Tonight's Dinner 2
by Adam Liaw
Adam Liaw is no stranger to our kitchens, and with Tonight’s Dinner 2, he’s back with a fresh collection of recipes from his show The Cook Off. This sequel aims to make weekday cooking exciting without overcomplicating the process, staying true to what made the first book a hit.
The original Tonight’s Dinner was a hit, so I was curious to see how this new edition would hold up. With a continued focus on everyday, family-friendly meals and a vibrant Asian influence, the book promises approachable cooking that delivers on flavour without fuss. I dove in to see if it could live up to its predecessor while bringing some fresh inspiration to the table.
The Look, the Feel, the Flow
Tonight’s Dinner 2 catches the eye straight away with a salmon cover, khaki and red lettering, and a smiling Adam Liaw front and centre. Flip it over and the back cover mirrors the palette, sprinkled with snapshots of dishes, short notes on what to expect, and playful doodles of vegetables.
Inside, the contents pages are a bright double spread in light green with orange illustrations. At first glance the chapter order isn’t obvious, a curious editing choice, although a look at the page numbers sets things straight. A handy QR code links to videos for every recipe in the book as made on Liaw’s show The Cook Off, with a note explaining that some recipes in the book have been tweaked to be tastier, healthier, or easier to make at home.
The introduction is thoughtful and personal, with four pages of Liaw reflecting on the joy of cooking at home, how tastes evolve over time, and how food tells a story. While I appreciate his voice and perspective, the same ideas could have been explored in two pages just as easily. You could skim it if you like, but page 9 is worth a look as it contains oven temperatures and other essential info for the recipes ahead.
Chapters open with playful definitions of the chapter title, a full-page chapter heading, and a short introduction to set the scene. Recipes themselves are presented clearly across two pages: one page for prep, ingredients, method, and tips, with the opposite page showcasing a full-page photograph of the finished dish.
The back of the book adds a few extras that make it more than just a recipe collection: a behind-the-scenes look at The Cook Up, a guide to seasoning, and a menu planner for special occasions or dinner inspiration.
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A copy of Tonight's Dinner 2 by Adam Liaw surrounded by fresh ingredients for one of his recipes.
What You'll be Cooking
The recipes in Tonight’s Dinner 2 are divided into eight sections, each with its own focus and style.
The book opens with Ingenious Breakfasts, which feels a little unexpected in a title all about dinner. The chapter does not offer an explanation for the choice, but the recipes themselves are mostly savoury, vibrant, and appealing. Who says breakfast cannot double as dinner anyway?
Light Fantastic quickly became my favourite section. Here, the emphasis is on quick, flavourful meals that will not leave you feeling heavy. Family Favourites follows, although it is not entirely clear whose favourites these are, perhaps Liaw’s own picks or dishes he thinks could become yours.
Meat Free delivers exactly what it promises, a welcome addition in any everyday cookbook. The remaining sections, Pizza & Pasta, Wok, and Sweet, are self-explanatory and full of dishes that feel both approachable and satisfying.
As with much of Liaw’s cooking, there is a noticeable Asian influence throughout, with hearty, homey meals that are practical for everyday cooking.
The four recipes tested from Tonight's Dinner 2 by Adam Liaw.
Tried & Tasted
I cooked four recipes from Tonight’s Dinner 2 by Adam Liaw, and each one highlighted the book’s mix of approachability and flavour.
Mushrooms on Parmesan Toast (pg. 14) was rich, creamy, and indulgent, with the parmesan toast adding a perfect crunch. A simple salad alongside made it feel light yet satisfying, and it was ready in under 20 minutes.
Japanese-Style Dry Curry (pg. 68) was a hearty, comforting dish. The slow-cooked vegetables and mince melded beautifully with the curry blocks, and the soft-boiled eggs added a luxurious finish. This one is perfect for meal prep and freezes well.
