Nom Nom Paleo: Let's Go!

by Michelle Tam, Henry Fong

The New York Times bestselling creators of Nom Nom Paleo are back with a new collection of internationally-inspired, umami-packed dishes--including a host of keto-friendly, Whole30-compatible, and plant-based recipes. A visual feast of step-by-step photos, fun cartoons, and offbeat humor, Let's Go! will have you running into the kitchen and ready to cook!Michelle Tam and Henry Fong know that the healthiest meal is the one you make yourself, so they're all about getting you off your butts and into the kitchen. Whether you're cooking for yourself, whipping up a family dinner, or preparing a special-occasion feast, Nom Nom Let's Go! will inspire you with deliciously nourishing meals.Weeknight suppers should be healthy and flavor-packed but also fast and simple. Weekends and celebrations, on the other hand, are the perfect excuse to craft elevated (but easy) crowd-pleasers. This cookbook offers crazy-delicious recipes for all occasions, and every single one is free of grains, gluten, dairy, and refined sugar. Better yet? No one in your family will notice what's missing.As always, Nom Nom Paleo's recipes reflect the diverse cuisines Michelle grew up with and culinary ideas from her travels. Often Asian-inspired, Michelle's unfussy recipes maximize flavor, optimize whole foods, and are presented with photos of each step so they're absolutely foolproof--even for novice cooks! New recipes Pipa DuckNom Nom Chili CrispBacon Cheeseburger CasseroleChicken KaraageInstant Pot Balsamic Beef StewPaleo-Friendly Cream Puffs. So what are you waiting for? LET'S GO!

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Food, Nonfiction, Nutrition

187 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 18, 2022

About the author

New York Times bestselling cookbook author Michelle Tam is the critically acclaimed co-creator of Nom Nom Paleo, the Saveur Best Food Blog Award winning website and Webby Award winning cooking app. Her debut cookbook, Nom Nom Paleo: Food for Humans, was nominated for a James Beard Foundation Award, and her eagerly-anticipated second cookbook, Ready or Not!, hits bookstores this August.

A native Californian, Michelle studied nutrition and food science at UC Berkeley, and earned her doctorate in pharmacy from UC San Francisco. Michelle and her family currently split their time between Palo Alto, California and Portland, Oregon.

Reviews

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful paleo cookbook with step-by-step photographs showing you how to make a variety of delicious Asian dishes. I appreciate that Tam tells you which ones are keto-friendly, vegetarian, egg-free, etc. and now also gives the reader nutritional information. The recipes look and sound utterly delicious. I am totally making paleo wontons soon, and there are a number of other recipes I bookmarked to try.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.

[Alice Ferris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over the past several years, I have significantly reduced my cookbook collection, so it takes a lot for a cookbook to stay on the bookshelf. It takes even more for a cookbook to be ADDED to the shelf, so it's a testament to Michelle Tam and Henry Fong that all three of their cookbooks are in my collection! I've been a fan of their books because not only are the recipes delicious, but they're really easy to prep. This book is no exception!

I appreciated that in the introduction, Michelle is honest about their movement toward being "paleo-ish" which is how I have approached their recipes all along. There are some repeat recipes, but they are staples like the Magic Mushroom Powder. My favorite recipes already are the sheet pan teriyaki salmon, tsukune, and chicken tikka masala. There are far more dessert recipes in the book than previous Nom Nom books, so if you have a sweet tooth, this is the one of the trio to get.

There are several seafood recipes and the Cantonese duck recipe that I'm looking forward to trying!

It's also fun to see how much Big O and Little O have grown up--Owen and Ollie have definitely upped their snark game to play with their parents.

All in all, another keeper.

Disclosure: this review is for a preview copy provided by the author.

[Crysta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last night, as I made a 10th-ish recipe from this book, I realized how much I love it. It's so well done, with cross-references, clear photos and directions, and a really unique, approachable style. I don't necessarily eat paleo, but the focus on whole foods, proteins, and vegetables, definitely aligns with my gluten-free needs. (I just add cheese sometimes.)

