10 Best Korean Cookbooks 2025 in the United States

Umma: A Korean Mom's Kitchen Wisdom and 100 Family Recipes is a solid choice for anyone interested in learning Korean cooking with a personal touch. The book offers 100 recipes that cover a good variety of traditional and family-style dishes, making it suitable for cooks who want to experience authentic flavors without being overwhelmed. Since it comes from America's Test Kitchen, it includes clear instructions designed to be approachable for home cooks, even those with moderate skill levels.

The hardcover format and 384 pages suggest a well-organized and substantial collection, which is great if you want a dependable kitchen companion. Given the title and publisher reputation, the book provides helpful cultural insights, enriching your cooking experience by connecting you to Korean traditions and family wisdom. Although the size and weight might make it a bit bulky to handle, the visual appeal is strong, as America’s Test Kitchen books usually have good-quality photos that help you see what your dishes should look like.

One thing to consider is ingredient accessibility; some Korean ingredients can be hard to find depending on your location, but the book offers substitutions or explanations to help. This cookbook suits those eager to dive into Korean home cooking with clear guidance, cultural background, and a balanced recipe selection that caters more to everyday cooks than to experts looking for complex techniques.

Simply Korean: Easy Recipes for Korean Favorites That Anyone Can Make is designed with beginners in mind. The skill level required is quite low, making it accessible for those new to cooking Korean cuisine. The recipes are straightforward, focusing on simplicity without sacrificing authenticity. This makes it an excellent starting point for anyone interested in exploring Korean food at home.

The variety of recipes is commendable, covering a range of traditional dishes from starters to mains and even some dessert options, ensuring there's something for everyone. Ingredient accessibility is another strong point. The book tends to use ingredients that are relatively easy to find in most grocery stores or Asian markets, which is a big plus for home cooks who may not have access to specialized stores.

Cultural context is well-presented, with the author providing background information on dishes and their significance in Korean culture. This adds a layer of depth and understanding that enhances the cooking experience. The visual appeal is also noteworthy. The book is published by DK, known for high-quality visuals, and this book does not disappoint. It features beautiful, full-color photographs that are both inspiring and helpful, giving readers a clear idea of what the finished dishes should look like. However, the book's hardcover format and considerable weight (2.31 pounds) might make it a bit cumbersome to handle in the kitchen.

To sum up, Simply Korean is a fantastic resource for beginners looking to dive into Korean cooking. It offers easy-to-follow recipes, accessible ingredients, rich cultural insights, and stunning visuals, though its physical heft could be a minor inconvenience in a busy kitchen setting.

The Korean Vegan Cookbook: Reflections and Recipes from Omma's Kitchen is a notable addition for anyone interested in Korean cuisine with a vegan twist. The cookbook is accessible for a wide range of skill levels, from beginners to more experienced cooks. It provides a diverse array of recipes, ensuring variety and keeping the user engaged. The book also emphasizes ingredient accessibility, with many recipes calling for common ingredients that can be found in most supermarkets, though some specialized Korean ingredients may require a trip to an Asian grocery store or online shopping.

The cultural context of the recipes is a strong point, as the author combines personal stories and reflections, offering an immersive experience into Korean heritage and vegan lifestyle. Visually, the cookbook is highly appealing, with beautiful photography that showcases the finished dishes and step-by-step instructions, aiding users in visualizing the process and final outcome. It is well-dimensioned and substantial, making it a durable addition to any kitchen library.

Some users may find that the reliance on personal narrative can overshadow the cooking instructions at times. Additionally, while the recipes are vegan, those who are not familiar with Korean cuisine or vegan cooking may initially find some of the ingredients or techniques unfamiliar. However, for those eager to explore vegan Korean cooking, this book provides an excellent guide.