Nothing hits quite like stir-fry meals and you are aware of that – it is probably why you are here in the first place.
Of course, a wok makes the perfect companion for this cooking style seeing as it can get wickedly hot to deliver uniformly cooked meals within minutes.
But, What is the best oil to use for wok cooking? The best oil for wok should have:
- A high smoke point
- Stability
- Neutral or flavored depending on your preference
Stick with us as we take you through the journey of picking the right product.
Seven Best Oils For Wok: Comparison Table
Don’t have time to read this entire review, or you just don’t want to? We have you covered. The following comparison table should help you make a quick and knowledgeable choice.
| SL | Product Name | Weight | Check Price |
| #1 | Pompeian Grapeseed Oil | 4.3 Pounds | Check Price |
| #2 | BetterBody Foods Refined Coconut Oil | 3.5 Pounds | Check Price |
| #3 | La Tourangelle Peanut Oil | 1.2 Pounds | Check Price |
| #4 | Canola Oil | 1.83 Pounds | Check Price |
| #5 | Spectrum Organic Olive Oil | 2.6 Pounds | Check Price |
| #6 | BetterBody Foods Avocado Oil | 1.1 Pounds | Check Price |
| #7 | La Tourangelle Sunflower Oil | 8.32 Ounces | Check Price |
the Best Oil for a Wok : Buying Guide
Pouring oil into a pan can be done by anyone but picking the right cooking oil makes all the difference between a tasty meal and burnt food.
That is why you need to consider several crucial factors before making a choice. Here is what you need to consider.
Smoke Point
When we say smoke point, we are talking about the temperature at which oil starts smoking and stops simmering.
The more stable your oil is (we’ll cover this in the next point) the higher its smoke point will be. When oil burns beyond its smoke point, it generates toxic fumes and loses its beneficial nutrients.
When that happens, there will be smoke meaning that the oil is extremely close to its flash point – this is the point where it is likely to catch fire. What we are saying here that the best oil for stir-fry should have a high smoke point.
Oil Stability
The ideal oil for cooking should remain stable even when subjected to high temperatures. Now, the stability of your oil will depend on how fast it oxidizes or rather how easily it reacts with oxygen to generate free radicals.
You can determine your oil’s resistance to oxidation by looking at its saturation of fatty acids. Oxidative stability is usually measured through induction time.
Raw Ingredient Quality
Oils come from raw ingredients like fruit, legumes, seeds, or nuts. The quality of the raw material then determines the final quality of the oil it produces.
At this point, we will let you know that organic oils perform much better than non-organic ones. There are several reasons why this is so but the most popular one is because organic oils are not genetically modified.
Tips for Treating your Frying Oil
If you want your food to retain its flavor, you want to retain the purity of the oil used to cook it as well. Here are several tips to help you with that.
Filter the Oil
You should filter your oil at least twice every day. This will get rid of any small food particles or foreign compounds in the oil that compromise its quality.
Filtering also eliminates air and moisture in the oil that causes it to degrade.
Don’t Mix Foods
It is advisable not to mix different kinds of food while frying. This not only prevents the blending of different tastes but also helps in making the oil last longer.
Still on that, you want to avoid adding salt to your food as it cooks. When you do that, the salt pulls moisture out of the food and breaks down the oil faster meaning you will have to replace it sooner.
We bet you do not want to waste your money or oil right?
Do not allow the Oil’s Temperature to run too high
It is important to let your oil heat slowly so that you can get the required temperature needed to cook your particular dish.
If the oil is too hot, it will burn your food from the outside with a higher possibility that it is not cooked through.
On the other hand, if the oil is not hot enough, it will get to the food before the outside cooks well enough to form that crusty layer. Getting to know your oil’s smoke point helps as well.
Do Not Overload your Wok
Whether it is oil or food, avoid overloading your wok. To maintain your oil’s purity, ensure that it is not overloaded with too old of a product or too much of it.
After each use, your oil downgrades. This means that the foods you cook with this oil will absorb more of it and end up more oily and greasy.
There are many options when it comes to wok oils, but you want to ensure that you get the best. We have reviewed some top options to help with that.
best Oil For Wok cooking
1. Pompeian Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil has been traditional Chinese cooking oil for years simply because it has a high smoke point.