And the flavors! I love Tam's approach of investing just a bit of time to make a sauce that will carry several weeknight meals. The pipian pork was spectacular and I have two more jars of pipian sauce in the freezer for future uses. The all-purpose stir fry sauce has been a delicious backbone for shaking beef, teriyaki salmon, tsukune meatballs, and a smashed cucumber salad. And while I planned to save the scallion-ginger sauce for more ultra-fast weeknight fish meals, it was so good in scrambled eggs it disappeared in just a few days. In each case, Tam carefully lists how each building block can be used in several ways (with page numbers!).

[Leith Devine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been a fan of this couple for a while, their recipes are outstanding, especially the Asian ones. This cookbook is full of delicious recipes. If you’re following the paleo eating plan you’ll find recipes here!
I’ve already made their stir fry and dumpling dipping sauces, and I can’t wait to make the following recipes:
Air Fryer Meatball Wontons
Kalbi
Shaking Beef
Tom Kha
Chicken Karage
The pictures are gorgeous and the recipe directions are clear and easy to follow. I highly recommend this book, 5 stars.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

[MAYA QUARTZ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nom Nom Paleo: Let’s Go! is a vibrant, funny, and beautifully photographed cookbook that teaches Paleo cooking. It invites readers into Michelle Tam’s kitchen, her family life, and her infectious enthusiasm for food. Structured around practical kitchen tools and weeknight-friendly meals, Tam offers over 100 recipes ranging from quick fixes to weekend projects, all infused with personal stories and playful humor. This isn’t simply a cookbook; it’s a culinary graphic novel bursting with flavor.

What distinguishes this book is how effectively it builds on Tam’s earlier work without repeating it. The recipes here are bolder, more layered, and more exciting. Tam embraces complexity but avoids unnecessary fuss. Thoughtful cross-referencing enhances usability, with sauces from one section reappearing in multiple entrees, complete with page numbers for easy navigation. The layout encourages both experimentation and repetition, making it simple to master a recipe and then adapt it in new ways.

The family narrative adds warmth and relatability to the cooking experience. Tam’s stories about Henry and their children (Big O and Little O) provide humor and continuity, making it easy to picture yourself cooking her Chicken Tikka Masala while your own family gathers in the kitchen. Even the comic-book format, which might initially seem gimmicky, is executed with care and wit. It serves both a stylistic and practical purpose, clarifying tricky steps and making the process more inviting.

Tam’s voice is key to the book’s success. She strikes a perfect balance between instruction and playfulness, blending gentle sarcasm, cultural references, and practical tips (such as which chicken cuts to avoid for dryness or how long a sauce keeps in the fridge). The photography is excellent: clear, appetizing, and instructional, with most steps shown in well-lit frames. Even the design elements, like icons, callouts, and allergen info, are streamlined without cluttering the page.

If there’s one minor drawback, it’s that some ingredient lists, particularly those drawing from her Chinese heritage or global flavors, might intimidate beginners or those without access to specialty markets. However, Tam’s encouraging tone, visual aids, and substitution suggestions help mitigate this. Ultimately, these more complex recipes contribute to the book’s evolution from her previous work.

In short, whether you’re committed to Paleo, exploring gluten-free cooking, or simply seeking smarter weeknight meals, this book delivers with heart, humor, and plenty of ginger-scallion sauce.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chock full of humour, quirky cartoons, breathtaking photography, wonderful global recipes and tips, Michelle Tam and Henry Fong's brand spanking new book is lovely to pore over like a novel and to cook from. I couldn't help but notice many familiar books in their culinary library, though my books are not as beautifully arranged! Their two sons are now in their teens and cook, too.

Other things to love about this book are the inclusion of nutritional information and the "use this for..." with each suggested recipes in the book along with page numbers. The Thanks/Acknowledgement page made me smile...I ALWAYS read them! The amount of time and energy involved in the detailed photography and cartoons (all by Henry) is staggering. Truly a labour of love.

