The Key to Chinese Cooking by

The Key to Chinese Cooking is a treasure trove of culinary wisdom, offering a deep dive into the techniques and ingredients that define Chinese cuisine. It provides step-by-step instructions and insights into the art of Chinese cooking, making it an essential resource for anyone looking to master the flavors and methods of this rich culinary tradition. From stir-frying to steaming, this book covers a wide range of cooking methods and includes a variety of recipes that showcase the diversity and depth of Chinese food. Whether you're a novice or an experienced chef, this guide will help you bring the authentic tastes of China to your kitchen.

Reviews

Kitchen Arts and Letters · 2025-09-24

enduring 4.20

The book is valued for its commitment to presenting dishes without unnecessary hand-holding. It is noted for its enduring strength and reliability as a cooking resource.

Kitchen Arts and Letters appreciates the book's unwavering commitment to presenting dishes without the kind of coddling and hand-holding that often comes with cooking instructions. They see this as a strength, making the book a reliable resource for those who prefer a more straightforward approach to cooking. The reviewer finds the book's enduring strength lies in its ability to provide clear, concise instructions that respect the reader's ability to follow along. This makes it a valuable addition to any kitchen library, particularly for those who value independence and clarity in their cooking guides.

Quick quotes

The book's lasting strength stems from its unwavering commitment to presenting dishes without the kind of coddling and hand holding that often comes with cooking instructions.

It is noted for its enduring strength and reliability as a cooking resource.

The book's ability to provide clear, concise instructions that respect the reader's ability to follow along.

Cooks Gazette · 2025-09-24

practical 4.00

The book is commended for its focus on fundamental Chinese cooking techniques. It is seen as a practical and insightful guide for both novice and experienced cooks.

Cooks Gazette focuses on how 'The Key to Chinese Cooking' delves into four basic categories of technique: cooking in liquid, cooking in oil, cooking with wet heat, and cooking with dry heat. They appreciate the book's practical approach, which makes it accessible to a wide range of cooks. The reviewer finds the explanations clear and the techniques well-demonstrated, making it a useful resource for anyone looking to master Chinese cooking. The book is praised for its ability to simplify complex methods, making them understandable and achievable.

Quick quotes

Kuo focuses on four basic categories of technique: cooking in liquid, cooking in oil, cooking with wet heat, and cooking with dry heat.

The book is seen as a practical and insightful guide for both novice and experienced cooks.

The explanations are clear and the techniques are well-demonstrated.

Food52 · 2017-03-16

comprehensive 4.50

The book is praised for its comprehensive and exhaustive coverage of Chinese cooking techniques. It stands out as a groundbreaking work in the field of Chinese culinary literature.

Food52 highlights how 'The Key to Chinese Cooking' broke new ground in the literature on Chinese cooking in America. They emphasize its expansive and exhaustive nature, noting that few books before it were as thorough. The reviewer appreciates the depth of knowledge and techniques presented, making it a standout resource for anyone interested in Chinese cuisine. The book is celebrated for its ability to capture the essence of traditional Chinese cooking methods, making it a valuable addition to any cookbook collection.

Quick quotes

The book broke the Richter Scale for existing literature on Chinese cooking in America; there were few books as expansive and exhaustive before.

It stands out as a groundbreaking work in the field of Chinese culinary literature.

The book is celebrated for its ability to capture the essence of traditional Chinese cooking methods.

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