Let's Make Dumplings!: A Comic Book Cookbook

by Hugh Amano, Sarah Becan

An accessible and easy-to-follow comic book cookbook for bringing Asian dumplings into the home kitchen, with recipes for savory and sweet dumplings, dipping sauces, riffs, and more—from the authors of Let’s Make Ramen!

Chef Hugh Amano and comics artist Sarah Becan invite you to explore the big little world of Asian dumplings! Ideal for both newbies and seasoned cooks, this comic book cookbook takes a fun approach to a classic treat that is imbued with history across countless regions. From wontons to potstickers, buuz to momos, Amano’s expert guidance paired with Becan’s colorful and detailed artwork prove that intricate folding styles and flavorful fillings are achievable in the home kitchen.

Let’s Make Dumplings! includes dumpling lore; a master folding guide that familiarizes readers with popular styles, like the pleated crescent of a potsticker or the 4-pointed star of a crab rangoon; and a series of cooking directions to choose from, such as steaming or pan-frying. The recipes range from savory Gyoza to sweet Cambodian Num Kom; from classic Baozi to riffs such as Sesame Chicken Dumplings.

Whether it is the family-style eating experience of stacked steamer baskets filled with succulent shumai and plump xiaolongbao or the interactive process of working together to fold hundreds of jiaozi for a celebration, Let’s Make Dumplings! captures the deep level of connection that dumplings bring to any gathering and shows you how to re-create it in your own home.

Genres: Cookbooks, Food, Graphic Novels, Cooking, Nonfiction, Comics, Adult

208 pages, Paperback

First published June 22, 2021

About the author

Born in a tiny Colorado mountain town to an American mother and Japanese father, Hugh Amano’s devotion to exploring food and culture has taken him around the world, enriching him as a chef and writer. A graduate of The University of Colorado and New England Culinary Institute, he was the opening sous chef of Chicago’s exploration of Macanese cuisine, Fat Rice, and co-authored The Adventures of Fat Rice (Ten Speed Press, 2016). He is a chef and writer in Chicago, where the familiar comforts of ramen always welcome him home.

Reviews

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great, I now want all of my cookbooks in comic book form. The illustrations are super cute and the instructions look easy to follow. I love that it gives cultural information and history about the different types of dumplings and recipes.

For reference since I'm vegan: While this isn't a vegan cookbook there are some vegan recipes, and most of the recipes for dough are vegan. I also think many of the recipes could be easily adapted to be vegan just subbing out with a vegan meat alternative. I plan to pick up a copy since I read a library copy.

[Ben Truong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let's Make Dumplings!: A Comic Book Cookbook is a graphic novel cookbook written by Hugh Amano and illustrated by Sarah Becan. It tackles the art of dumpling-making in a fun and accessible graphic guide.

Filled doughy treats appear in cuisines across the planet, but here they dial in on Asian choices, such as Cantonese shumai, Tibetan momos, and Korean mandu. Solid recipes, which calls for both handmade and store-bought wrappers are accompanied by entertaining stories – including one about a forgetful cook who accidentally invented pot stickers.

Let's Make Dumplings!: A Comic Book Cookbook is written and constructed rather well. It showcases the authors’ detailed yet playful approach to their craft. They even offer a chapter of their own rendition featuring a Chinese takeout. Ending on a sweet note, Malaysian buns are offered with coconut jam filling, while Cambodian rice dumplings get a fragrant finish from steamed banana leaves. Thorough instructions combine the quirky and the functional, while the primer on folding techniques for seven different shapes is surprisingly simple.

All in all, Let's Make Dumplings!: A Comic Book Cookbook is a wonderful graphic novel cookbook detailing the amazing and wonderful dish that is dumplings.

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very easy to read and follow along. I learned a lot. I'm excited to try these recipes when the weather gets cooler!

