wok hei

English

Etymology

Borrowed from Cantonese 鑊氣 / 镬气 (wok6 hei3).

Noun

wok hei (uncountable)

1. The slightly seared flavour imparted to food that has been traditionally cooked in a seasoned wok.
   • 2016, Glenn van Zutphen, Living in Singapore: Fourteenth Edition Reference Guide:

     Seafood flavors combine with the pork stock and it's simmered until the liquid evaporates and the contents are brought just to the brink of burning, resulting in creamy-textured noodles and a magic boost of wok hei flavor.