rice with a variety of sauces and make your meal even more sumptuous. And behold! We won’t leave you high and dry with mere suggestions. Here’s a dedicated list of the best woks for stir fry.

Another combination of fried rice that finds favor with many gastronomes is Thai curry. Well, you will require a perfect wok for Thai curry, which you can choose from our pickings. Undeniably, our listings will give you many choices when it comes to picking the correct wok for fried rice. Likewise, many people prefer deep frying dishes as well. And we have a separate list of best woks for deep frying, which might end your hunt for a wok.

Best wok for fried rice – A summary list

#1. Cooks Stainless Steel Wok – This Stainless steel wok is a great wok with a domed lid that traps heat has a good heat balance and versatility at par.

#2. Korea Nonstick Wok – Korea Woks are premium quality cookware with an ultra non-stick surface and a scratch-resistant flat bottom.

#3. Homeries Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Wok – This pre-seasoned wok has everything to fall in love with. The wooden lid and its surface give authentic feels and compel you to buy it.

#4. Backcountry Iron's Cast Iron Wok – One of the reputed and highly recommended Backcountry’s cookware with strong metal and quality surface coatings.

#5. Carbon Steel Wok Pan – This 13 piece set of carbon steel wok is all that your kitchen wants right now.

#6. SHINEURI Nonstick Copper 12 Inch Wok – Cook healthy and less oily food in a Shineuri Nonstick stir fry pan.

People especially search for the woks of reputed Calphalon company. Our list of best calphalon woks has covered the pros and cons of buying the best ones.

List of Top 5 Best wok for fried rice 

#1. Cooks Stainless Steel Woks, Stir Frying Wok

Talking about Cook’s stainless steel wok, I must say that it comes with an aesthetic design with a flawless exterior and polished interiors. What grabbed my attention was the interiors of this wok which have a gentle angle for allowing the heat to spread evenly. Consequently, the food along the sides will cook as smoothly as the food at the bottom. It has Multi-Ply Clad metal construction in which it has stainless steel with a multi-element aluminum core. Not only does it expedite the heating of cookware, but it also makes the bottom strong. The wok pan view is stunning as usual.

The design of the handles in this cookware follows the airflow technology, so it stays cool even during cooking. Another attribute that I found impressive was the magnetic stainless steel bottom which makes it induction compatible. Elaborating further on the features, I was pretty pleased with its high dome lid because it efficiently traps heat and moisture. More importantly, you can use this fantastic appliance in the oven also.

As a matter of fact, this wok is slightly expensive. But don’t worry, we have other alternatives in just 25 dollars that you can check out.

User Experience 

Users have given at least 4-stars to each significant feature for this wok. Whether it’s for durability or versatility, they all have loved this wok for every quality. But I see some users having problems with burning stains. That’s a minor setback for which you can immerse the pan in hot water, and the stains will disappear in few minutes. Some users have repor̥ted problems with the non-stick layer rubbing off. I would suggest avoiding using too much oil and applying a thin layer of oil for your satisfaction. On the whole, it is a good product, worth every penny.

Pros 

• Handle remain cool for a longer period.
• Magnetic stainless steel bottom which supports cooking induction.
• Dishwasher safe.
• Oven safe till 500 degrees F.
• Scratch-resistant stainless steel.
• Steel exteriors are easy to clean.
• Suitable for all types of cooktops.
• With a high dome lid.

Cons

• The weight is 8 pounds. So, this wok might be heavy.
• Little pricey.

My verdict – Considering the price and the quality, I think it is a fantastic wok to buy and make perfect fried rice. Highly recommended for you!

Also, the domed lid is quite attractive. Isn’t it? Well, you can explore more options from the list of best woks with lids as well.

Additionally, this induction-compatible wok reminds me of my latest article on best induction woks.  

#2. Korea Nonstick Wok, Flat Bottom Wok

This Korea Non-stick wok has premium granite and stone coating which passed the Abrasion test of  50,000 cycles. Abrasion test checks the thickness and resistance of metal coatings. To know more about the test, you can read this article. Another key point is the 5-year warranty of the non-stick coating. Although the non-stick coating has 5 layers, even if it rubs off, you still have a chance to get it repaired under the warranty period. At the same time, this 5 layer coating will require less oil to cook food, and thus, you can cook and eat healthily!

The feature of the bakelite soft-touch handle swayed me off my feet. What dazzled me further was the ergonomic handles which will not slip even out of wet hands. Moreover, you can use this wok on all types of cooking hobs. Undeniably, it is a comprehensive union of comfort and versatility for preparing every type of food, including cookies!

With a fabulous bottom, the wok is really good to use on gas stoves. Also, check out our latest article for best woks for gas stoves.