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Forse mi aspettavo più storia del raviolo e più dettagli su come e in quali contesti si mangino un tipo piuttosto che un altro (come fa per i gyoza ad esempio). Secondo il mio parere, dà un po’ di cose per scontate: gli ingredienti che nel mercato statunitense sono più facilmente reperibili e spiega altre che a me sembrano ovvie.
Ad ogni modo, non è questo secondo motivo per cui ho deciso di assegnare tre stelle, ma la presenza di pochissime ricette vegane e vegetariane: ce ne saranno cinque in tutto?

[Christine Zandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s Make Dumplings! is latest comic-style cookbook from the successful duo, Hugh Amano and Sarah Becan. If you enjoyed their ramen book, this one is just as great. What sets their books apart is that they read like a graphic novel. Full-color panels that convey each recipe’s directions in a new and creative manner, making the content accessible to a wide range of readers. Varying skill levels are accommodated and the cookbook can be enjoyed by readers of all ages.

Who doesn’t love Asian dumplings?! Gyoza, potstickers, wontons, rangoon—yum! With so many shapes and fillings, the options are endless once you master the basics. After a bit of “dumpling lore,” the book begins logically with pantry, equipment, and the an explanation of the different wrappers. I was excited to see a recipe for the dough since kids may just think wrappers come from the store!

Learn to make a variety of fillings (meat, vegetarian, even dessert styles) and different methods of sealing the delicious ingredients inside the wrapper. Finish by pan-frying, steaming, or even deep-drying such as for sesame balls). A new-to-me recipe that I particularly enjoyed was the Num Kom (Sweet Cambodian Rice Dumplings) which are filled with coconut and sesame seeds, then steamed in a banana leaf-lined basket.

And don’t forget about the ever-popular baozi. A comprehensive chapter explains how to make these delightful buns. Begin with the well-known steamed pork buns but be sure to move on to also try ones filled with curried beef, kung pao chicken, different kinds of pork, or savory mushrooms.

The final chapter brings it home with a wide range of fabulous sauces that complete the dumpling experience. Some are simply two ingredients: Kewpie mayonnaise and chile sauce. Others play off the sweet-and-sour elements such as the duck sauce made with apricot jam, rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and cayenne. I can think of lots of foods I’d like to dip in that!

While this book focuses on Eastern dumplings, I like how the fact that food unites us is stated. A map shows where the recipes come from but the accompanying blurb explains how dumplings span the entire globe. Dumplings “transcend any imagined borders of culture and caste” and “unite us all.” Readers are encouraged to do their own research, travel, and make the recipes their own.

[☆ Katie ☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dumplings are a food that I eat more than once a week and one of the few foods I never get sick of. I grew up on my mother's handmade dumplings, not even knowing what a luxury I was experiencing on the regular. I always helped her assemble the dumplings but rarely knew what the beginning of the process entailed.

This combines the concept of a fun and colorful graphic novel with the how-to instructions of a cookbook. The colors are vibrant and the illustrations are so realistic, it never fails to make me hungry for real dumplings. The recipes contain basic information, traditional recipes, and interesting twists on Asian dumplings, the best kind there are (but I may be biased). The step by step instructions are clearly depicted and explained and makes homemade dumplings accessible to even the most novice cooks.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This comic book cookbook is fabulous. 5 pages in or so I felt ready to go make dumplings immediately, even though I hadn't learned to make any yet. I have now learned about many types of dumplings I haven't heard of, along with some I had heard of but never have made. I did notice that almost all of the dumplings were primarily meat, which could prevent many people from wanting to try them all. But otherwise I feel like the book really clearly explained all the steps to making dumplings (and now I'm planning a dumpling making party with my friends).

[Jurene · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I want for Christmas is this book and the other ones in this series. (Oh and a huge Oregon blackberry custard from Good times.)

The illustrations are on point and as far as I can tell, they don't recycle the images within the book. Every panel is hand drawn for its specific position.

My favorite part apart from the food? The historical background and lore over each type of dumpling scattered throughout the pages. A total win!

[Taun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Aune, who let me know this book existed in the first place.

