8 New Korean Cooking Books Defining 2025

Unlike most Korean cooking books that focus solely on recipes, "Umma: A Korean Mom's Kitchen Wisdom and 100 Family Recipes" intertwines culinary instruction with intimate mother-daughter dialogues. Sarah Ahn, whose viral videos have drawn millions, teams up with her mother Nam Soon Ahn to share over 100 recipes enriched by decades of kitchen insights and familial traditions. You’ll not only learn how to prepare foundational Korean dishes like banchan and kimchi but also gain a nuanced understanding of ingredient selection through a guided Korean grocery store tour. This book suits those eager to explore Korean food with cultural context and heartfelt storytelling, rather than just another recipe collection.

The breakthrough moment came when Andrew Metz distilled the vibrant complexity of Korean cuisine into 120 approachable recipes that balance tradition with modern tastes. You’ll learn to prepare iconic dishes like Kimchi and Bibimbap with clear guidance on ingredients and substitutions, making this perfect for cooks at any level. The book goes beyond recipes by weaving in cultural insights and nutritional benefits, especially highlighting fermented foods that support gut health. Whether you’re looking to expand your culinary repertoire or embrace Korean flavors in everyday meals, this cookbook provides practical meal planning and pairing tips to enrich your cooking experience.

This tailored book delves into the latest developments and evolving trends of Korean cooking for 2025, crafted to match your background and culinary ambitions. It explores innovative techniques and emerging flavors that are reshaping Korea's vibrant cuisine, offering a deep dive into contemporary practices alongside traditional foundations. By focusing on your specific interests, it provides a personalized learning journey that uncovers fresh discoveries and culinary insights relevant to your goals. Through a detailed examination of new ingredients, cooking methods, and cultural shifts, this book reveals how Korean cuisine continues to evolve. The tailored approach ensures you explore the aspects most meaningful to you, making the path to mastering 2025's culinary innovations both engaging and efficient.

After exploring the versatility of the Instant Pot, Robert A. Millar developed this cookbook to bridge Korean culinary tradition with modern convenience. You’ll learn how to craft authentic Korean dishes—from appetizers to BBQ—using the Instant Pot, which simplifies cooking times without sacrificing flavor. Chapters dedicated to soups, stews, and rice showcase techniques that preserve genuine taste while fitting into a busy lifestyle. If you want to enjoy Korean cooking but struggle with time or complex preparation, this book offers approachable recipes that bring Korean flavors right to your kitchen.

This isn't another Korean cookbook promising standard dishes; Caroline Choe and Ghazalle Badiozamani bring a fresh focus to banchan, the small side dishes that define Korean meals. You learn not only traditional recipes like kimchi and buchimgae but also modern Korean American twists such as Kimcheese sandwiches and Smoky Gochujang Chicken Salad. The book includes practical tips on stocking your Korean pantry and creative ways to turn banchan into main dishes. If you're passionate about Korean flavors and want to explore beyond the usual fare, this book guides you through both heritage and innovation in approachable steps.

Drawing from a focused exploration of Korean fermented condiments, Jordan Hanhuk reveals the crucial role of five jang sauces and pastes that underpin Korean cuisine. You’ll learn practical details about Gang-Doenjang, Gan-Jang, Gochu-Jang, Doen-Jang, and SSam-Jang — from their production to their culinary uses, like how Doen-Jang enriches stews or SSam-Jang enhances wraps. This concise guide suits home cooks eager to deepen their understanding of Korean flavors and those curious about fermentation's impact on taste. The book’s straightforward approach offers clear insights without overwhelming you, making it a handy reference rather than a cookbook packed with recipes.

This tailored book explores the evolving landscape of Korean cooking with an emphasis on future-ready culinary insights. It covers emerging trends and new discoveries up to 2025, offering a deep dive into innovative recipes and techniques that align with your unique interests and cooking goals. By focusing on your background and personal aspirations, the book reveals how Korean cuisine continues to adapt and grow, blending tradition with modern innovation. Through a personalized narrative, it examines specific ingredients, preparation methods, and contemporary flavor profiles, enabling you to stay ahead in your culinary journey. This tailored approach ensures you engage directly with content that matches your skill level and passion, making the learning experience both relevant and inspiring.

When Seji Song realized how intimidating Korean cooking seemed to many, she set out to simplify the process without sacrificing flavor. By focusing on just seven essential ingredients like gochujang and sesame oil, the book teaches you how to recreate authentic Korean dishes with a minimal pantry. You’ll learn to adapt classics such as Bibimbap and Bulgogi alongside inventive recipes like Gochujang Sausage Spaghetti and Korean Fried Chicken variations. This approach benefits home cooks who want approachable yet genuine Korean flavors without hunting down rare ingredients or mastering complex techniques.

What started as a desire to make Korean cooking approachable for everyone led Hae-Won J. Lee to craft this detailed cookbook. You’ll find 101 recipes that demystify Korean cuisine, from hearty stews to vibrant kimchi preparations, each with clear instructions and nutritional info. The book walks you through cooking times and serving sizes, making it easy to plan meals whether cooking solo or for guests. If you want to expand your culinary skills with authentic, flavorful Korean dishes without feeling overwhelmed, this guide will fit your kitchen needs perfectly.

What started as an exploration of Korean American communities evolved into a broader journey across the globe with Deuki Hong and Matt Rodbard, revealing Korean cuisine's dynamic evolution. You delve into over 75 recipes that span from ancient plant-based temple dishes in Jeolla-do to cutting-edge barbecue techniques in Seoul, such as smoked giant short ribs cooked over hay. Beyond recipes, the book immerses you in stories from chefs and home cooks shaping modern Korean food culture, offering insights into both traditional and contemporary culinary practices. Whether you're a curious home cook or a culinary professional, this book provides a rich perspective on Korean food's international revolution and emerging trends.