Chinese CookbooksBest Chinese Cookbooks
Discover the secrets of authentic Chinese cuisine with our curated collection of the best Chinese cookbooks. From mouthwatering favorites like Peking duck to rare treasures of regional dishes, these books offer a tantalizing glimpse into the vibrant world of Chinese cooking. Join us as we explore the rich history and intricate flavors of China's culinary tradition.
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Reviews
Chinese-ish: A Delicious Home Cooking Guide
Experience the delightful fusion of Chinese cuisine with South-East Asian flavors through this delectable cookbook. "Chinese-ish" is a celebration of personal identity and culture, offering a colorful array of mouthwatering dishes from all corners of the region. With a diverse range of rice and noodle dishes, dim sum favorites, and easy-to-follow recipes, this cookbook guides you on a culinary journey where tradition meets innovation. It's a must-have for aspiring chefs and food enthusiasts alike, promising an enriching and flavorful experience.
China: The Essential Guide to Authentic Recipes
China The Cookbook" is an extensive culinary guide that takes you on a journey through the rich and diverse flavors of Chinese cuisine. With over 650 recipes and 150 illustrations, this comprehensive cookbook showcases the culinary heritage of the world's oldest cuisine, ranging from popular dishes like Sweet and Sour Spare Ribs and Dim Sum to lesser-known regional classics.
Written by an acclaimed authority on Chinese cuisine, this book also includes contributions from renowned chefs from around the globe. Not only does it serve as a valuable resource for experienced cooks, but it's also a great introduction for beginners looking to explore the unique tastes of Chinese cuisine.
The large-format book, measuring 270 x 180 mm, is well-organized, easy to navigate, and features high-quality images that bring the recipes to life. The 720 pages are filled with detailed instructions, making it a reliable and go-to guide for home cooks who want to experiment with authentic Chinese dishes.
Overall, "China The Cookbook" is a must-have for anyone interested in experiencing the delightful world of Chinese cuisine. Its wealth of recipes, combined with the insights it provides into the history and traditions of Chinese cooking, makes it a truly invaluable addition to any cookbook collection.
Culinary Delights: Wei Chuan's Chinese Cookbook
Wei Chuan's Chinese Cookbook is a must-have for any aspiring chef looking to explore the rich world of Chinese cuisine. Featuring 187 mouth-watering recipes and 50 practical garnishes, this hardcover cookbook promises to impress with its small step-by-step photographs and delight your taste buds.
The Complete Chinese Cookbook: Traditional Culinary Favorites and Essential Techniques
Discover the flavors of China with Ken Hom's Complete Chinese Cookbook. This comprehensive guide, featuring 250 recipes, takes you on a culinary journey through Cantonese stir-fries, Sichuan spices, and lesser-known Yunnan and Hong Kong dishes. With its easy-to-follow steps and inspiring tips, this definitive cookbook is perfect for both novice and experienced home cooks. Enjoy a wealth of mouth-watering, healthy, and quick meals, all captured in beautiful photography. Say goodbye to boring dinners and elevate your cooking skills with this beloved book.
Essential Wok Cookbook: Classic Chinese Stir-Fry, Dim Sum, and Restaurant Favorites
The Essential Wok Cookbook is a beloved Chinese cookbook that simplifies the art of cooking Chinese cuisine at home. With a 4.4 rating and over 10 reviews on Google, this cookbook has proved itself as a valuable resource for those wanting to recreate restaurant-quality dishes in their own kitchen. It provides a wealth of information and guidance for novice cooks, while also offering more advanced tips for those familiar with Chinese cooking techniques.
This wok cookbook offers various categories of Chinese recipes, including step-by-step illustrations for dumpling, egg roll, and wonton folding techniques, and background information on the origin and American adaptation of certain dishes, like egg drop soup and fortune cookies. One of the standout features of this cookbook is the helpful labels that indicate time-saving and budget-friendly recipes, making it easy for readers to plan their meals. The cookbook also gives readers helpful tips on ingredient substitutions, time management, healthy living, and adding spice to dishes.
