Japanese cuisine is beloved worldwide for its Ramen, sushi, and many more recipes. And with so many different Japanese recipes that you could learn, you may want to get a cookbook.
Getting a cookbook for Japanese cuisine can be helpful even to the average cook. This is because, through a cookbook on Japanese cuisine, it is possible to prepare Japanese dishes that will rival anything you can order at a restaurant. So if you want to cook restaurant-quality Japanese food in your home, you may try getting the following cookbooks.
Best Japanese Cookbook Reviews
Image | Japanese Cookbooks | Rating |
---|---|---|
#1 - Japanese Soul Cooking | 99% | |
#2 - Japanese Cooking Made Simple | 99% | |
#3 - Mastering the Art of Japanese Home Cooking | 98% | |
#4 - Japanese Cooking | 95% | |
#5 - The Just Bento Cookbook | 91% | |
#6 - The Best Teriyaki Cookbook | 89% | |
#7 - Japan: The Cookbook Hardcover | 88% | |
#8 - Harumi's Japanese Home Cooking | 85% | |
#9 - Ramen at Home | 84% | |
#10 - Washoku | 82% |
Want to learn more?
Now that you’ve seen our top 5 recommendations, we’ll give you more details, including why we liked them. When you’re ready, click the yellow button to get the best price on Amazon!
#1 – Japanese Soul Cooking
Specific Japanese recipes are considered comfort food. These Japanese recipes can include dishes such as Ebi tempura, beef ramen, and pork gyoza.
You can get authentic and delicious recipes for those dishes and more if you get this Japanese cuisine cookbook. Japanese cuisine is more than just sushi. And with the help of this cookbook, readers should be able to familiarize themselves with all of the different kinds of dishes that are popular in Japan. And with the 100 or so different recipes here, this cookbook should serve as a great introduction to Japanese cuisine.
Within the pages of this cookbook, there are also detailed histories and origins of each Japanese dish, such as udon. This clear history of food is pretty interesting, as it serves as a way to understand more about the particulars of Japanese culture and cuisine.
What we like about it: As we do not have any practical experience in cooking Japanese cuisine, we appreciated that this cookbook took the time to explain every one of the Japanese dishes here. We would say that this is a pretty easy-to-follow cookbook, and we would recommend it to anyone with no prior experience in Japanese cuisine in the past.
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#2 – Japanese Cooking Made Simple
Many people are a bit nervous about getting into Japanese cuisine because they are unfamiliar with the terminology and cooking methods. If you are one of those people, then this cookbook should help you out. It provides an easy-to-understand introduction to all the essential Japanese recipes you need to know. These recipes include Macha Ice Cream, Chicken Teppanyaki, Braised Beef, and Pork Yakitori.
There is a wealth of different Japanese recipes that are found within the pages of this particular cookbook. It also serves as an accessible introduction to Japanese cuisine for English speakers. So it should provide a complete guide to everything that needs to be known about Japanese cooking. It is a wonderful all-around Japanese cookbook for anyone looking to get into Japanese cuisine cooking for the first time.
What we like about it: We loved the clear descriptions and definitions of Japanese cooking terms. We also loved how this book swiftly and efficiently explained all the essential Japanese cooking methods we needed to know about. We would say that this simple cookbook would serve as a great platform to get into Japanese cuisine.
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#3 – Mastering the Art of Japanese Home Cooking
Getting good with the art of home-cooked Japanese cuisine is possible with the help of this particular cookbook. It features all that you need to be aware of because it teaches you about Japanese cooking recipes, techniques to use, common ingredients in Japanese dishes, and so much more. You can learn to make simple fare, such as rice curry, to more complicated Japanese dishes.
What is great about this cookbook is that actual Japanese people commonly eat all of the foods that are listed here. So you are eating stuff that is not overly fancy if you make the recipes in this cookbook. And the great thing about this cookbook, aside from the simple, down-to-earth meals, is that you can easily emulate many Japanese recipes here. This is a terrific cookbook on Japanese cuisine that should please many people.
What we like about it: We like the fact that the recipes here are all pretty basic and nothing too fancy, so we were able to easily make these recipes ourselves from just a quick trip to the nearest supermarket. You do not need to go to a Japanese specialty store if you want to try making these recipes.
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#4 – Japanese Cooking
This cookbook embodies one of the main aspects of Japanese cuisine: simplicity. The meals you can prepare with this Japanese cuisine cookbook’s guidance are generally affordable and straightforward. All kinds of Japanese dishes and unique flavors are made available to an audience of Western cooks with the help of this cookbook.
This particular Japanese cuisine cookbook has been in publication for over twenty-five years. So you know this is a cookbook of substance since it is such a long-running one.
