logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2022
12m 39s

Wok This Way: A Science Cooking Show

NPR
About this episode
What's the most versatile pan in the kitchen? According to chef and cookbook author J. Kenji López-Alt, it's the wok! And along with spices, he sprinkles science explainers into his writing. Today's episode is just that — the science of the wok in action. He and host Emily Kwong talk about how to choose, season and cook with one, and why its unique shape makes it so versatile. Plus, we hear how Emily fared cooking one of Kenji's dishes from his new cookbook The Wok.

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

NPR Privacy Policy
Up next
Today
The latest on AI panic — and whether it's justified
AI is in the news again – for its potential to end civilization. A researcher at Anthropic resigned very publicly last week, citing concerns about the accelerating capabilities of AI and what he called “irresponsible” behavior from major AI companies Anthropic and OpenAI. Followi ... Show More
14m 58s
Sep 16
When batteries get a facelift, so does renewable energy
For years, renewable energy companies have faced a problem: How to store the mass amounts of energy they produce for later use. Batteries may be just the solution. In California, there's now enough grid-scale battery storage to power millions of homes for a few hours. Battery pow ... Show More
13m 29s
Sep 15
Why you'll probably be misdiagnosed in your lifetime
Nearly every person will experience at least one diagnostic error in their lifetime. That means either a delayed diagnosis, a wrong diagnosis – or no diagnosis at all. That’s according to a report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine from 2015 on diagno ... Show More
13m 25s
Recommended Episodes
Feb 2021
The Science of Cooking
The Science of CookingBrian Cox and Robin Ince get their chef's hats on as they look at the science of cooking. They are joined by comedian Katy Brand, author and food critic Grace Dent, material scientist Mark Miodownik and science writer Harold McGee, whose seminal book on the ... Show More
43m 27s
Sep 2023
Eating well without compromising on taste
James Tytko, Dr Chris Smith and the Naked Scientist team present the latest science news, analysis and breakthroughs.London’s latest ULEZ expansion - will it make much difference to air quality?The concerning impacts of poaching, and not just to endangered species.And Dr Chris Sm ... Show More
52m 50s
Mar 2023
From the Vault: The Beast Wore an Apron, Part 1
Are there any animals other than humans that cook their food? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the world of non-human animal meal preparation. Bon appétit! (originally published 03/22/2022)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
45m 38s
Mar 2022
Making Sense: The Umami Mama
For thousands of years, there have been four basic tastes recognized across cultures. But thanks to Kumiko Ninomiya (a.k.a. the Umami Mama), scientists finally accepted a fifth. So could there be even more? This is the fourth episode of our six-part series, Making Sense. For more ... Show More
37m 1s
May 2020
Are cast iron pans as cool as people say?
<p><strong>#045</strong></p> <p>The continuation of the unexpected cookware chemistry saga: cast iron. This week, Melissa and Jam discuss multiple aspects of cast iron chemistry. What is cast iron? Why do some people love it so much? How does it work? Is it better than other cook ... Show More
40 m
Mar 2022
The Beast Wore an Apron, Part 2
Are there any animals other than humans that cook their food? In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the world of non-human animal meal preparation. Bon appétit! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com ... Show More
47m 5s
Sep 2023
Are cast iron pans as cool as people say?
<p><strong>#045 Rebroadcast<br /> </strong></p> <p>The continuation of the unexpected cookware chemistry saga: cast iron. This week, Melissa and Jam discuss multiple aspects of cast iron chemistry. What is cast iron? Why do some people love it so much? How does it work? Is it bet ... Show More
41m 8s
Apr 2022
320. Chef Eric Adjepong on Combatting Food Apartheid and Celebrating Culinary Heritage
Chef Eric Adjepong sits down with Tim Carman of the Washington Post. They discuss solutions to address food apartheid and improve public health, the importance of engaging community members in problem solving, and Chef Eric's new cookbook, <em>Sankofa</em>. <p><em>While you're li ... Show More
25m 7s
Feb 2024
Sliced Bread - Series 7: Pots and Pans
What cookware is best for your kitchen?There is a bewildering array of pots and pans on offer: stainless steel saucepans, cast iron skillets, even 10-in-1 cookware systems that use layers of various materials. But do they deliver on their promises to help you reach culinary bliss ... Show More
29m 15s
Feb 2022
Introducing The One Recipe
Senior Editor at Eater, Jesse Sparks, talks to chefs and cooks from all over the world about their one go-to recipe and the story behind it. The team at APM Studios’ The Splendid Table proudly presents The One Recipe which premieres March 8! 
1m 52s