These Chinese cookbooks contain a variety of delicious Chinese food recipes. And there are also cookbooks for beginners, as well as authentic and popular Chinese dishes.
For example: Ma Po Tofu, Kung Pao Chicken, Chinese Dumplings etc.
In a Hurry? Here’s Our Top Picks…
Last update on 2023-09-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Chinese Cookbooks
Last update on 2023-09-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Think about making healthy and affordable Chinese food at home in a single pan. This is a heartwarming thing!
Just follow the steps in The Essential Wok Cookbook by author Naomi Imatome-Yun.
In these nearly 100 Chinese food recipes, including everyday cooking, dumplings, vegetables, tofu, fish, chicken and duck, noodles, pork, beef and other related dishes.
Example Recipes:
- Perfect Pork Pot Stickers
- Easy Vegetable Stir-Fry
- Dry-Fried Green Beans
- Sweet Chili Shrimp
- Kung Pao Chicken
- Better Beef with Broccoli
And for each recipe, there are detailed ingredient instructions, cooking steps, and cooking time.
This cookbook also features: in addition to beautiful pictures of dishes, there are also some small stories about the origin of food culture and recipe labels to help you.
Who is It For?
This cookbook is suitable for people who want to make simple Chinese recipes at home.
Not For?
Some people have especially wanted to make China Southern recipes.
Last update on 2023-09-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Following the steps of the Chinese restaurant chef to make Chinese food, always trustworthy.
Kwoklyn Wan is a boss and chef of a third-generation Chinese restaurant, and this Chinese Takeout Cookbook is written by him.
There are over 70 recipes in this cookbook.
Recipe in Chinese Takeout Cookbook
Example Recipes:
- Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Char Siu
- Wonton Soup
- Chop Suey
- Egg-fried Rice
- Crispy Seaweed
What's more, each recipe has a post-cooking picture, as well as some expert advice on the recipe from the chef.
Who is It For?
People who like Chinese takeout and want to make the same dishes as Chinese restaurants.
Not For?
Some people who don't like Chinese Cantonese food.
Last update on 2023-09-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
There are many newbies who like Chinese cooking and want to learn how to make Chinese food.Â
Then this Easy Chinese Cookbook with a Chinatown flavor by Chris Toy is just for you.
Why is this cookbook good for beginners?
First, the author has been teaching Asian cooking for over 30 years. This shows that this book was written by someone who is extremely knowledgeable about Chinese cooking.
And then there's what's special about this Chinese cookbook: it introduces simple cooking equipment, which is actually an important part of the cooking process.
Then there are the classic Chinese recipes inside, which are relatively simple and can be done even without cooking experience.
Example Recipes:
- Egg Rolls
- Hot and Sour Soup
- Orange Chicken
- Kung Pao Beef
- Shrimp Lo Mein
- Sweet Egg Custard Dessert
Finally, there are some Chinese dim sum and dishes that are needed for Chinese New Year.
Who is It For?
People with no or little cooking experience.
Not For?
Chefs who want to make extra complex Chinese cuisine.
Last update on 2023-09-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This Every Grain of Rice by author Fuchsia Dunlop is an authentic Chinese cookbook.
Not only has the author studied at a professional cooking school in Sichuan, China, but she has also published two other books on Chinese recipes.
This cookbook includes almost 150 recipes, mostly from southern Chinese cuisine.
Example Recipes:
- Stir-fried Potato Slivers with Chili Pepper
- Gong Bao Chicken
- Sour-and-hot Mushroom Soup
The book also provides detailed instructions on the order of placement of Chinese spices and sauces.
And these recipes are simple, delicious when made, and perfect for cooking Chinese cuisine at home.
Who is It For?
People who want to prepare a hearty Chinese meal for family, friends at home.
Not For?
This cookbook is more of a vegetarian, so it's not very suitable for those who want to eat a lot of meat.
Last update on 2023-09-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
As the title says, this is the best Chinese food cookbook focusing on healthy recipes.
Author Charmaine Ferrara has loved cooking since she was a child and is also a food blogger.
Of these 88 recipes, the main ones are stir-frying, not deep-frying.
Example Recipes:
- Orange Chicken
- Honey-Walnut Shrimp
- Yangzhou Fried Rice
- Steamed Egg with Ground Pork
Since this cookbook is low in salt and sugar, and uses very little oil, it keeps the food healthy.
The recipes inside are easy to read, contain basic ingredients and guidelines, and can be easily followed and mastered. There are also tons of pictures that are pleasing to the eye.