One needn't follow the paleo lifestyle to enjoy the benefits and recipes here. I must avoid gluten (celiac) and am keto..there is a richness of inspiration on these pages, especially for condiment-making nuts like me. But these condiments are very simple. I have yet to make No-Fish Sauce (certainly will) but the All-Purpose Stir-Fry Sauce is incredibly tasty. Nearly all the recipes here interest me enough to make them but one that stands out especially is Nom Nom Chili Crisp. A game changer! The Umami Stir-Fry Powder is easy and flavourful (we are using it with Umami Fried Shrimp tomorrow)...I bet the Nomtastic Grilling Powder is equally good. The Zucchini Carpaccio Salad will be our go-to version now. Can't wait to make the Scallion Pancakes and Tsukune Chicken Meatballs, Wonton Meatballs, Dan Tat (Hong Kong Egg Tarts) and Coconut Almond Jelly (hopefully the latter tomorrow, too).

All cooks with all skill levels and dietary lifestyles ought to prioritize this book...a few recipes do contain harder-to-find ingredients but most do not. Explanations and descriptions are very clear.

My sincere thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for the privilege of reading and cooking from this delightful book!

[Joy Z · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Now this is a love letter to Michelle Tam, I started reading her blog when she was a pill pusher who would blog about doing crossfit in her garage and eating these frozen coconut milk chunks (Btw, I was influenced enough to research about crossfit and also buy my own coconut milk chunks to eat as desserts ). I made cracklin chicken countless number of times, in both stove top, and air fryer. When I had a chance to read her latest cookbook, I was delighted!

It's such a great cookbook, and I learned a lot of little tips from following her recipes.

Here's my feedback for some of the recipes I've tried:

Japanese Potato Salad: very simple and delicious, good tip about marinating then squeezing out liquids in the cucumber slices.

Smashed cucumber and carrot salad: easy and refreshing

Ramen Eggs: I love these, perfect for ramen or on top of a bowl of rice

Chicken velvet and spinach soup : Ahhh, I love this soup, I didn't have a food processor so I used minced chicken, sitll came out very nice.

Chicken Tikka Masala came out very delicious, must use tomato puree and not fresh tomatoes.

Greek chicken and potatoes: thanks for teaching us how to spatchcocking a chicken in step by step photograph.

Chicken and scallion sauce: My chicken breast was too dry, but that's because I used boneless skinless chicken breast. I will make this again in the future with bone- in, skinned chicken breasts.

Mooshu Pork- is there any recipes that cannot be cooked with the all purpose stir- fry sauce? Memorize that recipe and you're set for all stir- frys.

Eye- Opener smoothie: I don't have collagen peptides, so I omitted that. Who would have thought coffee and banana go so well together!

Thanks Michelle and Henry, for such a well- written, well- photographed cook book once again.

[Katya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I don't eat paleo, nor do I follow any one type of diet or eating pattern. However, I'm always on the lookout for ways to eat more healthy, and the premise behind paleo is one that I admire and agree with.

This is my first cookbook by Tam, and I am utterly charmed (and hungry)! I love the down-to-earth voice and tone of the book, and the fact that the entirety of the book is constructed by the family. The comic book layout may not be for everyone, but I appreciate the step-by-step photographs (and the labor of love it took to painstakingly shoot every dish) and the detailed instructions. I also appreciate the adjustments offered, if you don't have an instant pot or prefer to use a slow cooker.

The recipes are very approachable, and range from simple (pop ingredients into an instant pot; wait) to three-page involved. I like that most recipes are built on the blocks of protein-vegetable-seasoning and appreciate that Tam and co go through the trouble of cleanly outlining the pantry necessities of the paleo kitchen so you don't find yourself lost mid-recipe. I found many recipes that I may not follow to the letter, but am still excited to incorporate into my rotation.

The cookbook is cleanly divided into sauces/seasonings, appetizers, proteins, and desserts. Many of the sauces and seasonings Tam creates later figure into her entrees, so it's a good idea to get acquainted with them as they seem highly versatile even outside the pages of this book.

This is a comforting introduction to eating paleo and an un-serious book for serious eaters. Tam's spirit (and that of her family) shines through in every page.

