Chopsticks are one of the most used utensils in the world. They are often seen as a tool for picking up food and eating. However, they can also be used for cooking. In fact, I would argue that they are one of the best tools you can use for cooking. You can flip, pick up, stir, beat and mix just about anything. There are also specialize cooking chopsticks known as Saibashi. The Best Cooking Chopsticks are actually wooden traditional chopsticks that has a flatter rounder tip. This is opposed to the pointier chopsticks that the Japanese use.

What are Cooking Chopsticks called?

Saibashi are what most people think of when you mention cooking chopsticks. They are extra long and keep your hand away from the heat. They are great for commercial type of cooking. In a commercial setting, the Wok or the Griddle is extra big so you need the reach. The heat emitted tends to be much higher than what you get at home. So have reach is a big help. However, for home use, a regular chopstick will work just as well.

Best Material for Cooking Chopstick

Chopsticks come in a few different material, plastic, metal and wood. What you can use depends on the type of pan you use. However, for most situation wooden chopsticks are best. Since nonstick pans are the preferred choice for stir frys, a wooden chopstick will cause the least amount of damage. Another advantage that it has is that it resist heat. It wont melt like the plastic and its also bio degradable. If you are worried about the environment, then bamboo is the best choice. They grow fast and cause the least amount of impact to the environment.

Metal should be avoided for nonstick pan. Because of how hard the metal is, it will quickly destroy the coating. You can use the metal chopstick for carbon steel pan. But even then, the metal will transfer heat. So eventually it will get hot.

Cooking with Chopsticks

So you have the chopsticks, how do you cook with it? First, you need to be comfortable with use a chopstick. Being able to pick up food is a very critical skill. Once you master that, you can use to lift and move food. Think of them like a more agile tongs. If you cant pick up food effectively, you can always stab it.

I also like to use the cooking chopstick for beating and cooking eggs. Once its well beaten, you can use it to scramble eggs.

The Saibashi is also great for tempura or other deep fry food. The length will keep your hand away from the hot oil. I should note that the extra length makes it harder to control. You might want to practice before you go deep frying food.

Chopsticks Reusable Chinese Wooden Chopsticks Dishwasher Safe Chopstick,Pack of 10 (Best Overall)

These chopsticks are different from the Japanese Chopstick. Instead of a sharp pointed tip, this model is more rounded and fat. This makes it easier to grip food and easier for the novices. The color is a rosewood brown make it one of the more attractive model as well. They’re great for both cooking and eating.

Donxote Wooden Noodles Kitchen Cooking Frying Chopsticks 16.5 Inches Brown Extra Long Set of 2 Pairs (Best Saibashi Cooking Chopstick)

This model is basically a extra long version of our winning model. It has the same beautiful color at an affordable price. The bigger tip is easier to use than the traditional model and better for novices. Its also very affordable.

Kai Stainless Steel Cooking Chopsticks Dh-7102 (Best Metal Saibashi)

These Saibashi are made in Japan and has little touches that make them better than the rest. Near the tip, there are texture ridges to help improve grip. The handles has a plastic coating so that it stays cool during cooking. It comes in at 11.75 inch and has a loop in the back. This makes it easy to keep together or just hang.

Thoughts

Chopsticks are great for both eating and cooking. I find myself using them instead of a tong. Plus, you can cutdown on the amount of dishes you have to do. I find that for a home kitchen, a regular pair of chopstick will work just well. But its best to get those with a bigger tip. Longer version of the big tip model are available. But if you want a metal model, those with ridges improve grip. Plastic coated handle are also recommended to prevent it from getting out.

Need a way to store your knife? Check out our article on the Best Knife Roll Bag for the Kitchen.