What's the Difference Between a Wok and a Pan

Both a wok and frying pan are designed for use on top of the stove. A traditional frying pan has a flat bottom with slightly sloped walls. … A wok has more of a round bottom, allowing the liquids to sit in one spot in the centre. They have deep walls that also slope.

Why use a wok instead of a frying pan?

A wok should be used instead of a frying pan because it is made up of carbon steel, it cooks quickly, and helps to stir-fry the food with less oil. The curved and round shape of a wok ensures that the cooked food is less oily. A wok also has a larger capacity to cook food compared to a frying pan.

Can a pan replace a wok?

You can achieve the same results with a pan that is wide and flat, as long as it will give your ingredients lots of contact with the heat. A sauté pan (which most of us already have at home) makes a good substitute for a wok; just heat a few tablespoons of vegetable oil in the pan and stir-fry as usual.