User Experience  

To start with, the wok’s shape and edges are perfect for pouring food. All in all, customers on amazon are quite upbeat about the solid handle that is sturdy and durable. They have also complimented for the durable non-stick layer of this wok. I am also impressed with its sleek design. However, the thing that didn’t find approval with the users is the slippery performance of wok on a glass top stove or induction. But guess what, that’s not a big deal if you use a wok ring. I read several reviews for its fabulous performance, especially on gas stoves. This reminds me of our latest article for best woks for gas stoves. Go ahead and check out!

Pros 

• Easy to handle.
• Dishwasher safe.
• Nonstick coating with a 5-year warranty.
• Durable aluminum core.
• Compatible with all kinds of cooking practices.
• Flat bottom.
• Easy to cook with low flame as well.

Cons

• Not suitable for oven cooking.
• Slips from induction.

My verdict – I recommend you go ahead buy this wok as it is quite a rare combination of durability and quality, especially is tested non-stick coating. Close the deal now!

Meanwhile, if you want to look at some more options of best wok for your home, you don’t have to go anywhere! You can check our detailed review of the best home woks created by our professionals you can trust to give you the best. 

#3. Homeries Pre-Seasoned Wok, Cast Iron frying Wok

It is one of the best-cast iron woks from our pickings in the same category for authentic Asian and Chinese food. I found it to be the most varied cookware with a pre-seasoned flat bottom. This little master blaster has a wooden lid that does not get heated up while cooking. All in all, this wooden lid cannot be used in ovens, campfires or grills. Moreover, the cast iron wok view is really beautiful which will add beauty to your kitchen.

Apart from this, its upward handles are the unique attributes that make storage easy for users. Although it is a rustproof wok, I would still recommend maintaining it well to prevent it from rusting. Not to mention that cast iron has more efficiency in heat retention and thus, it is more reliable and durable than stainless steel woks. This simple yet solid cookware not only provides explicit tastes but a joyful cooking experience also.

User Experience 

More than 92% of users on amazon are happily trying new recipes in this cast iron wok. The wooden lid is incredibly durable and aesthetic. On the whole, people are considerably pleased with the performance but cleaning the bottom layer seems to be troubling. And for that, I suggest referring to our expert recommendations about cleaning cast-iron woks. While some people prefer to have a long handle on one side, in my opinion, it would result in storage difficulty. On the downside, users found it difficult to flip food while using this wok. Undoubtedly, this heavy gauge is the USP of cast iron kitchenware for which it is bought. So if that’s your issue, then I would suggest you go for a lighter wok.

Pros 

• It stands safely on all stovetops.
• Upward handles for easy storage and lifting.
• Rustproof wok.
• Pre-seasoned wok.
• Oven safe.
• Lightweight wooden lid.
• Perfect for deep frying.

Cons

• It is not dishwasher safe.

My verdict – At this price, I believe this authentic piece of cookware is appealing and desirable and definitely one to buy.

If you are financially bound, then check out our experts listing of the best budget woks. This wok is lightweight and its bottom is compatible with campfire cooking also. This reminds me of our pickings in best woks for camping and you can choose another one from the link if you don’t like this one.

#4. Backcountry Iron's Cast Iron Wok, Wok best to fry

The Backcountry’s Cast iron wok has metallurgical alloy from the finest virgin ore. The fascinating peculiarity of this utensil is that it is seasoned with the best oils to ensure longevity. As a result, it cooks all dishes with the thinnest layer of oil and delivers marvelous meals. Another exciting detail is the great thickness and smooth surface. Additionally, its versatility is evident from its efficient working on grill, induction, campfires, gas stove, electric stove, etc where you can also use your cooking ideas.

The cast iron has the property of amazing heat distribution which makes this wok more appealing. However, don’t use a dishwasher on this wok otherwise it will rust. Instead, you can use warm water to grease with a rag, and finally, clean with a paper towel. If there are stuck bits, then clean them using silicon spoons.

User Experience 

On Amazon, users have claimed that their food cooks consistently in this one as compared to other woks. However, the finishing of this wok is not up to mark as there is an uneven surface and some dents. Another downside that I came across was some shipping damages. Other than these, I found people adoring this cookware.

Pros  

• Best for dual oven/stove techniques.
• Perfect size for average families.
• Compatible with all cooking surfaces.
• The non-stick surface is strong and rugged.
• Reputed brand name.

Cons

• The weight of this wok is 10 pounds which means it’s heavy.

My verdict – As we all know that cast iron has the best heat retention, investing in this pre-seasoned wok is a good choice, given the quality. Go and buy one now!

