10 Best Japanese Cookbooks For Beginners 2024

30 October 2024Shopify API

Want to recreate some authentic, delicious Japanese dishes at home? Here are the top 10 best Japanese cookbooks packed with not just regular Japanese recipes but also the dishes’ history and origins.

These Japanese cookbooks are great for beginners too as the recipes also feature pictures of the dishes. Some of these best Japanese cookbooks also feature step by step pictures of the entire cooking process so you know exactly what you’re doing. Be it Japanese ramen or some delicious sushi or even a simple Japanese rice dish - these Japanese cookbooks will help you serve crowd-favorite Japanese meals!

Which is the best Japanese cookbook for any beginner?

I use a lot of Japanese cookbooks to recreate a lot of Japanese dishes. And I’d say the best Japanese cookbook for any beginner is the ‘Japan: The Cookbook' by Nancy Singleton Hachisu. Here's why

Japan: The Cookbook" presents several advantages for those new to Japanese cuisine. It offers a diverse collection of recipes, many of which feature accessible ingredients and clear instructions, making them approachable for beginners. The book's breadth allows exploration of both classic Japanese dishes and everyday meals, catering to different interests and learning paces. Beautiful photographs not only inspire but also guide preparation, offering visual cues for each step.

Best Japanese Cookbooks -- Quick Summary

Best Japanese Cookbooks	View on Amazon
Japanese Cooking by Shizuo Tsuji	*Check price On Amazon*
Everyday Harumi by Harumi Kurihara	*Check price On Amazon*
Japanese Soul Cooking by Tadashi Ono & Harris Salat	*Check price On Amazon*
Sushi Taste and Technique by Kimiko Barber and Hiroki Takemura	*Check price On Amazon*
Japanese Farm Food by Nancy Singleton Hachisu	*Check price On Amazon*
Washoku	*Check price On Amazon*
Japan: The Cookbook	*Check price On Amazon*
Donabe	*Check price On Amazon*
Japanese Patisserie	*Check price On Amazon*
Ivan Ramen	*Check price On Amazon*

Related: Best Japanese Snacks

Top Japanese Cookbooks For Beginners

Japanese Cooking - A Simple Art by Shizuo Tsuji

Best Japanese Cookbooks for Traditional Japanese Recipes

If you’re looking for one of the the ultimate best Japanese cookbooks, Shizuo Tsuji’s Japanese Cooking is the one for you. You won’t only learn the Japanese cooking but also how to present your dish in an authentic Japanese way.

This Japanese cookbook for beginners goes a step further than just listing recipes. Shizuo Tsuji talks in detail about texture, color, and presentation in Japanese cooking.

You’ll also find a lot of information on several traditional Japanese cooking ingredients, cooking techniques, and kitchen tools.

Why is it recommended for beginners?

Builds Solid foundation
Adaptable recipes
Detailed instructions
Great source of Inspiration and guidance

Everyday Harumi Simple Japanese Food For Family& Friends by Harumi Kurihara

Best Japanese Cookbooks for Beginners

Harumi’s recipes are simple to make and quick to prepare. The recipes also feature a picture of the finished dish, so you know what you’re trying to make and what it should look like in the end.

You will find lots of information about Japanese ingredients and which ingredients you should keep handy in your kitchen to make her recipes.

Other than this, you’ll learn how to make some traditional Japanese sauces from scratch in your kitchen!

You’ll also learn simple Japanese cooking techniques. Her recipes are such that you won’t need to go hunting for specific unique ingredients at specialty stores to make that one dish.

She has put down some absolutely delicious home-style everyday recipes.

Why is it a good choice for beginners?

Simple recipes with Readily available ingredients
Clear instructions
Introduction to basic techniques
Emphasis on home cooking

Related: Best Japanese Soy Sauce for Cooking and Side Dish

Japanese Soul Cooking by Tadashi Ono & Harris Salat

Best Japanese Cookbooks for Chefs

The next of the best Japanese cookbooks is the Japanese soul cooking by Ono and Salat. This cookbook was curated for non-Japanese chefs, especially the American audience but is now a favorite amongst many chefs around the world.

What I love about this Japanese cookbook is how the authors, Tadashi Ono & Harris Salat, take you through the historical journey of Japanese cuisine and its origins of their favorite recipes.

Japanese Soul Cooking contains 100 delicious Japanese recipes along with a step by step picture story so you don’t have to think twice about trying out a new dish like wafu pasta or chahan fried rice.

Why is it good for beginners?

Focus on familiar favorites
Clear instructions
Vibrant visuals
Exploration of Japanese culture

Sushi Taste and Technique by Kimiko Barber and Hiroki Takemura

Best Japanese Cookbooks for Sushi Recipe

Thinking of making your own sushi from scratch? Well, then Sushi Taste and Technique is one of the best Japanese cookbooks for you! Sushi-making is, no doubt, an art form.

And this sushi Japanese cookbook is a detailed guide packed with information about history, origin, eating etiquette of sushi, and pretty much everything you need to know about sushi and how to make it. You will learn how to make different types of sushi like stuffed sushi, scattered sushi, pressed sushi, hand-formed sushi, and rolled sushi.

And should you feel like eating some sushi made by professional chefs for some inspiration, this Japanese cookbook also lists some of the best sushi restaurants in the USA, Canada, the UK, and Australia.

Why is it good for beginners?

Detailed instructions and troubleshooting
Emphasizes understanding the basics
Includes simpler sushi variations

Japanese Farm Food by Nancy Singleton Hachisu

Best Japanese Cookbooks for homecooks

The author of this best Japanese cookbooks is truly an inspiration. Authored by Nancy Singleton Hachisu, Japanese Farm Food, is a great book for those who like growing their own food.

The author of this book is an American city girl who got married to a Japanese farmer, Tadaaki. And now they both live in a farmhouse where they grow their food. Both Nancy and Tadaaki have spent 25 years perfecting the home-cooked authentic Japanese recipes to create wholesome dishes.

My favorite recipes from this Japanese cookbook are the cauliflower with miso and sesame, bitter melon stir-fry with egg, deep-fried ginger chicken, broccoli with tofu, and fermented soy beans.

Why is it a good choice for beginners?

Focus on simple flavors and fresh ingredients
Clear instructions and helpful tips
Visually appealing and inspiring
Emphasis on basic skills

Related: Guide to Japanese Macrobiotic Diet

Washoku Recipes From The Japanese Home Kitchen

Best Japanese Cookbooks for Easy Recipes

Washoku is the term for Japanese cuisine and literally means food of Japan. This is definitely one of the best Japanese cookbooks as it has a mix of traditional and modern Japanese recipes. This Japanese cookbook by Elizabeth Andoh includes recipes that support different kinds of lifestyles and diets like vegan, vegetarian, keto, and paleo.

I’m not a fan of all vegetarian dishes but this Japanese cookbook has some fantastic veg recipes that I tried for my vegetarian friends. If you’re a fan of veg food then you should definitely try the asparagus with crushed black sesame sauce recipe!

What I love about this Japanese cookbook is that it has a mix of quick and easy recipes for everyday lunch or dinner meals and also elaborate recipes when you need to cook to impress your guests.

Why is it a good choice for beginners?

Emphasis on fundamentals
Detailed instructions and helpful tips
Beautiful illustrations
Insights into Washoku philosophy

Japan: The Cookbook by Nancy Singleton Hachisu

Best Japanese Cookbooks for Beginner

Another one of the best Japanese cookbooks for beginners by Nancy Singleton Hachisu. Containing more than 400 detailed recipes of delicious Japanese dishes, this cookbook will become your go-to for Japanese cooking. This Japanese cookbook covers both common and not so common Japanese recipes so you’ll probably find pretty much any Japanese recipe in here.

But I wouldn’t recommend this cookbook if you want to specialize in a certain category. Think of this book as a starter course of Japanese cooking where you learn a little about everything. So this is one of the best Japanese cookbooks for beginners.

But if you want to specialize in a particular category like sushi-making then along with this cookbook also get the Sushi Taste and Technique by Kimiko Barber and Hiroki Takemura. Or to learn in-depth about noodles get the Ivan Ramen cookbook by Ivan Orkin along with this Japanese cookbook.

Three of my favorite recipes from Japan: The Cookbook are Vinegared Crab and Cucumber with Yuzu, Shiso-Wrapped Pan-Grilled Snapper, and Five-Color Udon.

Why is it a good choice for beginners?

Emphasis on approachable recipes
Variety and depth
Beautiful visuals
Gives you cultural insights

Donabe: Classic and Modern Japanese Clay Pot Cooking

Best Japanese Cookbooks for Healthy Japanese Recipes

I love Donabe! This is one of the best Japanese cookbooks and the recipes in this cookbook are easily scalable. You can make these recipes for 2-3 people or even 8 when you’re entertaining a big party.

Donabe which means clay pot cooking is a technique where you make steamed dumplings, cook rice, or even hot pot! These recipes are filling, great for a big crowd, and extremely delicious and satisfying.

And to top it off these recipes are also healthy because with Donabe you don’t need to add too many seasonings to bring out the flavor of the ingredients!

Some of my favorite recipes from this best Japanese cookbook are the Chicken Meatballs in Hot Sesame Miso Broth, Steamed Pork Belly and Cabbage, and Gyoza Hot Pot.

Why is it a good choice for beginners?

Clear instructions and helpful tips
Visually appealing
Introduces basic donabe techniques
Offers simpler recipe options

Japanese Patisserie: Exploring the Beautiful and Delicious Fusion of East Meets West

This is one of the best Japanese cookbooks for learning patisserie, savories and desserts. This cookbook will teach your Japanese techniques with a western twist. With ingredients like yuzu, miso, sesame, and matcha, this cookbook is a fusion of different cuisines along with Japanese. Some of these recipes will soon become a staple in your home.

Containing 60 recipes, this Japanese cookbook will show you how to reinvest some classics to patisserie in your kitchen!

My absolute favorite recipe in this Japanese cookbook is the White Sesame & Adzuki Cheesecake - a party classic with a Japanese twist! Some of my other favorites are: Sparkling Sake Apple Crumble and Lemon and Yuzu Eclairs.

Why is it a good choice for beginners?

Clear instructions and helpful tips
Visually appealing
Offers basic techniques

Related: Best Japanese Kitchen Goods

Ivan Ramen

Authored by Ivan Orkin, this is one of the best Japanese cookbooks for those looking to specialise in cooking Japanese noodles. Featuring in the Netflix show Chef’s table, Ivan Orkin explains in detail the science behind making the perfect noodles with perfect broth thickness. Some of my favorite recipes in this Japanese cookbook are the Chicken Teriyaki, Roasted Garlic Mazeman, and Shio Ramen.

Why is it a good choice for beginners?

Basic ramen fundamentals covered
Clear Explanations of techniques

The Just Bento Cookbook: Everyday Lunches To Go by Makiko Itoh

I love this Japanese cookbook cause Makiko Itoh puts down amazingly easy Japanese recipes that I can make to take for lunch for my office. Ah, the satisfaction of a beautifully crafted bento box!

In The Just Bento Cookbook, Itoh presents traditional Japanese bento reciepes with mini dishes perfect for bento box.