Aside from these useful features, the cookbook itself is reasonably priced and spiral-bound, ensuring durability and making it a convenient companion in the kitchen. Owners of this book can look forward to classic favorites and innovative dishes such as Perfect Pork Pot Stickers, Easy Vegetable Stir-Fry, Lighter Egg Foo Young, Sweet Chili Shrimp, and General Tso's Chicken.
With its comprehensive range of recipes and helpful tips, The Essential Wok Cookbook is considered an essential addition to any Chinese cookbook collection. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced wok master, this cookbook is sure to enhance your culinary adventures with its delicious and diverse array of recipes that are certain to tantalize your taste buds.
Every Grain of Rice: Simple Chinese Home Cooking [Book]
Every Grain of Rice" is a delightful Chinese home cooking cookbook that has won numerous accolades, including the prestigious James Beard Award. This comprehensive cookbook, written by Fuchsia Dunlop, takes readers on a journey through the vibrant and flavorsome cuisine of southern China.
The book is filled with easy-to-follow recipes, each showcasing the starring role of vegetables, with smaller portions of meat and fish. The author's expertise in authentic Chinese cooking is evident in her ability to demystify the cooking process and make it accessible for home cooks.
The cookbook features stunning photography, clear instructions, and a comprehensive guide to key seasonings and techniques. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned cook, "Every Grain of Rice" is an essential addition to your culinary library, providing a window into the rich and diverse world of Chinese cuisine.
Dim Sum Chinese Cookbook: 54 Delicious Recipes
Dim Sum Recipes", an enthralling contemporary cookbook, dives deep into the world of traditional Chinese appetizers. The book is overflowing with diverse recipes, all while offering an insightful look into the culture surrounding Dim Sum, cooking methods, and the right ingredients and utensils to use.
The book, adorned with stunning full-color pictures, serves as a perfect visual companion for anyone eager to try their hand at delectable dim sum dishes. Some of the delectable recipes included in the book are the classic Steamed Pork Buns, delectable Pot Sticker Dumplings, and the delightful Vegetable Spring Rolls, which are perfect for a party or a casual get-together. Moreover, the book goes beyond the conventional spring rolls and pancakes and even includes a mouthwatering, rich Roast Duck Pancake and a refreshing Mango Pudding.
The book's compact size makes it portable and easy to use for all your meals. It's a must-have for food lovers and home cooks who appreciate the delicate flavors and textures of Chinese cuisine. So, why not bring a bit of Dim Sum magic into your life? With this book and some quality ingredients, you can create a variety of exquisite appetizers right in the comfort of your own home.
Mission Chinese Food Cookbook: A Journey through Innovative Cuisine
The Mission Chinese Food Cookbook is a culinary journey through the unconventional world of Danny Bowien, a rising food star with an innovative approach to cooking Chinese cuisine. This book provides a glimpse into the life of the chef, from his humble beginnings to the meteoric rise of his restaurant empire.
The recipes range from classic dishes to unexpected twists, making it an exciting read for both experienced chefs and casual cooks. The book is beautifully designed, with detailed explanations of cooking techniques and anecdotes from Bowien's life.
Although some users might find it lacking in the number of recipes or the depth of food knowledge, it remains an excellent choice for those looking for a fresh perspective on Chinese cuisine.
Experience Chinese Cuisine: Martin Yan's China
Martin Yan's China book is a captivating journey through the world of Chinese cuisine. With more than a hundred recipes, the cookbook is perfect for both beginners and seasoned home cooks.
The recipes in this book introduce new flavors and techniques while being simple enough for anyone to follow. Additionally, the book is beautifully illustrated, featuring breathtaking photographs that showcase the beauty of ancient China.
Yan's expertise in Chinese traditions and his flair for Asian cuisine make this cookbook an essential addition to any kitchen.
