15 Best Korean Cookbooks for Authentic Korean Cooking

Are you looking for an authentic and delicious way to explore Korean cooking? Then look no further than these best Korean cookbooks!

With recipes that are easy to follow and feature clear steps, you will quickly move from being a novice in the kitchen to creating delicious and flavorful dishes that your family and friends will love.

Whether new to Korean cuisine or an experienced home cook, these best Korean cookbooks provide access to Korean recipes to help you perfect your favorite Korean dishes.

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15 Best Korean Cookbooks for Cooking Korean Cuisine

My Overall Favourite Korean Cookbook!

Maangchi’s Big Book Of Korean Cooking: From Everyday Meals to Celebration Cuisine by Maangchi and Martha Rose Shulman

Maangchi’s Big Book of Korean Cooking provides a variety of recipes that cater to all levels of experience with Korean cuisine.

This cookbook goes beyond delivering traditional, mouth-watering Korean dishes that burst with flavor and gives the reader the knowledge and confidence to create their own dishes from basic ingredients.

The authors, Maangchi and Martha Rose Shulman have crafted a book that captures the essence of Korean cuisine and the heart of Korean culture.

This Maanngchi cookbook is an excellent resource for anyone interested in broadening their culinary horizons and experiencing Korean cuisine in their home.

Best Vegan Korean Cookbook

The Korean Vegan Cookbook: Reflections and Recipes from Omma’s Kitchen by Joanne Lee Molinaro

The Korean Vegan Cookbook: Reflections and Recipes from Omma’s Kitchen by Joanne Lee Molinaro celebrates the rich and diverse flavors of Korean cuisine reimagined for vegan diets.

With mouth-watering recipes and captivating storytelling, Joanne shares her personal journey of reconnecting with her Korean heritage through food.

Her delicious recipes are a perfect balance of traditional and modern, with ingredients that are easy to find and instructions that are approachable for home cooks.

From hearty soups and stews to savory pancakes and sweet treats, The Korean Vegan Cookbook has something for everyone.

This cookbook is not just about the food but also the joy of sharing meals with loved ones and preserving cultural traditions.

It is a must-have addition to any cookbook collection.

Best Easy Korean Food Cookbook

Simply Korean: Easy Recipes for Korean Favorites That Anyone Can Make by Aaron Huh

Simply Korean: Easy Recipes for Korean Favorites That Anyone Can Make by Aaron Huh is a must-have cookbook for anyone who loves Korean cuisine but has been afraid to try making it themselves.

The book is filled with traditional recipes that have been simplified and adapted for the home cook, making it easy to recreate authentic Korean flavors in your own kitchen.

While the book includes classics like bulgogi and bibimbap, it also features lesser-known recipes like jumeokbap, a type of rice ball stuffed with fillings like kimchi or beef, and dakbokkeumtang, a spicy chicken stew.

These dishes may not be as well-known as others, but they are just as delicious and will impress any Korean food aficionado.

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Other Amazing Korean Food Cooking Books

Maangchi’s Real Korean Cooking: Authentic Dishes for the Home Cook by Maangchi

If you’re someone who’s always wanted to explore Korean cuisine but was too intimidated by the unfamiliar ingredients and preparation methods, then Maangchi’s Real Korean Cooking: Authentic Dishes for the Home Cook is the perfect cookbook for you.

With her infectious enthusiasm and clear instructions, Maangchi takes you on a culinary journey through Korea with mouth-watering recipes ranging from traditional favorites like bulgogi and bibimbap to lesser-known gems like acorn jelly and seaweed soup.

The best part? Maangchi’s book is so much more than just a collection of recipes.

She also shares stories, tips, and insights into the culture and traditions behind each dish, making for a truly immersive and educational experience.

So whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this Maangchi cookbook is a must-have addition to your cookbook collection.

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Cook Korean!: A Comic Book with Recipes [A Cookbook] by Robin Ha

Cook Korean! is a captivating cookbook that brings delicious Korean cuisine to life with vibrant illustrations and an interactive comic book format.

Robin Ha has outdone herself, combining her love of Korean cooking and art to create a unique and engaging culinary experience.

Not only does the book provide mouth-watering recipes for traditional Korean dishes such as bibimbap and kimchi, but it also includes cleverly crafted illustrations that will teach you about essential ingredients and cooking techniques along the way.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, Cook Korean! offers something fun and exciting for everyone.

