Season Your Wok!
If you’ve ever brought home a brand‑new carbon steel wok, you know the excitement… followed by the realization that it looks nothing like the glossy, jet‑black woks you see in restaurant kitchens. That beautiful patina doesn’t come from the store — it comes from seasoning. And today, I’m walking you through exactly how I season my wok so it performs like a dream every time I cook.
Seasoning isn’t complicated, but doing it well makes all the difference. A properly seasoned wok becomes naturally non‑stick, heats more evenly, and develops richer flavor the more you use it. Think of it as the wok’s origin story — this is where the magic begins.
🔥 Step 1: Heat the Wok Until It Changes Color
The first thing I do is place the wok over high heat. You’ll notice the steel start to shift from silver to a golden brown. This is the metal opening its pores — exactly what you want before adding oil. Heating the wok first helps the seasoning bond more tightly and last longer.
🛢️ Step 2: Apply a Thin Layer of Oil
Once the wok is hot, I add a very thin layer of high‑smoke‑point oil. Avocado, grapeseed, or peanut oil all work great. The key is *thin*. Too much oil leads to sticky patches instead of a smooth, hard seasoning layer.
I use a paper towel or cloth to wipe the oil around the entire interior surface, including up the sides.
🔥 Step 3: Burn It In
Now comes the fun part — burning in the oil. I keep the wok over high heat until the oil polymerizes and the surface darkens. You’ll see it shift from gold to brown to a deeper bronze. That’s the seasoning forming.
This step is what gives the wok its signature color and non‑stick performance.
🔁 Step 4: Repeat for a Stronger Patina
One layer is good. Two or three layers are better. I repeat the oil‑and‑burn process until the wok has a smooth, even finish. Over time, cooking with it — especially stir‑fries — will deepen the patina even more.
🍜 Why Seasoning Matters
A seasoned wok:
- Becomes naturally non‑stick without chemicals
- Resists rust
- Adds flavor to your dishes
- Heats more evenly
- Gets better the more you use it
Seasoning isn’t just maintenance — it’s an investment in every meal you’ll cook from here on out.
🎥 Want to See It in Action?
I put together a quick YouTube Shorts video showing exactly how I season my wok from start to finish. If you’re new to carbon steel or want your wok to perform like a pro’s, this is the perfect place to start.
