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The Woks of Life: Recipes to Know and Love from a Chinese American Family: A Cookbook
The family behind the acclaimed blog The Woks of Life shares 100 of their favorite home-cooked and restaurant-style Chinese recipes.
This is the story of a family as told through food. Judy, the mom, speaks to traditional Chinese dishes and cultural backstory. Bill, the dad, worked in his family's Chinese restaurants and will walk you through how to make a glorious Cantonese Roast Duck. Daughters Sarah and Kaitlin have your vegetable-forward and one-dish recipes covered--put them all together and you have the first cookbook from the funny and poignant family behind the popular blog The Woks of Life.
In addition to recipes for Mini Char Siu Bao, Spicy Beef Biang Biang Noodles, Cantonese Pork Belly Fried Rice, and Salt-and-Pepper Fried Oyster Mushrooms, there are also helpful tips and tricks throughout, including an elaborate rundown of the Chinese pantry, explanations of essential tools (including the all-important wok), and insight on game-changing Chinese cooking secrets like how to "velvet" meat to make it extra tender and juicy.
Whether you're new to Chinese cooking or if your pantry is always stocked with bean paste and chili oil, you'll find lots of inspiration and trustworthy recipes that will become a part of your family story, too.
This is the story of a family as told through food. Judy, the mom, speaks to traditional Chinese dishes and cultural backstory. Bill, the dad, worked in his family's Chinese restaurants and will walk you through how to make a glorious Cantonese Roast Duck. Daughters Sarah and Kaitlin have your vegetable-forward and one-dish recipes covered--put them all together and you have the first cookbook from the funny and poignant family behind the popular blog The Woks of Life.
In addition to recipes for Mini Char Siu Bao, Spicy Beef Biang Biang Noodles, Cantonese Pork Belly Fried Rice, and Salt-and-Pepper Fried Oyster Mushrooms, there are also helpful tips and tricks throughout, including an elaborate rundown of the Chinese pantry, explanations of essential tools (including the all-important wok), and insight on game-changing Chinese cooking secrets like how to "velvet" meat to make it extra tender and juicy.
Whether you're new to Chinese cooking or if your pantry is always stocked with bean paste and chili oil, you'll find lots of inspiration and trustworthy recipes that will become a part of your family story, too.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published November 1, 2022
508 people are currently reading
1758 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
November 4, 2022
I first discovered this family thru their blog of the same name. That blog led me down my Chinese cooking journey, which has completely revolutionized the way I cook. This book is a perfect gift to yourself or to others if you want to either improve your immediate skills or are just starting out with Chinese cooking.
I would give it more than 5 stars if I could.
I would give it more than 5 stars if I could.
November 7, 2022
I’ve been telling my friends about the Woks of Life blog since 2015. I was overjoyed when I found out they were releasing a cook book. If you want to learn how to cook Chinese food, look no further! From newbie to connoisseur, there is something for everyone.
May 7, 2024
MAPO TOFU FORRREVERRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!
My face is still on FiRe and I'm loving every minute of it.
Here you will find recipes with flavors aplenty and heat for days.
Yes, please.
4 Tounge-Numbing Stars
My face is still on FiRe and I'm loving every minute of it.
Here you will find recipes with flavors aplenty and heat for days.
Yes, please.
4 Tounge-Numbing Stars
February 22, 2023
4 Stars / 0 Steam Fans
Loads of family history and interesting recipes.
Video review available in Week 8: Feb 19 – Feb 25, 2023, weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk (https://www.youtube.com/@stephsromanc...)
Loads of family history and interesting recipes.
Video review available in Week 8: Feb 19 – Feb 25, 2023, weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk (https://www.youtube.com/@stephsromanc...)
April 12, 2025
I don't usually review cookbooks but this one deserves it! The recipes are fabulous, of course, but I also love the family stories. Most blogs I'm frantically scrolling looking for the recipe aka the whole reason I'm there, but I always appreciate their additional text since it provides unique glimpses of their family life along with historical and cultural context for the recipe. I don't often cook from a book but I think I'll be trying every recipe in this one.
December 14, 2022
Growing up as the child of Chinese immigrants, I was lucky enough to grow up with amazing, home-cooked Chinese food everyday, although I didn't truly appreciate it until I moved out and had to fend for myself. Typical of many non-Western cooking styles, recipes are not commonplace. Dishes are learned from experience, memorization, and taste. But when the cooking lessons don't happen, the gaps in knowledge cause many tasty dishes get lost to history.
