Takeout made in―85+ classic Chinese dishes you can make at home
When you think of the irresistible tastes and smells of popular takeout meals, few are more satisfying than Chinese food. The Easy Chinese Cookbook offers you more than 85 recipes to help you recreate restaurant favorites in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Learn how to make staples like General Tso’s Chicken, Crab Rangoon, and Egg Rolls with easy step-by-step instructions for beginners. This Chinese cookbook will also walk you through a typical Chinese American pantry, recommend ingredient substitutions, and teach you cooking shortcuts to keep recipes fast, easy, and delicious.
The Easy Chinese Cookbook includes:
Authentic, quality cuisine―You’ll find your all-time favourites and tasty new dishes that will wow your taste buds. Supermarket simple―Most recipe ingredients from this Chinese cookbook can be found at your local grocery store. Combination platters―Create fun, specialized menus with 5 to 10 options for family-style meals, Chinese New Year banquets, and other celebrations.
With the Easy Chinese Cookbook, you’ll create authentic and delicious meals the whole family will enjoy.
This was a book that I chose to read due to the fact I love Chinese food but I really haven't found much good Chinese restaurants in my hometown at this moment. To complicate my matters my husband doesn't like rice nor is a fan of the same ethnic food so I was eyeballing whether I may find recipes that could be used in situations when he may not be home.
The book was great in introducing the reader to the Chinese kitchen, the necessary equipment and components that are necessary for the inspiring chef and giving the reader also menu ideas with the food and page suggestions for the same. Furthermore Chris did a great job in explaining the differences between Cantonese-based Chinese food the spicier bases.
I also loved how each recipe was led by a small paragraph that explained either the name of the food, the importance to culture, its origin whether actual Chinese or not and even some ingredient trivia for the food such as why fish is so symbolic. There was also a few paragraphs to lead each section before it explored in-depth more recipes of the same groupings.
The book was also pretty easy to use with each recipe being give a full page usually or two if necessary. Each was led by its name in bold then information such as serving size, prep time and cooking time. This was followed by whether it met any dietary restrictions, the introductive blurb and then the listing of ingredients followed by directions. And then if there should be any need there was substitution tips or troublemaking tips at the very bottom.
Unfortunately with the exception of the section headings that only included one dish as a photograph there are no illustrations for the curious as to what some of these dishes looked like. And for me as a reader I must have had way too much Chinese American food since though the names were correct to dishes I was similar with they didn't resemble in their makings to those same dishes.
At the same time the recipes more or less seem to be very repetitive in their nature while in the rolling up of anything sport descriptions were used. It seems to me that once you have the basics down Chinese cooking should be pretty fast and easy if you don't mind the intimidation of some of the ingredients lists - appearances can be deceiving as to the complexity of the recipe.
All in all it was a decent cookbook, especially if you are into more genuine Chinese cooking, but as for me it was hard for me to be able to say I was able to glean much from the book that I could actually use. For actual other aspiring cooks, though, it will make for a nice addition to your collection.
***I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review***
I grew up in the Midwest what feels like a long time ago, and we never ate Chinese food. I’m not sure why, but it just wasn’t something we did as a family. It wasn’t until I was out on my own that I decided to try to order Chinese food, like I had seen in so many movies. It felt big to me, like I was far more sophisticated and important than I really was. But once I tried it, I feel in love with the flavors and I haven’t stopped eating it since. But aside from one ambitious weekend, where I decided to make my own egg rolls and sesame chicken, I haven’t cooked much Chinese food aside from a very simple fried rice. So when I saw this cookbook, I had to take a look.
Easy Chinese Cookbook is exactly what it says it is. It’s a collection of favorite recipes that most people (like me) just order from a restaurant. But author Chris Toy makes these foods accessible to cooks with less experience with Asian cuisine, offering up tasty recipes for dishes like Pot Stickers, Wonton Soup, General Tso’s Chicken, Mongolian Beef, Garlic Scallops, Egg Foo Young, and Shrimp Lo Mein.
Toy knows just what our questions are and he’s prepared with all the answers. What do I need in the pantry for cooking Chinese food? What equipment do I need? Do I have to have a wok? What is up with MSG anyway? He covers all of that and even includes a handful of sauce recipes, so we can make our own Sweet and Sour Duck Sauce or Hot Mustard. The only things missing are the fortune cookies and instructions on using chopsticks (I have some coordination issues, so I never have mastered those things; although to be fair, sometimes I’m a little messy with a fork too).
Easy Chinese Cookbook has several drool-worthy photos of beautiful food, to help inspire the cooking, and there are even recipes (clearly labeled) that are vegetarian, soy-free, gluten-free, and (my favorite) 30 minute or less. So if you’ve ever wanted to try to cook your favorite Chinese foods at home, this is the cookbook to get. It will get you started making those favorite restaurant recipes so you can impress family and friends (and yourself!) with genuinely tasty dishes that you never thought you’d be able to cook yourself!
