This week I have been struggling with some serious stomach issues. I honestly couldn’t really eat anything without some kind of issue, it was misery. I had enough and decided to flip through my cookbooks. Finally, it dawned on me to make a Korean soup yesterday. I packed it full of kimchi, veggies, tofu, gochujang, the works. Today I woke up feeling fantastic!
I know in the Pacific Northwest, Korean food isn’t incredibly foreign, especially Korean barbeque. But for other regions in America, Korean cuisine is just starting to make it’s mark. Traditional and even modernized Korean food is packed full of nutrients and flavor. Even when I’ve been indulgent with Korean food (like KBBQ) I never regret it, unlike cheesy, sugary American food. When I cook Korean at home, I always end up with a happy belly.
(Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you)
We tend to think cooking something new is going to be extra difficult, but truly Korean cuisine is fast. For instance, I made my soup in about 20 minutes with the help of a Korean cookbook! Whether you’re new to cooking Korean food or have experience, these 6 Korean cookbooks are must-haves on your shelf!
My number one cookbook pick is My Korea: Traditional Flavors, Modern Recipes. If you want to learn from the master then by Hooni Kim is where you should start. He is the first Michelin starred chef in Korean cuisine and is well known for introducing Korean food to America. Kim breaks down the fundamentals and the must-haves in your pantry.
This cookbook is a good introduction to Korean cuisine as there are a lot of hybrid recipes. Speaking of recipes, there are 90 scrumptious meals to choose from – including desserts! The pictures are gorgeous and recipes easy to follow, My Korea: Traditional Flavors, Modern Recipes. is truly a celebration of Korean cuisine!
Authentic Korean Recipes: The Most Popular and Classic Korean Recipes cookbook is great for those who want to begin their journey with Korean cuisine. With more that 50 classics to choose from, you’ll fall in love with Korean food fast!
I appreciate that this cookbook is dedicated to the classics. That’s how most of us get hooked on new food is by things we typically find at restaurants or “introductory” foods cooked by friends. These basic recipes will give us all the knowledge we need to be fully stocked and ready for an elaborate Korean meal.
I am thoroughly enjoying the cookbook Korean Food for The Heart: A Dive into the Korean Culture and Cuisine. Focusing on flavor, this cookbook doesn’t mess around! All of these recipes will become weekly staples in your household.
Each recipe ranges in difficulty from easy to hard. Some require specific tools for cooking while others are fairly standard. Overall, this is a fantastic addition for experienced and novice cooks alike. There are over 30 recipes with beautiful photography that will make your mouth water. I’m already excited to make another Korean dish to end my week!
For beginner cooks, the The Ultimate Korean Cookbook: 111 Dishes From Korea To Cook Right Now cookbook will be perfect. It has the most comprehensive guide to Korean food. It clearly lays out special ingredients you will need for almost each dish and wares you will have to have in your kitchen.
I am happy to say that this cookbook has 111 recipes to look through! When they said “ultimate” they meant it. I think they’ve nailed it as far as explaining Korean cooking. The Ultimate Korean Cookbook: 111 Dishes From Korea To Cook Right Now cookbook takes a look at Korean culture and food. It lays out the foundation for why this cuisine is so healthy and flavorful. I highly recommend having this cookbook at your fingertips.
One concern I’ve heard is how Korean cooking may use a lot of fish. That is a large part of their diet, but with Korean Vegetarian Cooking: Authentic Flavors in Simple Steps cookbook it will be easy to navigate. In fact, I would say of all the cuisines in the world, Korean would be easy to translate to more plant-based.
This cookbook kindly provides 80 strictly vegetarian recipes, in fact 75 of them are vegan as well! For those who have dietary restrictions, Korean Vegetarian Cooking: Authentic Flavors in Simple Steps cookbook is a fantastic pick. Each recipe is carefully labeled whether or not it is dairy, nut, gluten free (and more!)
Admittedly, The Honeysuckle Cookbook is not primarily Korean, but it includes quite a few Korean recipes. This cookbook takes many recipes from all over Asia to give us healthy meals. Not only that, but these recipes are fast and easy, specifically for the busy lives we lead.
This cookbook is actually from a Youtube channel called Honeysuckle – check it out before ordering the book!
All 6 Korean cookbooks will give you the knowledge you need to begin this culinary experience. For the most part, Korean cooking is very easy to get the hang of. It truly only requires a few special ingredients and you’re ready to go! If you want to eat healthier without forgoing the flavor, definitely check these out!
~Kaiti