Nigella's Wok Oil

Asked by Gill Binmore. Answered on 13th March 2013

Full question

In the Nigellissima series, Nigella referred to wok oil. Where can I purchase this as I haven't been able to find it locally. Many thanks. Gill x.

Our answer

Nigella used wok oil mostly in the Nigella Express book and TV show. It is a flavoured oil which is a mixture of sunflower oil (good for high heat cooking) plus some toasted sesame oil and garlic and ginger flavourings. It is a useful shortcut for stir fries and curries, plus other dishes. At the moment wok oil is only available at Waitrose, though we believe other supermarkets have stocked it in the past. Ocado also stocks the Waitrose wok oil, though they do not deliver to all areas.

If you can't find wok oil then you can flavour a little oil each time you make a stir fry. Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok and then add 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (Asian sesame oil), 1/4 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger and 1/2 clove garlic that has been minced or crushed. Let the ginger and garlic sizzle for a couple of seconds before adding the main ingredients to the wok.