Much like its counterpart, “Let’s Make Ramen”, this is packed with wonderful history, lore, illustrations & recipes ranging from our favorite gyoza, to even a few sweet dumpling selections.

[Denise :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Fun Look at Dumplings

Well written and bonus….the technical layout for smart readers was fabulous. Lots of great recipes for dumplings to match any mood—sweet or savory—and dipping sauces to match. The comic book layout was a fun twist.

[Alle Bücher müssen gelesen werden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ein sehr gutes um umfangreiches Werk über die zubereitung von Dumplings! Deckt alles ab: Teif, Füllngen, Faltungen, Suppen, gekocht, gedünsted, fritert gebraten. Umfasst Dumplings aus praktisch allen Teilen Asiens.

Ist sogar besser als das "Ramen", denn ehrlich gesagt: Ramen kochen ist eine Heidenarbeit, wenns mans halbwegs gut machen will steht man stundenlang in der Küche. Dumplings gehen schnell und schmecken sogar noch besser.

[Betsie Bush · Rating 5 out of 5]

2023 Read Harder challenge - read a cookbook from cover to cover.

Love love love this book. I might never make dumplings, but knowing that I could is very satisfying. I've already made plans with a friend to go out for dim sum very soon. This book would be a good companion to the book Noodle Soup: Recipes, Technique, Obsession by Ken Albala.

[Trisha Swed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did it! I made dumplings. Thank you.

[Taylor Panezott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of coolest recipe books I have ever read. I love the comic book version because I am such a visual learner.

[Michelle Ardillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

See my full review at http://michelleardillo.com/2025/03/28...

[Michelle Glatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't made dumplings...yet. But this book makes me feel like I could. The graphic novel format is perfect for teaching technique and presenting recipes.

[angelofmine1974 · Rating 3 out of 5]

My review of this book can be found on my YouTube Vlog at:

https://youtu.be/PuN1H-vcK5c

Enjoy!

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I’m shocked that this one has less than 100 Goodreads reviews right now, because this is one of the coolest, most engaging and thorough cookbooks you’ll ever read! Amano, a chef and writer of Japanese descent who grew up watching his mom cook, and Becan, a wonderfully whimsical graphic artist and designer, are the perfect team. Together, they bring to the table a unique and inspiring sensory experience so well-done you might even start to imagine the smells as you’re reading.
They start out with some history and lore about dumplings, noting how different parts of the world all have their very own version of a dumpling; they then focus on dumplings across the various countries and regions of Asia, from bao to shu mai to gyoza. You’ll learn everything you need to know about how to fold them, cook them, eat them, and the tools you’ll need, as well as how to make the sauces they are often dipped in. There’s even crazy dumplings at the end that I am assuming are the author’s personal recipes, like bacon and egg dumplings 😲 I highly recommend this book to anyone, although if you’re vegan make sure you’re well-versed in substitutes!

[McKenzie Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

For more reviews, check out my blog: Craft-Cycle

A mouthwatering collection packed with facts, recipes, and adorable illustrations. Anytime I picked this book up, I instantly craved dumplings in one form or another. This book has everything from savory dumplings, to sweet dumplings, more traditional flavors and some riffs.

I really enjoyed the mix-and-match style of the book. Amano provides the basics on dough making, folding, fillings, cooking techniques, and sauces. While he gives his recommendations, there is plenty of room to play around based on one's own preferences.

The one downside of this book (besides the fact I probably shouldn't eat dumplings every day for the rest of my life, no matter how tempting) is that the fillings are mostly meat-based. There is a butternut squash recipe that was absolutely delicious, but the rest feature pork, chicken, beef, lamb, and/or shrimp. Becan's illustrations do make even those meat heavy recipes look appealing, but as a pescatarian realistically I won't be making most of them. However, this is a great place to start in terms of making sauces, dough, and ways of cooking and folding dumplings. From there you can create your own filling options if so inclined.