Everyday Chinese Cookbook: 101 Delectable Recipes for Home Cooks
Katie Chin's Everyday Chinese Cookbook is an enjoyable read and a great guide for those who want to learn more about Chinese cuisine. The book is filled with delicious, easy-to-make recipes that home chefs will love to prepare. Katie's mother, Leeann, was an award-winning restaurateur and author, and her legacy continues through this cookbook. The recipes cover a wide range of dishes, from time-honored classics to unique creations, and there's something for everyone to enjoy.
One of the standout features of this cookbook is the inclusion of fond memories and anecdotes from Katie's childhood, which she shares alongside the recipes. These stories make the cookbook feel more personal and help to create a connection between the reader and the food. Katie provides helpful tips and techniques for creating refined and tasty Chinese dishes at home, making this a great cookbook for anyone looking to try their hand at Chinese cuisine.
The hardback binding is sturdy and durable, and the book's well-chosen typefaces, high-quality paper, and clear recipes, descriptions, and background information make it an enjoyable and practical addition to any home chef's cookbook collection. Overall, Katie Chin's Everyday Chinese Cookbook is a charming and authentic guide to Chinese cooking that is sure to delight and inspire readers.
The Ultimate Chinese Takeout Cookbook: 200+ Recipes for Takeout Flavors at Home
The Complete Chinese Takeaway Cookbook by Kwoklyn Wan is an inspiring culinary guide packed with 220 delectable recipes, each meticulously crafted over decades of experience in Chinese kitchens. This hardcover, English-language masterpiece includes 200 favorite dishes, such as Crispy Duck Salad, BBQ Chicken Ribs, and Sesame Seed Prawn Toast, alongside 50 brand-new recipes not found elsewhere.
With easy, step-by-step instructions and Kwoklyn's invaluable tips, this essential collection becomes every home cook's go-to Chinese cookbook.
Easy Chinese Cookbook: Family Favorites for Dim Sum & Kung Pao Dishes
With a collection of her all-time favorite dishes, Bee Yinn Low provides readers with Easy Chinese Recipes, a comprehensive guide to creating flavorful Chinese meals using simple ingredients and techniques. As a seasoned food blogger with a deep appreciation for Chinese cuisine, Bee shares her passion for traditional and innovative dishes that are both delicious and readily available.
This roundup review highlights Bee's expertise and the book's high ratings, indicating that it's an essential addition to any Asian cooking enthusiast's library.
Buyer's Guide
Finding the perfect Chinese cookbook can be a daunting task with so many options available in the market. To make your selection easier, we've put together a comprehensive buyer's guide covering important features, considerations, and general advice for Chinese cookbooks. Remember, this guide should help you identify the elements that matter most to you, and then choose a cookbook that fits your needs and interests best. Let's dive into the world of Chinese cookbooks!
Ease of Use
One of the key factors to consider when choosing a Chinese cookbook is its ease of use. Look for a book with clear, concise instructions, easy-to-follow recipes, and step-by-step explanations. Additionally, pay attention to the organization of the recipes, whether they are arranged by difficulty level, ingredients, or cooking method. A user-friendly layout will ensure that you can easily navigate the book and find the recipes you need without getting frustrated.
Authenticity
For those who are looking to get an authentic taste of Chinese cuisine, it's essential to choose a cookbook that offers genuine, tried-and-tested recipes. Look for cookbooks written by experts in the field, such as renowned chefs or food critics, who have deep knowledge of Chinese cooking techniques and ingredients. Such cookbooks will provide you with accurate information, help you avoid common mistakes, and give you a better understanding of the cultural and historical aspects of Chinese cuisine.
Recipe Variety
The variety of recipes in a Chinese cookbook can greatly influence your overall experience. A good cookbook should offer a wide range of dishes that cater to various tastes, dietary preferences, and skill levels. Look for a book that covers regional Chinese cuisine as well, as it can expose you to new flavors and techniques that might not be commonly found in restaurants or food blogs.
Cookbook format
Choose a cookbook format that suits your preference and lifestyle. Traditional hardcover cookbooks are great for reference and durability, while paperback cookbooks tend to be more affordable and portable. You may also consider e-books or online cookbook subscription services, which offer a convenient way to access recipes and save space in your kitchen. Whichever format you choose, make sure it meets your convenience and storage needs.
