168 BETTER THAN TAKEOUT CHINESE RECIPES

I'm Mandy Fu, a passionate home cook and a social media influencer (Souped Up Recipes) with 3 million followers worldwide, on a mission to share the joy of cooking and rich flavors of Chinese foodwith you. As I penned the recipes for this cookbook, I found myself confronted with a daunting task. China, with its vast territory, large population, diverse ethnic groups, and millennia-old history, boasts an astonishingly rich culinary heritage. The term "Chinese food" encompasses an infinite spectrum of flavors and traditions, making it a challenge to create a single volume that does justice to the breadth and depth of Chinese cuisine. While I sifted through my recipes on my social media pages, I knew I had to cover all of those popular takeout dishes like Chicken Fried Rice, Mongolian Beef, Pepper Steak, Sesame Chicken, Sweet and Sour Pork, Chop Suey, Chicken Lo Mein, and more. These dishes have proven their status as beloved Chinese food by millions of audiences from all over the world. Their simplicity and affordability make them perfect for home cooking, offering a chance for everyone to cook better than takeout right in their own kitchens. Inspired by my childhood memories and the timeless cooking wisdom imparted by my parents and relatives, I've endeavored to include staple family meals passed down through generations, such as Beef and Broccoli, Cantonese Steamed Fish, Sweet and Sour Ribs, and Chicken Mushroom Congee. These recipes are emblematic of easy and homestyle cooking and have stood the test of time. With them, you'll be able to savor the local meals like a native Chinese. Delving into the culinary treasures of China and reminiscing about my travels, I've curated various regional specialties that spotlight the diverse and vibrant flavors found across every province of this country. From the Beijing Doorknob Dumplings to Sichuan Mapo Tofu, you will see the spirit of Chinese cuisine deeply rooted in this broad land and shining with enthusiasm through time. From the tantalizing Shaanxi Beef Burger Rou Jia Mo to the hearty Yunan Herb Braised Beef Soup, you will appreciate the abundance and inclusiveness of the food culture in each ethnicity and region. From flavorful Hong Kong Beef Curry to Shanghai Crispy Breaded Pork Chop, you will experience the beauty of fusion foods, which were drawn upon their traditions and colonial history and then evolved into such delicious delicacies. Every dish is carefully selected to offer a taste of its unique locality and rich culture that makes Chinese cuisine so captivating. I also included some challenging recipes, such as Cantonese Roasted Duck, Char Siu Pork Buns, Taro Puff Dumplings, Aromatic Chicken Wonton Soup, Sticky Rice Dumplings Wrapped in Lotus Leaf, Yibin Flaming Noodles, and more. These dishes require patience and dedication to master. Besides clear instructions, I explained the reasons behind the methods, illustrated common pitfalls, and offered tips to help you achieve restaurant-quality results. My ultimate goal is for you to experience the same satisfaction and pride when replicating a dish you encounter in any Chinese restaurant and then impress your family and friends. In essence, this cookbook, with 168 carefully selected recipes, is a humble attempt to capture a glimpse of the wondrous Chinese cuisine. Each recipe is accompanied by a demo video and detailed step-by-step photos, making this book your ultimate guide to cooking authentic and delicious Chinese food. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned chef, you'll find valuable insights and secret tips to enhance your cooking experience, as well as heartwarming stories to bring more love and happiness to every meal. View Less