This book was such a pleasure to read. I don't often read cookbooks in their entirety, but this one was worth it. Becan's artwork is phenomenal and was very helpful in understanding the steps of the recipes, especially in terms of folding techniques.

A delicious book with tons of tips, tricks, and information. The comic book aspect really added to its appeal and I'm looking forward to delving into Let's Make Ramen!: A Comic Book Cookbook soon.

[Reginaphalanreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

(This was for school.)
From reading this book I learnt about the importance of following tradition. Most people think that a lot of traditions are either outdated or boring but in this book you get truly enraptured by the beauty of tradition. This book teaches people how to make different kinds of dumplings from East Asia with a small background of the origins of dumplings beforehand. It tells you all about the true and authentic ways on how to make these delicious heart-filling dumplings. “In short, everybody loves a good dumpling, so let’s make some!” This book is not just a cookbook but also a love letter to the craft of dumplings. I think the author wants to emphasise that the essence of a good dumpling is following tradition. This generation is starting to lose important traditions because of new technology. They think it's unnecessary, boring, and ancient. Why would you follow the traditional way when we have the technology and resources to make it quicker? There are already robots that can make you the perfect dumpling shapes advertised all over social media. We already have so many ways to make our lives easier but in an age of A.I. shouldn’t we try our best to hold on to that human feeling of tradition? We say that robots will replace us and take over but not if we stick to one of the most important human traits: Tradition. A robot cannot replace the same feeling you would get if you ate dumplings you made yourself. This book is not just a cookbook, it is also an allegory for the future.

[寿理 宮本 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like Let's Make Ramen!, this is a gorgeous, fully-illustrated (no photographs) cookbook. Unlike Let's Make Ramen!, the art is more obviously digital, which doesn't take away from the impressiveness of the detail put into each image.

Dumplings cover a surprisingly large amount of ground, as this book shows, so it's not just one or two styles included; the book is actually *limited to* Asian dumplings to keep the page count manageable! Unfortunately, I can't vouch for the recipes included (as with most of the cookbooks I've reviewed), since cooking is such a chore and time sink lately that I can't muster the energy to get the ingredients, let alone follow all the steps. However, just reading the book is an exciting enough experience that, if nothing else, will inspire some Asian restaurant visits, haha. Too bad none of the ones in my area have the sweet dumplings or the creators' unique takes—I would LOVE to try the maple, bacon and egg dumplings!

Recommended for fans of food-themed books, especially cooking-related books!

[Ren Puspita · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Not as delectable as its predecessor, Let's Make Ramen (my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ), but still delicious (to the eyes). Not like ramen that I prefer to eat in the restaurant rather than make it from a scratch, I often cook dumpling, especially gyoza. I made gyoza when I really stressed and somehow mix the filling, fold the wrapper then put them in the pan and start to fry and steam make me feel calm. Sadly, I rarely made gyoza right now, since I'm too busy. This book may made me want to make gyoza again!

Just like Let's Make Ramen, Hugh Amano bring his vast knowledge about dumpling, from savory to sweet, from traditional dumpling to modern take. Of course, all of those knowledge are presentable as beautiful drawing by Sarah Becan. While I like to browse any recipe to try, reading cookbook by Hugh Amano and Sarah Becan give a whole new experience that different from reading usual cookbook that can be pretty boring (I never read any cookbook by actor/actress. Just never have interest, lol)

Don't blame me if you start craving any dumpling. I'm myself want to eat many gyoza, mandu and shumai after reading this cookbook, yum! :9

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A graphic novel cookbook that gives a little history on various kinds of dumplings, gives an introduction to the types of ingredients good to have in your pantry for dumpling making and cooking supplies useful as well, and then provides step by step illustrated instructions of how to make a variety of dumplings from all across Asia and some of the authors' own little twists on the traditional dumplings.

I don't think I'd ever considered before reading this how many cultures have some kind of dish that takes pastry and wraps it around a filling. The authors point out that you could argue that tortellini and even empanadas are also dumpling-ish things, and Polish perogies most certainly are a type of dumpling. This book just focuses on dumplings that originated in Asia somewhere. The recipes are broken down in easy to understand steps. I appreciated that the authors seem like real people and tell you when it is ok to swap out ingredients, use a different appliance, or take an easier route. I didn't make any of the recipes while reading this, but I may come back to try out some, especially the pandan bao dessert one.

[Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Petit guide de cuisine très instructif: en effet, pour quelqu'un ayant vécu en Chine pendant 5 ans, il m'a permis de me libérer de ma phobie de la préparation des dumplings.

Parce que oui, le bon dumpling est un art polyvalent, riche, attractif (c'est rendu 50% de ma proposition de vente avec les femmes), mais aussi rébarbatif lorsque l'on commence.

Or, quel antidote à cette culture occidentale qui refuse obstinément de cuisiner!

Au fil des pages colorées, le chef Hugh Amano et l'illustratrice Sarah Becan nous amène à analyser les processus culinaires menant à ces délicieuses boules de saveur. Si la proposition peut paraître faible (parce que oui, c'est pas évident d'illustrer des mouvements de main à la BD), le livre s'en tire relativement bien, l'utilisation de vidéos Youtube permettant de suppléer tout manque visuel.

Je recommande. Une belle expérience dans un univers de formes, textures, saveurs et potentiels très peu connu, mais convoité, du public occidental.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let’s Make Dumplings!: A Comic Book Cookbook is probably the first cookbook that I’ve ever read from cover to cover. The comic book format was easy to follow and made directions very clear. The book began with sections on pantry staples and tools that are helpful when making dumplings. I’m going to pick up a fish spatula and a spider, which is a hand-held colander. Both will be useful for many things in my kitchen. There were brief histories and cooking tips for a variety of different dumplings. A good overview was given for folding and wrapping dumplings. Most of the recipes involved meat or fish, but there were a few vegetable based fillings. The writing by author Hugh Amano was engaging and informative. The illustrations by Sarah Becan were great. Let’s Make Dumplings! Is a great comic book cookbook!

[Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an interesting concept to have recipes in the form of comics! And yes, I did read this recipe book from cover to cover..although I did skim over the ingredients lists a bit.

Among the list of ingredients and instructions to put them together were also facts and folklore about the so many different types of dumplings. It's great to see the large variety of savory and sweet dumplings, the various ways to cook them, and the many ways to fold them. There's even vegan/vegetarian options. Amano and Becan also showed how straightforward making dumplings can be. Of course, it takes lots of experience to perfect them, but it's very helpful to see the instructions as drawings.

Recommended to anyone interested in dumplings and Asian food culture.

[Amy & Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this cookbook. It is quite easy to follow and since it is in comic book form I can clearly see how to fold the dumplings without having to figure out what to do with just words or one picture halfway through the process. I also like that they have a few different sauce recipes in the back as well.

I can’t wait to start making some of the recipes, especially the Xiaolongbao with the broth inside. I wish there were more cookbooks like this and I hope the author makes more. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn how to make different kinds of dumplings

[Jenn Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this even more than the ramen version. Love the art style. Despite being drawings and not photographs, it does really convey everything you need to see and know. Love the variety of cultures represented and the informational background. Love that this book features all of the classics but also some modern twists.

Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting concept. A comic book recipe book specifically on how to make a wide variety of Asian dumplings. The comic book illustrations really help and the chef and illustrator take turns showing the reader how to make the various dumplings. We made wontons with our own vegetarian filling and they turned out amazing! Would definitely recommend if you love dumplings but don't know where to start.

[Brady Le · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, it was very intriguing. The comics held the attention span of me AND my 11-year-old who loves baking, cooking, and Asian food. I would recommend the steamed bun recipe, you can use the dough for all sorts of fillings. My 11-year-old's favorite was Nutella. Anyways, this book's main features were the comics helping you cook and keeping you intrigued, the tips they give you, and the substitutions. Overall great book and I recommend buying it.