I first came upon their blog when I was looking for simple recipes for authentic Chinese dishes. I'm so glad they decided to publish a comprehensive cookbook. This is the cookbook that every Chinese-American person needs in their arsenal. It has the basics of many regional cuisines all over China, as well as Americanized favorites. The stories about their family are heartwarming, and I am so grateful they have worked to preserve these dishes and made them accessible to all people who enjoy cooking and eating Chinese food.
I first came upon their blog when I was looking for simple recipes for authentic Chinese dishes. I'm so glad they decided to publish a comprehensive cookbook. This is the cookbook that every Chinese-American person needs in their arsenal. It has the basics of many regional cuisines all over China, as well as Americanized favorites. The stories about their family are heartwarming, and I am so grateful they have worked to preserve these dishes and made them accessible to all people who enjoy cooking and eating Chinese food.
November 4, 2022
The blog of the same name is one of my top 10 favorite food blogs, so I was excited to hear that the Leung family was producing a cookbook. This book is the same high-quality, approachable, and readable material as the blog. I love this family's immigrant-to-American-dream story - so well illustrated in their family timeline on page 11. The star, of course, is the collection of recipes and accompanying photos. The step-by-step photos are especially appreciated. So many recipes caught my eye and were requested by my family, and I have tried several: Classic Sesame Chicken, Beef and Broccoli, and Shrimp with Lobster Sauce. All were big hits. It's great that the authors have made these favorite takeout dishes accessible to home cooks like me, giving me the opportunity to recreate what I have enjoyed in/from a restaurant. I hope the Leungs are inspired to write more cookbooks in the future.
I've received a free copy from Clarkson Potter in exchange for a free and unbiased review.
I've received a free copy from Clarkson Potter in exchange for a free and unbiased review.
partial
November 5, 2022Great IG account, even better cookbook. Pretty standard set of recipes but nice narrative throughout and A+ photography. Looking forward to making a few dishes.
February 13, 2024
I borrowed this from my library and almost immediately added it to my wishlist. The stories enhance the recipes and just make me want to try the recipes even more. I can’t decide where to start and suspect I’ll be making a Chinese feast for my friends when I add this to my cookbook collection.
November 19, 2022
I am not familiar with the blog but saw the title and thought it seemed like a fun read. I'm not that into cooking, am not sure I'd be comfortable trying making some of these recipes myself, etc. but I always enjoy cookbooks that combine some sort of history/commentary into recipes and this was no different.
It's definitely a cookbook so expect the relatively dependable format of recipes with pictures along with some commentary, expansion of ingredients that might not be familiar to some people, photos and the like. As mentioned, I'm not familiar with the blog so I couldn't say if this was an extension or "better" in any way but as a cookbook I thought it seemed relatively approachable and had some nice pictures to accompany the recipes.
That's just about it. As someone who isn't familiar with these recipes I couldn't say how difficult this would be (labor, accessibility of ingredients, etc.) so your mileage may vary for whether these would be doable for you to try. Otherwise, though, I did enjoy reading through the book and totally see it as a great gift for the holiday season, birthday, etc.
Borrowed from the library so I couldn't say much about the binding, either. May be ideal to visit a library or bookstore to handle the book yourself if you want a physical copy.
It's definitely a cookbook so expect the relatively dependable format of recipes with pictures along with some commentary, expansion of ingredients that might not be familiar to some people, photos and the like. As mentioned, I'm not familiar with the blog so I couldn't say if this was an extension or "better" in any way but as a cookbook I thought it seemed relatively approachable and had some nice pictures to accompany the recipes.
That's just about it. As someone who isn't familiar with these recipes I couldn't say how difficult this would be (labor, accessibility of ingredients, etc.) so your mileage may vary for whether these would be doable for you to try. Otherwise, though, I did enjoy reading through the book and totally see it as a great gift for the holiday season, birthday, etc.
Borrowed from the library so I couldn't say much about the binding, either. May be ideal to visit a library or bookstore to handle the book yourself if you want a physical copy.
January 22, 2023
I am a fan of The Woks of Life food blog, so the Leungs' cookbook was an obvious choice for the Book Riot challenge prompt (read a cookbook cover to cover). The recipes are clearly written and offered some cooking tips that are new to me. I'm not sure, however, if I will buy the book because I don't think I would cook from it regularly. Sure, there were some quick and simple dishes, but others are require effort I don't wish to make. If anything, this book deepens my appreciation for the nuances of Chinese cooking, and perhaps ironically, inspires me to seek some of the dishes in restaurants.
December 5, 2022
A heartwarming (and belly warming) new cookbook - the kind you sit down to read like a novel, but have to do it in a few sittings because you get too hungry.