A copy of Easy Chinese Cookbook was provided to me from Rockridge Press through the Callisto Publishing Club, with many thanks.
Who thought a cookbook would be moving? Well, I was moved by the dedication in this one. Chris Toy has dedicated this book to his adopted parents, Alfred and Grace Toy. He was the first baby adopted from Hong Kong to the United States in 1958 through the International Social Services. As we celebrate following Christmas Eve services each year at a local Chinese restaurant in honor of our adopted granddaughter, this particular cookbook took on extra meaning. Chris Toy has been teaching Asian cooking for over three decades near Bath, Maine, and I appreciate that he is sharing his expertise with us through this cookbook, helping us to recreate our restaurant favorites at home. Toy in his introduction tells us that these recipes are both seriously easy and cheap. That's good news!
Chapter One, The Chinese Home Kitchen, includes valuable information on stocking one's pantry and essential and helpful kitchen equipment. Then it is on to more than eighty-five recipes from dumplings and egg rolls to meats, noodles and desserts. Most of the ingredients will be easy to find; some may require visiting the local Asian grocery. The directions are specific and easy to follow. Unlike most of the cookbooks I have reviewed lately, there are no nutritional facts or food sensitivity information for each recipe. Some may wish for more photographs of the finished products, but most of us can visualize these from our favorite restaurants. I say this cookbook is a keeper, and will inspire many meals to come.
I am grateful to have received a copy of this cookbook from RockRidge Press in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.
I was given an opportunity, via the publisher, to read the Easy Chinese Cookbook: Restaurant Favorites Made Simple. I voluntarily chose to review this cookbook and my opinion is freely given.
The author explains in the introduction that he has a family history regarding Chinese restaurants in America. This cookbook pays homage to the past, with classic takeout dishes that you can make at home. The author gives a little history of the flavors, as well as essential items to have on hand. I would have loved more pictures, but those who frequent Chinese restaurants will recognize most of the dishes by their names.
The Easy Chinese Cookbook is separated into logical sections, which I have listed below with some of the standout recipes.
Dumplings, Egg Rolls, and Other Appetizers: Fried Wontons; Pot Stickers; Satay Chicken Skewers; Egg Rolls; Teriyaki Beef Skewers
Soups and Salads: Wonton Soup; Hot and Sour Soup; Grilled Napa Cabbage Salad
Poultry: Moo Goo Gai Pan; General Tso's Chicken; Cashew Chicken
Pork, Beef, and Lamb: Red Cooked Pork; Mongolian Beef; Kung Pao Beef
Seafood: Shrimp with Lobster Sauce; Garlic Scallops
Vegetables, Tofu, and Eggs: Buddha's Delight; Egg Foo Young; Steamed Broccoli with Oyster Sauce
Noodles and Fried Rice: Scallion Pancakes; Mu Shu Pork
Sauces and Condiments: Sweet and Sour Duck Sauce; Hot Mustard Sauce
Desserts: Amaretto Cream with Mandarin Oranges
Easy Chinese Cookbook: Restaurant Favorites Made Simple has everything a home cook needs to make great Chinese dishes. Although the cookbook is lacking in pictures, it is well laid out and organized. For these reasons, I would highly recommend the Easy Chinese Cookbook to other readers.
I love Chinese food (especially when I didn’t have to do the cooking), but had to give it up when I and other members of my family were diagnosed with food allergies. This book allows me to have some of our favorites again (with modifications). There is a lengthy introduction which includes a brief history of Chinese take-out, the differences between Cantonese, Sichuan, and Hunan bases. This is followed by an extensive “Pantry” section where the author describes essential spices, sauces, wines, and condiments as well as equipment. And no, you don’t have to have a lot of “special” equipment. Most people have things that will work perfectly fine already in their kitchens. Then we get into the recipes, and they are yummy.
What I liked: The extensive descriptions and explanations as noted above. Some of the recipes have troubleshooting tips or substitutions included. Recipes are clear, concise, easy to follow.
What I didn’t like: There are very few pictures and no nutritional values included.
Recommendation: If you’re missing Chinese take-out or just looking to experiment with your own cooking of these dishes, I’d pick this one up. There are some very tasty recipes in here.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts and are not influenced by anyone.
This is a great affordable cookbook for anyone interested in Chinese cuisine. The author includes a brief history of Chinese food’s migration to America as well as a breakdown of a typical Chinese kitchen. The recipes are easy to follow and, for me at least, the ingredients are fairly easy to find. The author includes substitution tips on many of the recipes, which is perfect for me since I don’t cook with some of the ingredients mentioned. There’s also a list of menu ideas in the back!
As usual with cookbooks from Rockridge Press, there are virtually no photographs of the food. I don’t mind not having the pictures, especially since the book is so inexpensive compared to other cookbooks, but I know some people prefer them.
