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The Essential Wok Cookbook: A Simple Chinese Cookbook for Stir-Fry, Dim Sum, and Other Restaurant Favorites
WALL STREET JOURNAL BEST SELLER
All the Recipes You Need to Enjoy Comforting Chinese Food at Home
Ordering Chinese takeout is easy—but it’s definitely not the healthiest or most affordable way to enjoy Chinese comfort food at home. With this simple cookbook in your kitchen and a mighty wok in your hand, Chinese favorites are now quicker, healthier, and cheaper than delivery.
The Essential Wok Cookbook is your guide to mastering the wok, the versatile pan that makes possible all of the Chinese restaurant dishes you love—no extra salt, oil, or MSG required. Beyond tips for selecting, seasoning, and caring for your wok, this cookbook also provides:
• Step-by-step illustrations for how to fold a dumpling, egg roll, and wonton
• Fun features on the origin stories and American reinventions of foods such as egg drop soup and fortune cookies
• Recipe labels to help you decide what to make when you’re short on time (30 minutes or less) and tight on cash (under $10)
• Recipe tips to swap ingredients, save time, make a dish more healthy, or kick up the heat
If a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, start cooking today with your wok and see just how far The Essential Wok Cookbook will take you.
Fire up the wok with recipes like Perfect Pork Pot Stickers, Easy Vegetable Stir-Fry, Lighter Egg Foo Young, Sweet Chili Shrimp, General Tso’s Chicken, Better Beef with Broccoli, and many more!
All the Recipes You Need to Enjoy Comforting Chinese Food at Home
Ordering Chinese takeout is easy—but it’s definitely not the healthiest or most affordable way to enjoy Chinese comfort food at home. With this simple cookbook in your kitchen and a mighty wok in your hand, Chinese favorites are now quicker, healthier, and cheaper than delivery.
The Essential Wok Cookbook is your guide to mastering the wok, the versatile pan that makes possible all of the Chinese restaurant dishes you love—no extra salt, oil, or MSG required. Beyond tips for selecting, seasoning, and caring for your wok, this cookbook also provides:
• Step-by-step illustrations for how to fold a dumpling, egg roll, and wonton
• Fun features on the origin stories and American reinventions of foods such as egg drop soup and fortune cookies
• Recipe labels to help you decide what to make when you’re short on time (30 minutes or less) and tight on cash (under $10)
• Recipe tips to swap ingredients, save time, make a dish more healthy, or kick up the heat
If a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, start cooking today with your wok and see just how far The Essential Wok Cookbook will take you.
Fire up the wok with recipes like Perfect Pork Pot Stickers, Easy Vegetable Stir-Fry, Lighter Egg Foo Young, Sweet Chili Shrimp, General Tso’s Chicken, Better Beef with Broccoli, and many more!
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 8, 2015
526 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 30, 2020
Enjoyed reading all these recipes. Most look simple enough. The history notes were also interesting. The author makes clear these are American Chinese restaurant recipes and not necessarily authentic Chinese versions. You will definitely get your Wok -game going if you try a few of these. Only a few ingredients I never heard of before. Good reference section, too. I eat Chinese take once a week easily. That changes soon. Thank you!
July 23, 2017
A keeper
This would be a great book for a beginner as it has good explanations and easy techniques. I have been cooking forever and making stir fries for over 30 years and found it useful with good recipes. I have a soy allergy and sub coconut aminos for the soy sauce. Cooking yourself is cheaper, healthier and better than take out. Plus you can be sure of no MSG or other food allergies or preferences. This is a great book.
This would be a great book for a beginner as it has good explanations and easy techniques. I have been cooking forever and making stir fries for over 30 years and found it useful with good recipes. I have a soy allergy and sub coconut aminos for the soy sauce. Cooking yourself is cheaper, healthier and better than take out. Plus you can be sure of no MSG or other food allergies or preferences. This is a great book.
September 2, 2018
Super easy recipes with a flavor not found in most American kitchens. I was pleasantly surprised how easy and flavor packed all of the dishes are. For sure, these are “American Chinese” recipes. If you’re looking for something authentic my bet is this isn’t the right place to look. If you’re looking for something good and to mix up the menu at home I highly recommend it!
January 5, 2018
Hmm a bit too repetative and US centric for my liking - although there are a couple of recipes I wouldn't mind trying.
December 15, 2020
A worthy read.
May 5, 2021
There's some recipes I definitely want to try. The history is intriguing! I love how you have to use oils and certain ingredients to get the flavor "break-in" your pans just to get the flavor
July 29, 2024
Fantastic cookbook. Many yummy recipes, easy-to-follow instructions, and color photographs. Can’t wait to try some at-home Asian cooking!
Read
August 9, 2025Super basic. Best for someone who’s never even contemplated Chinese cooking.
June 10, 2015
I love Chinese food and being able to prepare it at home is a dream come true for me!
This cookbook explains the difference between authentic Chinese food and what Americans think it's supposed to be. I never realized there was such a difference in the ingredients.
It tells you of the different types of Woks on the market and how to choose the perfect one for your needs. It is also very detailed on how to season and care for your Wok. The cookbook tells of the basic ingredients one would need to make the dishes included in this cookbook, the utensils you will need and even how to shape the wraps used in the recipes!
The recipes included are easy to prepare and take no time at all to cook. Most recipes cook in 10 minutes. It also tells you the approximate amount you will need to spend for each dish.
I appreciate how most of the recipes in this cookbook are gluten free and vegetarian friendly.
The recipes look absolutely delicious and I can't wait to try them all. I would definitely recommend this cookbook for anyone who wants to learn how to find the right Wok, care for it and eat authentic Chinese food!
I received this product free for my review. I was not compensated for my review and all opinions are my own.
This cookbook explains the difference between authentic Chinese food and what Americans think it's supposed to be. I never realized there was such a difference in the ingredients.
It tells you of the different types of Woks on the market and how to choose the perfect one for your needs. It is also very detailed on how to season and care for your Wok. The cookbook tells of the basic ingredients one would need to make the dishes included in this cookbook, the utensils you will need and even how to shape the wraps used in the recipes!
The recipes included are easy to prepare and take no time at all to cook. Most recipes cook in 10 minutes. It also tells you the approximate amount you will need to spend for each dish.
I appreciate how most of the recipes in this cookbook are gluten free and vegetarian friendly.
The recipes look absolutely delicious and I can't wait to try them all. I would definitely recommend this cookbook for anyone who wants to learn how to find the right Wok, care for it and eat authentic Chinese food!
I received this product free for my review. I was not compensated for my review and all opinions are my own.
July 3, 2015
So Many Helpful Tips and Tasty Recipe Ideas
I love Asian meals. I've always wanted to own my very own wok, but never knew much about them. I learned quite a bit about them and now that I actually have one, I know just how to take care of it so that it'll last for a long time. I had no idea about "seasoning" one to get the most out of it and keep b it in its best condition.
Now, as for the variety of recipes, there are some really good ones in there. I've tried many of these meals in restaurants or cooked by other people that I know, but never knew how to make a lot of them. Now I can make many of them on my own at home. It's nice to know that I can make healthier versions at home without compromising the flavor. I'm planning on using my wok often and want to cook more meals for my family that I know they'd be excited to try as well.
It's a good cookbook with a nice variety of recipes for vegetarians and meat eaters too, but what makes it even better is the fact that it has great tips and information on the history of the wok. I like to know about that sort of thing.
I received this book for reviewing purposes . All opinions expressed are solely my own.
I love Asian meals. I've always wanted to own my very own wok, but never knew much about them. I learned quite a bit about them and now that I actually have one, I know just how to take care of it so that it'll last for a long time. I had no idea about "seasoning" one to get the most out of it and keep b it in its best condition.
Now, as for the variety of recipes, there are some really good ones in there. I've tried many of these meals in restaurants or cooked by other people that I know, but never knew how to make a lot of them. Now I can make many of them on my own at home. It's nice to know that I can make healthier versions at home without compromising the flavor. I'm planning on using my wok often and want to cook more meals for my family that I know they'd be excited to try as well.
It's a good cookbook with a nice variety of recipes for vegetarians and meat eaters too, but what makes it even better is the fact that it has great tips and information on the history of the wok. I like to know about that sort of thing.
I received this book for reviewing purposes . All opinions expressed are solely my own.
September 23, 2016
I have used a wok regularly since 1970. If I had to thin out my "batterie de cuisine" the wok would stay for sure. Every kitchen should have one. While the author uses a wok for soups that is one thing I prefer a heavy pot for.
I found the recipes pretty basic but that is the goal of the book. I did like her version of scallion pancakes and pot stickers/ wontons.
Contrary to the author's suggestion, I do not recommend pre-peeling and freezing garlic or ginger. I don't even refrigerate either-they just live next to the salt and other essentials. It's not that hard to peel and cut them as needed; do it when you prep and pre-prepping to stir fry is pretty essential as the author also emphasizes.
I would recommend on the salad recipes especially the radish to add a dash of toasted sesame oil.
If you have never used a wok and want to learn to, this will be a pretty useful book. Once you are comfortable you may find you don't even need a recipe.
I found the recipes pretty basic but that is the goal of the book. I did like her version of scallion pancakes and pot stickers/ wontons.
Contrary to the author's suggestion, I do not recommend pre-peeling and freezing garlic or ginger. I don't even refrigerate either-they just live next to the salt and other essentials. It's not that hard to peel and cut them as needed; do it when you prep and pre-prepping to stir fry is pretty essential as the author also emphasizes.
