13 Best Japanese Cookbooks to Master Japanese Cuisine

If you’re looking to up your Japanese cooking game, look no further than these 10 best Japanese cookbooks.

Cooking Japanese food is an art form that has been refined over the centuries.

With its focus on seasonal ingredients, subtle flavors, and simple presentation, authentic Japanese food is a testament to the beauty of simplicity.

Whether you’re looking for an authentic sushi or tempura recipe or want to learn how to create a traditional home-cooked meal, these ten best Japanese cookbooks are here to help.

These books will take your kitchen skills to the next level, featuring traditional Japanese recipes, modern interpretations of traditional dishes, and practical cooking tips.

From quick and easy weeknight dinners and Japanese comfort food to vegan recipes and Japanese desserts, these books will provide the knowledge and inspiration necessary to master Japanese cuisine.

My Top 3 Best Japanese Cookbooks

Japanese Soul Cooking: Ramen, Tonkatsu, Tempura, and More from the Streets and Kitchens of Tokyo and Beyond [A Cookbook] by Tadashi Ono and Harris Salat 

The cookbook “Japanese Soul Cooking” by Tadashi Ono and Harris Salat will delight those who love Japanese food.

This amazing book captures the essence of Japan’s celebrated culinary culture, offering insights into some classic Japanese dishes – ramen, tonkatsu, tempura, and more – along with delightful regional dishes from Tokyo restaurants and homes.

With over 200 recipes and gorgeous photographs, this Japanese cookbook will become a cherished resource for preparing classic Japanese meals in either one’s own home or on a journey to Japan.

Ramen Obsession: The Ultimate Bible for Mastering Japanese Ramen by Naomi Imatome-Yun

The art of crafting a delicious bowl of ramen comes with rich cultural elements, so learning the nuances through a solid guide to mastering Japanese ramen is invaluable.

Naomi Imatome-Yun’s Ramen Obsession: The Ultimate Bible for Mastering Japanese Ramen is an excellent resource for anyone interested in exploring the depths of one of the traditional Japanese dishes.

This book delves into various aspects of Japan’s rich culinary traditions and offers readers an inside look at its unique flavors, expert cooking methods, and savory recipes.

Its accessible language also makes it suitable for even novice cooks. Whether you’re looking to perfect your ramen-making craft or simply curious about Japanese cuisine, this book will provide a wealth of knowledge and flavor ideas, making it one of the best Japanese cookbooks for the home kitchen.

Japan: The Cookbook by Nancy Singleton Hachisu

Japan: The Cookbook by Nancy Singleton Hachisu is a remarkable Japanese cookbook that provides an inside look into the culinary heritage of Japan.

Readers access over 400 beloved recipes from generations of Japanese cooks in it.

Compiled with careful attention to detail and appreciation for Japanese cuisine, this book teaches the essence of Japanese cooking; Nakane-san’s tamagoyaki plays with the textures of hilopittu, Yoneko-san’s tunakatsu evokes a comforting familiarity, and Masato-san’s miso shrimp is an umami symphony.

Each recipe takes us further into the depths of Japan’s service country each page offering a taste of its captivating culture.

With Nancy Singleton Hachisu’s passionate guidance, food lovers can now explore the delights that make up this diverse cuisine from their kitchen.

Other Amazing Best Japanese Cookbooks

Sushi Cookbook for Beginners: 100 Step-By-Step Recipes to Make Sushi at Home by Chika Ravitch

Sushi Cookbook for Beginners: 100 Step-By-Step Recipes to Make Sushi at Home by Chika Ravitch is one of the best sushi cookbooks and a must-have Japanese cookbook for all aspiring sushi chefs.

Author Chika Ravitch provides meticulous instructions that are easy to follow, allowing you to master the art of sushi making in no time.

All the necessary equipment and ingredients are listed and buying tips are provided so readers will know exactly what to look out for when heading to grocery stores.

There are also breakdowns of difficult techniques like rolling the mat and forming the hand rolls.

With this helpful resource, even an amateur can be flipping omelets and making temaki with ease.

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Mastering the Art of Japanese Home Cooking by Masaharu Morimoto

Written by acclaimed Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, Mastering the Art of Japanese Home Cooking is a must-have for those interested in learning more about traditional Japanese food.

This Japanese cookbook provides readers with an excellent view of the culture behind some of Japan’s most beloved cuisine through recipes, anecdotes, and personal stories.

Morimoto’s striking photography — from classic sushi to hearty hot pots — is enough to entice even novice cooks to try their hand at Japanese cooking.

With tips on essential Japanese ingredients, knife skills, and plating presentations, it’s easy to see why this Japanese cookbook has become so popular.

Whether you’re looking to recreate a symphony of sashimi or enhance your signature ramen bowl at home, this masterful book will equip you with all the tools you need to whip up some Japanese classics.

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The Gaijin Cookbook: Japanese Recipes from a Chef, Father, Eater, and Lifelong Outsider by Ivan Orkin and Chris Ying

The Gaijin Cookbook: Japanese Recipes from a Chef, Father, Eater, and Lifelong Outsider by Ivan Orkin and Chris Ying is an incredible Japanese cookbook for those looking to bring a taste of the far east into their kitchen.

By compiling over 120 recipes from an acclaimed chef, Orkin’s culinary experience and Ying’s journalistic background produce unique creations that will tantalize your tastebuds.

With both traditional and experimental dishes, ranging from homemade ramen to shrimp dumplings with chili oil, this cookbook will not only challenge and revolutionize your idea of what Japanese cuisine can be but also provide insight into Orkin’s personal journey as he melds his American upbringing with his appreciation for Japanese cooking. 

Combining delectable dishes with an interesting narrative, get ready to explore new flavors as you spark a conversation around the dinner table.