Red Curry Roast Cauliflower (pg. 100) was vibrant and full of flavour. The roasted cauliflower combined with the silky red curry sauce made a surprisingly filling vegetarian meal that even meat-eaters will enjoy.
Pork with Black Vinegar & Green Peppers (pg. 172) was rich, tangy, and addictive. The pork belly stayed crisp while coated in a glossy, flavour-packed sauce, making it a standout dish that balances indulgence with technique.
Deep fried pork belly for Tonight's Dinner 2's Pork with Black Vinegar & Green Peppers.
Price Check
The recipes in Tonight’s Dinner 2 sit comfortably in the everyday affordable range. These are meals that will not break the bank and feel right at home on a regular weeknight.
There is a strong Asian influence throughout the book, which means you may need to stock up on a few pantry staples from your local Asian grocer or the international aisle, such as sauces, oils, and condiments. The beauty is that these are not one-off ingredients destined to gather dust. They are staples you will reach for again and again, making them a smart investment for anyone who enjoys adding bold, layered flavours to their cooking.
You'll Love This If...
While still approachable for beginners, Tonight’s Dinner 2 feels like the natural next step after Liaw’s first Tonight’s Dinner book. It’s the kind of sequel that encourages confidence in the kitchen without ever overwhelming you. Perfect for busy households or anyone short on time, the recipes are no-fuss, no-frills, and designed to slot seamlessly into everyday cooking.
Where it Shines
One of the standout features of Tonight’s Dinner 2 is that every recipe has a corresponding video from Liaw’s show The Cook Up. This is a fantastic extra if you like seeing techniques in action, want a little more context, or need clarity on a tricky step. I am usually wary of QR codes in cookbooks, as I have run into broken links in the past. In this case, there is only one QR code at the start of the book, it works, and it is hosted by a major Australian TV organisation, so it is likely to remain accessible for years.
I also apprecitate that every recipe includes extra tips at the bottom of the page. These small pieces of advice not only help you get the dish right but can also teach you something new along the way. It makes the book feel approachable, practical, and genuinely helpful in the kitchen.
A Few Caveats
It’s clear that Tonight’s Dinner 2 has been designed to bring together recipes from Liaw’s show The Cook Up, rather than containing recipes developed for the book. Of the four recipes I tested, two had small issues: one with formatting that was inconsistent with the rest of the book, and another where an ingredient was left out of the method.
Neither was a deal breaker, and both were easy enough to work around with a little common sense, but it was a slight disappointment given the material already existed. A sharper edit would have made the collection shine even brighter.
Slices of sourdough for Liaw's Mushrooms on Parmesan Toast.
The Verdict
Tonight’s Dinner 2 proves that Adam Liaw knows how to bring flavour, approachability, and a hint of boldness to everyday home cooking. The recipes I tested, from the indulgent Mushrooms on Parmesan Toast to the punchy Pork with Black Vinegar & Green Peppers, show the book balances quick weeknight meals with dishes that feel just a little more special. Vegetarian and meat options alike are hearty, satisfying, and practical, with techniques and tips that build confidence rather than overwhelm.
It isn’t perfect. A few inconsistencies in formatting and minor omissions in the method show that this book was adapted from Liaw’s show rather than crafted from scratch. Even so, these are easy to navigate with a touch of common sense, and the majority of recipes hit their mark for flavour and ease.
If you’re looking for a follow-up to the first Tonight’s Dinner, a cookbook to guide busy weeknights, or simply a collection of approachable, flavour-packed recipes with an Asian twist, Tonight’s Dinner 2 delivers. It’s practical, inspiring, and a solid addition to any home cook’s shelf.
3.9/5 Stars
Want to Try It Yourself?
If Tonight's Dinner 2 sounds like your kind of cookbook, straightforward, flavourful, and perfect for everyday cooking, you can pick up a copy below. It’s the exact edition featured in this review.
I may earn a small commission if you buy via this link, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting City Slicker.
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