“I would try your local Chinese takeaway shop, but I just know it won’t be as good as the one I go to”, complained a friend a few weeks ago on a Friday night. The undying loyalty to your local takeaway rivals little else. But, what if your homemade Chinese meals could taste even better?
For decades, many of us, from complete newbies to kitchen wizards, have shied away from cooking Chinese food for fear of not ever being able to recreate some of our favourite meals.
However, with better access to authentic ingredients, proper equipment and plenty of hacks and tips from the best chefs in the business, cooking Chinese food is becoming easier and more accessible.
As the country with the largest population in the world - at 1.4 billion people and sized at almost 10 million km squared, Chinese food is incredibly varied based on regions and traditions. Whilst it therefore can be daunting to know where to start, it also makes this cuisine an exciting and adventurous one with plenty of recipes for whatever your taste buds demand.
So, whether you’ve never cooked Chinese food before (and rely on your local takeaway for a chow mein) or you’re a culinary master in the cuisine, we’ve rounded up eight of the best Chinese cookbooks on the market.
China The Cookbook
Hailed by many as the Chinese cookbook, this book features 650 recipes from 33 regions in the country. Not only is it beautifully illustrated, but the authentic dishes are sure to immerse you in Chinese food and history as recipes are written in full Chinese script and English translation. The book is written by husband and wife duo Kei Lum Chan and Diora Fong Chan and is inspired by extensive travels around all of China.
Buy now £22.50, Amazon
Dumplings and Noodles: Bao, Gyoza, Biang Biang, Ramen – and Everything in Between
Despite being a dumpling lover, I must admit I have never attempted to make these hearty pockets of deliciousness - they have always seemed overly intricate and delicate. But, with the step-by-step guide provided in Dumplings and Noodles, mastering the art of dumpling making has never been easier.
If you fancy something simpler to get you started on your Nippon culinary odyssey, check out the Miso Ramen for the colder evenings, or the Aromatic Lamb biang biang for a Sunday lunch with a twist. The detailed instructions, clear photographs and helpful tips along the way make this book a staple for all Asian food lovers.
Buy now £14.15, Amazon
Chinese Takeaway Cookbook: From Chop Suey to Sweet 'n' Sour, Over 70 Recipes to Re-create Your Favourites
Saving your pennies doesn’t mean compromising on your favourite takeouts. This book features 70 of the best-loved dishes in Chinese cuisine.
The food is super simple to make and inspired by Kwoklyn’s family’s Cantonese restaurant which he grew up working in. What’s more, most recipes in this book take 20 minutes or less so it should take you less time to whip up these dishes than waiting for a takeaway delivery to arrive.
Of course, our absolute favourite dish was the easy (and relatively healthy) sweet and sour chicken that can be served on a bed of rice or with noodles. You can watch us make it at home here.
Buy now £12.00, Amazon
Asian Green Everyday Plant-Based Recipes Inspired by the East
The beauty of Asian food lies in its versatility, and with versatility comes plenty of options - so vegans need not feel left out. This vegan cookbook focuses on healthy yet delicious meals that use fresh fruit and vegetables to create traditional dishes from all over China, Japan and beyond.
If you’re planning on hosting, or cooking for those with plant-based dietary requirements, the Sticky Sprouts & Wild Rice Salad, Chinese Black Bean Seitan Tacos and Xian-style Carrot, Potato and Spring Onion Hash will go down as an absolute treat, and are remarkably easy to make (almost of all of it can be prepped in advance).
For those with a bit more time on their hands, follow Huang’s recipe for homemade tofu that can be incorporated into ramen, poke bowls and noodle dishes.
Buy now £12.31, Amazon
Taste Tibet: Family recipes from the Himalayas
Despite traditional Tibetan food dating back over 8,000 years, this cuisine remains relatively unknown and is overshadowed by mainland Chinese dishes. However, this cookbook unearths the secrets of the nourishing and simple cuisine in 80 recipes. As well as featuring hearty soups, stews and noodles it also explores the history and culture of such an amazing country.
Buy now £18.09, Amazon
The Noodle Cookbook: 101 healthy and delicious noodle recipes for happy eating
Gone are the days when the only way to eat noodles was by adding water to a plastic pot. The Noodle Cookbook features plenty of recipes which, despite using few ingredients, are absolutely delicious. Most recipes can also be adapted for vegans and veggies and include gluten-free options, making these recipes perfect for everyone in the family.
Buy now £13.09, Amazon
To Asia, with Love: Everyday Asian Recipes and Stories from the Heart
It can be difficult to create meals to please the entire family without spending all day in the kitchen. This bestselling cookbook by Hetty McKinnon achieves this as she creates traditional vegetarian dishes in unconventional ways.
Her many Asian salads including Smashed Cucumber Salad and Finger-lickin’ Good Edamame Beans make this a perfect cookbook for summer and outdoor dining. Impressively, you’ll find that most recipes cater for dietary requirements or offer simple substitutes for vegans.
Buy now £18.95, Amazon
Cherry Blossom
This cookbook comes from one of the Great British Menu chefs and owner of the famous Lu Ban restaurant in Liverpool, Dave Critchley. His first cookbook, Critchley reflects on his experiences at Lu Ban and the guidance he received from one of China’s greatest chefs, Master Wu. The book features gorgeous combinations of flavours and an even more amazing food presentation.
Buy now £35.00, Away with Media
