Anyone who has really eaten Korean food, knows that the banchans are usually the best part! As someone who lived in Korea for a year, I had to check out this cookbook. It started off with a nice story about the history of Korean food and the author's background. We learn a little bit about staple Korean ingredients, and then jump right into the recipe. Each recipe was clear and had step by step instructions. I also appreciated that there was a picture for each recipe. We're also not just limited to banchan as the last chapter includes recipes for a few common dishes. I also really liked that the author included some of her own recipes for non-typical banchan. I will definitely be trying some of the fruit sides to accompany picnics this summer!

I was so excited to flip through this book! I love love love asain food and banchans are one of the best parts of going to an asain restaurant.
I like that there was a cross over between classic korean dishes and american. I can see how a kimchi mac and cheese would be a fun way for people to dip their toes into koren flavors.
I am so excited to try some of these recipes out and am definitely needing to make my way to the market to stock up on some of the pantry essentials recommended.

As a Korean-American, this book represents the comforts of home, heritage, and family-legacy for me. The recipes are thoughtfully curated and written with the right balance of authentic dishes and new, stories from the family table, and beautiful photographs of each recipe. The recipes are accessible and easy to follow. You will be sure to find all of your favorites - several types of Kimchi, fresh vegetables, marinated dishes, soups/stews, buchims (pancakes), and the author's own fusion dishes. My favorites that will be on repeat week after week are Haejang Guk (Hangover Soup) 🤪, Miyeok Muchim (Seaweed Salad), and Hobakjeon (Zucchini Pancake).

Caroline, thank you for inviting us into your kitchen and family. Thank you for capturing these recipes for current and future generations.

I had the privilege of reviewing an advanced (digital) copy courtesy of #NetGalley and #ChronicleBooks. (But I will definitely be ordering a printed copy for my kitchen.) #Banchan

Oh amazing book, loving the recipes and how well explained they are, the images are immensely helpful . Definitely want a physical copy of it

Banchan includes 60 recipes for Korean American side dishes. I am not too familiar with Korean American cooking, so I was definitely intrigued by the cookbook. The cookbook begins with an introduction to banchan and items to have in the pantry and fridge, which is useful. Next are the recipes under the categories Fermented & Preserved, Namul & Muchim (Fresh Vegetables), Jorim & Soy Sauce-Marinated, Stir-Fried & Steamed, Soups & Stews, Buchimgae (Pancakes), Cold Banchan, and Hot Banchan. Every recipe includes an ingredient list, an introduction to the recipe, numbered directions, and a photo. I definitely appreciate that every recipe includes a photo, and some of the recipes I would love to try are Oi Muchim (Spicy Cucumber Salad), Dubu Jorim (Soy-Braised Tofu), Kimchijeon (Kimchi Pancake), Kimchi Avocado Nigiri, and Cheesy Corn. The only small downside of the cookbook is that it does not include prep or cook times, so you have to read the directions to see if a recipe takes 20 minutes to make or an hour or more. Besides that, it is a good cookbook.

Quick Summary: A visual feast and instructional guide for foodies and lovers of Korean cuisine

My Review: Banchan: 60 Korean American Recipes for Delicious, Shareable Sides by Caroline Choe is listed under Cooking, Food & Wine | Multicultural Interest.

About the Book: "This first-of-its-kind cookbook showcases the wide world of banchan, from traditional staples to modern Korean American renditions... [It] offers 60 mouthwatering recipes for classic and modern banchan dishes so home cooks everywhere can get in on the deliciousness."

My Favorite Features:

- The History of Banchan

- Glimpses into Choe's Family Menus and More

- The Personal Vignettes

- The Pictorial Catalog of Dishes

- The Pantry Principle


My Favorite Recipes (per section):

- Spicy Cucumber Salad

- Seaweed Salad

- Kimchi Stew

- Zucchini Pancake

- Kimbap

- Spring Greens Namul Quiche


My Final Say: This was a pleasing to the eye, wholly inspiring, doable cookbook. It was so educational. The recipes featured some of my wishlist food choices and then some. It got me excited to try and prepare the featured dishes. I loved the cultural and family rich connections, as well as the pictures.

Other: This would make a great gift.

Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Status/Level: Chef's kiss 👩‍🍳

Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Chronicle Books), and to NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to review this title.

I am always curious to learn more about Korean cooking and this cookbook pleased me. It is well illustrated and the recipes are crystal clear. The range of recipes was also quite broad and I think almost any reader will find dishes they'd like to try creating at home.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. I know there are plenty of banchan lovers out there who will appreciate it!

I am so excited for a book like this. As an American who grew up on authentic and Americanized Korean food I highly recommend this book. There are so many great recipes that you can add to your daily diet.

As an American who has eaten authentic Korean food and can cook it, I tend to look at the seasonings in these recipes as suggestions meaning when you make these recipes, season to your taste. Trust me, you’ll appreciate Korean food so much more when you do that. I tend to season more authentically and/or make things more spicy and/or sweet.

A lot of Korean food is really healthy for you, if you’ve never had it, again these are great recipes to try and incorporate in your diet.

Ultimately I recommend this recipe book to anyone especially if you love Asian food and have never had Korean. Even if you have had Korean, this is a great book to have so you can make your favorite banchan!

Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this book!

I love dining at Korean restaurants and the side dishes are a must-have every time! They are all so appetizing and leaves me going back for more. When I saw this book, I had to read it. This book has a lot of banchan you can find at Korean restaurants and supermarkets, including many variations of kimchi. The author's recipes are easy to follow with not too many ingredients. In addition, the pictures look really nice, which makes me want to make them as soon as possible.

I recommend this book to all foodies out there that want to eat banchan 24/7!