Korean cuisine is rapidly gaining popularity across the globe thanks to its unique flavors and diverse dishes. If you’re looking to dive into the world of Korean cooking and learn some easy recipes to impress friends and family, there’s no better way than getting your hands on an authentic cookbook. Here’s a list of the 10 best Korean cookbooks in 2021 for you to explore.

1. Maangchi’s Real Korean Cooking: Authentic Dishes for the Home Cook by Maangchi

Maangchi has become synonymous with Korean cooking due to her popular YouTube channel and blog. This cookbook is a fantastic guide for beginners as it offers step-by-step instructions and beautiful photography.

2. The Kimchi Chronicles: Korean Cooking for an American Kitchen by Marja Vongerichten

Experience a mix of traditional and modernized recipes in this cookbook by Marja Vongerichten, packed with insights into her experience marrying into a Korean family. Her accessible approach to ingredients and techniques is perfect for the American kitchen.

3. Seoul Food: A Cookbook by Naomi Imatome-Yun

The author, having lived in Seoul for several years, introduces readers to delicious street food and homestyle cooking throughout this enticing cookbook. Expect a mix of comforting classics with some creative tweaks.

4. Growing Up in a Koreatown Kitchen by Cecilia Hae-Jin Lee

Lee’s book offers not only mouth-watering recipes but also touching stories, making it perfect for those who want insight into the connections between culture, tradition, and food in Korea.

5. Everyday Korean: Fresh, Modern Recipes for Home Cooks by Emily Kim

This cookbook comes from the creator of popular blog My Name Is Yeh! Emily Kim demonstrates how to use pantry staples while making everyday dishes more adaptable and fun.

6. Cook Korean!: A Comic Book with Recipes by Robin Ha

If you’re a visual learner or simply looking for something fun, this innovative comic book-style cookbook is perfect! It makes Korean cooking techniques and recipes more approachable by breaking them down artistically.

7. Quick and Easy Korean Cooking: More Than 70 Everyday Recipes by Cecilia Hae-Jin Lee

For those short on time, Lee’s cookbook focuses on quick and easy Korean recipes that are perfect for weeknight dinners or impromptu get-togethers.

8. The Beauty of Korean Food: With 100 Best-Loved Recipes by Institute of Traditional Korean Food

This visually stunning book showcases the best of Korean cuisine with authentic recipes, insights into the country’s culinary history, and beautiful photographs that capture the essence of the dishes.

9. My Korea: Traditional Flavors, Modern Recipes by Hooni Kim

In this cookbook, Michelin-starred chef Hooni Kim showcases the versatility and depth of Korean cuisine while offering a modern twist to traditional dishes. Perfect for those who have some experience with Korean cooking and want to explore further.

10. The Korean Kitchen: Classic Recipes from the Land of the Morning Calm by Copeland Marks

This classic cookbook offers readers a comprehensive guide to traditional Korean cuisine, with easy-to-follow recipes featuring valuable tips and techniques.

With these ten outstanding cookbooks at your disposal, there’s never been a better time to embark on your culinary journey into the rich world of Korean flavors and traditions. Happy cooking!