The beauty of this cookbook is also unmatched because there are over three hundred hand-drawn pictures and hundreds of different authentic recipes in this cookbook. This cookbook is not only a practical introduction to the Japanese style of cooking but is also truly a work of art that should be appreciated by everyone who buys it.
What we like about it: We recommend this cookbook to anyone who generally appreciates gorgeous cookbooks. We would also recommend this cookbook based on the fact as a culinary introductory text, this tome is no slouch in that department either. We made some delicious classic ramen using the recipes, and there is much more to be found in this cookbook.
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#5 – The Just Bento Cookbook
Bento box lunches are synonymous with Japanese culture and cooking. And this trend of box-style meals has also become popular in western countries as well. If you want to learn how to make delicious and practical bento box lunches, then this Japanese cuisine cookbook should be of great help to you. It would go through all the steps you would need to take to prepare a bento box-style lunch fully.
From Chicken Karaage lunch box bento to a more modern Vegetable-style lunch box bento, there are many different recipes just waiting to be explored by you in this Japanese cookbook. It would not be difficult to start making your bento meals right away if you owned this cookbook.
Every step of the bento box lunch preparation is painstakingly written out in detail, so making your own bento meals is much easier.
What we liked about it: This Japanese cookbook made it easy to prepare, buy the ingredients, cook, and assemble the bento box meals. We could easily see people make some of the bento box meals daily for their lunches for work or school. The box lunches are pretty tasty as well!
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#6 – The Best Teriyaki Cookbook
Have you ever been interested in tasting and sampling the best Japanese cuisine? If you have, then you should consider buying this book. The truth is most people are a little bit apprehensive when it comes to Japanese food. This is because they are not entirely familiar with it or don’t know how to prepare. The Best Teriyaki Cookbook provides real, authentic Japanese food recipes that are easy for anyone to make.
If you are a person who loves to experiment with new things, then you will have made the best decision by purchasing this book. The book gives you many options regarding the delicacies you can sample. You will get the best Teriyaki noodles, the most delicious Teriyaki baked wings, and much more.
As you flip through the pages, you will come in contact with the best delicacies of meatballs, salmon, and beef. There are various options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Whether you want to cook the treats for yourself or you want to prepare for a family gathering or friends, The Best Teriyaki Cookbook is a great asset.
What we like about it
Since Japanese cuisine is a little bit new to most people, this book provides an easy-to-understand recipe for the food. The author has taken time to categorize delicacies for every occasion, whether breakfast, lunch, or dinner. And also she provided recipes for cooking for a few people and gatherings. As you go through the pages, the author offers simple step-by-step instructions on how to prepare the meals. This makes it simple for even amateur cooks to prepare delicious Japanese food. This book is a must-have for cooking enthusiasts.
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#7 – Japan: The Cookbook Hardcover
If you want to have the most definitive home cooking recipes, this is the book. It will provide you with the best home-cooking recipes from the best culinary cultures.
Japan: The Cookbook contains more than 400 delicious Japanese recipes. The Japanese iconic and regional traditions are organized by course. Insightful notes are added alongside the recipes. The dishes- noodles, rice, sweets, one-pots, pickles, soups, and vegetables are elegant and straightforward.
Whether you want Japanese delicacies for breakfast, lunch, or supper, this book has everything for you. You will get the recipe for children, ailing people, pregnant women, older people, etc.
You will get delicacies you can prepare when you are in a hurry and want to rush to the office. And others that you can experiment with when you have the time. There are recipes for cooking for a family gathering or a party and others to sample when you are alone. This book is an authoritative, essential, and approachable guide.
Examples of recipes you will get in the book include Zensai dishes. These are small bites taken before meals, mostly made from leftover pieces. The Zensai awakens the appetite, and you take them with a glass of beer. You will also find Menrui- Noodles. Noodles are a favorite food in Japan, and they come in four varieties: Sobu, Ramen, Udon, and Samen.
The book opens a new window into Japanese delicacies. Cooking techniques are applied in creative and lively ways, and the recipes are straightforward and well-described.
What we like about it
Since cooking Japanese cuisine at home can be tricky, one needs a straightforward and well-described recipe. This will be easy to replicate at home. This book provides straightforward and well-described recipes that are easy for anyone to follow. The recipes are well-researched and presented creatively.
Check Price on Amazon[clear] #8 – Harumi’s Japanese Home Cooking
Harumi Kurihara is Japan’s most popular cooking expert. Her book Harumi’s Japanese Home Cooking presents seventy new cooking recipes. She writes the recipes in a simple, irresistible, down-to-earth style and simplicity. The recipes range from spinach dumplings, potato salad Japanese style, Prawns in chili sauce, clear soup with pork, and Harumi’s baked cheesecake. The book also provides authentic techniques of preparation and suggestions for serving.