I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Learn some interesting history before diving into the recipes. Discover how to cook traditional Chinese foods at home and save money, not to mention they are likely to be healthier for you. This Chinese recipe book truly has a GREAT, not to mention delicious, selection and variety.
WARNING THOUGH! If you have food sensitivities (e.g. gluten, soy etc.) this book is probably not for you. That is not a criticism on my part just an observation. Some of the recipes you could use substitutions but others probably not so easily.
Do I recommend this book? YES, if you are wanting to cook authentic Chinese foods at home. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. Thanks, Liz
I received a copy of this book directly from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
If you like Chinese food, this cookbook is a great find! It has all of the classics you'd find in an American-Chinese restaurant, with a comprehensive list of all the necessary ingredients, tools, and clear instructions. There are lots of delicious tidbits of history intertwined between the recipes, and each recipe also features the number of servings, prep time, cook time, troubleshooting and substitution tips, and there's even helpful advice on how to store or keep the leftovers. Absolutely fantastic!
From dumplings, soups, and egg rolls to Sichuan or Manchurian chicken, this cookbook provides recipes that are simple to prepare and don't call for a zillion ingredients.
I haven't tried any of the recipes in the Easy Chinese Cookbook yet, but I love how the book is organized, the photos are inspiring and mouth-watering, and I've picked out a few meal recipes (and desserts) to try out soon! I especially can't wait to make the egg custard--it looks so easy!
I received a complimentary copy from Callisto Publisher's Club.
easy to follow, good flavor not a lot of exotic ingredients
I like chinese food but living in Puglia Italy there is a dearth of chinese restaurants. And ingredients. I stocked up on Amazon with soi sauce, 5 spice, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar and hoisin sauce. I had consigned myself to a life of sweet and sour chicken and beef and broccoli. This book was listed in thefussylibrarian.com and was free. Since I have had it I have made chinese dumplings, love the wonton wrapper recipe, pot stickers, and 4 or 5 other recipes. All of them turned out great.
What does "finished" mean for a cookbook? Tried every recipe? I haven't done that. Read every recipe? Haven't done that either.
For a cookbook-slash-cultural treatise, though, it's a lot simpler. And this cookbook qualifies, because it's more than a menu of steps to achieve a meal; it teaches where these recipes come from and what you need in your kitchen to produce the flavors, textures, and experience you love. Excellent!
Straight Forward Presentation of Favorite Chinese Restaurant Food
This collection of recipes truly delivers. I have enjoyed exploring my favorite tastes from home during my Pandemic cooking. While others have been baking bread, I have enjoyed exploring the “traveling “ via foods and cultural exploring. Yes, I know, these recipes are really American style, but it is a good staring point.
Yum! These recipes include some of my favorite take out orders! With the exception of a few recipes, most include items found in my pantry. The recipes are easy to follow and include helpful tips. I wish there were more photos but other than that, this is a wonderful cookbook! My thanks to the publisher for the advance reader in exchange for my honest review.
I’m really loving this cookbook so far! I've made multiple recipes that have all turned out fantastic great flavors one of the best Asian cookbook I have seen. This book is very well written and organized with great recipes. I highly recommended it.
I received this book from Callisto Publishing and Rockridge Press for an honest review.
A colorful recipe book with concise recipes and beautiful photographs of the completed dishes.
I especially enjoyed the author's warm, welcoming feeling tone throughout the book and the little blurb he wrote for each recipe featuring a brief history about the dish.
I borrowd this book from the local public library.
First and most importantly, the recipes were delicious. I had most ingredients on hand and, if not, they were readily available in the city we live in. The Easy Chinese Cookbook includes over 85 recipes that were truly easy to make, and includes substitution notes, backgrounds or hints on each recipe.
If you have no diet restrictions, this book is going to be amazing. It has Chinese dishes that will make you miss the restaurant but still enjoy them. Great for anyone who has a taste for a lot of flavor.
Very good. Has recommended substitutions. I liked all of the variations. I love bed in China for a while but only remembered some things about cooking . This book is very helpful.
A manageable guide to reproducing favorite Chinese restaurant specialties in a home kitchen. Very well organised and clearly presented with sources of difficult to obtain ingredients also included as well as acceptable substitutions. A pleasure to utilize.
I have made several of these recipes and they are amazing! Highly recommend this book for those who enjoy Chinese food. Currently taking an Adult Education class (remotely) 'taught' by the author. Be sure to check his YouTube for videos of these recipes!
The recipes in this book will appeal to preteens and those whose tastebuds suffer from arrested development. If you are looking for authentic Chinese recipes, keep looking.
I love Chinese food and this book is full of easy-to-make recipes.... it's a life saver when you are craving Chinese food and there's nothing within an hour!
I highly recommend this awesome book for anyone who loves Chinese food! It was so fun making these delicious recipes! I bored it from. Library .. Buying the book now!