I've been a big fan of the blog for years, and was thrilled to preorder the book (it's much nicer than the stained print outs I was using)! The family story woven between the recipes just fills you up (along with the char siu).
I've been a big fan of the blog for years, and was thrilled to preorder the book (it's much nicer than the stained print outs I was using)! The family story woven between the recipes just fills you up (along with the char siu).
January 18, 2023
I’ve been using the blog since at least 2015/2016, I’m so happy they got a book deal!! The photography is lovely and the book has a ton of recipes, excited to have them all in hard copy.
March 18, 2025
I would say this is almost the Bible of Chinese food! What a great go-to reference for many favorite chinese dishes including dim sum, char-Siu, roasted pork belly, tomato egg stir fry, poached chicken, congee (comfort food in winter and when sick), won ton soup, noodles, rice dishes, among many others. Though not exclusively Cantonese, many dishes are.
A great introduction to the chinese tools and pantry and finally, a nice hard copy from the https://thewoksoflife.com/ family (whose website gives more details for the hard-core enthusiasts, like how to season a carbon steel wok). Thank you, Leung family, for sharing your secrets!! It is a blessing to those who love Chinese food and especially Chinese Americans who grew up in the USA eating this stuff as a child but have no idea how to go about reproducing all these delicious memories as we age and desire to reconnect with our rich culinary heritage in our own kitchens. Hopefully, our progeny and extended family of non-Chinese background will also appreciate this legacy for decades to come.
A great introduction to the chinese tools and pantry and finally, a nice hard copy from the https://thewoksoflife.com/ family (whose website gives more details for the hard-core enthusiasts, like how to season a carbon steel wok). Thank you, Leung family, for sharing your secrets!! It is a blessing to those who love Chinese food and especially Chinese Americans who grew up in the USA eating this stuff as a child but have no idea how to go about reproducing all these delicious memories as we age and desire to reconnect with our rich culinary heritage in our own kitchens. Hopefully, our progeny and extended family of non-Chinese background will also appreciate this legacy for decades to come.
September 10, 2023
I've been following this blog for years and I feel I am really getting a handle on Chinese cooking. The family behind the book, and the blog, are so helpful when you try a recipe and will answer any questions you have.
I spent the entirely of my adult life living within walking distance of two of New York City's Chinatowns and consider the cuisine part of my identity. There's no question Chinese food is New York's second cuisine. A few years back I had to leave my city, and my Chinatown, and am in an area lacking both good Cantonese cuisine and any Asian markets. So whenever I can, I pick up ingredients from far away, mail ordered what I can't find, and have turned out some dinners that satisfy my cravings.
So as I often say in my comments on their blog, I thank them for this book, their recipes, their very clear instructions, and their help. I can't imagine living so far from Chinatown without them.
I spent the entirely of my adult life living within walking distance of two of New York City's Chinatowns and consider the cuisine part of my identity. There's no question Chinese food is New York's second cuisine. A few years back I had to leave my city, and my Chinatown, and am in an area lacking both good Cantonese cuisine and any Asian markets. So whenever I can, I pick up ingredients from far away, mail ordered what I can't find, and have turned out some dinners that satisfy my cravings.
So as I often say in my comments on their blog, I thank them for this book, their recipes, their very clear instructions, and their help. I can't imagine living so far from Chinatown without them.
July 19, 2025
Most of the reviewers came to this book from what I have learned is a very popular blog written by two parents and their two adult daughters. I had never heard of it before, and came across this book at the library and now have purchased my own copy.
It has what many Americans would recognize as standard Chinese restaurant fare (the parents owned a Chinese restaurant) though a bit "elevated," as well as family favorites that are mainly presented by the daughters.
I guess what I would remind the reader, as a somewhat successful home cook, is that recipes, as a concept, are starting off points. I made the Red Braised Pork Belly with Eggs, but with Moscato wine and Bourbon instead of Shaoxing wine. And the Golden Fried Rice with bits and bobs of vegetables I had laying around, not the ones specified in the recipe, and also again with Moscato instead of Shaoxing... you can just do things that are authentic to your pantry and form your own household and family favorites.
It has what many Americans would recognize as standard Chinese restaurant fare (the parents owned a Chinese restaurant) though a bit "elevated," as well as family favorites that are mainly presented by the daughters.
I guess what I would remind the reader, as a somewhat successful home cook, is that recipes, as a concept, are starting off points. I made the Red Braised Pork Belly with Eggs, but with Moscato wine and Bourbon instead of Shaoxing wine. And the Golden Fried Rice with bits and bobs of vegetables I had laying around, not the ones specified in the recipe, and also again with Moscato instead of Shaoxing... you can just do things that are authentic to your pantry and form your own household and family favorites.
