The best thing you can do for a newly seasoned wok is cook in it, often. Oily, simple dishes build the seasoning fastest. Here are five to start with.
1. Garlic green beans
Blister green beans in a hot wok with a spoon of oil for 4–5 minutes, add sliced garlic and a splash of soy sauce, toss for 30 seconds and serve.
2. Egg fried rice
Use day-old rice. Scramble two eggs in oil, push them aside, add the rice and press it against the hot iron. Season with soy sauce, white pepper and scallions.
3. Chicken and broccoli
Sear bite-size chicken pieces in batches, then remove. Stir-fry broccoli with a splash of water, return the chicken, and finish with a sauce of soy, oyster sauce, a little sugar and cornstarch.
4. Crispy potato strips
Soak thin potato matchsticks, dry well and stir-fry on high heat with dried chili and a pinch of salt, finishing with a dash of vinegar off the heat.
5. Steamed dumplings
Put a bamboo steamer or a plate on a rack inside the wok, add water below, cover with the wooden lid and steam for 8–10 minutes.
Tip: avoid long tomato or vinegar braises for the first few weeks while the seasoning builds up.