Meanwhile, you can review some other non-stick woks through our article on best pre-seasoned woks and see if some other wok excites you.

#5. Carbon Steel Wok Pan, Great Steel wok

Are you looking for a multipurpose wok for Asian cooking techniques? Then, this mighty Carbon steel wok, which comes under the best professional woks, is an amazing masterpiece for you. It is a very durable metal and can withstand high temperatures without a single damage. Another exciting detail is that the wok set has 13 pieces at just this price. The carbon steel flat wok set includes one piece of each – Wok, its Cover lid, Wok brush, Chopstick, Rice spoon, Wok spatula, Slotted spatula,  Slotted spoon,  Spaghetti spoon, Soup ladle, Carving fork, Wok ring, and Drain oil rack. What more can you as for at this price!

Not to mention that the wok has a flat bottom and its weight is around 1 kg. Another modern innovation that I personally admired is the honeycomb design at the bottom which helps the surface remain scratchless. To elaborate further, the surface of this cookware is rust-resistant with no chemical coating. For your comfort and ease, it also has a detachable handle which ensures effortless storage. All in all, you can use it in the oven up to 450°F.  Explicitly talking about its features, it will be an astounding housewarming gift set. Additionally, a tip for you – Don’t wash woks in the dishwasher!

User Experience

I must say that the honeycomb design at the bottom of this wok has fascinated everyone. Users love its sheer power and thus it got 4.8-5 stars for all features such as durability, heat distribution, ease of use, value for money, lightweight, etc on amazon. According to users, it’s a fantastic wok with outstanding performance. A drawback pointed by some users is that the finishing of the lid is not good. Apart from this minor fault, the wok and other accessories have fine quality. The price justifies the features of this wok very well.

Pros

• Lightweight.
• Extremely Fast heat bottom.
•  Suitable for a family of 4-5.
• It has a wooden wok lid, wok ring, and drains oil rack.
• It has nine other spatulas and spoons for different purposes.
• Oven safe.
• Flat bottom suitable for all stovetops.
• The surface has a honeycomb design.
• Rust resistant.
• No chemical coating.
• Detachable handle.

Cons

• It does not have a non-stick coating.

My verdict – At this price, getting a 13-piece wok set in the foremost quality is incredible. I believe this wok set is an ideal choice to buy at this price. However, if the seasoning is an issue you want to avoid then you should look for other alternatives.

We have a list of all-time best woks for everyone in a variety of materials. So go ahead and choose one for yourself.

Nevertheless, if this carbon steel wok has fascinated you, then check our other alternatives for the best woks in this category.

#6. SHINEURI Nonstick Copper Wok, 12 Inch Wok

Add some shine to your kitchen with Shineuri non-stick wok. A feature that swept me off my feet is that along with common Asian cooking techniques, this wok is compatible with baking and broiling also. This orange beauty has a fantastic flat bottom that works efficiently on electric, gas, ceramic, and induction cooktops. For your comfort in storage, the ergonomic handle has a hole in it.

I found this cookware to be compact and perfect for a family of at least 4 people. The maximum oven temperature it can tolerate 550 degrees F, and for the lid, it is 350 degrees F. Furthermore, the premium non-stick coating prevents people from cooking with too much oil and butter, and thus, provides a way to a healthy lifestyle.

User Experience 

On amazon, users seem to be happy with the non-stick coating of this carbon steel wok. Most of them were pleased with the quality of this wok. Then there were some users who complained about the uneven rough texture at the bottom. So far from the reviews, I believe that the durability of this product is quite satisfactory. The welding of the handle with the wok seems to be troubling for one user which I think is a manufacturing issue. But the chances of this issue are like one in thousands. Many vouch for this product with confidence for easy cooking and effortless cleaning.

Pros 

• Premium Non-stick layer.
• Wok lid is also there
• Hangable wok handle.
• Flat bottom suitable for ceramic, gas, induction, and electric stoves.
• Even and fast heating.
• Lightweight.

Cons

• The weight is more than around 2.5 kg which might be heavy for old hands.
• Metal handle heats up while cooking.

My verdict – If you have no problem with the weight of cookware, then this wok is perfect to buy. 

Just like this copper wok, we have many alternatives in the category of best copper woks from which you can choose. Also, many people prefer woks with lids and steamers. So, our professionals have dug out some best options for woks with steamers as well.

Points to analyze before purchasing a wok for fried rice – A buying guide 

1. Bottom – Flat or Round

There are always two choices in most situations that leave you in dilemma. Here, the dilemma is between flat bottomed wok or round-bottomed wok. Both bottoms are good for gas stove cooking while the flat bottom is more effective for induction or electric stove. In addition to this, round bottom wok allows a great cooking experience as you can toss food easily. That reminds me, if want a round bottom wok, then we have some of the best round-bottom woks for you. Go and check out!

