Customer Reviews

Williams-Sonoma Collection: Asian

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I stumbled upon this book for the unbeatable price of $6.98, so I decided to give it a try. I hadn't had much success with Asian cooking... but Williams Sonoma changed that! The recipes are easy enough to follow with explicit directions and ingredient lists. Everything I've tried has been delcious. I definately recommend this cookbook for anyone who enjoys Asian flavors and loves to cook!

I had been very impressed with many Williams Sonoma cookbooks in the past, but this one is definitely one of the best. I have tried about half of the recipes and all have been delicious. Great collection of recipes at a tremendous price!

This is the book that got me interested in cooking. The chicken satay was great. I've improvised on some of the recipies that I thought were too involved, or when I couldn't find the ingredients. For the life of me I can't find tamarind concentrate anywhere!

I have several "go-to" Asian cookbooks which are very, very good (but out of print), and this one ranks up there near them. The recipes in general are not cheater recipes (as I call them). If you follow them, you will get a decent result most of the time, especially with practice. I cook a loooot of Asian food.

One thing that will make your experience better, try to avoid substitutions. Sure you can substitute lemon juice or zest for lemon grass for flavor, but it's not the same ever. It's like using tomato sauce instead of ketchup on a burger; similar, but not quite right. If you take the time to gather the correct ingredients, these recipes are very close to what you'll eat traveling around Asia, based on personal experience. They're also "safe" for most people: typical Western favorites like Beef and Broccoli ranging to a pretty reasonable Pad Thai. You're not going to get off the wall stuff like Nasi Lemak.

Another thing I've seen is WS cookbooks can be heavy handed with salt sometimes. It's true in this one as well, just salt to taste, especially if the recipe calls for fish sauce, which is already quite salty. Mainly a caution for those who rigidly follow measurements.

great intro book,

not too complicated, most ingredients easily found at Asian Grocer. Wow, your Hubby. My husband Dallas, L O V E S , the pan friend noodles and dumplings. The recipes are true-er to tradition than most cookbooks. This is a great starter book or add-on to a home chefs library.

I love asian dishes, but hate how restaurants tend to make heavy sauces, oversalt, and the food is mediocre. And, I love to cook, but am new to asian cooking. This book makes it so easy! And the food turns out delicious. The pad thai had authentic flavors, and was quick enough to make in the evening after work. Same with the beef/mango salad. Even my picky husband enjoys the meals!