Wok This Way: Your Asian Cooking Checklist

Are you just starting on your journey to cooking Asian cuisine? Make sure that you have the following items to make those recipes a breeze.

Starting Out

Starting out making Asian food can be an extremely daunting task. That is why I have compiled a list of some things that you need so that you can be as successful as possible. Understand that you might not be able to go down to your local store and get this right away, but slowly, you will be able to grow your arsenal of cooking equipment and you'll be able to make that delicious Chinese take-out that you've been dreaming to make.

Asian Cooking Equipment Checklist

1. Wok

Woks are essential to anyone who is starting on their journey to cooking Asian food. Because woks have sloping sides and a round bottom, it helps distribute the heat evenly between what you are cooking. Woks are useful when stir-frying food, steaming, and deep-frying. Whether you are making food for a large group of people, or just for yourself, a wok is something that you need to have in your kitchen. Here is a wok that will be a great addition to your kitchen.

2. Rice Cooker

I know that you can make your rice on a stovetop by boiling your rice in a pot with some water. I grew up with a rice cooker and I believe that rice tastes better when it has

been made in a rice cooker. You're less likely to burn your rice and it is cooked to perfection every time. Being able to push a few buttons and then not have to worry about it is also a great perk to having a rice cooker. This rice cooker is similar to one that I have and I love it!

3. Chopsticks

Chopsticks are in my opinion, one of the most essential items you need when cooking Asian food. In Asian cuisine, you cook and eat with chopsticks so they are very vital! Cooking chopsticks are generally about double the length of regular chopsticks that you can eat with. They are longer so that you can stir things without burning yourself. Cooking chopsticks are great for making stir-fry noodles, frying, and mixing things.

Along with cooking chopsticks, it is important that you find a set of chopsticks that you like to eat with. Finding chopsticks that you like to eat with will make your life so much easier. There are different lengths, weights, and materials of chopsticks, so find the ones that you like! I prefer to use wooden chopsticks over metal chopsticks because I find it easier to grab food. Check out these cooking chopsticks that will have you cooking like a pro.

4. Cutting Board and Knife

Have you ever tried to cook something and every time you use your knife, it's so dull it makes cutting and chopping so difficult? Getting a nice sharp knife will really enhance your cooking experience. In Asian cuisine, you do a lot of chopping and cutting things down into smaller pieces so that it's easier to eat with chopsticks. Getting a sharp knife (or sharpening your knives that you already have) will make cutting those ingredients a

breeze. Also having a sharp knife will be safer for you. Throwing in a cutting board will also help you with grip while you're cutting and won't ruin the surfaces you're cutting on. I like these cutting boards because it helps me not cross-contaminate foods that I'm cooking. I also like these knives because they are affordable and still good quality.

5. Mixing Bowls

When you are cooking Asian food, a lot of the time you are making sauces, side dishes, and marinating meat. Getting a good set of mixing bowls will help you with the frustration of not having enough bowls to make your recipe. When I cook, mixing bowls also helps me stay organized. I'm not worrying about having to wash a bowl in between

doing something. It often makes for more dishes later, but it is worth it during the process. Here's a good set of mixing bowls that will help you whip up all of your favorite Asian recipes.

Bottom Line

Though simple, this list will really help enhance your experience when cooking Asian cuisine. You'll feel more confident and you'll be able to learn more skills! If there's something missing on this list that you think should be included, please let me know! If you'd like other advice or easy step-by-step Asian recipes, follow me on Instagram and Pinterest.