[TcJ]

Hello All,

One continuing frustration with at-home stirfry is that most cooktops don't really pump out enough BTU's for bao (爆).

I was thinking of doing a stir fry outside over a pile of charcoal instead of indoors on the stove. The trick with charcoal, of course, is using the right number of coals.

Has anyone ever tried this before?? Any idea how big a pile of briquettes one would use to make a wok hot enough for something like kung pao (gong bao ji ding)?

[TcJ]

Well, I gave it a go - and the result: I will *never* stir-fry in the kitchen again! It's a revelation to use a really really really hot wok!

I don't think could make it *too* hot. I used about 2/3 of a chimney starter full of charcoal, and dumped the hot coals into as compact a pile as I could, and rested the wok on the grill surface. Non-stop serious sizzle from the time I put the first ingredient in. They're not kidding when they say you can cook a dish in 1-2 minutes this way!

HINT: Pile the coals near the edge of the grill, not the center, and the grill will shield you from the intense heat.

I don't think a gas cooktop or a gas grill could get anywhere near hot enough. So, give it a try if you like real Chinese stir-fry!

I found that my family doesn't care much for Szechuan peppercorns, though. They're a trifle too exotic.

[phatch]

Yes, there are many who do as you do.

There is a Thai clay bucket used for this purpose you might want to look into. Thai Charcoal BBQ Stove: Thai Food | Thai groceries | Thai Market | Thai curry | Thai ingredients | Cookware Online ::: GroceryThai.com

And also a high output gas burner, Outdoor Stir Fry Stove - Home - Outdoor Cooking.

Lastly, you should look into a the book Breath of a Wok where you'll get instruction on achieving good stir fry from an indoor stove. This is a good skill to have for blustery days. But the high heat systems offer better food in my opinion.

[TcJ]

Thanks for the advice!

Not that it gets all that blustery here in Orlando.

I like the idea of the Thai charcoal stove - and at $21, not a bad deal.

[phatch]

Looks like there's a shipping surcharge for the clay stoves. Just FYI