This particular one from Pompeian is neutral in flavor so you can be sure it will not alter your food’s taste.
What We Liked About It
We can bet that you will appreciate cooking oil that also adds nutrients to your body and that is exactly what you get with this bottle.
It contains fatty acids, Vitamin E, and Omega 7. Vitamin E for instance is a powerful antioxidant and we love that about this oil.
What Could Have Been Better
According to some users, this product arrived with a damaged bottle. We feel that the manufacturer could have done a better job with the packaging.
Pros
- Sheer
- Comes with nutritional benefits
- High smoke point
Cons
- Packaging could be better
2. BetterBody Foods Refined Coconut Oil
First, you need to know that Coconut oil is one of the highest quality oils for frying. It comes in various forms with virgin being the best.
This one is refined but highly functional nonetheless. It contains MCTs that will naturally enhance your energy levels.
What We Liked About It
This oil from BetterBody Foods comes with a neutral aroma and flavor and you will appreciate that if you do not want to alter the taste or smell of your food.
Another great thing about this oil is that it is gluten and GMO-free meaning that it is a healthier option compared to some vegetable oils. We love that.
What Could Have Been Better
Some users have complained that they did not receive what was advertised. The manufacturer should have been transparent to avoid customer mistrust.
Pros
- Ready to eat
- Value for money
- Neutral flavor
Cons
- Confusing product description
3. La Tourangelle Peanut Oil
With this particular bottle, you get to add a rich nutty flavor to all your meals. Because of this, it makes a great finishing style for African and Asian recipes.
What We Liked About It
Also known as groundnut oil, peanut oil comes with a high smoke point that makes it ideal for all your deep-fried and stir-fry meals.
However, what we loved most about this oil is that it comes in a recyclable tin that makes it eco-friendly. We support environmental conservation.
What Could Have Been Better
Some users have complained that oil collects at the top of the container while pouring. We feel that the manufacturer could have designed the bottle better.
Pros
- Eco-friendly packaging
- Smells and tastes great
- Can be used as a salad dressing
Cons
- The bottle could be designed better
4. Canola Oil
Instead of using lard or shortening, you can opt for canola oil as a wok oil substitute. It is also easily accessible and more affordable so go figure.
This Canola oil does not contain any GMOs and we believe you will love this for your health.
What We Liked About It
This oil is ready to eat so you can comfortably use it for salads, sautéing vegetables, and baking as well. The fact that it is neutral in flavor helps too.
We love that you can order this product either as a single bottle, multipacks, or even in bulk according to your budget.
What Could Have Been Better
This product does not come with a “best by” date as reported by some users. We feel that the manufacturer should have simply included that.
Pros
- Non-GMO
- Flavorful
- Value for money
Cons
- No expiry date
5. Spectrum Organic Olive Oil
Olive oil has to be among the most favorite oils for wok cooking because it is as organic as can be. You see, no chemicals are used in the extraction of the oil.
What We Liked About It
Drizzle this oil over your salads, sauté your lamb cubes, or even use it on your bread. You can also use olive oil for stir fry. That is how versatile it is.
We also love that it does not require refrigeration for about two weeks after opening making it a great option if you like to stir or deep-fry your food.
What Could Have Been Better
According to several users, this product arrived with a leaking and broken bottle. The manufacturer could have done a better job as far as the packaging and shipping.
Pros
- Mildly flavored
- Ergonomic bottle shape
- Pure
Cons
- Inadequate packaging
6. BetterBody Foods Avocado Oil
If you are looking for higher oil smoke points, you will certainly find reprieve in this refined avocado oil. That makes it ideal for frying.
The oil has a subtle flavor as well so it can be used for most types of cooking.
What We Liked About It
This oil is multipurpose since it comes with a smoke point of 500°F. You can use it to sauté, fry, or even bake.
Nevertheless, what we loved most about this oil is that it is gluten-free making it the perfect addition to your keto diet. So this is the best type of oil for cooking.
What Could Have Been Better
The way this oil’s bottle cap opens makes a mess as some users have reported and we feel that the manufacturer could have checked on this before launching the product.
