As a child, Young was introduced to wok hay—the uniquely prized flavor and aroma achieved when food is stir-fried to perfection. Her lifelong quest to understand and recreate that essence took her on a journey across the United States, Hong Kong, and mainland China, where she learned from revered culinary icons such as Cecilia Chiang, Florence Lin, and Ken Hom. Together with award-winning photographer Alan Richardson, Young captures the spirit, stories, and secrets of authentic Chinese cooking.
With 125 mouthwatering recipes, The Breath of a Wok teaches home cooks how to master a range of traditional Chinese techniques, from stir-frying and steaming to deep-frying, smoking, and braising. Discover classics like Kung Pao Chicken and Moo Shoo Pork, alongside regional specialties such as Sizzling Pepper and Salt Shrimp, Three Teacup Chicken, and Scallion and Ginger Lo Mein.
This beautifully designed cookbook is far more than a recipe collection—it's a culinary memoir and cultural travelogue, featuring:
The Breath of a Wok brings the flavors, techniques, and soul of traditional Chinese home cooking into the modern kitchen, empowering readers to cook with confidence—and with all their senses.
