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Chinese cuisine is one of the most popular and oldest cuisines in the world and in this article we will explore the best Chinese cookbooks that will teach and guide you on cooking this delicious cuisine at home.
It is a style of cooking that originated in the regions of China, and it has evolved over the centuries to become a unique cuisine that is enjoyed by people all over the world.
Chinese cuisine is known for its use of fresh ingredients, its healthy flavors, and its ability to be cooked in a variety of ways.
Of course, there are also plenty of indulgent options to be found in these Chinese cookbooks for those times when you’re in the mood for something a little more decadent.
Table of Contents
- My Top Picks for Best Chinese Cookbooks
- Top Selling Chinese Takeout Cookbooks
- Best Regional Chinese Cookbooks
- Xi’an Famous Foods: The Cuisine of Western China, from New York’s Favorite Noodle Shop by Jason Wang
- The Food of Sichuan by Fuchsia Dunlop
- Every Grain of Rice: Simple Chinese Home Cooking by Fuchsia Dunlop
- Complete Chinese Cookbook by Ken Hom
- The Chinese Medicine Cookbook: Nourishing Recipes to Heal and Thrive by Stacey Isaacs
- All Under Heaven: Recipes from the 35 Cuisines of China by Carolyn Phillips
- Chinese Homestyle: Recipes for the Modern Kitchen by Flo Lum
- Chinese Instant Pot Cookbook: 60 Quick and Easy Classic Recipes by Sharon Wong
- Chinese Soul Food: A Friendly Guide for Homemade Dumplings, Stir-Fries, Soups, and More by Hsiao-Ching Chou
- Dumplings for Beginners: 50 Recipes and Simple Step-by-Step Lessons to Make Your Favorite Dumplings by Terri Dien
- China, The Cookbook by Kei Lum Chan and Diora Fong Chan
- Summary of the Best Chinese Cookbooks
- Further Reading on Cookbooks
My Top Picks for Best Chinese Cookbooks
The Wok: Recipes and Techniques by J. Kenji Lopez-Alt
The Wok: Recipes and Techniques by J. Kenji Lopez-Alt is a comprehensive guide to cooking Chinese food with a wok.
The book begins with helpful sections on the history of the wok, choosing the right wok, and how to maintain the wok.
The book then moves on to cover all the basic Chinese cooking techniques, from stir-frying various proteins, cooking fried rice and noodles in the wok, through to braising and simmering. There is also a section on how to prepare “no cook” sides.
With over 100 recipes, there is something for everyone in this book. Highlights include crispy salt and pepper shrimp and Mongolian beef.
Whether you are a seasoned wok cook or just getting started, The Wok: Recipes and Techniques by J. Kenji Lopez-Alt has everything you need to enhance your authentic Chinese cooking skills to make delicious Chinese food.
The Essential Wok Cookbook: A Simple Chinese Cookbook for Stir-Fry, Dim Sum, and Other Restaurant Favourites by Naome Imatome-Yun
If you’re looking for a delicious and simple way to make authentic Chinese cuisine, then look no further than The Essential Wok Cookbook: A Simple Chinese Cookbook for Stir-Fry, Dim Sum, and Other Restaurant Favourites by Naome Imatome-Yun.
The Essential Wok cookbook offers a wide variety of authentic Chinese recipes that are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking to whip up a quick and easy stir-fry for dinner or want to impress your guests with a sumptuous dim sum feast.
Best of all, each recipe is accompanied by clear and easy-to-follow instructions, so you can be sure that your dishes will turn out just as delicious as they look.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice at Chinese cooking, The Essential Wok Cookbook is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Top Selling Chinese Takeout Cookbooks
Chinese Takeout Cookbook: From Chop Suey to Sweet ‘n’ Sour, Over 70 Recipes to Re-create Your Favourites By Kwoklyn Wan
If you’re a fan of Chinese takeout, then you’ll love this Chinese cookbook by Kwoklyn Wan.
Featuring over 70 recipes for all your favourite dishes, from chop suey to sweet and sour pork, this Chinese cookbook will help you recreate all your favourite takeout meals at home.
With clear step-by-step instructions and stunning photography, this book makes it easy to get great results every time. And with an informative introduction to authentic Chinese ingredients and cooking techniques, you’ll soon be whipping up delicious dishes like a pro.
And best of all, most of these dishes can be prepared in 20 minutes or less.
So whatever your favourite takeout dish is, you’ll be able to make it at home with this fantastic Chinese cookbook. Chinese food lovers rejoice.
Easy Chinese Cookbook: Restaurant Favorites Made Simple by Chris Toy
In his simple Chinese cookbook, Easy Chinese Cookbook: Restaurant Favorites Made Simple, Chris Toy provides readers with all the information they need to make their favorite Chinese dishes at home.
This simple Chinese cookbook includes over 100 recipes, as well as tips on how to select the best ingredients and equip your kitchen for success.
Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty soup or a light summer salad, you’ll find a recipe to suit your needs. And with detailed instructions and step-by-step photographs, even novice cooks will be able to create restaurant-quality dishes.
So next time you’re craving Chinese food, reach for Chris Toy’s Easy Chinese Cookbook: Restaurant Favorites Made Simple and enjoy the flavors of authentic Chinese recipes and your favorite takeout dishes in the comfort of your own home.
The Chinese Takeout Cookbook: Quick and Easy Dishes to Prepare at Home by Diana Kuan
For anyone who loves Chinese food but doesn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, The Chinese Takeout Cookbook is a lifesaver.
Chinese food blogger and cooking instructor, Diana Kuan, has created a comprehensive guide to making all of your favorite takeout dishes at home, from General Tso’s chicken to kung pao shrimp.
The recipes are straightforward and easy to follow, and the results are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. Best of all, each dish can be on the table in 30 minutes or less.
So whether you’re in the mood for some quick and easy comfort food or you’re looking to spice up your weeknight dinners, The Chinese Takeout Cookbook will not only enhance your Chinese cooking skills, it will provide you with everything you need.
Best Regional Chinese Cookbooks
Xi’an Famous Foods: The Cuisine of Western China, from New York’s Favorite Noodle Shop by Jason Wang
Jason Wang’s Xi’an Famous Foods is a fascinating look at the cuisine of western China, from the perspective of a New Yorker who has made it his mission to bring this little-known cuisine to a wider audience.
Born in China and raised in New York, Jason Wang has a unique perspective on both cultures, and his passion for food shines through on every page.
From hand-pulled noodles to lamb dumplings, Wang offers readers a delicious glimpse into the world of Xi’an cuisine.
But Xi’an Famous Foods is more than just a cookbook; it’s also a love letter to a city and culture that Wang holds dear. With mouthwatering photos, cooking tips, and detailed recipes, Xi’an Famous Foods is sure to please anyone with an interest in traditional Chinese cuisine.
The Food of Sichuan by Fuchsia Dunlop
Fuchsia Dunlop is a British writer who specializes in Chinese cuisine, and in 1999 she traveled to Sichuan province in southwest China to learn more about the region’s cuisine.
Drawing on her experience as a student and cook, Dunlop brings the reader on a fascinating journey through the history, ingredients, and Chinese cooking approaches of this complex cuisine.
The food of Sichuan is known for its spiciness, and it often features chili peppers, garlic, and Sichuan peppercorns.
One of the most popular dishes is mapo tofu, which is a dish of tofu and ground meat cooked in a spicy sauce. Another popular dish is kung pao chicken, which features chicken and peanuts in a spicy sauce.
The food of Sichuan is often served with rice or noodles, and it is typically enjoyed with family and friends.
Dunlop’s book provides an insider’s look at the food of Sichuan, and it offers readers a chance to learn about the history and culture of this fascinating region.
Every Grain of Rice: Simple Chinese Home Cooking by Fuchsia Dunlop
Fuchsia Dunlop’s cookbook Every Grain of Rice is a celebration of simple Chinese cooking.
Dunlop, who is British, spent several years living in China and studying at a cooking school in Beijing. As a result, she has a deep understanding of both the theory and practice of Chinese cooking.
The recipes are straightforward and easy to follow, but the results are incredibly flavorful.
From basic stir-fries to more complex dishes like braised pork belly, there is something for everyone in this book. Moreover, Dunlop does an excellent job of explaining the principles behind each dish, demystifying Chinese cuisine for the home cook.
Whether you are a beginner looking to up your stir-fry game or a seasoned pro, Every Grain of Rice is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.
Complete Chinese Cookbook by Ken Hom
Ken Hom’s Complete Chinese Cookbook is an essential guide for anyone interested in cooking authentic Chinese cuisine.
Hom begins with a brief history of Chinese cuisine, highlighting the contributions of various regions and dynasties. He then provides a detailed overview of the key ingredients and cooking techniques used in Chinese cuisine.
From there, Hom walks readers through the process of preparing a variety of popular dishes, such as steamed Dumplings and Kung Pao Chicken.
With clear instructions and helpful tips, Hom’s cookbook makes it easy for even novice cooks to create delicious and authentic Chinese meals.
Whether you’re looking to impress your friends and family with a home-cooked feast or simply want to expand your Chinese cooking repertoire, Ken Hom’s Complete Chinese Cookbook is a must-have for any kitchen library.
The Chinese Medicine Cookbook: Nourishing Recipes to Heal and Thrive by Stacey Isaacs
For centuries, Chinese medicine has been used to treat a wide range of ailments.
The Chinese Medicine Cookbook by Stacey Isaacs explores the various healing properties of common ingredients and provides readers with recipes that can help to promote overall health and wellbeing.
The book includes information on how to use food as medicine, as well as a variety of recipes that are designed to boost energy levels, fight inflammation, and improve digestion.
