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simoneclark's review
5.0
Thank you, Netgalley and the author/publisher, for the opportunity to read and review an advanced reader's copy of this book. This in no way affects my review, all opinions are my own.
Here is what I love about the book: (1) the author included a lot of personal stories, where the recipes came from, and how they relate to his own story. He also included photos which make this book a very personal story and I felt like I was invited into the family; (2) the recipes are an amazing fusion of Korean dishes with an American twist; the author even included traditional American festivities combined with Korean food, e.g., Thanksgiving; (3) the recipes were not just written on the pages but the author also included photos; I appreciate it this so much. I love cookbooks where I can see what my dish is supposed to look like. Great book to add to any kitchen where new dishes are appreciated.
Here is what I love about the book: (1) the author included a lot of personal stories, where the recipes came from, and how they relate to his own story. He also included photos which make this book a very personal story and I felt like I was invited into the family; (2) the recipes are an amazing fusion of Korean dishes with an American twist; the author even included traditional American festivities combined with Korean food, e.g., Thanksgiving; (3) the recipes were not just written on the pages but the author also included photos; I appreciate it this so much. I love cookbooks where I can see what my dish is supposed to look like. Great book to add to any kitchen where new dishes are appreciated.
annieb123's review
5.0
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Korean American is a gloriously colorful cookbook/memoir/ode to Korean American food and fusion culture with recipes developed and curated by Eric Kim. Due out 29th March 2022 from Penguin Random House on their Clarkson Potter imprint, it's 288 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.
I love Korean food but always felt somewhat intimidated and full of excuses: "It's too complicated", "the ingredients are hard to source", "it requires too much special equipment", and maybe the lamest of them all "it's culturally insensitive for a lily white Irish girl to make Korean food". This book is wonderful. It's a full spectrum of food - from quick snacks to eat alone, up to company worthy feasts. There's introspective comfort food for a quiet dinner at home as well as exuberant celebration food, and all of it with a Korean American fusion vibe.
The book is arranged logically and well and info is easy to find quickly. The introduction covers a little bit of history, some personal family reminiscences, ingredients, and pantry lists with ingredient explanations. The recipes in the following chapters are grouped thematically: quick meals (to eat on the couch), kimchi (my favorite chapter - luscious variations here for every taste and so versatile), stews, rice dishes, fish, vegetables, feasts/celebratory food, and baked goods.
Each recipe includes an introduction and background, followed by a bullet list of ingredients. Measurements are given in American standard units, no metric equivalents are provided. The cooking instructions are enumerated step by step. There is no nutritional info included. Most recipe ingredients will be familiar to western cooks and will be available at any well stocked grocery store. Some ingredients will require access to a larger metropolitan area or specialist grocers (or mail order). Each recipe is accompanied by one or more color photos. Serving and preparation suggestions are appealing and appropriate. It all looks delicious.
Five stars. This is a beautifully made, thoughtfully written, engaging, and information dense book. It's a classic and good cookbook, not just a good Korean cookbook. This would be a superlative choice for public library acquisition, and for foodies. The pictures alone are worth the price of admission.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Korean American is a gloriously colorful cookbook/memoir/ode to Korean American food and fusion culture with recipes developed and curated by Eric Kim. Due out 29th March 2022 from Penguin Random House on their Clarkson Potter imprint, it's 288 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.
I love Korean food but always felt somewhat intimidated and full of excuses: "It's too complicated", "the ingredients are hard to source", "it requires too much special equipment", and maybe the lamest of them all "it's culturally insensitive for a lily white Irish girl to make Korean food". This book is wonderful. It's a full spectrum of food - from quick snacks to eat alone, up to company worthy feasts. There's introspective comfort food for a quiet dinner at home as well as exuberant celebration food, and all of it with a Korean American fusion vibe.
The book is arranged logically and well and info is easy to find quickly. The introduction covers a little bit of history, some personal family reminiscences, ingredients, and pantry lists with ingredient explanations. The recipes in the following chapters are grouped thematically: quick meals (to eat on the couch), kimchi (my favorite chapter - luscious variations here for every taste and so versatile), stews, rice dishes, fish, vegetables, feasts/celebratory food, and baked goods.
Each recipe includes an introduction and background, followed by a bullet list of ingredients. Measurements are given in American standard units, no metric equivalents are provided. The cooking instructions are enumerated step by step. There is no nutritional info included. Most recipe ingredients will be familiar to western cooks and will be available at any well stocked grocery store. Some ingredients will require access to a larger metropolitan area or specialist grocers (or mail order). Each recipe is accompanied by one or more color photos. Serving and preparation suggestions are appealing and appropriate. It all looks delicious.
Five stars. This is a beautifully made, thoughtfully written, engaging, and information dense book. It's a classic and good cookbook, not just a good Korean cookbook. This would be a superlative choice for public library acquisition, and for foodies. The pictures alone are worth the price of admission.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
emsemsems's review
4.0
The stories are as great if not greater than the recipes (and that is why I'm rating it a 4 as a 'cookbook'). Enjoyed reading it, but I just wanted more from the recipes. More. More. More. I blame this on my own high expectations as I was already a fan of Eric Kim before reading this. Maybe if I had read this on a different day it would be a 5? But for now, I'm sticking with a 4.
rachelmkim's review
5.0
An absolute delight. This book captures the essence of Korean American culture with the utmost warmth, precision, and respect. Masterfully composed to welcome all, the unfamiliar will be inspired to visit their nearest H Mart; Korean Americans will want to book a trip home to cook with mom.
hannas_heas47's review
5.0
Loved it!!’ Korean American food is one of my absolute favorites and this book is gorgeous!
What did I like? So Korea is one of those countries that absolutely love Spam… so do I! I don’t care what it’s made of it’s absolutely yummy! Also there never is a bad recipe for kimchi and this book has a ton of them. Great recipes along with great history. Great cooks never use measurements and I just loved the passages for his mom. How endearing!
Would I recommend or buy? I had such fun going through this cookbook. Amazing recipes and great looking pictures. For sure I’m making the maple candied spam. Five stars! Loved it!
I received a complimentary copy to read and voluntarily left a review!
What did I like? So Korea is one of those countries that absolutely love Spam… so do I! I don’t care what it’s made of it’s absolutely yummy! Also there never is a bad recipe for kimchi and this book has a ton of them. Great recipes along with great history. Great cooks never use measurements and I just loved the passages for his mom. How endearing!
Would I recommend or buy? I had such fun going through this cookbook. Amazing recipes and great looking pictures. For sure I’m making the maple candied spam. Five stars! Loved it!
I received a complimentary copy to read and voluntarily left a review!