I would recommend on the salad recipes especially the radish to add a dash of toasted sesame oil.
If you have never used a wok and want to learn to, this will be a pretty useful book. Once you are comfortable you may find you don't even need a recipe.
June 14, 2015
I received a wok as a gift last Christmas and had never really used it for its proper purpose until I evaluated The Essential Wok Cookbook by Rockridge Press. This cookbook is just what I needed to explore authentic Chinese recipes with step by step instructions to preparing quick, easy and delicious meals. From history and basics to step by step instructions with illustrations and pictures The Essential Wok Cookbook is truly an encyclopedia and cookbook in one! I am so impressed at how easy it is to prepare authentic meals I thought of as being served only in restaurants. And the under $10 selections make it even more pleasing to own this cookbook. Family and friends will be impressed with your preparation of authentic Chinese dishes. I received the Kindle edition for free to evaluate. This review is of my honest and unbiased opinions based on my personal use of the book.
June 20, 2015
Great cookbook!
I love this cookbook as an introductory to the wok and Chinese cooking. I was really glad to see it give alternatives to some of the items you may not easily find - We have again markets in town, but they aren't close to home...so it's helpful to know the alternatives! I also enjoyed the visuals on how to roll and egg roll or fold a wonton or dumpling. I am looking forward to using this book to start using my new wok and learning some new recipes and techniques. I feel like this is a good stepping stone into Chinese cuisine for an American. I'm glad this cookbook explains the difference between some of the traditional Chinese cuisine and Americanized take-out and puts a healthy spin on it. Overall, I liked the cookbook and will be using it! I received this book for free.
I love this cookbook as an introductory to the wok and Chinese cooking. I was really glad to see it give alternatives to some of the items you may not easily find - We have again markets in town, but they aren't close to home...so it's helpful to know the alternatives! I also enjoyed the visuals on how to roll and egg roll or fold a wonton or dumpling. I am looking forward to using this book to start using my new wok and learning some new recipes and techniques. I feel like this is a good stepping stone into Chinese cuisine for an American. I'm glad this cookbook explains the difference between some of the traditional Chinese cuisine and Americanized take-out and puts a healthy spin on it. Overall, I liked the cookbook and will be using it! I received this book for free.
June 6, 2015
Very good for basics!
I'm never too sure when it comes to Asian cookbooks because there are so many ways to make the same thing. This book brings you right down to the basics. Ever order from a Chinese restaurant? These are the recipes to make your favorite basic dishes. It breaks it down to different meals, you can make wontons, noodles or even orange chicken with these recipes. In a rush? Easy 30 minute recipes at your hand. Running low on funds before pay day? There's a $10 section for you. The recipes are quite easy and simple to follow. Great for any novice.
I'm never too sure when it comes to Asian cookbooks because there are so many ways to make the same thing. This book brings you right down to the basics. Ever order from a Chinese restaurant? These are the recipes to make your favorite basic dishes. It breaks it down to different meals, you can make wontons, noodles or even orange chicken with these recipes. In a rush? Easy 30 minute recipes at your hand. Running low on funds before pay day? There's a $10 section for you. The recipes are quite easy and simple to follow. Great for any novice.
June 24, 2015
I really enjoy this cookbook. I love Asian food of all variations but was always so intimated to try to cook any myself.
This book explains the different types of woks available so you can purchase the best one for your needs, it also had a neat history section about Asian foods, which I found really interesting. The recipes in this book are healthy, and more importantly easy to follow and make at home. If you are interested in a new type of cooking, I recommend checking out this book.
I received this book free in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.
This book explains the different types of woks available so you can purchase the best one for your needs, it also had a neat history section about Asian foods, which I found really interesting. The recipes in this book are healthy, and more importantly easy to follow and make at home. If you are interested in a new type of cooking, I recommend checking out this book.
I received this book free in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.
July 7, 2016
This book is great, no off the wall ingredients and very easy to follow recipes.
May 4, 2016
Chinese cooing
Wow. so many recipes I want to try, especially the vegetable and soup ones. One of the best and we'll written Chinese cookbooks I've read in a while
Wow. so many recipes I want to try, especially the vegetable and soup ones. One of the best and we'll written Chinese cookbooks I've read in a while
April 20, 2017
What an awesome lil cookbook this was! So much fun and I can't wait to try the recipes.
While there were a number of easy recipes, there were some that are a bit more difficult, but not so difficult that they are impossible to make.
I loved the the sauces section at the end. It was probably my favorite of the entire book.
I got this book on sale and it is worth every penny.
While there were a number of easy recipes, there were some that are a bit more difficult, but not so difficult that they are impossible to make.
I loved the the sauces section at the end. It was probably my favorite of the entire book.
I got this book on sale and it is worth every penny.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews