tarry deposit in wok I've cooked maybe a dozen times with my flat-bottom wok (carbon steel, uncoated).  A layer of ‘tar’ has developed in the bottom, which I've been unable to clean out. The ‘tar’ doesn't seem to affect flavor, but recently when I cooked tofu for the first time I saw unsightly black flakes on the tofu.

What can I do short of scraping? Can I loosen the ‘tar’ by boiling water in the wok?  Or should I just live with it?

Next day: I woke up late and found that the elves had taken off most of the ‘tar’ with oil, kosher salt and paper towels. Now for the boiling water.
If your wok is coating-free, use oven cleaner. Spray it on, place it in a plastic bag, &amp; give it a few hours/overnight (best) to work. It should all wash out easily the next day. Wash well, dry, &amp; re-oil w/olive oil, etc.

PS: this also works wonderfully with those enamel-on-steel pots &amp; similar stovetops.