With Rice - by Chuck Cruz (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Chef and recipe developer Chuck Cruz brings inventive Filipino-inspired flavors, streamlined techniques, and a playful spirit to 100 unforgettable recipes that show home cooks how to build big flavor--and have fun doing it.

"As you flip through the gorgeous pages of Chuck Cruz's debut cookbook you can tell he's had the most important training anyone can receive beyond restaurant cooking: his mom's kitchen."--Calvin Eng, chef, restaurateur, and author of Salt Sugar MSG

In his debut cookbook, Chuck distills everything he's learned--from culinary school and restaurants to butcher shops and his Filipino upbringing--into wildly inventive, achievable recipes. Whether you're rushing on a busy weeknight or spending a leisurely afternoon in the kitchen, With Rice empowers you to cook with confidence, curiosity, and bold flavor.

Weeknight favorites include Fried Tofu with Citrus Soy Sauce, Chicken Adobo with Summer Tomatoes, and Corn Rigatoni. When you want to go all out: Steak with Coconut Au Poivre, hands down. When you're having friends over, turn to Yellow Curry Mac 'n' Cheese, Coffee-Crusted Ribs, and Pandan Tres Leches. Chuck takes cues from his Filipino upbringing with Bagoong Carbonara, Pork Belly Sinigang, and Buffalo Chicken Lumpia (also inspired by a brief stint at the Cheesecake Factory...). And he shares his love of punchy condiments, from spicy Hot Honey Vinaigrette to savory Cheddar Furikake to cooling Fish Sauce Ranch, each one impossible to resist.

Alongside lively stories and vibrant photography, With Rice invites readers to try something new in the kitchen, enjoy the act of cooking, and make every meal one worth gathering around.

Review Quotes

"As you flip through the gorgeous pages of Chuck Cruz's debut cookbook, you can tell he's had the most important training anyone can receive beyond restaurant cooking: his mom's kitchen. From his bold flavors to his admirably aggressive seasoning, With Rice is approachable and incredibly exciting."--Calvin Eng, chef, restaurateur, and author of Salt Sugar MSG

"Chuck Cruz gets you ready to impress any level of epicure you host, or even if you just want to treat yourself to a great meal. He went through all those lessons to give you the cheat codes to flavor and technique. I've been impressed watching Cruz's precision balanced with his laid-back approach on IG, and his inaugural With Rice is a wonderful extension of that. I want to eat everything in this book, with rice!"--Brandon Jew, James Beard Award-winning chef and owner of Michelin-starred Mister Jiu's

"With Rice is a revelation. It's become my go-to for impromptu meals at home with my family that are guaranteed to pack in a ton of flavor without a lot of fuss. From his accessible pantry items to the tools and techniques that will help you level up your game, Cruz lays it all out in his informative, but laid-back style that we all love."--Nick Curtola, chef, Michelin-starred restaurateur, and author of The Four Horsemen

About the Author

Chuck Cruz is a chef, former restaurant cook, and social media phenomenon, both on his personal Instagram and his shared platform with his partner, Hailee Catalano. Growing up in a Filipino family in New Jersey, Chuck draws inspiration from his upbringing to make incredible food with rich, complex flavor profiles. After training at the Culinary Institute of America, he has set off to share his skillset with the world. He lives with Hailee in New Jersey, where he cooks for every occasion, from Friday night meals to dishes enjoyed outdoors.