FAQ
What is the purpose of a Chinese cookbook?
The purpose of a Chinese cookbook is to provide recipes and cooking instructions for traditional Chinese dishes. These cookbooks can also offer insights into Chinese culinary culture, ingredients, and techniques. Many Chinese cookbooks cater to home cooks, while others are specifically designed for professional chefs.
By using a Chinese cookbook, individuals can explore a wide range of flavors and cooking methods, allowing them to create authentic Chinese meals at home or in a restaurant setting. Additionally, these cookbooks can contribute to a broader understanding and appreciation of Chinese cuisine and its rich history.
Who would benefit from using a Chinese cookbook?
Anyone with an interest in Chinese cuisine, whether they are home cooks or chefs, would benefit from using a Chinese cookbook. It can be a valuable resource for those looking to learn and master Chinese cooking techniques, as well as for those who are curious about Chinese culinary culture and history. For home cooks, a Chinese cookbook can help them create authentic and delicious dishes with ease.
Additionally, Chinese cookbooks can be beneficial for individuals with dietary restrictions or preferences, as they often include vegetarian and gluten-free options. Furthermore, these cookbooks can serve as a guide for people who are planning to travel to China and want to familiarize themselves with local cuisine.
What types of recipes can be found in a Chinese cookbook?
A Chinese cookbook typically includes a wide variety of recipes for dishes such as soups, noodles, rice dishes, stir-fries, and dumplings. It may also feature recipes for appetizers, desserts, and beverages. Many cookbooks focus on specific regions or cuisines within China, highlighting dishes that are unique to those areas.
Some common Chinese dishes found in cookbooks include Kung Pao Chicken, Hot and Sour Soup, Szechuan Beef, Fried Rice, and Dumplings. Additionally, cookbooks may include recipes for traditional Chinese holidays and festivals, such as Chinese New Year or the Mid-Autumn Festival, allowing readers to celebrate these cultural events with authentic dishes.
What are some essential ingredients for Chinese cooking?
Many Chinese dishes feature ingredients that are unique to Chinese cuisine or are used in specific ways. Some essential ingredients for Chinese cooking include soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, Chinese five-spice powder, and Shaoxing wine. Other common ingredients include various types of mushrooms, bamboo shoots, bok choy, and Chinese leafy greens.
Additionally, Chinese cooking often involves the use of dried fruits, such as apricots and dates, as well as dried seafood products, like shrimp and scallops. Noodles, such as rice noodles, egg noodles, and wheat noodles, are also important staples in Chinese cooking. These ingredients can be found in most supermarkets or specialty Asian grocery stores.
How do I choose the right Chinese cookbook for my needs?
When selecting a Chinese cookbook, consider your experience level with Chinese cuisine and cooking techniques. If you are a beginner, look for cookbooks that offer detailed instructions and plenty of pictures to guide you through the cooking process. More experienced cooks may prefer a cookbook that includes more advanced techniques and fewer illustrations.
Another factor to consider is the region or type of Chinese cooking that you are interested in. There are numerous Chinese cuisines, each with its own unique flavors and techniques. Some popular Chinese cuisines include Cantonese, Sichuan, and Hunan. By choosing a cookbook that focuses on your preferred cuisine, you can ensure that you are learning the correct techniques and ingredients for those specific dishes.
What are the benefits of cooking Chinese dishes at home?
Cooking Chinese dishes at home offers several benefits. Firstly, it allows you to control the ingredients and their quality, ensuring that you are consuming healthy and fresh ingredients. Additionally, cooking at home can be a cost-effective alternative to eating out or buying pre-packaged meals, especially if you are cooking for a large family.
Furthermore, cooking Chinese dishes at home provides an opportunity to learn and practice new culinary techniques and explore the rich flavors and textures of Chinese cuisine. It also allows you to share your love of Chinese food with your friends and family by hosting dinner parties or serving homemade dishes at gatherings.
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