A Journey Through Filipino, Cantonese, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, and Korean Recipes for Every Day
Cook the Asian Food You Love.
The Way It Is Meant to Taste.
You want to cook Asian food at home.
But most recipes feel complicated.
Ingredients seem unfamiliar.
The results do not taste the way you know they should.
So you settle for takeout. Sweetened, softened, and not quite right.
You know there is a better way.
You just need someone to show you how.
$39.99 · Free US shipping · Signed copy included
🏆 2026 IBPA Book Award Finalist · AAPI Communities Category
Winner announced May 15, 2026
Meet Maricel, Your Guide to Asian Cooking Made Simple
I know what it feels like to stand in front of a recipe you want to get right and not know where to start. I have watched hundreds of home cooks in my kitchen hesitate over the same sauce, the same technique, the same question. And I have watched them get it, and light up, and go home and cook it for the people they love.
My name is Maricel. I grew up in my Lola’s kitchen in Manila, where the most important seasoning was love. I have taught thousands of students at Maricel’s Kitchen in East Brunswick, New Jersey, and you may have seen me on Food Network, Hulu, or PBS.
This cookbook is how I teach when I cannot be in your kitchen with you. Every recipe has been tested by real home cooks. Every technique is broken down so you do not have to guess. Every dish carries a story, because food is how we remember the people who taught us.
— Maricel Chef, author, wife, and mother
Bring Authentic Asian Flavors to Your Kitchen with Ease
✨ Over 75 proven recipes from Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, and Cantonese cuisines
✨ Clear, step-by-step instructions you can follow with confidence
✨ Ingredient guidance so you know what to buy, where to find it, and how to stock your pantry
✨ Recipes tested with real home cooks, designed for real kitchens
✨ 220+ pages of dishes you already love, from Chicken Adobo and Dim Sum to Pho, Ramen, and Japchae
This is not a restaurant cookbook.
This is for your kitchen.
Cook meals your family will ask for again.
Your Path to Cooking Asian Food with Confidence
Pick Your First Dish
Start with something simple like Chicken Adobo or Pancit.
Follow The Steps
Each recipe is written so you can cook with confidence.
Serve And Enjoy
Make meals your family will ask for again.
This book makes Asian home cooking approachable, fun, and delicious.
You stop guessing. You cook sinigang on a Tuesday and your family asks for it again on Sunday. You host a dinner and every dish tells a story. You pass something down. That is what this book is for.
Free shipping on direct orders in the Continental US · Personalized signed copy
Not Ready for the Full Cookbook? Start Here.
My free guide, Flavors of Asia, is a beginner’s taste of Asian cuisine — an introduction to the flavors, the spices, and a handful of signature dishes. The full cookbook goes much deeper into Filipino, Cantonese, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, and Korean cooking, with 75 recipes and the stories behind them.
Start with the free guide. When you are ready for the real journey, the cookbook is waiting.
What People Are Saying
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“… I feel like I took a cooking class. This book will not live in the bookcase, but in my special favorite cookbooks shelf so I can access it quickly and often. This wonderful volume taught me so much. I can’t get enough of this deliciousness..” — Pepper H. (Amazon)
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“…it might be the best overall general/fusion beginner-friendly Asian cookbook,
and is up to date and highly recommended. The emphasis is on real, fresh ingredients, and family-friendly non-pretentious good food.”
— Annie B. (NetGalley)
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“Chef Maricel has a way of making Asian cooking approachable.
I love how she explains everything in such an engaging way!” – Anna L. (NetGalley)
Free shipping on direct orders in the Continental US · Personalized signed copy
Let Maricel be your guide to mastering Asian flavors in your own kitchen —she’s a passionate teacher who has helped thousands of home cooks discover the joy of cooking Asian dishes with confidence.
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“I absolutely love Maricel’s Simply Asian Cookbook! As someone who adores Asian cooking, this book has made authentic flavors so approachable. “ — KC (Amazon)
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“Maricel blends culture, technique, and amazing flavors
into a simple and beautiful experience.” — Mark T. (NetGalley)
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“The format of this cookbook is absolutely gorgeous! Looking at the photos of Maricel’s recipes made me so hungry. They look absolutely delicious and are presented so beautifully. Cooking Asian food has always intimidated me … This cookbook really breaks it down …”
– Bookaholic__Reviews (Good Reads)
Free shipping on direct orders in the Continental US · Personalized signed copy
A Clear Path to Authentic Asian Flavors
- Step-by-Step Recipes: Detailed instructions break down the complexity, guiding you from prep to plate.
