Simple Chinese Cooking

by Kylie Kwong

Review

For those cooks both inspired and intimidated by the range of quality Asian condiments and spices now available in most shops cooking Chinese food has never been easier or more fun - all you need is Kylie Kwong book Simple Chinese Cooking, a wok and a quick trip to the supermarket for a few essentials and you are set. Australian chef and television host Kylie Kwong demystifies the preparation of Chinese cuisine by using fresh ingredients, simple techniques and a handy repertoire of prepared sauces and spice mixes. Stock your pantry with such basics as soy sauce (light & dark); oyster sauce; sesame oil, ginger; sichuan pepper, malt vinegar, Chinese 5-spice mix and you are ready to make any of the fine dishes in her book.

Most of the dishes in Simple Chinese Cooking can easily do double duty as everyday family meals and entertaining and Kwong offers suggestions of those dishes most appropriate for Chinese banquets or special feasts. Each recipe is accompanied by a full page color photograph and this is food photography at its best, especially enlightening are some of the step-by-step photos of the more complex tasks.

Simple Chinese Cooking opens with a primer for new cooks, or those new to Chinese cuisine, giving insight on those elements of Chinese cooking that contribute to the authenticity of a dish, technique or dining experience, along with her favorite sauce brands; woks and steamers; cooking equipment; table settings; menu planning; the Chinese concept of the shared table and what to drink with Chinese food. The glossary of ingredients is an essential introduction to the recipe section. The recipes are divided into 14 chapters, each devoted to one main ingredient; chicken; rice; stocks; seafood; tofu… With its use of the freshest of ingredients, Chinese cuisine is a healthy choice and whether as a main dish, side or colorful addition to a stir fry, vegetables play a big part throughout this book.

In Simple Chinese Cooking, Kylie Kwong shares with us not only her love of fresh, simply prepared food but her culinary heritage and home cooking enjoyed by generations of her own family. This book is the perfect introduction to Chinese cuisine.

“This is an incredible book and it will change the way you cook forever. Kylie is an absolute inspiration!”- Jamie Oliver, chef and cookbook author

Great recipe’s. Found ingredients to be easily attainable.

Comment by Michelle Dent on 10/26/2010 at 11:13 AM

Abstract

A review of the cookbook 'Simple Chinese Cooking' by Kylie Kwong pertaining to Chinese recipes, Chinese cooking, Asian cooking, Asian recipes, simple Chinese recipes, cookbooks, recipe book, cook books, Kylie Kwong recipe books, book reviews and recipes.