10 Best Chinese Cookbook 2025 in the United States

The Wok: Recipes and Techniques is a substantial hardcover book that provides a comprehensive guide to cooking with a wok. With 672 pages, it is quite detailed and covers a wide range of recipes, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced cooks. The book's dimensions and weight suggest it is a large and heavy volume, which might be challenging to handle in the kitchen but also indicates thorough content.

The variety of recipes is a highlight, offering diverse dishes that showcase the versatility of wok cooking. This variety ensures that there is something for every taste and skill level, from simple stir-fries to more complex dishes. Ingredient accessibility is well-balanced; while some ingredients may require a trip to an Asian grocery store, many recipes use items readily available in most supermarkets.

The book excels in providing cultural and historical context, enriching the cooking experience by connecting recipes to their origins and traditions. 'The Wok: Recipes and Techniques' is a valuable resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding and skills in Chinese cooking, with detailed instructions and a wide range of recipes.

Every Grain of Rice: Simple Chinese Home Cooking is a well-regarded cookbook that offers a variety of recipes suitable for home cooks of various skill levels. The book's strength lies in its ability to simplify traditional Chinese recipes, making them accessible even to beginners. The recipes are diverse, covering a wide range of dishes from different regions of China, which ensures that users can explore various flavors and culinary techniques.

The ingredients used in the recipes are generally easy to find, which is a big plus for those living outside of major cities or areas with limited access to specialty Asian markets. Additionally, the cookbook provides cultural and historical context for many of the dishes, adding depth and appreciation to the cooking experience. The visual appeal of the book is also notable, with high-quality photographs that accompany the recipes and help guide the reader through the cooking process.

The book might feel bulky to some, given its hardcover format and weight of 2.31 pounds. Additionally, while the cultural context is appreciated, some users might find the historical anecdotes a bit lengthy, potentially detracting from the straightforward cooking instructions they might prefer. Despite these minor drawbacks, 'Every Grain of Rice' stands out as an excellent resource for anyone interested in Chinese home cooking.

Mooncakes and Milk Bread offers a unique take on Chinese baking, blending traditional and modern recipes inspired by Chinese bakeries. It is great for bakers who enjoy exploring sweet and savory treats beyond typical Chinese dishes. The cookbook features a moderate skill level, making it approachable for bakers with some experience but might be challenging for complete beginners due to some detailed techniques.

The recipe variety is focused mainly on bakery-style items like mooncakes and milk bread, making it perfect for those wanting to dive into this niche rather than broad Chinese cooking. Ingredient accessibility can vary; some specialty items might require a visit to an Asian market, but the book does a good job explaining alternatives when possible.

Cultural and historical context is thoughtfully woven into the recipes, providing insight into the significance of these baked goods in Chinese culture, which adds depth to the cooking experience. Visually, the book is appealing with inviting photos that showcase the final products, helping readers understand what to aim for. For baking enthusiasts eager to explore Chinese bakery classics with a modern twist, this cookbook is a solid choice, though it’s less suited for those seeking a wide range of traditional Chinese meals or simple recipes with everyday ingredients.