Isn’t it amazing how quickly Chinese New Year is coming up? I think we can finally put 2020 to bed and begin anew with the Year of the Ox. This is the year of determination, strength, and ambition! That calls for an amazing celebration full of delightful Chinese food.
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To prepare for our hearty feast, I’ve collected 10 of my favorite worthwhile Chinese cookbooks to get started!
1: The Nom Wah Cookbook: Recipes and Stories from 100 Years at New York City’s Iconic Dim Sum Restaurant
This is a fascinating cookbook. Not only are we seeing recipes for dim sum, dumplings, and bao, but we’re also reading a story of a community of immigrants. It’s a journey that begins in Toishan, runs through Hong Kong, and ends up tucked into the corner of a street once called The Bloody Angle (New York City.)
Enjoy 75 authentic and stunning recipes from Wilson Tang, restaurant Nom Wah’s owner. Celebrate 100 years of success with The Nom Wah Cookbook: Recipes and Stories from 100 Years at New York City’s Iconic Dim Sum Restaurant’s amazing dishes.
2: The Double Happiness Cookbook: 88 Feel-Good Recipes and Food Stories
I’ve been looking forward to The Double Happiness Cookbook: 88 Feel-Good Recipes and Food Stories for months. It’s vibrant, quirky, and so full of life. I’m eager to try all of these recipes.
There are 88 fabulous Asian fusion recipes to choose from. Create a magnificent full course meal including as many cultures as possible! This includes cocktails and finger foods that will enhance the pre-party mood.
If you’re looking for more information about The Double Happiness Cookbook: 88 Feel-Good Recipes and Food Stories check out our other blog post that goes in depth about this beautiful cookbook!
3: Xi’an Famous Foods: The Cuisine of Western China, from New York’s Favorite Noodle Shop
The Xi’an Famous Foods: The Cuisine of Western China, from New York’s Favorite Noodle Shop is a long awaited cookbook and has received many accolades. It is the first English-language cookbook to explore the vibrant regional cuisine of Xi’an, which is the oldest region of China. I cannot wait to dig into this cookbook.
Even though this cookbook gives us a glimpse into a world that is basically a fantasy, many recipes are incredibly easy. This cookbook sticks with the basics and very authentic, no need to complicate this stellar cuisine!
Xi’an Famous Foods: The Cuisine of Western China, from New York’s Favorite Noodle Shop cookbook is an adventure!
4: Vegetarian Chinese Soul Food: Deliciously Doable Ways to Cook Greens, Tofu, and Other Plant-Based Ingredients
More and more people are starting to transition to plant-based diets. Vegetarian Chinese Soul Food: Deliciously Doable Ways to Cook Greens, Tofu, and Other Plant-Based Ingredients cookbook understands how difficult that can be and how we want to continue eating our favorites. Chinese food is so heartwarming, even more so when done healthy! This cookbook is a fantastic option for those who want to cook without all the animal products.
There are 75 plant-based comfort food recipes you can make at home. Chinese food can be intimidating to make, because it seems like a difficult task and we don’t want to lose flavor. This cookbook breaks each recipe down so we can enjoy all our favorites in a healthy way!
5: Chinese Take-out for the Home Chef: 50 of Your Favorite Chinese Take-Out Recipes
Admittedly, every Chinese New Year I always get take out. Usually anytime I have a craving for Chinese I always get take-out. I’d love to learn from Chinese Take-out for the Home Chef: 50 of Your Favorite Chinese Take-Out Recipes so I can make my favorites at home.
I was a little intimidated with how many ingredients were in these dishes, but I’m realizing it isn’t too complicated. Mostly it is an array of seasonings. Overall, they are very simple and so much fun! All of my take out favorites are featured in this cookbook.
6: The Veggie Chinese Takeout Cookbook: Wok, No Meat? Over 70 vegan and vegetarian takeout classics
If you want a healthier option, the The Veggie Chinese Takeout Cookbook: Wok, No Meat? Over 70 vegan and vegetarian takeout classics is a follow up from above. If you’re trying to watch what you eat or are eating more plant-based, but want to eat all your take-out favorites this is the cookbook for you!
Since Chinese food already uses little to no dairy and meat can be substituted with all kinds of veggies, this is the perfect combination. I guarantee you cooking these recipes will not only be healthier, but cheaper and quicker than picking up the phone and waiting for your favorite restaurant.
7: Asian Green: Everyday plant based recipes inspired by the East
If you’re looking for a fun and colorful cookbook look no further. The Asian Green: Everyday plant based recipes inspired by the East cookbook is a must-have if you’re looking for vegan options! There are plenty of delicious classics and unique
The story behind this cookbook is meaningful. The author has always believed that food is medicine. Since she has experienced it firsthand with her husband, witnessing the healing power of food inspired her to create this cookbook.
We are in good hands with this cookbook.
8: Wok Chinese Cookbook: 2 Books In 1: 77 Recipes (x2) For Amazing Chinese Food And Wok Dishes
This is actually comes as a pair. The first book is for exclusively cooking with a wok. “Wok Chinese Cookbook: 2 Books In 1: 77 Recipes (x2) For Amazing Chinese Food And Wok Dishes” has 77 recipes that utilize your wok from Indian, Chinese, Thai, etc.
The other cookbook contains 100 exclusively Chinese recipes from modern to our favorite classics. Both would come in handy for cooking up a delightful meal for your friends or family during Chinese New Year!
9: The Simple Chinese Cookbook: 50 Essential Chinese Recipes You Need To Have
All of these recipes look scrumptious in this cookbook. Many of our favorite Chinese meals can be found inside, with a modern twist!
Not only are there 50 classic Chinese recipes in The Simple Chinese Cookbook: 50 Essential Chinese Recipes You Need To Have, but there is a whole section about IBS and how to use this cookbook for a lower FODMAP diet. This is a unique addition, because it modifies each recipe for sensitive bellies.
10: China Cookbook: 150+ Classic Recipes From BeiJing, To Shanghai and sichuan
If you’re interested in exploring all the culinary delights of China, take a look at China Cookbook: 150+ Classic Recipes From Beijing, To Shanghai and Sichuan cookbook. There are so many recipes from many regions of China to choose from. Looking through, I notice that the recipes are very straightforward to execute. The ingredients are super easy to find. This would be a fantastic cookbook for beginners!
This year is very special, because the ox represents vitality and vigor! We should celebrate using any one of these Chinese cookbooks! What would you like to make this week to kick off this year?
~Kaiti