Japanese Home Cooking: Simple Meals, Authentic Flavors by Sonoko Sakai and Rick Poon

Japanese Home Cooking: Simple Meals, Authentic Flavors by Sonoko Sakai and Rick Poon offers readers an easy way to experience the wonderful culinary palette of Japan.

From their home, cooks can learn how to prepare authentic and simple dishes from this world-renowned cuisine in a few simple steps.

With simplified instructions and helpful tips, Sakai and Poon promise that even the most beginner-level chef can easily prepare meals that will have their family asking for seconds.

Through this Japanese cookbook, the authors expand on what it means to really savor a meal and pull insight from traditional Japanese values such as hospitality and respect for each dish’s ingredients that go beyond just flavor.

This book allows anyone interested in great food to explore Japanese cuisine’s delights without prior experience or knowledge of the culture.

Ivan Ramen: Love, Obsession, and Recipes from Tokyo’s Most Unlikely Noodle Joint by Ivan Orkin and Chris Ying

Ivan Ramen is a fascinating exploration of the food, culture and love behind one of the world’s most beloved dishes.

Written by celebrated chef Ivan Orkin and journalist Chris Ying, this mouth-watering culinary journey introduces readers to both authentic dishes and unexpected twists on classic recipes.

Ivan brings his passion for ramen to life through vibrant step-by-step photography and anecdotes, allowing readers to create delicious ramen in their kitchens while exploring global cultures.

With simple ingredients, easy techniques, and a lot of flavors, Ivan Ramen is one of the best Japanese cookbooks to cover the many ramen recipes.

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The Real Japanese Izakaya Cookbook: 120 Classic Bar Bites from Japan by Wataru Yokota and Makiki Itoh

The Real Japanese Izakaya Cookbook is a unique and innovative book exploring Japan’s traditional bar bites.

Authored by Wataru Yokota and Makiki Itoh, this cookbook takes readers on an interactive culinary journey through some of the most renowned Japanese dishes in izakayas – restaurants specializing in snack-style dishes.

The recipes showcase a diverse range of ingredients and styles, from using the freshest seasonal produce to moreish fried snacks such as tempura.

Each recipe is easy to follow, with illustrated step-by-step instructions for crafting curated plates like karaage chicken, gyoza dumplings and okonomiyaki pancakes.

This Japanese cookbook will excite curious cooks eager to explore the flavors of Izakaya cooking in their kitchens.

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Japanese Cookbook for Beginners: Classic and Modern Recipes Made Easy by Azusa Oda

If you’re interested in Japanese cuisine, Japanese Cookbook for Beginners: Classic and Modern Recipes Made Easy by Azusa Oda is an excellent resource.

This cookbook will take readers on a journey through delicious and easy-to-follow recipes highlighting Japan’s unique food culture.

From traditional dishes like Okonomiyaki to modern interpretations of classics like Miso Soup, it combines flavors from the East and West while covering foundational techniques such as mochi rice pounding and making sushi.

The step-by-step how-tos are simple to follow, enabling anyone with access to ingredients and basic kitchen equipment to quickly learn how to make tasty oriental dishes at home.

Whether exploring authentic creations or seeking something a bit more creative, this book will provide readers with the confidence needed for successful homemade culinary adventures every time.

Japanese Hot Pots: Comforting One-Pot Meals by Tadashi Ono and Harris Salat

Japanese Hot Pots, written by Tadashi Ono and Harris Salat, is the perfect Japanese cookbook for making comforting one-pot meals.

With detailed instructions ranging from homemade dashi and miso soup to more ambitious fare such as Kuroge Wagyu Shabu Shabu, this cookbook will provide delicious recipes while teaching you about authentic Japanese cuisine.

Endlessly customizable hot pots are also a great way to enjoy traditional flavors that your whole family will love.

Whether planning for weeknight dinners or looking for ways to impress guests, cooking up a hot pot meal will be rewarding and nourishing.

Donabe: Classic and Modern Japanese Clay Pot Cooking [A One-Pot Cookbook] by Naoko Takei Moore and Kyle Connaughton

Donabe: Classic and Modern Japanese Clay Pot Cooking is a must-have cookbook for fans of traditional Japanese cuisine.

Featuring recipes from the acclaimed restaurateur Naoko Takei Moore, this one-pot cookbook celebrates the lively donabe tradition.

It guides readers through a masterclass on crafting classic clay pot dishes, like crispy vegetable tempura and chicken nanban.

Moore also offers up her creative, modern twists on beloved donabe favorites – her cucumber salad with garlic chips is both beautiful and delicious.

With accessible ingredient lists, clear instructions, and stunning photographs, Donabe brings home cooks into the vibrant culinary world of donabe.

Japanese Pickled Vegetables: 129 Homestyle Recipes for Traditional Brined, Vinegared and Fermented Pickles by Machiko Tateno

Craving a tangy and fresh side dish to liven up your meals? Japanese Pickled Vegetables by Machiko Tateno may be the right book for you.

With 129 homestyle recipes for traditional brined, vinegared, and fermented pickles, this cookbook brings the best Japanese cuisine into your kitchen.

Learn from an experienced culinary professional how to transform various vegetables, such as cucumbers, radishes, carrots, and turnips, into delicious condiments.

Be creative with inventive pairings like ume (Japanese apricot) and sesame seeds or enjoy classics like red shiso (purple leaves) pickles.

The numerous options available will make meal planning exciting for food lovers of all ages!

Summary Best Japanese Cookbooks

Learning how to cook Japanese food can be an incredibly rewarding experience. It is a great way to explore different flavors and dishes and allows you to prepare delicious meals without relying on takeout or ready-made meals. With the help of these top cookbooks, readers will learn about Japan’s unique culinary culture and pick up a few handy cooking tips along the way.

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