168 Better Than Takeout Chinese Recipes - A Cookbook

I have followed Mandy's YouTube channel for a long time and bought her cookware. This book arrived in very good condition, and has a well done binding and nice heavy paper. Each recipe has a photo, and is well laid out with clear instructions. Another thing I really like is that each recipe has a QR code to allow the reader to view Mandy making the recipe on her channel. These are NOT quick and easy recipes with 5 ingredients or less, but each one is worth the time and effort.

A very well-written, clear, accessible, and thoughtfully designed book that will help anyone, step-by-step, through the challenge of cooking Chinese cuisine. The fact that every recipe has an accompanying video is awesome! Also, the author's guide through the many types of sauces, spices, and other rather obscure (to the non-Asian chef) ingredients is invaluable to anyone who didn't grow up in an Asian household but wishes to enjoy genuine Chinese food at home! "Better than Takeout" is right!

I love Chinese cuisine and the money I've spent on cookbooks over the years is really ridiculous when this book is head and shoulders above anything I've collected over the last forty plus years. Clear instructions, beautiful pictures, love the background information about the ingredients and as a plus the author has injected a bit of humor which just makes this book all the more terrific. Wish I had bought this one when it was first released, but now I have it and I'm loving every minute of all of the fantastic dishes. Value for the money? Definitely yes!

I have watched Mandy since she started her channel on YouTube. I've printed individual recipes and made notes on Chinese cooking techniques. When this cookbook was announced I assumed it would be a collection of her YouTube videos. I was amazed that the book is far more comprehensive and detailed than I could possibly have imagined.The pictures are abundant, clear, and enticing. The recipes are arranged to be on two facing pages so you do not have to turn pages. Only in a couple of cases for more complicated recipes like Sichuan Spicy Poached Beef is there a third page. Each recipe has prep and cooking time at the top and the number of people that the recipe will serve. The recipes have a QR code that will direct you to the associated video so you wach Mandy prepare the dish. I find that watching a chef prepare the dish always makes it easier to prepare and cook.I have followed numerous YouTube Asian chefs and purchased several cookbooks on Asian cuisine, but I always find myself returning to Mandy's recipes because I have never been disappointed with the results. The instructions are crystal clear and the explanation of techniques allow me to apply concepts to dishes that I compose myself. Apart from the great recipes, this book will help change me from someone who follows recipes to someone who knows how to cook Chinese food.If you make the recipes in this book, you will never order takeout again.

Negative would be the very glossy pages and smaller font. If using a cookbook, we need to stand it up against something and glare on the shiny pages makes hard to read. Appreciate all the photos and great writing ability.

I’m a huge fan and this is one of the greatest cookbooks I have ever bought! There is a lot of care put into this. It’s a great way to try and make authentic Chinese dishes at home. I also love how she incorporates American Chinese food into the book. The general tso is incredible. I also have her carbon steel wok! I love that too.

Beautiful pictures, amazing recipes showcased, and my favorite part is the QR code that brings you to a video of the recipe being made. Love the attention to detail, not skimping on getting authentic ingredients that might be even hard to find if you aren't near a big city, and just all round reminds me of food I used to eat as a child. Amazing price too! (Bought during one of Amazon's many book sales).

This is not only a beautiful, well made book, but it is so well organized.There are several pictures for each recipe that show exactly how to put everything together, along with tips.Such a pleasure to use.I’ve watched this author on YouTube for quite some time. She makes everything quick and easy to follow. Check her out out sometime. I think you’ll be pleased.