The wonder of the wok
As we approach the Chinse New Year 2020 and say good bye to year of the pig. Let’s reflect on the food as an integral part of Cairns Chinese culture with many Chinese locals establishing a market garden, rice and banana industry in the region. Originally there was a Chinese temple on Grafton Street and in 1886, 30% of the population of Cairns originated from China.
This requires fresh ingredients. all locally available, but also some attention to appropriate utensils and cooking equipment, these are all very cheaply available for these in the leanest of budgets.
Chinese Cooking Equipment you need
A Chinese cleaver will vary in thickness of blade and sharpness depending on intended use but also is a great way to transport food from the chopping board to the wok. Store a cleaver coated with s thin film of oil to protect from air and humidity, to avoid rusting.
A wok is a very versatile piece of equipment and traditionally has a round bottom and flared sides. Most woks have 2 handles and if made from carbon steel this will have great heat conducting abilities, Treat the wok like an omelette pan so oil and season regularly to prevent sticking.
Seasoning involves cleaning a new wok and drying completely. Peanut oil is the applied to the cooking surface and heated, permitting the metal to be sealed. The wok is then wiped with a clean cloth. Clean with a heavy metal brush between use and dry. Use a wok ring on a domestic stove to balance the wok.
A bamboo steamer is comprised of a set of interlocking and nesting straight -side bamboo sections. Each section provides a bamboo grid that permits steam to rise through the sections of food. Ideally the steamer is used in conjunction with the wok as the steamer can be suspended on the wok.
Metals steamers are a substitute for bamboo steamers and are to clean. A spatula is used in the dominant hand or a ladle as appropriate.
“As an Accredited Practicing dietitian, I am constantly encouraging my clients to consume Chinese style meals.”
Chinese Cooking Methods
Use stir frying as a method of cooking to cook a range of vegetables and protein-based dishes. A small serving of carbohydrates, such as of noodles or rice completes the dish.
Use lean protein, include tofu, avoid processed meats and crown the serve once plated or served in a bowl with some toasted seeds or nuts for extra antioxidants.
Use at least 4 vegetables which provides a good contribution to recommended 5 vegetables serves each day.
Stir frying is the best way to prepare a healthy meal as it involves freshly cooked copious vegetables which when cooked in a short time frame retain vitamin content.
The main thing with stir frying is to prepare all ingredients in advance, cook speedily while paying attention to texture, precision of food size and use aromatics such as ginger,5 spice, garlic and spring onions.
Looking for more?
Dorothy will assist you to plan healthy and very tasty meals to enable you to meet your dietary needs and still enjoy your food.
Dorothy as well as being a dietitian is an accredited food safety auditor under the Queensland Food Act. She conducts audits in commercial kitchens including those who serve food to vulnerable people such as young children and the elderly, she also assists chefs with their implementation of food safety pogroms including advice on allergens and texture modified meals.
Dorothy performs food safety audits across the Cairns region and also in Townsville.
