10 Best Korean Cookbooks in 2022 (Maangchi, Roy Choi, and More)

Authored by the famous YouTuber Maangchi, this book covers all aspects of Korean cuisine, from recipes for everyday family dinners to celebratory moments. Almost every page has color pictures to help you cook as well as clear ingredient lists and instructions.

Many reviewers liked how the book had different options, ranging from vegan meals to deep-fried comfort food. They also liked the introduction to Korean ingredients, saying the photos helped them with grocery shopping. They said the recipes are down-to-earth and easy to replicate at home. 

This book is part-memoir and part-cookbook. It takes you to Los Angeles, where Roy Choi grew up and learned his love of food. The 85 recipes synthesize typical Korean cuisine with Choi's experiments to form completely new inventions.

Some reviewers found the interspersal of recipes within the memoir difficult to follow. However, readers loved Choi's engaging way of writing, saying he can tell heart-wrenching stories and give clear directions to recreate his recipes. They also liked the large colors pictures alongside the text.

This book is a fun combination of the art of illustration with cooking instructions. Through the use of graphics and color, the author details the ingredients and steps needed to make some of the most flavorful Korean recipes.

Readers said the comic format helped them become less intimidated by Korean cooking. Readers also liked how it shows simple home-cooking and offers alternatives for hard-to-get items.

Its illustrated format did not take away from the clarity of the directions, making readers feel like it's a great introduction to Korean food for beginners.

This cookbook is a compendium of traditional and modern authentic Korean recipes. It contains step-by-step guides for over a hundred recipes. There's also information on Korean food culture and Korean staples you'll need in your pantry.

Some readers found the lack of visuals for some recipes disappointing. However, readers really liked how the concise directions make cooking Korean cuisine accessible and enjoyable. They also appreciated that this book discusses Korean cookware, customs, and etiquette.

This cookbook details the personal journey of a Michelin-starred chef through Korean cuisine. The author introduces readers to the  "Korean culinary trinity" of doenjang, ganjang, and gochujang to create unique recipes with his vast knowledge of Korean ingredients and techniques. 

Readers said this book has interesting tips and tricks to enhance the flavor and texture of the dishes. Readers also enjoyed the author's twists on traditional Korean food. 

Judy Joo makes delicious Korean food accessible for people who want to indulge in their favorite cuisine every day. She unravels the mystery behind 115 Korean recipes into an easy and undaunting process.

Some readers felt that some recipes are not for an inexperienced cook, and some of the required ingredients are hard to find. However, home cooks liked the addition of the fusion recipes.

Readers enjoyed how the cookbook is organized into categories according to an ingredient, making it easier to decide what to cook. Readers also appreciated the background information the chef gives about each dish.

This cookbook highlights the connection between Korean and American cuisine that has developed over the years. The authors of this book show how classic Korean flavors can be modernized and easily made in an American kitchen.

Readers enjoyed how this book has authentic flavors as well as Korean-American fusion dishes. Readers also liked the variety of information, appreciating the quick tips, fun anecdotes, background information, and large photographs, saying it's a great introductory book.

This book is filled with gluten- and dairy-free variations of beloved Korean dishes. It organizes the recipes according to categories, like soups, rice dishes, and BBQ, making selecting a recipe very easy.

Some readers felt that the recipes are sometimes a little long and could use more photos. Readers liked that this book makes paleo-cooking easy and accessible by using reasonably priced ingredients. They were also happy with the explanation of the necessities of Korean cooking.

Paleo-diet practitioners were especially satisfied with the recipes in the book. Many also enjoyed the personal family anecdotes.

The authors of this book traveled across Korea to explore the cuisine and food culture. This book is a rendition of their travels and experiences eating Korean cooking. There's also a PBS show that showed their travels.

Some readers felt that the recipes weren't very authentic. However, readers loved the beautiful photography and easy recipes, saying they feel confident about cooking them regularly. They also appreciated the use of accessible ingredients. 

This cookbook contains 30 Korean recipes that use seasonal vegetables to create hearty meals. The author pairs traditional Korean sauces with vegetarian ingredients to make interesting and delicious dishes. 

Readers enjoyed learning about fundamental Korean cooking in a way that was practical and easy to follow. They were satisfied with the quality and structure of the recipes. They also said this book is useful for meat lovers since it suggests vegan-friendly substitutes for classic Korean dishes.