Rating: 
Summary: Great cookbook
Review: I've probably cooked about ten recipes out of this book and all of them have been good. Nina Simonds has you using a lot of fresh ingredients that really made each of the recipes I made taste, not only good, but healty as well. I would also recommend this to people who are vegetarians because there are some yummy vegeterian dishes in here even the meat lover like me likes.
Rating:
Summary: Gingerlicious!
Review: So far, the recipes I've prepared from this book have garnered nothing but raves. Many of the recipes are simple enough to prepare for weeknights, using few ingredients but very fresh ones. The result is fabulous flavor that you just can't get from your local takeout joint. The section about home remedies is really neat (I have yet to use the hangover helper recipe, but I'm sure it will come in handy one day).I got this and Ming Tsai's "Blue Ginger" cookbook around the same time. I've barely cracked open Ming's book-the recipes are gorgeous but mostly inaccessible. If you are a newcomer to Asian cooking, I think "Spoonful of Ginger" is a delicious introduction.
Rating: 
Summary: Mislabelled
Review: The front cover of this book states "Irresistible, health giving recipes from ASIAN kitchens." While this book is great - albeit a bit too Americanized for my taste (most Asian recipes have stronger, bolder tastes, these are much too mild) - it centers too much on Chinese food and philosphy. Those who love authentic Asian food realize that each culture is diverse, both in food and in culture. This book lumps them all together and is too general.
Rating:
Summary: Mmmmmmm Ginger!
Review: This book is Amazing, I have tons of cook books and I use this one the most. Although ginger is used it is in abundance (and I LOVE it) in this book, it is full of dishes with many wonderful herbs, and flavors. The fish recipes are my favorite (such as the ginger miso crusted Halibut, so easy and delicious) but the beef and chicken are also wonderful. Its like going to a very good Chinese restaurant with out clogging your arteries. I hate string beans but loves the String Bean recipe in this book and the Conge is perfect for a cold rainy night.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent introduction to Asian holistic approach to diet.
Review: This cookbook offers concise, accurate information about the Chinese approach to healthy eating. The recipies are fairly simple, and generally highlight one or two intense, clear flavors. I particularly liked the way the book was organized to make it very easy to match meats with vegetables, fruits, and grains, according to the seasons. It received a glowing review in The New York Times on 5/5/99 (page F2). I have some (limited) knowledge of Taoist culinary theory based upon my study of traditonal Chinese medicine and acupuncture. Although there are other books about this subject, this one hits every note just right. Wonderful stories and pictures. Highly recomended.
Rating:
Summary: I would give this book 6 stars if I could.
Review: This is one of the best books for busy people who want to eat healthy, flavorful meals. I've prepared several dishes from this book and every one is a winner. Simonds' recipes use easy to find ingredients; they are quick to prepare and, best of all, they are delicious. The flavors are crisp and clean. If your only experience with Asian food is the local carry-out Chinese outlet, you will be amazed at what Asian home cooking can taste like.In addition, Simmond provides a fascinating insight into traditional Chinese medicine. This is a wonderful companion book her excellent "Asian Noodle."
Rating: 
Summary: Flavorless Unauthentic Recipes
Review: This is one of the worst cookbooks I have ever owned. I have made several recipes and all of them yielded flavorless recipes that tasted nothing like the dishes from my local favorite Chinese restaurant. I wish I would have saved my money and bought a different cookbook. Maybe the recipes in Spoonful of Ginger are good if you have never tasted authentic Chinese cooking or are used to Chung King canned products, but they are far from quality recipes. The only nice thing I can say about this cookbook is that it has nice pictures.
Rating: 
Summary: Pleasant reading, nice recipes
Review: This isn't my favorite Chinese cookbook, but it has attractive recipes and a great introduction to the philosophy of food-as-medicine, which is a cornerstone of Chinese Traditional Medicine. I wouldn't recommend it, however, for beginners in Chinese cooking. (Martin Yan's books are better.)
Rating:
Summary: The single best compilation of Asian recipes
Review: Very versatile and informative. It has a little Eastern philosophy mixed in for those who are interested (I am not). I consider myself pretty strong as amateur cooks go (favorite book to cook from is the French Laundry cookbook), and am now able to include many Asian themes in my cooking. Favorite recipes:
* Cinnamon-braised tofu with spinach (this will keep your guests guessing for about 10 minutes about what the heck they're eating)
* Poached pears in a sweet ginger sauce (not the actual recipe name, but that's what it was)
* Yin-yang shrimp (absolutely astounding)
Rating:
Summary: The single best compilation of Asian recipes
Review: Very versatile and informative. It has a little Eastern philosophy mixed in for those who are interested (I am not). I consider myself pretty strong as amateur cooks go (favorite book to cook from is the French Laundry cookbook), and am now able to include many Asian themes in my cooking. Favorite recipes:
* Cinnamon-braised tofu with spinach (this will keep your guests guessing for about 10 minutes about what the heck they're eating)
* Poached pears in a sweet ginger sauce (not the actual recipe name, but that's what it was)
* Yin-yang shrimp (absolutely astounding)
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