Quick Take

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.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: The Woks of Life: Recipes to Know and Love from a Chinese American Family: A Cookbook

Introduction

"The Woks of Life: Recipes to Know and Love from a Chinese American Family: A Cookbook" is a culinary journey through the rich flavors and traditions of Chinese cuisine. Written by Bill Leung, the book shares 100 of the author's favorite home-cooked and restaurant-style Chinese recipes, accompanied by personal stories and cultural insights. This review summarizes the book's appeal, the author's background, common opinions, and reasons for recommendation or not.

About Bill Leung

Bill Leung, the author of "The Woks of Life," is the patriarch of the Leung family behind the popular blog of the same name. With a background in working in his family's Chinese restaurants, Bill brings his expertise and passion for Cantonese cuisine to the cookbook. Judy, the mom, shares traditional Chinese dishes and cultural backstory, while daughters Sarah and Kaitlin provide vegetable-forward and one-dish recipes. Together, they present a comprehensive collection of recipes that showcase the diversity and deliciousness of Chinese cooking.

Analysis of Views

Engaging Family Stories: Readers appreciate the personal stories and cultural context provided by the Leung family. The narratives accompanying each recipe add depth and warmth to the cookbook, making it more than just a collection of recipes.
Accessible Recipes: Many readers find the recipes in this book accessible, even for those new to Chinese cooking. The authors provide helpful tips, tricks, and explanations of essential tools, making it easier for readers to recreate authentic Chinese dishes at home.
Comprehensive Coverage: The book covers a wide range of regional Chinese cuisines, including Americanized favorites. It also includes recipes for vegetarian and vegan options, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.
High-Quality Photography: The step-by-step photos accompanying each recipe are highly appreciated by readers. They find them visually appealing and helpful in following along with the preparation process.
Cultural Preservation: Readers appreciate the efforts made by the Leung family to preserve traditional Chinese dishes and make them accessible to a broader audience. They see this book as an essential resource for those interested in learning about Chinese cuisine and its cultural significance.

Reasons for Recommendation

Engaging Personal Stories: The personal stories shared by the Leung family add depth and meaning to the recipes, making the book more than just a cookbook. Readers appreciate the insights into their family life and cultural background.
Accessible Recipes: The recipes in this book are well-written and easy to follow, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced cooks. The authors provide helpful tips and explanations that make it easier for readers to recreate authentic Chinese dishes at home.
Comprehensive Coverage: The book covers a wide range of regional Chinese cuisines, providing readers with a diverse selection of recipes to explore. It also includes vegetarian and vegan options, making it suitable for different dietary preferences.
High-Quality Photography: The step-by-step photos accompanying each recipe are visually appealing and helpful in following along with the preparation process. They enhance the overall reading experience and make it easier for readers to visualize the final dishes.
Cultural Significance: Readers appreciate the efforts made by the Leung family to preserve traditional Chinese dishes and make them accessible to a broader audience. They see this book as an essential resource for learning about Chinese cuisine and its cultural significance.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Limited Difficulty Level: Some readers express that while there are some quick and simple dishes, others require more effort and may not be suitable for those who are not comfortable with more complex preparations. Your mileage may vary depending on your experience level and comfort with cooking techniques.
Limited Binding Options: Some readers mention that they would like to have more options for binding when purchasing a physical copy of the book. While it is ideal to handle the book in person at a library or bookstore, this may not be feasible for everyone who wants a physical copy.

Conclusion

"The Woks of Life: Recipes to Know and Love from a Chinese American Family: A Cookbook" by Bill Leung is a culinary journey through the rich flavors and traditions of Chinese cuisine. The book offers 100 delicious recipes accompanied by personal stories, cultural insights, and helpful tips from the Leung family's blog. Readers appreciate the engaging family stories, accessible recipes, comprehensive coverage, high-quality photography, and cultural significance of this cookbook. While some readers may find certain recipes challenging or prefer alternative binding options, overall, "The Woks of Life" is highly recommended for those who want to explore Chinese cooking or deepen their understanding of its cultural significance.