December 4, 2022
The authors's blog is one of the best I've read, filled with warmth, creativity, context, and well tested recipes. The book does the same, with a beautiful biographical spirit of a family building a home and community through food.
Also, just as someone who grew up with very different ingredients and techniques I've learned so much, from this book and their blog. Neither is a substitute for the other, but excellent and essential companions.
Also, just as someone who grew up with very different ingredients and techniques I've learned so much, from this book and their blog. Neither is a substitute for the other, but excellent and essential companions.
Read
January 6, 2025Excited to try many of the stir fries and homestyle comfort food. I enjoyed the essays from the family that shared their experiences in China and America.
Similar to Indian-Ish: Recipes and Antics from a Modern American Family https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4... and
Chop Suey Nation: The Legion Cafe and Other Stories from Canada's Chinese Restaurants https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
Similar to Indian-Ish: Recipes and Antics from a Modern American Family https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4... and
Chop Suey Nation: The Legion Cafe and Other Stories from Canada's Chinese Restaurants https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
December 4, 2022
From the beautiful dishes to the personal glimpses into the lives of this family, this cookbook is superb. So many delish dishes to make and plenty of tips and tricks to get them right help even the newbie cooks make tasty Chinese dishes.
Be sure to try at least one of the dishes that you have never tried before as well as the go-to ones you love. You will not be disappointed!
Be sure to try at least one of the dishes that you have never tried before as well as the go-to ones you love. You will not be disappointed!
January 25, 2023
Delightful book. Asian cooking and wok cooking in particular is one of the most developed cuisines in the world and there is so much "behind the scenes" in terms of marinating, prepping, aging etc. This cookbook delves into those secrets with well photographed and clear narrative recipes. I am very thankful for the American section on tofu and sauces. Recommended.
June 13, 2023
Essential reading for anyone wanting to cook good food! I started grabbing recipes from their website during the pandemic at least once a week, so had to buy the book. Informative re ingredients & techniques, easy to follow & accurate instructions, with simple to complex recipes. Loved learning more about their family too.
July 23, 2023
I have been following the Woks of Life blog for many years. I love the combination of authentic Chinese, classic take out style Chinese-American, and fusion recipes this family comes up with. This book was not only a lovely collection of their blog’s best recipes, but a charming peak into their lives as a family. I have made a ton of the recipes!
October 22, 2023
Best recipe book for Chinese Cooking anywhere. Recipes are easy to follow. Clear and concise. Pictures are accurate. I do suggest getting the spiral copy. I have the spiral and the kindle version. Or scan the your recipe and print a hard copy til I master it. This is one cookbook you will pass down to other generations.
January 11, 2024
I had ordered this book before it was published. I do not know what happened to it. It disappeared---
I know that as soon as I ordered again, it will show up. So I just cook from their website. Their recipes are good. One of my favorites is the very simple recipe of fried eggs with sautéed green onions (scallions) by Sarah---
I know that as soon as I ordered again, it will show up. So I just cook from their website. Their recipes are good. One of my favorites is the very simple recipe of fried eggs with sautéed green onions (scallions) by Sarah---
September 14, 2024
Fabulous book, have made two recipes so far and this book keeps up the high standards set by the family’s blog. This is a book I will refer to time and time again. Lovely photos and recipes have clear instructions. Highly recommended for all cooks, even the beginner. Their recipes work and are very tasty.
December 9, 2024
This is such a lovely, cozy cookbook. I love the family history and short but sweet descriptions of each dish. The recipes and photos were laid out beautifully and were very approachable for someone new to Chinese cooking. I got a copy from the library, but plan to buy a copy so I can revisit it often.
November 1, 2022
While this a lovely cookbook, and all the family stories are super charming to read, the recipes themselves look fairly labor intensive and not for those like me who half ass their weekly meal prep on Sundays.
This is perfect for cooks who have the time and would rather not order out.
This is perfect for cooks who have the time and would rather not order out.
January 9, 2023
This is an amazing book featuring recipes with a short list of ingredients, easy directions and beautiful color photos of many of the dishes. The family’s story is heartwarming and interesting. If you want to learn how to make Chinese food, this is the cookbook for you.
January 11, 2023
This book is accessible and has a mix of simple and somewhat challenging recipes. I’ve already made several dishes and they’ve all been great! It even inspired me to get a Chinese cleaver — which I also recommend
January 24, 2023
I’ve been following this family’s blog and IG for years - the book is everything I’d hoped for and then some! Have made just 3 recipes so far but all were fabulous and so flavorful and I can’t wait to continue my culinary journey through all the rest.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews