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Maangchi's Real Korean Cooking: Authentic Dishes for the Home Cook

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A complete course on Korean cuisine for the home cook by the YouTube star and the world's foremost authority on Korean cooking—Maangchi’s Real Korean Cooking is a must-have for your kitchen.

Her millions of fans compare her to Julia Child. An Internet sensation, Maangchi has won the admiration of home cooks and chefs alike with her trademark combination of good technique and good cheer as she demonstrates the vast and delicious cuisine of Korea. In Maangchi’s Real Korean Cooking, she shows how to cook all the country’s best dishes, from few-ingredient dishes (Spicy Napa Cabbage) to those made familiar by Korean restaurants (L.A. Galbi, Bulgogi, Korean Fried Chicken) to homey one-pots like Bibimbap.

For beginners, there are dishes like Spicy Beef and Vegetable Soup and Seafood Scallion Pancake. Maangchi includes a whole chapter of quick, spicy, sour kimchis and quick pickles as well. Banchan, or side dishes (Steamed Eggplant, Pan-Fried Tofu with Spicy Seasoning Sauce, and refreshing Cold Cucumber Soup) are mainstays of the Korean table and can comprise a meal.

With her step-by-step photos—800 in all—Maangchi makes every dish a snap. A full glossary, complete with photos, explains ingredients. Throughout, Maangchi suggests substitutions where appropriate and provides tips based on her readers’ questions.

325 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 5, 2015

1075 people are currently reading
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About the author

Maangchi

8 books44 followers
Emily Kim, commonly known as Maangchi, is a South Korean-born American YouTuber and author. She is notable for producing cooking videos centered around Korean cuisine. She was described by The New York Times as "YouTube's Korean Julia Child.".

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5 stars
786 (60%)
4 stars
374 (28%)
3 stars
118 (9%)
2 stars
16 (1%)
1 star
12 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
Profile Image for Olivier Delaye.
Author 1 book232 followers
January 4, 2017
Okay, so cookbooks aren't exactly what I like to read or review--I'm more of a Fiction and if possible Fantasy kind of guy--but you have to understand that I have a passion for Korean cuisine. I simply can't get enough of it. I discovered it when I was living in... er, well, Japan, and ever since I took my first bite of kimchi I knew that Korean food was for me. Then, as luck would have it, I discovered Maangchi on Youtube and tried to reproduce her recipes, with more or less success. I kept at it though, following Maangchi's instructions to the letter. And lo and behold, I can now make a pretty mean bulgogi, bibimbap, gimbap, you name it, that not only me but my Korean friends also would eat and love. Practice doesn't always make perfect, but it sure does come pretty close. And it's all thanks to Maangchi and her amazing recipes! Five delicious stars!
Profile Image for Karen Chee.
30 reviews275 followers
December 24, 2020
I have purchased this cookbook for multiple friends who REALLY love me. I think that means this book is super great, because I am like an average friend at best
Profile Image for Lauren Stoolfire.
4,794 reviews298 followers
September 18, 2020
I've never watched any of Maangchi's videos before but I think I'm going to have to now. These dishes look so good. I'm not really all that familiar with Korean cuisine so this was a very informative and comprehensive read. I took notes on dishes I'd like to try to prepare myself in the future. Then, I looked up where the nearest Korean or Asian grocery was and it turns out that the nearest one is about an hour away. Maybe some day in the future I'll make an excursion after things begin to get better out there.
Profile Image for Claire.
433 reviews
September 13, 2018
The most in-depth, comprehensive description of the basics of Korean cuisine. Full of information, photos, faqs, tutorials, and every type of recipe under the sun. Also I loved the pink color accents 😭
Profile Image for Queer.
402 reviews
June 6, 2015
Maangchi delights. As a cookbook lover and a Maangchi devotee, I must say these recipes are impeccable. Her work shines through and the photographs are frequently delightful. Her pictures of common grocery items was also very helpful. The book is scattered with FAQs and testimonials from her fans. If you want to learn how to make some great homemade Korean food, then most certainly buy this book. This is meant to be used and not merely looked at.
Profile Image for Ruth.
619 reviews18 followers
January 3, 2019
The co-author did a great job keeping Maangchi's voice alive in the prose. Maangchi is a video food blogger whose manner is always welcoming. She presents Korean food from all over Korea, not only from the coastal city where she grew up. She's not the type of food person to make you feel bad if you don't eat meat or can't tolerate spicy food or can't get the right kind of cabbage where you live. She's the kind of food person who tells you an authentic substitute for meat, or suggests different amounts of spices, or expresses enthusiasm for the way you're applying her grandmother's technique to slightly different vegetable. All of this comes across as much in this book as in her videos. I can't judge the authenticity of the recipes, but the author is the real deal.
Profile Image for Meghana Menon.
1 review
January 13, 2023
This is my Korean cooking bible. Whenever I’m trying to make any dish, I always start with Maangchi’s book and I go from there. I love how she makes her book inclusive of different diets, and her recipes are easily customizable based on personal preferences. I would recommend this to anyone wanting to learn how to cook Korean food.
Profile Image for Jane.
748 reviews
January 14, 2019
I enjoyed this cookbook very much, and will definitely read it again and try the recipes. Some may be a bit too involved for me, but there are quite a few delicious-sounding recipes that I can try !
Profile Image for Cam.
1,219 reviews2 followers
March 14, 2022
Happy to finally get her book I love her YouTube cooking shows! If your looking to make good Korean food you should check out her shows.
Profile Image for ken.
35 reviews
December 27, 2022
I am now a Maangchi superfan. These recipes are never-fail wonderful!
Profile Image for Peter Bergmann.
95 reviews2 followers
January 3, 2025
Great cookbook and good way to learn more traditional Korean recipes.
Profile Image for Danika.
79 reviews25 followers
May 13, 2021
Some great recipes but I didnt expect anything less from Maangchi💕
Profile Image for briz.
Author 6 books76 followers
December 31, 2017
Well, since I reviewed The Silver Spoon, may as well do my other go-to cookbook: MAANGCHI.

I don't know how I found Maangchi, but - like most people? - I found her on YouTube. She's awesome. I love her. What a hero. Her name means "Hammer" in Korean, I think she used it for some MMORPG games? I dunno. She's hilarious.

Anyway, I've always been daunted by Korean cooking. Bibimbap seems very mysterious to me. What is this magic? So I was amazed and surprised and VERY HAPPY to learn, via cooking Maangchi's stuff, that (1) Korean cooking is super unexpected, yes, in its ingredient combos, but (2) it's SO EASY, and (3) oh man, such easy hits. This book definitely has the highest attempt:success ratio than any other cookbook. I lived near an HMart for a while, which made buying more niche Korean ingredients super easy. Now I think I'll have to depend on the intertoonbs. Maangchi has some recommendations on where to get stuff: glutinous rice flour, rice syrup. Kimchi you can get anywhere.

Anyway, the hits:
- Savory-sweet black beans, oh man yum. So easy. And a good example of the ingredient combos that made me go, "This'll never work..." and THEN IT WORKED: soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic. Okay, I guess that sounds pretty straightforward actually.
- Zucchini pancakes.
- Kimchi pancakes.
- A kimchi + beef soup thing.
- This amazing porridge that was surprising and different (for me) and SO GOOD and VERY WARMING. Perfect for the winter.
- Fried tofu with soy sauce and scallions. Every time I make this, I batch-make it for a week of work lunches and then just eat it all on Sunday afternoon. DISCIPLINE FAIL.
- Jajangmyeon, MMMMMM SO GOOD.
Sorry, I'm not looking up the other recipe names. Honestly, everything I've tried has been easy and amazing. I'm also a big fan of the indiscriminate use of a soft boiled egg on everything. YES PLEASE. Also, I think, it's so nice because much of the stuff is (a) nice and spicy and tasty and (b) actually quite light!
Profile Image for Robert Davis.
765 reviews64 followers
June 24, 2017
I really like the layout, format and construction of the book, along with the many photos. This is a real treat for a beginner on Korean cuisine. I especially love the recipes for:

Korean Style Curry Rice (Ka-re-rice) p.42
Spicy Soft Tofu Stew (Sundubu-jjigae) p. 90
Spicy Beef and Vegetable Soup (Yukgaejang) p. 96
Kimchee Pancake (Kimchijian) p. 182.

I do have difficulty locating some of the authentic Korean ingredients, such as:

Korean Curry powder (Ka re garu)
Korean Hot Pepper Flakes (Gochu garu)
Korean Hot Pepper Paste (Gochu jang)

But Maangchi kindly gives resources to buying such ingredients online and in locating Korean specialty stores around the country.
Profile Image for Angela.
222 reviews1 follower
April 26, 2016
Beautiful book. Plenty of information for someone like me who has little experience with Korean food. I'll be adding this to my cookbook collection.
1 review
June 20, 2019
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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ninja Neko.
439 reviews12 followers
December 18, 2018
After a first trip to South Korea I came back home with a head full of memorable meals, and my (Korean adoptee) boyfriend had gotten completely hooked on this spicy cuisine...

Looking to recreate some of this at home, I ordered this book by accident. I thought it contained a particular japchae recipe I liked, but only upon arrival I noticed it was by a whole other author/cook altogether. But it's been the happiest of accidents! I have found so many treasures in this cookbook, and Maangchi herself is something else too :) I love watching her youtube channel when working out (very motivating). Having no experience whatsoever (besides the japchae) in cooking Korean food, I was happy to discover a lot of Maangchi's dishes are doable ...providing you've sourced the right ingredients, and Maangchi insists on using Korean products as they are "highest quality" :). Everything I've tried so far has been a hit, although I was slightly let down by the bulgogi marinade. Maybe because her other recipes have set the bar so high... I've successfully made her kimchi (3 different kinds, all good, the napa cabbage even kept well for over a year!). Several of the side dishes, and the excellent spicy pork (which we eat in lettuce wraps) have become weekday staples in my house.
I do consider Korean cuisine quite time-consuming. You're expected to serve a large number of side dishes, so I'll only go "full on" in weekends or for special occasions. Throwing Korean dinner parties has now become our signature entertaining move, happily sharing our love of this cuisine with our friends and family.
I'm very lucky to have stumbled on Maangchi indeed!
3 reviews
April 6, 2025
Thorough and Delicious Recipes

I would expect less from the author! Just like her online videos, her book was explanatory with pictures and history of recipes as well as ingredients. Well thought out and put together. I have only one thing to say. The bibimbap recipe was not clear on whether to use cooked rice or uncooked. It implied the reader know the difference. Other than that, awesome. I've made a few of the recipes already! Will be making the fermented soup soy soon! I appreciate recipes of things you can buy at the store but will better and have less preservatives if you make them yourself plus is healthier for you. Knowing what it takes and how long it takes to make something, you appreciate the people and the process much more behind the products you buy.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for new recipes to try, wanting to learn about Korean food as well as anyone wanting to hone their skills on fermentation. We've done kombucha and fruit based wines so we're excited to venture out!
Profile Image for Cyndi.
Author 1 book10 followers
February 21, 2023
Just a good solid cookbook with clear directions and lots of photos. Written in English for an American audience, both for those who already know Korean food and those who are new to it. But done without "dumbing down" the ingredients and techniques like so many cookbooks that aren't of European foods do (somehow no one ever tells you it's okay to make fresh Italian pasta with cake flour or to to use canned tuna instead of pickled herring for Scandinavian). Maangchi explains each ingredient and method and tells you where you can and can't change things and why. Her blogs and videos are terrific too. Worth reading if you want to make some of these dishes or if you just want to understand what you're eating when you have Korean food.
Profile Image for Nikki Rich.
230 reviews2 followers
November 6, 2021
Although I may not make a ton of the recipes in this book I really loved reading it! I did not know anything but Korean cooking and this book is an excellent resource, well written, and approachable by any western home cook. Sure some of the ingredients are tricky but she supplies alternatives and resources to make it easier. Plus there are some recipes that require no special ingredients as well. The biggest reason I won’t make a lot of these recipes is due to my own dietary restrictions against soy and grains but I still want to try what I can and adapt to my needs, but I knew that would likely be the case going into this book and I wanted to learn more about Korean food.
282 reviews
September 9, 2023
I haven't yet tried a recipe from the book - that will have to wait until I'm in the mood to make a separate trip to a Korean grocery store. The book is interesting, with background details about Korea - I think fans of this YouTuber would be particularly interested in the insights about her life. (I didn't know of her before picking up the book because someone was giving it away.)

She's pretty strict about authenticity, which could be off-putting to some people, but I think there's a place for that. But be prepared, you won't be able to make many of these recipes just shopping at a mainstream grocery store.
Profile Image for Aaron.
Author 4 books1 follower
September 17, 2017
I lived in South Korea for two years, and one thing I really miss about living in Korea would definitely be the food, especially since I live a decent drive away from the nearest Korean restaurant. This cook book really picks up the slack in that regard, as the recipes Maangchi uses are all presented in a way that's easy to understand and replicate, and since the recipes come from her YouTube channel, it is very easy to find a real-time demonstration of how to cook the dishes and make sure that everything is done correctly.
Profile Image for Keith.
3 reviews
December 20, 2018
I followed her YT channel for a little while before buying the book. I am already absolutely enamored with Asian cooking of all regions (particularly Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese), so it didn't take much convincing. She's delightful to watch, a talented home cook, and her cookbook is just as charming and full of knowledge. It's also full of gorgeous photos that almost make you want to eat the pages right out of the book. If you love Asian cuisine or are looking to go on a new culinary adventure, I highly recommend this cookbook, and subscribing to her channel.
17 reviews
December 11, 2020
This is a great cookbook for both those that are well versed with cooking Korean Food as well as though who are just learning to make their favorite Korean dishes. I've been following Maangchi on youtube and it was great to learn that she had physical copies of her recipes that I could take home and try. She is very clear and detailed in her directions and even takes the time to explain the background and basic layout of every Korean meal, it was great! I would recommend this to anyone whether they are well versed or new. Her food is easy to cook and always tastes fantastic!
Profile Image for Sarah.
104 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2019
I haven’t watched her videos prior to reading this book, but will now. I really appreciated how in depth her explanations are for readers like me who are comparatively very unfamiliar with Korean cooking. I especially liked the tips on navigating the Korean grocery store, which I will use at our nearby international store. I often stick to the dry and canned goods there and feel like I can better assess produce now.
Profile Image for Kristin.
849 reviews11 followers
February 11, 2018
This got my Korean mother-in-law's seal of approval, she even asked for a few recipes out of it (after proudly informing me and my husband that she cooks what her mom cooked and doesn't need recipes).

Super excited to make all my husband's favorite comfort foods. What I have made so far has been delicious, I can't wait to try to make more.
91 reviews
October 28, 2022
I was left incredibly disappointed by this book.

It offers very much beyond a pantry shopping list and a list of recipes that read very much as "well, I guess here's something you can make", without any explanation of the why's and how's, flavors to highlight, spices to feature, etc.

Very much just a thrown-together collection of loose recipes without any thought.
Profile Image for Elaine.
53 reviews1 follower
August 2, 2017
I really enjoy Maangchi's approach to cooking. All of her recipes are very clear and anyone looking to make Korean cuisine (sometimes she makes it look too easy!) should look at her recipes. No excuse for Korean cravings when you got Maangchi by your side. ^^
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews

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