Make your favorite Japanese dishes at home with the best Japanese cookbooks filled with all Japanese cuisine secrets. Read on to pick a cookbook with your favorite Japanese recipes!
Embark on a gastronomic journey from the comfort of your kitchen with our guide to the best Japanese cookbooks for beginners and experts alike.
These culinary tomes offer a treasure trove of recipes ranging from home-style comfort food to sophisticated cuisine, guiding you through the nuances of Japanese cooking with ease and expertise.
Which is the best Japanese cookbook for beginners?
The recommended Japanese cookbook for beginners is "Japanese Cooking: A Simple Art" by Shizuo Tsuji. This classic cookbook serves as an excellent introduction to the fundamentals of Japanese cuisine. It covers a wide range of recipes, from basic dishes to more elaborate preparations, while providing detailed explanations of key ingredients, techniques, and cultural aspects of Japanese cooking.
With clear instructions and a comprehensive approach, "Japanese Cooking: A Simple Art" is a great starting point for beginners looking to explore the world of Japanese cuisine.
| Best Japanese Cookbooks | Author | Check price on Amazon |
| Japanese Cooking | Shizuo Tsuji | Check price on Amazon |
| Everyday Harumi | Harumi Kurihara | Check price on Amazon |
| Japanese Soul Cooking | Tadashi Oni and Harris Salat | Check price on Amazon |
| Sushi Taste and Technique | Kimiko Barker and Hiroki Takemura | Check price on Amazon |
| Japanese Farm Food | Nancy SIngleton Hachisu | Check price on Amazon |
| The Just Bento Cookbook | Makiko Itoh | Check price on Amazon |
| Ivan Ramen | Ivan Orkin | Check price on Amazon |
| Takashi’s Noodles | Takashi Yagihashi | Check price on Amazon |
Top Japanese Cookbooks
Japanese Cooking - Shizuo Tsuji
Best Japanese cookbooks for beginners
This cookbook is a staple in almost every Japanese food lover’s kitchen. This book has been causing mouths to water for over a quarter of a century. The book, thanks to its brilliancy, is often referred to as the ‘bible’ of Japanese cooking.
The book has one of the most informative forewords that describes the different traditional ingredients, kitchen tools, and cooking techniques. The information provided in this book is better than most of the other cookbooks that are available in the market.
In the book, Tsuji emphasizes the importance of color, texture, and artful presentation when it comes to Japanese cuisine. Tsuji first helps a novice chef to master all of these techniques before moving on to improving the taste of the dishes that they cook. Part two of the book contains about 130 recipes.
This second part contains a mixture of simple, speedy weekday dinners. You will also find some excellent but time-consuming dishes that are sure to impress everyone at dinner.
Out of all the recipes in the book, be sure to try out the sea bream sashimi, spicy eggplant nimono, nigiri sushi, and the lotus root agemono.
- Related: Best Japanese Vegetarian Cookbook
Everyday Harumi - Harumi Kurihara - Best Japanese Cookbooks
Best Japanese Cookbooks for home cooks
This is yet another excellent Japanese cookbook that you can include in your kitchen. In this cookbook, you will find recipes for some of the most delicious delicacies such as steak in a miso marinade, deep-fried scallops with mozzarella, simmered pork in crepes, and three toppings rice. There are over six dozen recipes in the book that you can try out for a flavorful meal.
Everyday Harumi is a cookbook that is written by one of the most famous food writers in Japan, Harumi Kurihara. The book is an effort to give all budding chefs who do not live in Asia a chance to create delicious home-style dishes without having to take professional Japanese cooking training.
The recipes in the book are perfect for any novice chef. The recipes in the book are accompanied by a finished dish so you know what you are attempting to make. Apart from the various dishes, Kurihara also teaches us all about Japanese ingredients, store cupboard essentials, and more tips to master Japanese cooking techniques.
Japanese Soul Cooking - Tadashi Oni and Harris Salat
The next one on this list of best Japanese cookbooks is Japanese Soul Cooking.
Japanese Soul Cooking is a book that was originally written targeting all Americans to show that there is more to Japanese cuisine than only sushi. However, over time, this book has become a favorite of many across the globe. The book is combinedly written by Tadashi Oni and Harris Salat.
In the book, Ono and Salat give us interesting information about how the well-loved meaty comfort food first made its entry in Japan. You also learn about the origins of gyoza, curry, and tonkatsu recipes.
Sushi Taste and Technique - Kimiko Barber and Hiroki Takemura
Best Japanese Cookbooks for Sushi Recipes
Do you love sushi and want to create this beautiful and delicious dish on your own? If yes, then this book is the perfect inspiration for you. This book is a comprehensive guide to the art form of sushi-making. With the help of this book, you can create your own perfect sushi and enjoy it.
The book also contains sections that give us a detailed history and origins of sushi. You will also find tips on the correct sushi eating etiquette. There is also a tantalizing glossary filled with common Japanese cooking terms. Trust me, this is the only sushi cookbook that you need in your life.
All the recipes in the book are illustrated. You will find techniques and advice to help you make scattered sushi, stuffed sushi, pressed sushi, rolled sushi, and hand-formed sushi.
And if there are days when you simply want to dine out, the cookbook also lists out recommended sushi restaurants in Australia, Canada, the UK, and the USA.
Japanese Farm Food - Nancy Singleton Hachisu
The next one on this list of best Japanese cookbooks is the Japanese Farm Food.
