Best Korean Cooking, Food & Wine Books of 2026

Simply Korean: Easy Recipes for Korean Favorites That Anyone Can Make is a must-have book for those who want to explore Korean cuisine. Written by professional chef Aaron Huh, the book provides simplified techniques and minimal ingredients to make mouth-watering dishes such as bulgogi, kimchi, and tteokbokki. The book also includes an introduction to Korean cuisine, essential ingredients, and preparation methods, as well as easy-to-remember formulas for Korean sauces. With this book, anyone can make restaurant-quality Korean meals at home. Overall, Simply Korean is a fantastic resource for those who want to learn how to cook Korean cuisine with ease.

The Korean Vegan Cookbook: Reflections and Recipes from Omma's Kitchen is a debut cookbook from Joanne Lee Molinaro, the home cook and spellbinding storyteller behind the online sensation @thekoreanvegan. She shares a collection of her favorite Korean dishes, some traditional and some reimagined, as well as poignant narrative snapshots that have shaped her family history. Joanne is an expert in veganizing dishes, especially Korean food, and a soothing storyteller. The Korean Vegan Cookbook is a rich portrait of the immigrant experience with life lessons that are universal. It celebrates how deeply food and the ones we love shape our identity. This cookbook is a must-have for anyone who wants to explore Korean cuisine and veganism.

"101 Asian Dishes You Need to Cook Before You Die" is an excellent cookbook for anyone who wants to learn how to cook authentic Asian dishes at home. Jet Tila, a well-known chef and judge on Cutthroat Kitchen, shares his years of experience and knowledge in this book, providing readers with 101 delicious recipes, including Korean BBQ Short Ribs, Beef Pho, and Vietnamese Banh Mi Sandwich. Tila's approach to cooking remains true to the identity and origin of each dish, making it easy for anyone to follow along. Overall, this cookbook is a must-have for anyone who loves Asian cuisine and wants to impress family and friends with their cooking skills."

Maangchi's Big Book of Korean Cooking is a comprehensive guide to Korean cuisine, covering everything from everyday meals to celebration dishes. The book includes Maangchi's favorite recipes, such as Korean barbecue, bulgogi, and bibimbap, as well as dishes not covered in other Korean cookbooks, like vegan fare and street food snacks. The book also features hundreds of full-color photos, step-by-step techniques for each recipe, and a detailed chapter on Korean cooking techniques. Overall, this book is a must-have for anyone interested in Korean cooking and culture.

Korean American: Food That Tastes Like Home is a captivating and insightful cookbook that explores what it means to be Korean American. Written by New York Times staff writer Eric Kim, this book features delectable recipes that reflect his personal journey growing up in a Korean immigrant family in Atlanta. From traditional Korean dishes to hybridized Korean-American meals, Eric shares his stories and recipes with playful, poignant, and vulnerable essays. With stunning images shot by photographer Jenny Huang, this cookbook is a must-have for those who want to learn about Korean cuisine and its history in America.

Aloha Kitchen: Recipes from Hawai'i [A Cookbook] by Alana Kysar is a beautiful cookbook featuring 85 fresh and sunny recipes that reflect the cultural diversity of local Hawaiʻi food. From plate lunch to shave ice, Kysar introduces the history and geographic origins of beloved dishes like saimin, loco moco, and shoyu chicken. The book also includes transporting photography and engaging writing that paints an intimate and enlightening portrait of Hawaiʻi's cultural heritage. Overall, Aloha Kitchen is an eye-opening introduction to the rich tradition of local Hawaiian cuisine and a must-have for anyone interested in exploring the multiethnic culture and food history of Hawaii.

Maangchi's Real Korean Cooking is a must-have for any home cook interested in Korean cuisine. With step-by-step photos and a glossary of ingredients, Maangchi takes readers through all the country's best dishes, from simple few-ingredient dishes to complex one-pots. The book also includes a chapter of quick kimchis and pickles, as well as banchan, or side dishes, which can comprise a meal. Maangchi's cheerful approach and helpful tips make this book perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike.

L.A. Son by Roy Choi is a memoir and cookbook that tells the story of Choi's life, the city of Los Angeles, and its food. The book features over 85 recipes that combine the overlapping traditions and flavors of L.A., including Korean fried chicken, homemade chorizo, and Kimchi and Pork Belly Stuffed Pupusas. Choi takes readers through the neighborhoods and streets of L.A. that most tourists never see, sharing both the food and the stories that inspired his cooking. Overall, L.A. Son is an inventive, creative, and border-crossing cookbook that embodies the resourcefulness and hybrid attitude of the city from which it takes its name.

Cook Korean! is a unique cookbook that blends graphic novel storytelling with recipes to introduce readers to the basics of Korean cooking. With over 60 traditional and not-so-traditional dishes, Robin Ha's playful and exact recipes are easy to follow and accompanied by colorful and humorous one-to-three-page comics that fully illustrate the steps and ingredients needed. The book also includes personal anecdotes and cultural insights, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Overall, Cook Korean! is an entertaining and inviting introduction to Korean cuisine that stands out from other cookbooks thanks to its graphic novel format.

The Korean K-Drama Cookbook is a must-have for fans of Korean dramas and cuisine. The book features 61 fully illustrated, easy-to-make recipes for classic Korean dishes, including those seen on popular K-Drama shows like Itaewon Class, Crash Landing On You, and Hospital Playlist. The book also includes recipes for Korean cocktails and snacks to enjoy while watching your favorite shows. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this book is a great addition to your collection. The unique feature of this cookbook is that it allows you to recreate the dishes seen in your favorite Korean dramas, making it a must-read for K-Drama enthusiasts.