Who is It For?
People who want to make healthy Chinese recipes at home.
Not For?
Those who like fried food.
Last update on 2023-09-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Are you interested in Chinese baking recipes?
Such as mooncakes, Chinese breads, etc.
Mooncakes & Milk Bread by Kristina Ch is a relatively rare cookbook focused on Chinese bread.
In over 80 recipes, including noodle soups, dumplings and bakes.
Example Recipes:
- Baked Buns
- Steamed Buns
- Chinese Breads
- Dumplings
- Cilantro PancakesÂ
- Silky Smooth Milk Tea
- Chocolate Swiss Rolls
Taking making steamed buns as an example, the author gives the specific steps in detail, as well as pictures of each step. Very easy to follow.
What's more, in this cookbook, there is a shopping guide for Asian grocery stores. This can help you save a lot of time when shopping for ingredients.
Who is It For?
Anyone interested in Chinese bakery food.
Not For?
Want to know about Chinese food in a wide range of China.
Last update on 2023-09-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Sometimes novice cooks are intimidated by the sheer number of ingredients in Chinese recipes and find it difficult to make Chinese food.
But don't worry, this Chinese Soul Food by Hsiao-Ching Chou, will help you out.
In 80 easy recipes, you learn how to make stir-fries, stews, soups and more.
Example Recipes:
- Potstickers
- Red-braised Pork Belly
- Dry-fried Green Beans
- Braised-beef Noodle Soup
- Green Onion Pancakes
- Garlic Eggplant
In each recipe, the author minimizes some complicated steps to be more beginner friendly.
In particular, there are some cooking tips: for example, if some ingredients are not available, it is recommended to replace them with other common ingredients.
This will reduce the psychological fear caused by being unfamiliar with the ingredients.
Who is It For?
People who like to cook a simple Chinese meal.
Not For?
Anyone who wants to make authentic Chinese food that is totally classic.
Last update on 2023-09-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
China's Xi'an is a city with many delicacies and an unusual food culture.
Xi’an Famous Foods is both the name of a restaurant and a top Chinese cookbook written exclusively for this restaurant by Jason Wang.
In this cookbook, you can experience many amazing traditional Chinese recipes.
Example Recipes:
- Liang Pi Noodles
- Flatbread Filled with Caramelized Pork
- Biang Biang Noodles
- Spicy and Sour Dumplings
In each recipe, there are beautiful illustrations and pictures. Just looking at it will make your appetite whet your appetite.
Another unique point is that the author also tells the story of his immigration, which is also very interesting.
Who is It For?
People who like traditional Chinese food or who want to make their own food at home similar to Xi'an Famous Foods.
Not For?
People without any cooking experience.
Last update on 2023-09-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Hot pot is very popular among young Chinese, especially when friends gather.
This Essential Chinese Hot Pot Cookbook by Jeff Mao will be the perfect hot pot guide.
It will mainly introduce these two aspects for you:
- Preparations before hot pot: such as sauce, ingredients.
- How to handle specific ingredients, and some simple etiquette.
Who is It For?
Trying hot pot for the first time, people with no cooking foundation.
Not For?
Those who like traditional chinese recipes.
Last update on 2023-09-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Are you vegetarian?
Then the Vegan Chinese Cookbook by Yang Yang is well worth checking out.
It not only contains many vegetarian recipes, but also some introductions to the history of Chinese vegetarianism.
Example Recipes:
- Roll-cut Eggplant
- Steam Bean Curd Rolls
- Spring Rolls
- Sesame Sauce Noodles
- Rice Wine
- Egetarian Oyster Sauce
The pictures in each recipe are stunning and mouthwatering. And there are also the author's own personal experience and tips in the process of making this dish.
Who is It For?
People who like vegetarian Chinese food
Not For?
Meat eaters.
Chinese Cookbooks FAQ
What Are the Most Popular Authentic Chinese Dishes?
There are countless Chinese dishes, so what are the most classic and famous dishes in China?
- Peking Duck
- Sichuan Mapo Tofu
- West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy
- Dongpo Pork
- Laziji
Conclusion
In this list of the best Chinese cookbooks, there are many different Chinese food recipes for you to choose from.
Whether you are a beginner or experienced culinary, meat eater or vegetarian, you can choose the cookbooks that suits you best.
After choosing, hurry up and make a sumptuous Chinese meal for yourself and your family and friends!