Thanks to the authors, the publisher, and NetGalley for an eARC!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading an advance copy of this cookbook, I pre-ordered it because I want to have a physical copy.

I am a fan of Michelle Tam and Nom Nom Paleo. I have her first two cookbooks, cook recipes off of her website (Instant Pot Carnitas is a family favorite), and have watched her do live cooking demonstrations on Facebook.

This cookbook is formatted like her previous two and is gorgeous. The writing is relatable, the cartoons that her husband creates are connected to the content and fun, and the recipes, most importantly, are fantastic. My family of four does not eat paleo regularly. That said, when I make time to meal plan and cook, I go to my Nom Nom cookbooks because the recipes are so nutrient-dense, tasty, and easy to follow. So, if you eat paleo regularly or not, I highly recommend you check out this cookbook. The recipes also include step by step photos that help guide you through the process.

There are several recipes that I am going to try this month, including making my own Magic Mushroom powder ( a spice blend with a dried mushroom base), Crispy Chicken, and the Scallion pancakes. My list is longer- all the recipes look good.

Thank to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Diane Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nom Nom Paleo Let’s Go is jam-packed with well over a hundred recipes. All are paleo and also gluten-free! Each recipe has multiple photographs, diet/allergen notifications, and nutritional information.

The recipes within Nom Nom Paleo Let’s Go look delicious! However, many are not for beginners. Though the step-by-step photographs of the cooking process help a lot. In addition, many of ingredients are not pantry staples of a non-Chinese American home (i.e., galagal, persimmons, and makrut lime leaves).

However, there is a lot to like about the book. Using spiralized daikon radish rather than using zucchini, sweet potato or rice noodles is a brilliant idea. Bulk Italian sausage as a pizza crust? Mind-blowing! The Chicken Tikka Masala and many of the chicken sheet pan dinners look delicious, are easy to make, and are budget friendly. I made the Albondigas Soup, and it was as yummy as it looked in the pictures!

If you are paleo, gluten-free, or just looking for some healthier and inventive recipes, don’t miss Nom Nom Paleo Let’s Go. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars!

Thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the digital galley of this ebook.

I’ve been an online fan of Nom Nom Paleo for a while. I’m not Paleo, but I am more conscious about the foods I’m putting in my body these days, so I peruse a variety of eating styles and make things from a variety of them to get enough veggies and protein.

I’ll be honest. A lot of what I found in this book is outside of my very simple cooking style, but I had a blast discovering new ingredients and recipes. The cartoon style of design along with easy to follow instructions made these fancier (to me) dishes way more approachable should I venture to try them out. Also, they all look darn delicious. Most of the recipes are Asian-inspired and reflect Michelle’s extensive travels and her own background.

I recommend it even if you’re not Paleo or a cook, but then I weirdly read cookbooks to wind down at night, so maybe that’s just a me thing.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been wanting to read and get some of Michelle's other cookbooks in the past but was too chicken to do so. I have made several of her recipes including her famous Kaluha Pork which is a favorite of mine so when I saw she was coming out with a new book I was super excited. I read the book and was excited to make several things from the book. As someone who has to eat gluten free I found the recipes easy to work with and it was easy to find the many different ingredients compared to other books. If you're looking for a fun and easy cookbook with delicious recipes in it, then you've gotta check out this book and add it to your collection today!

[Theresa Diulus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gorgeous cookbook from Nom Nom Paleo with their trademark step by step photo directions that are super beneficial to follow along almost guaranteeing your recipe success for novices and experts alike. It’s the next best thing to having Michelle right in the kitchen with you showing you how to make the recipes personally. Her ability of explaining how to make her delicious recipes in an easy and approachable manner is part of her brilliance. When you taste what you’ve made, you’ll see more of her brilliance! This cookbook’s recipes are geared to have food on your table to be enjoyed in less time, but that doesn’t mean a shortcut on flavor.

[Ashley Hite · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for an ARC of Nom Nom Paleo: Let's Go! in exchange for an honest review.