- Ingredient Guidance: Learn where to find affordable, accessible ingredients. No more confusion in the grocery aisle.
- Interactive Extras: Scan QR codes to access Maricel’s Helpful Tips, so you never feel alone in the kitchen.
This is the cookbook I wrote so you could cook the food you love, the way it is meant to taste.
Or you can keep meaning to try. The recipes you want to learn stay somewhere on the other side of someday.
$39.99 with Free shipping on direct orders in the Continental US · Personalized signed copy
Frequently Asked Questions
Maricel’s Simply Asian Cookbook is a practical guide to cooking Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, and Cantonese dishes at home. It includes over 75 recipes with clear steps, ingredient guidance, and real kitchen tips.
Yes. The recipes are written for home cooks at all levels. Each dish uses clear instructions and simple techniques so you can cook with confidence, even if you are just starting.
No. Most ingredients can be found at local grocery stores or Asian markets. The book also explains what to buy, where to find it, and how to stock your pantry.
You will find a mix of everyday meals and classic dishes, including Chicken Adobo, Pancit, Pho, Ramen, Pad Thai, Dim Sum, and Japchae.
The book includes over 75 recipes across Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, and Cantonese cuisines.
Yes. The recipes are based on traditional dishes and real cooking experiences. They are adapted for home kitchens without losing their original flavors.
No. Most recipes use basic kitchen tools you already have at home. No specialty equipment is required for the majority of dishes.
Yes. The goal of the book is to help you understand the ingredients, follow simple steps, and build confidence with every dish you make.
Yes. The recipes are designed for real meals you can share with family and friends. Many dishes are great for weeknights or small gatherings.
The best Asian cookbook for beginners is one that uses clear steps, simple ingredients, and real home cooking techniques. Maricel’s Simply Asian Cookbook is designed for beginners, with over 75 approachable recipes and guidance that helps you build confidence from your first dish.
Yes. Filipino cooking is a core part of Maricel’s Simply Asian Cookbook. You will learn how to make classic dishes like Chicken Adobo, Pancit, and other traditional recipes, along with the techniques and flavors that define Filipino cuisine.
Yes. This cookbook is designed for everyday cooking. The recipes use accessible ingredients and simple steps, so you can make dishes like adobo, ramen, pho, or stir-fries on a weeknight or for family meals without stress.
You can order directly from our website for free shipping and a personalized signed copy. The book is also available on Amazon, Book an Author, and Summit Books in Canada.
Start with one simple dish and follow a clear recipe. Choose something familiar like Chicken Adobo or a basic stir-fry. Use easy-to-find ingredients, follow each step, and focus on getting one meal right. If you want a guided path, Maricel’s Simply Asian Cookbook shows you exactly what to cook, what to buy, and how to succeed from your first dish.
Order your copy today and start cooking at home with confidence.
Maricel’s Simply Asian Cookbook is organized into six cuisines, with 75 recipes in total. Each section opens with a personal introduction from Maricel and features tested dishes that have been taught to thousands of home cooks in her New Jersey cooking classes.
Filipino Recipes (14 dishes) The heart of the book. Classic Filipino home cooking as Maricel learned it in her Lola’s kitchen in Manila.
Pork Spring Rolls (Lumpiang Shanghai), Vegetable Spring Rolls (Lumpiang Gulay), Vegetable and Shrimp Fritters (Ukoy), Rice Noodles (Pancit Bihon), Filipino Lo Mein Noodles (Pancit Canton), Wonton Soup (Pancit Molo), Oxtail Peanut Stew (Kare-Kare), Roasted Pork Belly (Lechon Belly), Chicken Adobo, Pork Tamarind Soup (Sinigang na Baboy), Pan-Fried Milkfish (Daing na Bangus), Banana Spring Rolls (Turon), Filipino Fruit Salad, Leche Flan.
Cantonese Recipes (12 dishes) Dim sum classics, stir-fried staples, and the sweet-savory balance of Guangdong cooking.
