Japanese food is one of my favorites. I know I say that about almost all food, but I mean it! I had a fondness for Japanese cuisine before I visited Japan four years ago. My adoration deepened after my trip. It is also a cuisine that has evolved and yet remained firm in its customs. There is a lot of respect for traditional food, such as sushi. We also see fusion Japanese food all around the world!
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This is why I love Japanese cookbooks. You will find something never seen before in your local restaurant. Then there are always the tips and techniques you need for a successful Japanese meal. Let’s check out some new Japanese cookbook releases for fall to get you started!
wagamama your way: Fast Flexitarian Recipes for Body + Soul
by Steven Mangleshot
Wagamama is a British restaurant chain that started in 1992. It is widely renowned on a global scale! Unfortunately, there are only a few locations in the United States (especially after 2020.) The message this restaurant provides is: “Your guide to modern nourishment – the Wagamama way.” Wagamama means “naughty child” in Japanese! To be “wagamama,” you have a constant curiosity and need for exploration.
You may have noticed that the wagamama your way: Fast Flexitarian Recipes for Body + Soul cookbook is “flexitarian”. This means you can be vegan and vegetarian, but also enjoy animal products occasionally. Wagamama strives to make the planet more green. You can join their Plant Pledge here!
As far as the cookbook is concerned we learn 70 amazing flexitarian recipes. Many of these dishes are Japanese-inspired.
There are six easy chapters to follow.
- Fast and Easy
- Bowls of Goodness
- Ways with the Wok
- Flexible Favorites
- Something Sweet
- Sauces and Sides
I am looking forward to their vegan Sticky Ribs recipe and Udon Ramen! Yum!
The Way of the Savoury: The Official Umamido Cookbook
by Guy Quirijnen (Author) + Femke Vandevelde (Author)
Speaking of ramen, I am looking forward to checking out The Way of the Savoury: The Official Umamido Cookbook. ‘Tis the season for soup!
In this cookbook, we learn about authentic Japanese ramen and secrets from the Umamido kitchen. When Guy Quirignen visited Kyoto, he was met by mind-blowing ramen. The umami flavors were addictive and he wanted more! That’s why he created his restaurant and cookbook.
I cannot find an exact recipe number, but the book is over 200 pages long. It looks as if there are more than ramen recipes featured throughout!
In this The Way of the Savoury: The Official Umamido Cookbook you’ll discover mouth-watering photos. I’m hungry just looking at it!
The Way of the Savoury: The Official Umamido Cookbook is going to come in handy this season. As winter approaches, I know I will want to be tucked in a blanket with a nice bowl of soup in hand.
Sushi (Essential Kitchen Series)
Ryuichi Yoshii
Sushi (Essential Kitchen Series) will provide all the sushi fundamentals you will ever need. Ryuichi Yoshii is a master sushi chef who now works in the sophisticated Nobu, Crown in Sydney Australia.
Sushi recipes include:
- Nigiri
- Vegetable Sushi
- Sushi in a Bowl
- California Rolls
- Thin Rolls
The Sushi (Essential Kitchen Series) has stood the test of time. It was originally published in 1999! The tips and tricks given are still applicable today.
You will find 30 classic sushi recipes for all your cravings. There are also step-by-step photos to help guide you to make perfect sushi! I can’t wait to try this cookbook!
Your Home Izakaya: Fun and Simple Recipes Inspired by the Drinking-and-Dining Dens of Japan
Tim Anderson
When my husband and I visited Japan, we went to many izakayas. These are bars in Japan! That’s why Your Home Izakaya: Fun and Simple Recipes Inspired by the Drinking-and-Dining Dens of Japan cookbook is so appealing.
Similar to Western bar food, izakayas offer small dishes alongside your sake or beer. They may be simple recipes but also packed with flavor. This cookbook has over 100 delightful recipes to show us!
I feel like izakaya food tends to be more satisfying than Western fare. In Your Home Izakaya: Fun and Simple Recipes Inspired by the Drinking-and-Dining Dens of Japan there are recipes for Mapo Tofu, fusion sushi rolls, Wasabi Marinated Octopus with Okra, and more. I am enjoying the marriage between Eastern and Western tastes!
I was surprised at how easy the recipes are to make. There are tips for certain dishes to make cooking easier. Many of these recipes come in a serving size of two. Can someone say “date night”? There are also drink pairings for each recipe.
The photography is stunning throughout this cookbook. You feel immersed in an Izakaya!
The Vegan Japanese Cookbook: 75 Favorites Made Simple
Yoko Segawa
For those of you who are new to cooking and want an effortless cookbook, check out “The Vegan Japanese Cookbook: 75 Favorites Made Simple”. Rockridge Press is known for having fabulous cookbooks for novice home cooks.
In this cookbook, there are 75 Japanese vegan recipes. The dishes range from contemporary to classic Japanese recipes. Yoko Segawa introduces us to Shojin Ryori (a vegetarian style of eating introduced by Japanese monks).
It’s a little too early to see all the dishes, but I am looking forward to it!
I have many Japanese cookbooks in my arsenal, but I always feel like I need more.
~Kaiti
