First off, thanks to NetGalley and DK for this fantastic arc, and an extra thanks to DK for publishing this cookbook!! I've been watching Aaron and Claire's channel for a few years now, and having watched it grow from the slightly awkward beginner videos to what it is now, and with a cookbook to boot - I'm so happy for them! They've worked so hard (ok maybe Aaron a little more so haha) to get to this point and I'm really happy for and proud of them 🥲

These recipes all look so dang easy and quick, and a few I know already are delish from making them from the youtube channel! I love the guide to basic Korean staples at the beginning of this book, and I really appreciate how he always stresses to use what you have, not to go and buy some fancy ingredients you might only use once. The recipes are easy to follow, and the pictures are gorgeous! I don't buy many cookbooks as I tend to just look at them but not make anything, however I already know I'm going to be making many recipes from this book 😀

We love watching Maangchi videos.
We have had Kimchi and Kimchi pancakes from Costco.
Having enjoyed cole slaw, I will try making instant kimchi at home for all its fermented and probiotic goodness. All those neatly cut arrangements in bibimbap are definitely inspiring to make. True to the preface of the book, all the recipes have fewer ingredients and simple steps. One of the balls of rice looked so aesthetic. All the pictures are inviting to try out the recipe. I dont think I have seen a simpler book for someone who is new to Korean cooking and wants to try something easy.
If you are wondering about the dish on the cover of the book, its rice cakes and there's royal version of it too.
I guess we now have to watch Aaron's videos

This cookbook is informative and gives clear, detailed directions. I really enjoy Korean food and don’t have the luxury of having any Korean restaurants near me so I’m excited to try some of the recipes myself!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc cookbook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Simply Korean is a comprehensive collection of Korean food with recipes developed and curated by Aaron Huh. Released 20th Dec 2022 by Penguin Random House on their DK Alpha imprint, it's 256 pages and is 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 "is it culturally insensitive for a lily white Irish girl to even make Korean food?". This is an everyday cookbook for non-professional cooks who love delicious Korean food, simple as that. The author's accessible and friendly writing style inspires confidence and there's a definite "you can do it" vibe about the whole book. 

It starts with a short author bio and pictorial introduction to Korean seasonings and ingredients. Some of these can be readily sourced at any well stocked international/Asian grocery store. Some of them will probably need to be ordered online.

The book continues in a logical fashion from foundational sauces, banchan (side dishes) to chicken, beef, pork, tofu, seafood, rice, noodles, soups & stews, kimchi (yay!), pancakes, and street food recipes. The chapters are packed with recipes (most with photographs) which are clear and easy to follow. Each of the recipes include sidebar with ingredients listed bullet point fashion (given in imperial/US standard measurements and some few metric equivalents), yields, and step-by-step instructions. Nutritional info is not included.

All of the recipes and assorted other information is provided in both English (transliterated), and Hangul (Korean characters). The book isn't bilingual, but it is well grounded in the traditional Korean names for dishes and ingredients. The author's wife & partner, Claire, provides interesting commentary and tips in text sidebars throughout, which added a lot to the read.

All in all, this is a beautifully written and presented Korean cookbook full of delicious food. The photography is top notch, the dishes are appealing and the recipes reflect a love and respect for culture and good food.

Five stars. Loved this one. A good choice for public library acquisition, home use and gift giving.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Thank you for allowing me to read and review this book.

This is a really good and informative Cookbook. Awesome Korean recipes that aren't overly complicated and seems like anyone could make. I can't wait to make some of that fried chicken!

Absolutely love this cookbook. I am a veteran lover of Korean food, but have only dipped my toe into Korean cooking over the years with a few standards, though I do make my own kimchi. Aaron Huh does a great job of breaking down the component parts of the meal, starting with the base sauces and essential ingredients. This really sets the foundation for the rest of the recipes, many of which are definitely easy for beginners to tackle. Simply Korean is definitely going into my regular rotation for meals and special occasions. Love it!

This cookbook is so helpful if you are looking to explore more Korean food at home! The ingredients and food are thoroughly explained and the abundance of pictures helps. This book definitely makes me feel more prepared to cook Korean food and the recipes themselves look delicious. I know my sisters will love this book too so I look forward to gifting them a copy.!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book. I received a copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest review

For whatever reason I was not able to access the approved pdf BUT my pre-ordered copy was delivered. Happy to say the quality of this book is top notch and the recipes are absolutely fantastic. I'm glad I went ahead with pre-order purchase!

“If you’ve always wanted to make your favorite Korean dishes at home, Simply Korean is for you. With streamlined techniques, minimal ingredients, and clear instructions, Aaron and Claire show you the easiest way to make fried rice, bulgogi, kimchi, and more.”

As I’ve been following YouTube’s Aaron and Claire for years, the second I came across this offering, my brain promptly supplied, “Don’t worry about it!” The author’s signature voice is stamped on every page, and I am here for it.