Pros
- Multi-purpose
- Gluten-free
- Enhances food flavor
Cons
- Bottle design could be better
7. La Tourangelle Sunflower Oil
You get to enjoy the benefits of Vitamin E when you purchase this healthy oil because it contains the same. You can therefore use it to dress your salads or prepare French fries.
What We Liked About It
If you like, the smell and taste of garlic, you will love this sunflower oil as it is infused with the same. You can also use it as a dipping oil.
The oil is versatile as well since it can be used for different cooking methods including frying, sautéing, and braising.
What Could Have Been Better
Judging from reviews, this product does not come with a strong garlic taste as expected. This is perhaps the biggest selling point so the manufacturer should have made the smell and taste stronger.
Pros
- Infused with garlic
- Versatile
- Flavorful
Cons
- The garlic aroma is not as strong
How to Season a Wok
Not all woks come with a nonstick surface and this may be inconveniencing especially when it comes to food release and cleaning.
It is therefore important to season yours if it does not have that layer. We call it ‘patina’. This layer not only imparts a deep smoky flavor to your food it also prevents the cooking surface from corroding.
Here is how to do that.
Step 1: Scrub
Any store-bought wok comes with an anti-rust protective layer that protects it as it sits on the shelf waiting to be bought.
You need to scrub that layer off as soon as you buy your wok. A good metal scourer, soapy water, and some hard work will get the job done.
Do not go easy on the scrubbing either; scrub as hard as you can until your rinsing water turns clear. That is when you will be sure that you have done away with the protective film.
Step 2: Burn
Next, you want to burn your wok and go crazy with it. Turn your hob to the highest temperature and place your wok on top.
First, the wok will turn into different colors and finally settle into a matte gray. As the wok burns, be sure to tilt it so that all sides are heated evenly and thoroughly.
Step 3: Oil
After burning the wok, you want to allow it to cool. You then want to use the best oil for wok seasoning to coat the inside.
The oil could be sunflower or vegetable oil. Both work just fine.
Step 4: Smoke
You probably thought you were done with burning after the second step but as you can see, we are back at it.
After oiling your wok, you need to place it back on your cooktop under high heat and allow it to get to the smoking point.
Once the oil stops smoking, it signifies that your wok is seasoned. Tilt and turn the entire wok until you end up with a matte finish.
Use a blowtorch for quicker results if you are strapped on time and remember, scrub, burn, oil, and then smoke. That is the secret to a perfectly seasoned wok.
Frequently Asked Questions
You probably need a better understanding as far as the best-selling oil for woks is concerned. To that effect, we have answered some commonly asked questions about the topic to help you out.
Can you use vegetable oil in a wok?
Yes, you can. This is because vegetable oil has a high smoking point that is needed for the high temperatures used for wok cooking. Another great option would be peanut oil.
You want to avoid olive or sesame oil, as their smoking points are not high enough.
What is the best oil to use in a wok?
Like we have mentioned, you need to use oils with low polyunsaturated fat content and high smoke points. Peanut and grapeseed oil are great options.
Other options like olive, sesame, and soybean oil will burn and make your food taste bitter.
Can I use coconut oil to season my wok?
First, coconut oil is one of the healthiest oils for stir-frying but it also works well as a wok seasoning oil. The oil has a high smoke point so you can rely on it to have your wok prepped and ready within minutes.
Besides, coconut oil is organic and GMO, which is a plus for your health
Our Top Pick
All the quality wok oils we’ve reviewed are great for cooking but if we had to pick one, it would have to be the Pompeian Grapeseed Oil. Now, Grapeseed oil has a reputation for performing optimally for traditional Chinese cooking and understandably so because it has a high smoke point.
You can also rely on this particular one not to alter your food’s taste or aroma because it comes with a neutral flavor. Other than that, it adds nutrients to the body.
We are talking about Omega 7 for healthy blood vessels and Vitamin E for antioxidant properties. What we loved most however is that this oil is reasonably priced even with all its benefits.
Conclusion
The wok makes a great addition to any kitchen. With its unique shape and a high tolerance for heat, you get to enjoy different cuisines within a matter of minutes. But, before starting your recipe you should choice oil for wok cooking, to ensure your healthy life.
We know how hard it can be to make the right choice that is why we have covered everything you need to know before making your choice.
What you do with all the information is entirely up to you – but we think that making the right choice would be a good start.
