10 Chinese Cooking Books That Will Elevate Your Kitchen

J. Kenji López-Alt, celebrated for his science-driven culinary insights, explores the versatility of the wok with meticulous detail in this book. You’ll uncover the mechanics behind stir-frying, deep frying, steaming, and more, learning how to achieve the elusive smoky wok hei at home. Chapters break down recipes from classic Kung Pao Chicken to San Francisco–Style Garlic Noodles, blending traditional techniques with kitchen science. This book suits anyone eager to deepen their Chinese cooking skills, from curious beginners wanting to master the wok to seasoned cooks seeking to refine their technique.

Kristina Cho draws from her unique upbringing in a Chinese American family restaurant and her background in architecture to bring precision and creativity to Chinese bakery cooking. You learn how to master a range of recipes, from steaming perfect buns to crafting silky milk teas and aromatic custards, including detailed techniques like kneading dough without a mixer and pleating dumplings with traditional flair. This book suits home bakers eager to explore authentic yet approachable Chinese bakery flavors, offering both nostalgic classics and fresh interpretations. Chapters guide you through both sweet and savory treats, making the art of Chinese baking accessible and enjoyable.

This personalized book delves into the rich and diverse world of Chinese cooking, revealing essential methods tailored to your culinary background and interests. It explores fundamental techniques such as stir-frying, steaming, braising, and more, while examining regional variations and ingredient selections that match your goals. By focusing on your specific cooking style and desired flavors, this tailored guide provides a clear pathway through complex traditions and recipes, enabling you to master authentic Chinese dishes with confidence. The book's approach matches your skill level and preferences, making the art of Chinese cuisine accessible and engaging as you develop a deeper appreciation for its techniques and tastes.

After analyzing decades of family cooking and culinary tradition, Kevin and Jeffrey Pang developed a cookbook that bridges generations and regions with approachable recipes and insightful context. The book offers more than 100 rigorously tested dishes ranging from American Chinese staples like General Tso’s Chicken to authentic Sichuan street foods and Hong Kong dim sum, complete with ingredient guides and technique tutorials such as folding Shanghai soup dumplings. You’ll gain practical skills in stir-frying basics and ingredient selection while also absorbing personal stories that enrich the cooking experience. This book suits both curious beginners eager to explore Chinese flavors and experienced cooks seeking depth and authenticity in their kitchen projects.

What started as a family’s effort to preserve their culinary heritage, Bill Leung and his family share 100 authentic Chinese recipes with approachable techniques and cultural context. You’ll find detailed guidance on essentials like velveting meat, using the wok, and building a Chinese pantry, plus recipes ranging from Cantonese Roast Duck to vegetable-forward dishes that balance tradition and innovation. The book suits anyone eager to deepen their cooking skills, whether you’re new to Chinese cuisine or looking to enrich your home-cooked meals with trusted family-tested favorites.

Drawing from his dual experience as a New York native and the CEO of a growing restaurant empire, Jason Wang offers an insider's view into Xi'an cuisine rarely found in cookbooks. You gain access to authentic recipes like Spicy Cumin Lamb and Liang Pi Cold Skin Noodles, accompanied by stories that reveal the immigrant journey behind the flavors. The book teaches you how to replicate dishes that balance heat, herbs, and texture with precision, making it invaluable for cooks eager to explore Western Chinese culinary traditions. Whether you're a home cook craving authenticity or a foodie fascinated by cultural food narratives, this book delivers both mouthwatering recipes and a glimpse into the vibrant roots of Xi'an Famous Foods.

This tailored wok cooking guide offers a personalized journey through the art of wok mastery, crafted to match your unique background and culinary goals. It explores fundamental techniques like high-heat stir-frying, ingredient preparation, and heat control, while progressively introducing complex recipes to build confidence and skill. The book reveals how to achieve authentic wok hei and balance flavors specific to your tastes, focusing on the nuances of Chinese cooking traditions. By tailoring content to your interests and experience level, it ensures you gain practical, hands-on knowledge that bridges expert culinary wisdom with your personal cooking journey.

Fuchsia Dunlop's decades of immersive experience in Chinese cuisine culminate in this thorough exploration of Sichuan cooking. She guides you through 200 recipes, offering not only dishes like Mapo Tofu and Gong Bao Chicken but also cold plates such as Bang Bang Chicken and Spiced Cucumber Salad, all enriched with cultural and culinary context. The book walks you through traditional techniques and regional flavor profiles, making it ideal if you want to deepen your practical skills and understanding of Sichuan's complex tastes. Whether you're an adventurous home cook or a professional chef, this volume equips you with the knowledge to recreate authentic Sichuan dishes with confidence.

What started as Jon Kung's pivot from law school to a cook expressing his complex third-culture identity turned into a lively exploration of Chinese American cuisine. In Kung Food, you learn to blend flavors across cultures—from jerk chow mein to chicken tikka masala rangoon—offering inventive recipes that challenge traditional notions of authenticity. The book breaks down chapters like "Snacky Snacks" and "Kung Foo Means 'with Effort'" to reveal how nostalgia and innovation coexist in dishes like Dan Dan Lasagna and Faygo Orange Chicken. If you want to expand your culinary repertoire beyond classic Chinese cooking and embrace a hybrid, playful style, this book will resonate with your kitchen adventures.

The methods Buwei Yang Chao developed while bridging her medical background and Chinese culinary heritage deliver precise, accessible instructions that demystify authentic Chinese cooking for Western kitchens. You learn not just recipes but the cultural logic behind ingredients and techniques, such as how to balance flavors and textures across meals. Chao’s detailed explanations, including chapters on sauces and the art of stir-frying, equip you to prepare traditional dishes without guesswork. This book suits anyone eager to understand Chinese cuisine beyond surface-level recipes, especially cooks who want to grasp the 'why' behind each step rather than simply following directions.

Drawing from his extensive training in California cuisine and Michelin-starred kitchens, Brandon Jew crafts a deeply personal narrative that goes beyond recipes to explore the evolution of Chinese American food. You’ll gain more than cooking techniques here; chapters like dim sum, dumplings, and banquet-style parties reveal cultural histories and culinary innovations that shaped San Francisco’s Chinatown. For example, the Orange Chicken Wings and Liberty Roast Duck showcase how classic flavors meet modern twists. This book suits anyone eager to understand the roots of Chinese cooking in America, though those seeking purely traditional recipes might find Jew’s creative spins a departure from convention.

When Fuchsia Dunlop first immersed herself in the kitchens of Sichuan, she discovered a world where authentic Chinese cooking balances simplicity with depth. This book teaches you how to bring everyday southern Chinese home cooking to your table, emphasizing vegetables with modest amounts of meat and fish. You'll find recipes like stir-fried potato slivers with chili and a vegetarian take on Gong Bao Chicken, all supported by clear instructions and a primer on essential Chinese seasonings and techniques. It's ideal for anyone wanting approachable, flavorful dishes that fit into regular weeknight cooking without overwhelming complexity.