Michelle Tam and Henry Fong return with their newest book from their Nom Nom Paleo cookbook series. This time they have taken the easy to follow Paleo/Keto/Whole 30 recipes in an international direction especially drawing on Tam's background and travels. Each recipe is easy to follow and includes photos and newly added nutritional information. It has a nice variety of dishes that are appealing to the whole family. I am always on the lookout for new recipes that follow more of the keto lifestyle and this cookbook delivers.

[(a)lyss(a) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a great recipe book, even for those of us who aren't paleo!

There's a variety of recipes with pictures for each. There's a lot of vegan/paleo nut based cheeses and lots of interesting recipes. There are also cute comics throughout the book. I appreciate that a lot of the recipes have pictures of each step to show you how to make them. Some of the recipes are a bit intensive so having that extra help is useful.

Overall a good cook book!

[Joni Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

We don’t follow a Paleo diet but we love Nom Nom Paleo! Their recipes are so flavorful and easy to follow along. There are step by step photos to accompany every recipe. The author even gives you conversion measurements if you use different kosher salt than she does.

Not only are all the pictures beautiful and useful (and plentiful) the illustrations throughout are hilarious and so fun.

This is a terrific cookbook for any level home cook. I plan on giving this to my teenager to get her more in the kitchen.

[Leona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun book by this talented chef. I appreciate how the book became a family effort during lockdown - for some, the cartoons might be appealing. I personally prefer more traditionally formatted recipes, especially in an ebook or library book. In any case, I did copy several recipes and so did my gluten free daughter. I definitely recommend the recipes from all the books and the website.

[Daniela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a fan of Michelle Tam for many years and follow her YouTube and FB pages. This book was wonderful like so many of her other cookbooks. The photography is stunning and I love the step by step photos for the recipes. The comics of her family are such a fun addition and make it enjoyable to read. Another great cookbook from this author!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a fan of Nom Nom Paleo for a while now. I love the new recipes and the fun way that the recipes are brought to life in the book. I cannot wait to get my own copy and have the book in front of me to whip such good food up in the kitchen. Thank you for deciding to do plant based recipes as well - as someone attempting to go to a plant based diet, they were a wonderful edition.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I own all 3 of her cookbooks and this one is as delightful, colorful, and fun to cook from as the first 2! There are more comfort food recipes in this one and they truly are comforting. Each recipe has step by step pictures along with the instructions and it makes it so easy to make the meals. The illustrations are lovely and the meals are incredible! 😋

[Abrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal! My favorite recipes from this book (so far) are the Hot & Sticky Chicken and the Smashed Cucumber & Carrot Salad. With its personable comics, user-friendly categories, step by step instructions, and AMAZING photos, it makes creating new dishes far less intimidating for a family cook like myself.

[Crissi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might be my favorite Nom Nom Paleo book of all. The recipes are all so delicious and easy to make and utilizes a base set of ingredients that are easy to acquire. Because of all these books, I have a new appreciation for Asian ingredients in my dishes. My family has many favorites, but I think the one that tops our list is the one for Char Siu pork. I could make that one every week!!!!

[Briel · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thoughts on this one are the same as for Nom Nom Paleo: Ready or Not. The format is too cool and complex for this foggy mom brain, but if you can figure it out you’ll be treated to innovative and delicious recipes!

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I forgot that I had read this pre-publication. Bought a copy for the library in June, and just re-read it. I want this book to live on the book shelf in my kitchen. Might have to buy my own copy. I don't think I've ever gone wrong with a Nom Nom Paleo recipe.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful cookbook. All the recipes look really good and I'm excited to try all of them. Love the non-dairy recipes.

[Teresa Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snagged this book after following her for years. Every recipe is so mouth watering and clean! It’s helping me seek out ingredients I’ve never used! I’ll be revisiting this one over and over

[Jamie Burch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic cookbook from Nom Nom Paleo. These books are my favorite to use.

[Virginia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The recipes seem great but the pages are too busy. Reminds me of a graphic book rather than recipes.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this book. Recipes are edible with great step by step instructions and pictures.
I will definitely be turning to this book again and again.

[Lesli · Rating 3 out of 5]

4 stars for the recipes
2 stars for the comic book style format.