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Korean BBQ: Master Your Grill in Seven Sauces [A Cookbook] by Bill Kim and Chandra Ram

For those looking to up their grilling game this summer, look no further than Korean BBQ: Master Your Grill in Seven Sauces.

This cookbook, written by Chicago-based chef Bill Kim and food journalist Chandra Ram, features delicious and unique recipes for Korean barbecue.

From mouthwatering pork belly to tender beef short ribs, each recipe has a flavorful sauce to take your grill game to the next level.

Plus, Kim and Ram provide helpful tips and techniques for mastering the art of Korean BBQ, making this cookbook the perfect addition to any grill master’s collection.

So fire up the grill and bring some Korean-inspired flavors to your next backyard BBQ.

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Korean American: Food That Tastes Like Home by Eric Lim

As a Korean American, Eric Lim grew up with a unique perspective on cuisine.

He noticed a stark difference between the food he ate at home and the dishes he would try at restaurants.

In his cookbook, Korean American: Food That Tastes Like Home, Lim showcases his favorite recipes that reflect his cultural identity and upbringing.

From traditional dishes like galbi and kimchi to modern twists such as Korean fried chicken and bulgogi sliders, Lim’s book celebrates the fusion of Korean and American flavors.

Each recipe is thoughtfully crafted to bring the comfort and familiarity of home-cooked meals to readers’ tables.

Korean American: Food That Tastes Like Home is the perfect resource for those who crave a taste of home and a worthy inclusion on our list of best Korean Cookbooks.

Korean Home Cooking: Classic and Modern Recipes by Sohul Kim and Rachel Wharton

Korean cuisine has gained worldwide recognition in recent years due to its bold and unique flavors.

Korean Home Cooking: Classic and Modern Recipes, a cookbook by Sohul Kim and Rachel Wharton, is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to explore this fascinating cuisine from the comfort of their own kitchen.

The book has mouth-watering recipes for classic Korean dishes and innovative creations incorporating modern cooking techniques and flavors.

From comforting stews and hearty rice dishes to refreshing salads and delicious desserts, this cookbook has something for every palate.

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Seoul Food Korean Cookbook: Korean Cooking from Kimchi and Bibimbap to Fried Chicken and Bingsoo by Naomi Imatome-Yun

Next on our list of best Korean cookbooks is The Seoul Food Korean Cookbook by Naomi Imatome-Yun. It is the perfect guide for exploring authentic Korean food.

From the colorful and spicy kimchi to the hearty bibimbap, this cookbook offers an array of classic Korean recipes that are delicious and easy to make.

Not only does it provide step-by-step instructions for each dish, but it also offers helpful tips on sourcing ingredients and preparing them properly.

Whether a novice cook or a seasoned pro, this cookbook satisfies your craving for authentic Korean flavors.

One standout recipe is the crispy and savory fried chicken, inspired by the popular Korean street food. Adding gochujang sauce gives the dish a sweet and spicy kick that will leave your taste buds dancing.

Overall, Seoul Food Korean Cookbook is a must-have for anyone who appreciates Korean cuisine and wants to bring a taste of Seoul into their own kitchen.

Koreatown: A Cookbook by Deuki Hong and Matt Rodbard

Koreatown in Los Angeles is a vibrant hub of Korean culture, cuisine, and community. And thanks to the incredible cookbook by Deuki Hong and Matt Rodbard, you can now bring the flavors of this bustling neighborhood into your own kitchen.

Filled with over 100 recipes and captivating stories, Koreatown: A Cookbook provides an inside look into the heart and soul of Korean food. From succulent galbi (beef short ribs) to crispy-edged kimchi pancakes, this cookbook will surely delight your taste buds and expand your culinary horizons.

Whether you are a seasoned home chef or a curious beginner, Koreatown: A Cookbook is a must-have addition to any cookbook collection.

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My Korea: Traditional Flavors, Modern Recipes by Hooni Kim

My Korea: Traditional Flavors, Modern Recipes by Hooni Kim is next on our list of the best Korean cookbooks. It is an exciting and mouth-watering journey into the cuisine of Korea.

This cookbook blends classic Korean dishes with modern tastes and techniques, showcasing the beauty and complexity of Korean culinary culture.

Kim’s innovative approach to traditional recipes makes them more accessible for home cooks without losing their authentic flavor. From bibimbap and bulgogi to kimchi and kimbap, every recipe in this cookbook is a testament to Korea’s rich and diverse flavors.