Harumi’s Japanese Home Cooking book is a must-have if you like cooking or learning to cook Japanese delicacies. The book provides recipes that are easy to prepare. She has included different chapters for desserts, eggs, drinks, fish, tofu, meats, rice, noodles, soups, vegetables, and menu planning. The best thing about this book is that apart from Harumi providing helpful suggestions, she also offers alternative ingredients for the special Japanese items that are hard to find. She also provides a glossary of ingredients at the end of the book. The book also has stunning pictures of the delicacies, making you flip through and read on.
What we like about it
Harumi’s book is about Japanese food made simple and fast. When you read the book, you cannot mess the dishes up as the steps are easy to follow. The book provides easy-to-follow directions on how to prepare the delicacies. She also gives you Western alternatives for all the Japanese ingredients that are difficult to find. The book also has an ingredients glossary that makes you understand each ingredient. The book makes Japanese cuisine simple to understand and fast to prepare.
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#9 – Ramen at Home
Having a taste of that favorite delicious Ramen does not mean you must go out. This book allows you to make authentic and delightful Ramen in the comfort of your home by using friendly ingredients that are easily accessible. This book is a must-have for anybody who wants to master the art of making delicious Ramen.
Ramen At home provides an in-depth detailed guide so you can learn to make restaurant-quality Ramen. It is a book for both amateur cooks and experienced ones. It will give you insights ranging from stocking ramen essentials to properly topping a piping hot bowl of noodles. The book contains helpful sidebars that assist you in picking the best Ramen. It also gives you exciting insights into Japanese culture and cuisine.
The book includes three essential components. First, it has a complete beginner’s guide. This guide gives you all the assistance and guidance you need to make that sumptuous bowl of Ramen. It will provide a step-by-step guide on picking and using the ingredients to become your Ramen making pro. Secondly, it gives you detailed instructions for each recipe so that even the newbie cooks can become experts. Thirdly, the book comes with over 100 recipes. You will get amazing recipes for making noodles, toppings, broths, bowls, authentic Japanese delicacies, and new tastes. The book makes you an expert in making Ramen without ever leaving home.
What we like about it
The book contains easy-to-follow recipes that produce food that is balanced in flavor. The author also did an excellent job with the organization of the book. Thus the instructions are easy to follow. The book will also tell you if the recipe is fit for a quick night meal or if it will need more time to prepare. The book also uses friendly ingredients that are easy to find.
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#10 – Washoku
Washoku is the pulse of Japanese food. It is a set of five principles that are related to Japanese cuisine. These principles include taste, color, the diner’s senses, ways of preparing food, and the outlook brought by the cooking and the dining experience. This results in meals that are balanced, pleasing, satisfying, and healing in all ways that get deep to the soul. Washoku takes the reader to the heart of the Japanese home kitchen.
Washoku gives a detailed description of the ingredients and compliments them with quality and attractive photographs. The book’s chapter on the Japanese pantry is so detailed it would make a book by itself. The book provides clear and precise recipes for desserts, seafood, rice, meat, poultry, noodles, and soups. The recipes are set in the rich cultural context of the Japanese people, and the practical notes make the reader flow with the rhythm of the Washoku kitchen. Washoku is much more than just a collection of recipes. It is a journey through Japanese cuisine that has a rich history.
Washoku is a cookbook featuring more than 140 full-color recipes for the classic Japanese kitchen. It is written in English by Elizabeth Andoh.
What we like about it
Even if you know nothing about cooking Japanese food, you can never go wrong if you follow the step-to-step instructions in this book. The recipes are clearly and precisely explained for anybody to understand. Plus, Washoku gives you a feeling of the traditions of Japanese food. It helps you experience the traditional Japanese kitchen. The recipes are found in chapters, and they are very detailed. They also come in quality and stunning photos.
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How we choose the top Japanese cuisine cookbooks in our list:
We handpicked each one of these Japanese cuisine cookbooks. So you can bet that we carefully looked at each of these cookbooks. We were careful about our choices of cookbooks because so many were being sold.
Related: Check out the Best Japanese Knives for your Kitchen
Number of recipes/Value
The more recipes a cookbook has, the more value it has for your money. So we tried to look for cookbooks on Japanese cuisine with a relatively high number of recipes so that each one on this list is suitable for its value.
Authenticity/Taste
We tried out a few of the recipes in each one of these Japanese cookbooks because we wanted to see which cookbooks suggested the best kinds of recipes. Ultimately, we choose cookbooks with the best-tasting recipes and authentic Japanese flavor.
Understandable/Helpful
We wanted to make sure that these cookbooks on Japanese cuisine were helpful. So we looked for understandable recipe books. We tend to avoid some of the more technically and professionally inclined cookbooks, so we hope that any of our readers will find it easy to understand and follow these Japanese cookbooks. It should make preparing some of the more complicated Japanese dishes easier.