Seriously, this cookbook is a delight.

It’s beautiful, first of all. The pictures are both informative, visual appealing, and delicious-looking. Even if you cook zero things within its pages, this book will spark both joy, and gastric juices (too much?).

It’s also accessible. I know Aaron is a former chef, but this, unlike other cookbooks I’ve owned, makes me feel impowered, versus inadequate. I read a recipe and think, “I might not be able to match Aaron’s match-sticking ability, but I can totally do this.”

One of my favourite parts is the list of Korean Pantry Basics. If you don’t know where to start, start there.

I’ve tried a few of the recipes (my family was particularly taken with Dakgalbi (Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry), La Galbi (BBQ Short Ribs) and Dubu Gagnjeong (Sweet and Crunchy Tofu).

A few I’m looking forward to trying are Kimchi Bibim Guksu (Spicy Cold Kimchi Noodles), Kkwabaegi (Twisted Doughnuts) and having a make-your-own Gimbap (Seaweed Rice Rolls) party with the kids.

My only teeny-tiny criticism is that the main Table of Contents only has basic chicken/beef/seafood titles, where I prefer a list of recipes under each heading. This is partially redeemed at the beginning of each chapter, but I really do like to see the whole cookbook at-a-glance. It makes meal planning so much easier.

All in all, this book will be a stunning addition to my, and anyone’s, collection.

9/10

Thanks to NetGalley and DK Publishing for this sweet and spicy ARC.

Beautiful photographs for each recipe. Each recipe is clear and concise with easy to follow directions. The recipes are provided in a way that makes them appear that one could be successful in making any of them. I have other cookbooks that make Korean food feel very difficult to make, this doesn’t appear that way. Excited to make some of the recipes! I will also definitely follow Aaron’s You Tube channel.

Love Korean food or K-dramas? You need to watch Aaron and Claire on YouTube and grab a copy of Simply Korean.

Simply Korean begins with the essential side dishes that go with rice. A selection of fast yummy sides that go with lots more than just rice. Try a few to start off. Chapters follow for chicken, seafood, beef, pork, tofu, etc…. Make a grocery list as you read through the book, then plan a trip to the nearest Asian grocery store. You will be delighted with the new flavors you discover.

Simply Korean is simply delicious and beautifully laid out! I loved this cookbook. I thought the instructions were accessible and detailed, which I appreciate as a beginner in the kitchen.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

One of the things I love most about this book is that every recipe has a picture. Everything sounded amazing, and Huh does a great job clearly explaining how to execute each dish. And there was an entire section on kimchi, which made my little Korean heart happy.

I absolutely loved how the recipes were simple and the title "simply korean" really brought simplicity to korean food which I absolutely loved. I also enjoyed how the cook book was simple itself and did not have any random pictures and fonts!

I enjoy making Korean food and this was a nice, but pretty basic addition to my cookbook collection. None of the recipes really wow me, and there aren't that many of them, but the few I tried were good.

All of these recipes look so delicious, I can't wait to try some out. The pictures are great and the steps are broken down and easy to follow.

I love this cookbook! So many traditional korean food i could try to make at home or with friends. They are separated well by categories so there is something for everyone.

Are you looking to broaden your home cooking horizons beyond Mexican and Italian dishes? Look no further than Simply Korean, a Korean cookbook that is truly simple.

I have never cooked, and rarely eat, Korean food. But I’m tired of my usual dinner menu. This cookbook translates traditionally obscure ingredients into items at your neighborhood grocery. Many of the recipes used ingredients I already have at home. Other items were easy to substitute like thin-sliced carne asada for bulgogi meat. The recipes themselves also include westernized substitutions like cornstarch for glutinous rice flour.

Though none of the recipes included nutritional information or indicated special dietary restrictions, full-color photographs were provided. Overall, Simply Korean is an easy and inexpensive way to include some Korean food into your life. 4 stars!

Thanks to Alpha and NetGalley for a digital review copy of the book.

Excellent cookbook with so many good recipes and amazing pictures!

This cookbook checks both boxes that I believe makes a cookbook great.

1. It has approachable recipes. While there may be some specialized ingredients it isn't full of expensive and hard to find ingredients. Instead, you will find the recipes to be delicious, easy to make and most ingredients you will already have in your pantry or at a local grocer.

2. It has great pictures. Nothing is worse than a cookbook that doesn't have pictures of each dish. I want to know what it should look like and gain inspiration by flipping through the pages. This cookbook has a fantastic photo for each dish that had me marking page after page of delicious looking meals.

Every recipe I have tried thus far has been enjoyable and easy to make with some of the recipes, such as Cho Ganjang (Korean Vinegar Soy Sauce) quickly becoming a family favorite.

Highly recommended!

Beautiful cookbook with images for every recipe and a great variety of dishes including chicken, seafood, street food, and more. Thank you so much NetGalley for the ARC!