The Woks of Life
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We are a family of four (Bill & Judy, and daughters Sarah & Kaitlin), and The Woks of Life is our way of sharing our recipes & travels with each other and the world.
What began in 2013 as a quest to document our family's history through food has become a robust online community. Since then, our blog has been recognized as the online authority on Chinese cooking in English!
The Woks of Life
6d ago
This glazed salmon recipe is based on a traditional Chinese red cooked fish (hóngshāo yú)—specifically, my grandpa’s incredibly flavorful hóngshāo yú. While the dish is traditionally made with whole fish, like tilapia or snapper, I created this version for busy weeknights by using salmon fillets. The robust, tangy, sweet, and savory sauce, with lots of ... View Post ..read more
The Woks of Life
1w ago
Learn how to toast sesame seeds—and how to tell when they’re done—without burning them! Toasted sesame seeds are a useful ingredient to have around, so make a big batch and keep it in the fridge for various recipes! Why Toast Your Own Sesame Seeds Why would you want to toast your own sesame seeds when ... View Post ..read more
The Woks of Life
1w ago
On our recent trip to China, we went on a culinary journey to the city of Yangzhou (Jiangsu Province), the birthplace of the popular Yang Chow Fried Rice (sometimes spelled “Young Chow Fried Rice”). It is also the birthplace of Huaiyang Cuisine, one of the four original cuisines of China. In this Yangzhou Food Guide ... View Post ..read more
The Woks of Life
2w ago
Once you learn how to make Chinese steamed eggs (蒸蛋), you’ll be making it all the time. Not only is it delicious and comforting, the recipe is so easy to remember, you’ll know it by heart. An Anytime Recipe If you find yourself short of one dish to serve for dinner, make some Chinese steamed ... View Post ..read more
The Woks of Life
2w ago
During the summer, we always find ourselves reaching for the rainbow of produce coming out of our garden and local farms to make salads. Over the years, I’ve devised a few ways to make salads feel extra special and a bit festive. This fried corn recipe is one of them! I like to call this ... View Post ..read more
The Woks of Life
3w ago
This braised winter melon recipe (红烧冬瓜 – hóngshāo dōngguā) is a simple, healthy, and delicious side dish that really highlights this subtle ingredient. Winter melons are generally in season in late summer or fall, though they are available in Asian markets year round! Braised Winter Melon Winter melon, also known as wax gourd or ash ... View Post ..read more
The Woks of Life
3w ago
General Tso’s Cauliflower is a delicious alternative to classic Chinese takeout General Tso’s Chicken. It’s crispy, super tasty, vegetarian and vegan, and you might just like this recipe more than the chicken version! Cauliflower: A Great Vegetarian Stand-In We were starting to think cauliflower recipes were beginning to go out of style. Or perhaps that ... View Post ..read more
The Woks of Life
1M ago
This Kale Pesto Pasta is made with just kale. Without the basil, I find it’s a more cost-effective way to make pesto. It’s also one that you can enjoy all year round, when basil isn’t as plentiful in the supermarket (or garden). An Easy and Inexpensive Kale Pesto Pesto is an expensive proposition. Sure, there ... View Post ..read more
The Woks of Life
1M ago
Grilled chicken breast is a go-to for summertime grilling, all-year-round meal prep for salads or sandwiches, and even entertaining, as it’s always a crowd-pleaser. This is our family’s best grilled chicken recipe. While it’s not a Chinese recipe, we take inspiration from Chinese cooking by adding one simple marinade ingredient we know everyone has—WATER! Adding ... View Post ..read more
The Woks of Life
1M ago
If you’re a fan of our famous Mongolian Beef recipe, it’s time to add this Mongolian Chicken to your repertoire as well! Crispy chicken pieces in a lightly sweet, savory sauce? What’s not to like? With a bowl of white rice and a vegetable, this restaurant-quality recipe is a winner of a chicken dinner. WHAT ... View Post ..read more