Q: My question is about using a wok. I'm moving to a house that has electric power for cooking and I like to cook on gas, especially when using a wok so I can get it really hot. Is there any other way I can heat the wok when only electric power is available? Also, is the quality of steel used in a wok important?

Lynne: I have two thoughts. One would be to use a flat-bottom wok. If the burner can get really hot these work well. Get the largest one you can find and look for one that has a long wooden handle that makes it easier to maneuver. If you really want to go for broke, you could use an independent propane gas unit as your heat source. You can find these at restaurant supply houses. And, if you're prepared to pay the cost equivalent of a modest used car, you can actually get a free-standing wok stove that's powered by propane. They're incredible. A traditional wok is made from rolled steel, and while it's not terribly thick it does have some substance to it. And remember, you have to "season" a steel wok.

Back to Boiling Water 101

Weeknight Kitchen® is a free weekly e-mail newsletter full of new recipes and tips from Lynne and our guests.
Sign up »
This week's newsletter »

The Splendid Table®, is now available for free in podcast form. Follow the Sterns as they travel the country, hear all our unique and wonderful guests and, as always, Lynne takes your calls, downloaded direct to your computer every week.
Get the podcast

Get our recipes delivered straight to your iGoogle account with our new Google Gadget. It's free. It's easy. Find out how you can install this new feature on your Google Homepage.
Learn More