With its focus on whole-foods and traditional Chinese cooking methods, The Chinese Medicine Cookbook is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in exploring the benefits of this ancient healing system.
All Under Heaven: Recipes from the 35 Cuisines of China by Carolyn Phillips
All Under Heaven: Recipes from the 35 Cuisines of China is an essential guide to the country’s vast culinary landscape.
Carolyn Phillips expertly captures the richness and diversity of China’s food culture, with authentic Chinese recipes that span the entire country.
From Sichuanese classics like mapo tofu to Cantonese roast duck, this book covers all the bases. The ingredients may be unfamiliar to some readers, but Phillips provides clear instructions on how to source them.
And for those who are short on time, there are plenty of quick and easy recipes included as well.
Whether you’re looking to explore a new cuisine or simply want to make a delicious meal, All Under Heaven has something for everyone.
Chinese Homestyle: Recipes for the Modern Kitchen by Flo Lum
In Chinese Homestyle: Recipes for the Modern Kitchen, author Flo Lum offers readers a delicious and authentic taste of Chinese cuisine.
Drawing on her own memories and experiences growing up in Hong Kong, Lum provides readers with a detailed guide to preparing classic dishes such as wonton soup, congee, stir-fries, and dumplings.
In addition to providing step-by-step instructions for each recipe, Lum also offers helpful tips on selecting the best ingredients and Chinese cooking techniques.
As a result, readers will be able to create mouthwatering meals that are sure to please even the most discerning palate.
Chinese Instant Pot Cookbook: 60 Quick and Easy Classic Recipes by Sharon Wong
Sharon Wong’s Chinese Instant Pot Cookbook is a collection of delicious and easy-to-make recipes that are perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
The recipes are all inspired by Wong’s childhood memories of eating traditional Chinese food, and each one has been adapted to be cooked in an Instant Pot.
From classic dishes like beef and broccoli to more modern creations like shrimp with chili garlic sauce, there is something for everyone in this cookbook.
In addition to being quick and easy to make, the recipes are also healthy and flavorful. With Wong’s help, you can use simple Chinese home cooking to bring the taste of China into your own home.
Chinese Soul Food: A Friendly Guide for Homemade Dumplings, Stir-Fries, Soups, and More by Hsiao-Ching Chou
In her cookbook Chinese Soul Food, Hsiao-Ching Chou offers a guide to making homemade dumplings, stir-fries, soups, and other authentic Chinese food.
While the Chinese cookbook includes recipes for classics like General Tso’s chicken and egg drop soup, it also features less familiar dishes like black bean sauce noodles and Sichuan-style beef stew.
With clear instructions and step-by-step photos, this Chinese cookbook makes it easy to create delicious Chinese meals at home.
In addition to being a valuable resource for cooks, Chinese Soul Food is more than about essential Chinese cooking. It is also a fascinating look at the history and culture of one of the world’s most popular cuisines.
Dumplings for Beginners: 50 Recipes and Simple Step-by-Step Lessons to Make Your Favorite Dumplings by Terri Dien
Terri Dien’s Dumplings for Beginners is the perfect Chinese cookbook for anyone who loves dumplings but has never made them from scratch.
The book starts with a simple lesson on the basics of dumpling making, including tips on how to choose the right wrappers and fillings. From there, it moves on to 50 recipes for both traditional and inventive dumplings, ranging from Potstickers to Crab Rangoon.
There are also lessons on how to make your own wrappers using wonton skins, as well as how to steam, fry, and boil dumplings. Whether you’re a beginner or a dumpling aficionado, Dumplings for Beginners is sure to have your Chinese cooking and dumpling skills enhanced in no time.
China, The Cookbook by Kei Lum Chan and Diora Fong Chan
Our last of the best Chinese cookbooks, China, The Cookbook by Kei Lum Chan and Diora Fong Chan is a fascinating look at the culinary history of China.
The authors trace the origins of popular dishes, as well as the evolution of Chinese cooking techniques and ingredients over time.
They also dispel many common misconceptions about Chinese cuisine, such as the belief that all Chinese food is greasy or spicy.
In addition to being a informative and enjoyable read, this Chinese cookbook is also a beautifully designed book, with full-color photographs and helpful illustrations.
Summary of the Best Chinese Cookbooks
Chinese cooking has become increasingly popular over the years, making Chinese cookbooks a must-have in any home kitchen. The best Chinese cookbooks can be instrumental in helping you create dishes that taste like authentic Chinese food without the help of a Chinese chef. Plus, they often feature advantages like exotic recipes, step-by-step instructions, helpful illustrations and photographs to guide you through essential Chinese cooking, whether a simple stir-fry or a hotpot, and enjoying the rich cuisine.
I hope you enjoyed this list of the best Chinese Cookbooks.
Further Reading on Cookbooks
If you enjoyed the review of these best Chinese Cookbooks, you will find more cookbook reviews here:
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