With stunning photography and easy-to-follow instructions, My Korea is a must-have for anyone interested in exploring the vibrant world of Korean cuisine.

Instant Pot Korean Cookbook: Traditional Favorites Made Fast and Easy by Christy Lee

If you’re a fan of Korean cuisine but often feel intimidated by the complexity of the dishes, then you’ll want to check out the Instant Pot Korean Cookbook by Christy Lee.

This cookbook is packed with traditional Korean favorites made quickly and easily with the help of an Instant Pot. From classic dishes like bulgogi and bibimbap to lesser-known gems like japchae and dukbokki, the Korean recipes in this book will satisfy any Korean food enthusiast.

The Instant Pot makes preparing these dishes a breeze, allowing you to enjoy delicious and authentic Korean meals in no time.

With mouth-watering photos, helpful tips, and easy-to-follow instructions, the Instant Pot Korean Cookbook is a must-have for anyone looking to explore the flavors of Korea.

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Judy Joo’s Korean Soul Food: Authentic Dishes and Modern Twists by Judy Joo

If you’re a foodie looking for something new and exciting, you may want to check out Judy Joo’s Korean Soul Food cookbook.

Known for her fusion dishes that meld traditional Korean flavors with modern twists, Joo’s cookbook offers a unique and mouthwatering look at authentic Korean cuisine.

This cookbook has something for everyone, from hearty stews to crispy fried chicken.

Joo’s passion for her heritage and love of home cooking shines through in each recipe, making it the perfect addition to any food lover’s collection.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to Korean cuisine, this cookbook will satisfy your cravings and add a little soulful flavor to your kitchen.

The Kimchi Cookbook: 60 Traditional and Modern Ways to Make and Eat Kimchi by Lauryn Chun and Olga Massov

The Kimchi Cookbook: 60 Traditional and Modern Ways to Make and Eat Kimchi by Lauryn Chun and Olga Massov is a culinary gem for those who love Korean cuisine.

Not only is it packed with 60 delicious kimchi recipes, but it also tells the story of the dish’s origins and its cultural significance in Korea. Whether you prefer your kimchi spicy, tangy, or even in a cocktail, this cookbook covers all the bases with easy-to-follow instructions and beautiful photography.

But the cookbook doesn’t just stop at recipes for traditional cabbage kimchi, it also explores the many different types of kimchi, including fruit kimchi, radish kimchi, and cucumber kimchi.

The Kimchi Cookbook will become a staple in any Korean food lover’s kitchen.

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The Kimchi Chronicles: Korean Cooking for an American Kitchen: A Cookbook by Marja Vongerichten and Jean-Georges Vongerichten

The Kimchi Chronicles: Korean Cooking for an American Kitchen: A Cookbook by Marja Vongerichten and Jean-Georges Vongerichten is a must-have for anyone looking to add some Korean flair to their cooking arsenal.

With over 100 unique recipes, this cookbook offers a range of appetizing dishes from traditional Korean favorites to innovative fusion creations.

Marja, a Korean-American adopted by an American family, brings her personal experiences and love for Korean cuisine to the forefront. At the same time, Jean-Georges, an acclaimed chef, adds his culinary know-how to craft approachable recipes for American home cooks.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice home cook, The Kimchi Chronicles is a fantastic addition to any kitchen looking to diversify its cooking options.

FAQ

What are the key ingredients of Kimchi?

The key ingredients of Kimchi are typically cabbage, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Other ingredients may include fish sauce, salted shrimp, green onions, carrots, radishes, or cucumber.

What is Gochujang?

Gochujang is a Korean fermented red chili paste made from fermented soybeans, red chili pepper flakes, glutinous rice powder, and salt. It is used as a condiment or marinade in many traditional Korean dishes.

What is the Difference Between Kimchi and Gochujang?

Kimchi is a fermented cabbage dish that often includes garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.

Gochujang is a fermented red chili paste from soybeans, red chili pepper flakes, glutinous rice powder, and salt.

Kimchi can be used to accompany gochujang-based dishes such as bibimbap or jjigae.

Gochujang can also be used as a marinade for meats and vegetables and as an ingredient in sauces, soups, and stews.

Summary of Best Korean Cookbooks

These best Korean cookbooks offer a collection of mouthwatering recipes for traditional and modern Korean Foods. If you enjoyed this look at the amazing Korean cookbooks, then you may be interested in some of these cookbook reviews:

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