2. Material used

The first thing is the material from which the wok is made. Woks are made from several types of metal and the one you choose should be made from the same metal all over the world. A wok, which is made from a stainless steel bowl should be your best bet because it is the easiest to clean and it holds a good temperature. Additionally, our experts have specifically dug out some of the best stainless steel woks. You also want to look at the height of the wok and the width. 

Hand-hammered steel is widely famous due to its under-budget cost and durability. Have a look at the best hand-hammered steel woks we have complied for you. For evenly spreading heat and stir-frying, woks made of cast iron are perfect. Not only these materials, but our experts have dug out woks of other materials as well such as best ceramic woks which you can check to discover what they have in store for you. Besides these, the woks made of pure titanium serve the best taste and are far away from toxicity. Having discovered their benefits, our experts took it upon themselves to find the best ones for their readers. So, check out the best titanium woks recommended by our professionals.

3. Ideal size

To determine the ideal size of the wok, you should identify the number of servings. Also, for fried rice, it is good to purchase one size bigger to toss your food and mix it well. Otherwise, If you are cooking food for 4-5 servings, then the standard size of 14 inches is perfect. For 1-2 servings, 8-9 inches is good. 16-18 inches will be good if the servings are more than 5. It also depends on which food you are aiming to cook. For instance, barbeque requires a wok of size at least 14 inches. This reminds me to recommend our list of best bbq woks to you. 

A wok that is too long or narrow will cause the food to stick or spill and a wok that is too wide will give you too much room to cook and it will scorch the inside of the wok. We have a list of the best 12-inch woks that you can check out. 

4. Bottom layering – Non-stick or seasoned

Non-stick layering is quite popular in cooking utensils but not all metals support that. Sometimes, fried rice stick to the bottom and the cooking becomes fussy. So, you should go for a high-quality non-stick wok. Furthermore, you should season the utensil using oil and develop a natural non-stick surface in carbon steel woks. Also, with every use, the non-stick coating seems to disappear. Although, our cookware experts have compiled the best non-stick woks which you can see. 

5. Type of stove

In addition to these features, one of the most important features is to select wok based on the stove. However, you might be delighted to know that we have reduced your work of finding the best woks for your stove. We have seen many queries in which people using coil stoves aren’t able to find the best woks. Our cookware professionals have compiled the best woks for coil stoves,  I am sure that you will find the best one for you from our picks. Besides coil stoves, our kitchen gurus also anticipated the need for cookware for glass top stoves. Hence, they have also collated a list of the best woks for glass top stoves, for the owners of such stoves.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Does “Wok Hei” come from the wok itself, or from the flames used to heat the wok?

Wok Hei is a miraculous technique of Cantonese chefs which is a combination of intense heat and oil with high smoking points. To generate ‘Wok Hei’, one needs a wok that can withstand high temperatures. Luckily, we have a list of best woks for high heat which you can read!

2. Why is my wok rusty? 

There are two suspects which are possible causes of rusty woks. Either the wok wasn’t seasoned properly or the seasoning has disappeared or washed away. The metal quality is not good if you are facing this problem. Try out something from our list of best rustproof woks.

3. Do you prefer a flat-bottom wok or a round bottom wok for cooking on an electric gas stovetop?

Woks with flat bottoms work well on an electric stove. Although, a round bottom wok will also work on an electric stove but it will not get as much hot as you want. I would recommend you to prefer flat bottom woks. We have good alternatives of best woks for electric stoves if you want to check out.

4. What type of wok should I use if I want to make Thai fried rice? There’s a flat bottom wok and a round bottom wok? 

To cook that fried rice, round bottom woks are good as their curvature allows to hold rice altogether. Also, tossing rice and mixing them with other ingredients is very easy. But round bottom woks are efficient mostly on inductions and electric stoves. If you don’t have an electric stove, then you can see some of our best flat bottom woks as you have no other option.

5. Are electric woks any good?

Many cookbooks and cookware experts say that electric woks are good for steaming food only. But electric woks come with their own privileges over traditional woks. Read our article on best electric woks if you are considering them an option.

So, whenever you purchase a new wok, you can try out an incredible recipe of fried rice in your wok!

Conclusion

There are many advantages to choosing the best wok for fried rice over other frying pans. With my analysis, I have attempted to include the best ones that’ll serve your purpose. The wok is a good investment, so you want to be sure that you are getting the most for your money and time. I hope my review has accomplished its aim of finding you the perfect wok for fried rice.