Egg Fried Rice, Yangzhou Fried Rice, Hokkien Fried Rice, Shrimp Dumplings (Har Gow), Pork and Shrimp Dumplings (Siu Mai), Steamed Pork Buns (Gua Bao), Rice Noodle Rolls (Cheung Fun), Cantonese Congee, Salt and Pepper Pork Chops, Beef Chow Fun, Beef with Chinese Broccoli (Gai Lan Ngau Yuk), Sweet and Sour Chicken, Egg Tarts (Dan Tat), Sesame Balls.
Japanese Recipes (12 dishes) From street-food favorites to comfort classics, with the precision and care Japanese home cooking is known for.
Pan-Fried Dumplings (Gyoza), Candied Sweet Potato (Daigaku Imo), Sushi Rolls, Octopus Balls (Takoyaki), Savory Pancakes (Okonomiyaki), Tempura, Pork Cutlet Rice Bowl (Katsudon), Shoyu Chicken Ramen, Beef Teriyaki, Japanese Hot Pot (Sukiyaki), Sweet Bean Pancakes (Dorayaki), Mochi with Red Bean Filling.
Thai Recipes (11 dishes) The four pillars of Thai flavor — sweet, sour, salty, spicy — in dishes built for real home kitchens.
Chicken Satay (Satay Gai), Shrimp Pad Thai (Goong Pad Thai), Green Curry Chicken (Gaeng Keow Wan Gai), Crispy Fish with Chili Sauce (Pla Rad Prik), Green Papaya Salad (Som Tum), Thai Chicken and Rice (Khao Man Gai), Spicy Thai Basil Pork (Pad Krapow Moo Saap), Steamed Fish with Lime (Pla Neung Manow), Hot and Sour Shrimp Soup (Tom Yum Goong), Pandan Coconut Dessert (Woon Bai Tuey Ka Ti), Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niew Mamuang).
Vietnamese Recipes (11 dishes) The bright, herb-forward balance of Vietnamese cooking, from Maricel’s friendship with Lily in New York.
Shrimp Fried Spring Rolls (Chả Giò), Fresh Spring Rolls (Gỏi Cuốn), Steamed Rice Rolls (Bánh Cuốn), Sizzling Pancake (Bánh Xèo), Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup (Phở), Vietnamese Sandwich (Bánh Mì), Grilled Pork with Vermicelli Noodles (Bún Chả), Vietnamese Sour Soup (Canh Chua), Vietnamese Ginger Chicken (Gà Kho Gừng), Banana Coconut Dessert (Chè Chuối), Three-Color Dessert (Chè Ba Màu).
Korean Recipes (15 dishes) Banchan spreads, Korean BBQ staples, and the deep umami of Korean home cooking.
Braised Potatoes (Gamja Jorim), Spicy Braised Tofu (Dubu-Jorim), Spicy Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim), Seasoned Soybean Sprouts (Kongnamul Muchim), Stone Pot Mixed Rice (Dolsot Bibimbap), Seafood Pancake (Haemul Pajeon), Meat and Tofu Pancakes (Wanja Jeon), Korean Rice Rolls (Kimbap), Stir-Fried Glass Noodles (Japchae), Korean BBQ Beef (Bulgogi), Marinated Short Ribs (Galbi), Fish Cake Soup (Eomuktang), Crab and Fish Cake Salad (Gesa Eomuk Salad), Sweet Korean Pancake (Hotteok), Fish-Shaped Red Bean Pastry (Bungeo-Ppang).
Each recipe includes step-by-step instructions, ingredient guidance, and a personal story from Maricel’s kitchen.
Maricel’s Simply Asian Cookbook is $39.99. Orders placed directly through Maricel’s Kitchen include free shipping within the Continental United States and a personalized signed copy at no extra cost. The book is also available on Amazon and through Book an Author at standard retail pricing. Canadian customers can order from Summit Books.
Free shipping on direct orders in the Continental US · Personalized signed copy
Stay in Touch
If you are not ready for the cookbook yet, that is okay. Join my newsletter and I will send you my free guide, Flavors of Asia, along with occasional notes from my kitchen — new recipes, upcoming classes, and stories from the table. When you are ready for the full cookbook, I will be here.