Japanese Farm Food is written by an American city girl who later became the wife of a Japanese farmer. The book is a delicious collection of home-cooked dishes that have been mastered by Nancy Singleton Hachisu and her husband, Tadaaki. These dishes took the two of them a quarter of a century to master.
These two live in a farmhouse with these children. Here, they go all organic and eat all that they grow. They buy their meat and fish directly from the butcher and the local fish market. The dishes in this cookbook are wholesome and humble, making you want to try them all out.
Some of the most tantalizing and mouth-watering recipes in the cookbook include bitter melon stir-fry with egg, broccoli with tofu, cauliflower with miso and sesame, deep-fried ginger chicken, and fermented soybeans
The Just Bento Cookbook - Makiko Itoh
Best Japanese Cookbooks to make bento box
The Just Bento Cookbook is written by the top food blogger who is responsible for the amazing content on websites Just Hungry and Just Bento.
The book has over 150 recipes that are excellent and help you prepare healthy, affordable, and delicious lunches that you can enjoy on the go. I love Japanese bento boxes. They are versatile and full of all the essential nutrients that we need.
A Japanese bento box is a traditional Japanese lunch box that contains a selection of different ingredients and mini dishes. The combination of all these dishes in a bento box provides us with all the required nutrients that we need from our midday meal.
In the book, we get to some of Itoh’s favorite bento recipes. You can try out delicious combinations such as tamagoyaki bento and salted salmon bento. There are some less-traditional recipes such as Indian tiffin-inspired bento.
The cookbook contains some delicious and mouth-watering photographs of the recipes. There are also some useful tips that help you create your bento boxes quickly and easily. You also get advice on how to pack a bento box.
Ivan Ramen - Ivan Orkin
Best Japanese Cookbooks for Ramen Recipes
Ivan Orkin, the author of Ivan Ramen is a New Yorker who opened up a ramen shop in Tokyo. Quickly, the ramen shop became one of the most popular joints in Tokyo.
Orkin was working as a dish-boy in a Japanese restaurant in Long Island; it was here that Orkin first discovered his love for Japanese cuisine. By taking this small step, he became a celebrity chef on Japanese TV.
Ivan Ramen contains the success story of Orkin. You will also find some of Orkin’s most inspirational and popular recipes. You will also find the secret to his signature dish, Shio Ramen in this book. If you want to know that, get this book today.
Takashi’s Noodles - Takashi Yagihashi
Best Japanese Cookbooks for Japanese Noodles’ Recipes
Takashi Yagihashi is an award-winning chef who has a lifelong love affair with noodles. And you can see Yagihashi’s love for noodles all throughout the book. The book has seven chapters that are all dedicated to different varieties of noodles. You will even find an odd recipe that focuses on packet noodles. The main aim of this cookbook by Yagihashi is to show how quick and simple Japanese cuisine can be.
There are so many detailed recipes in the book. Some of the recipes that I totally loved include chilled crab and shrimp ramen salad, stuffed chicken wings, and corned beef with rice noodles. You must not miss out on these dishes at any cost.
You will find both hot and cold recipes in the book. Apart from these, you will also get to learn a lot about traditional Japanese ingredients and cooking techniques. You also learn how to find and choose the right type of noodle for each dish.
Ramen Obsession: The Ultimate Bible for Mastering Japanese Ramen
Ramen Obsession: The Ultimate Bible for Mastering Japanese Ramen is a comprehensive and invaluable resource for anyone passionate about the art of ramen.
This book is a must-have for both home cooks and aspiring ramen chefs, providing a wealth of knowledge and step-by-step guidance to elevate your ramen-making skills to new heights.
The authors have poured their expertise and love for ramen into every page, creating a well-organized and engaging read.
From the history and regional variations of ramen to the essential ingredients and techniques, this book leaves no stone unturned.
Whether you're a novice or an experienced cook, you'll appreciate the accessible language and clear explanations that make even complex concepts easy to understand.
One of the standout features of Ramen Obsession is the extensive collection of authentic recipes. Each recipe is meticulously crafted, capturing the essence of traditional Japanese ramen while offering creative twists and variations. The instructions are detailed, providing precise measurements and cooking times, ensuring consistent and delicious results.
What sets this book apart is its attention to detail. It covers everything from making your own noodles from scratch to crafting the perfect broth and toppings.
The authors also share invaluable tips and tricks, including how to achieve the ideal balance of flavors and textures. With this book as your guide, you'll gain a deep understanding of the ramen-making process and the confidence to experiment and create your own signature bowls.
Beyond the recipes, Ramen Obsession delves into the cultural and social aspects of ramen, exploring the significance of this beloved dish in Japanese cuisine and society. It's a fascinating insight that adds depth and context to your ramen journey.
In terms of presentation, the book is beautifully designed, with mouth-watering photographs that showcase the vibrant colors and enticing textures of various ramen dishes. The layout is clean and intuitive, making it easy to navigate through different sections and find the information you need.
Overall, Ramen Obsession is an exceptional guide that will ignite your passion for ramen and empower you to master the art of Japanese ramen at home.
It's a comprehensive, well-written, and visually appealing book that deserves a place on the shelf of every ramen enthusiast.
Whether you're seeking to recreate authentic flavors or unleash your creativity in the kitchen, this book will take your ramen game to the next level.
Bring out the chef in you!
These were some of the best Japanese cookbooks that you can try out to whip up delicious and mouth-watering Japanese dishes. I have tried out these cookbooks and believe me, I have gained numerous compliments for all the dishes that I have cooked with the help of these. If you too want to master the art of Japanese cooking, you must try out these cookbooks.
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