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!

There are so many fun, delicious-looking recipes in this cookbook that I don't even know where to begin. First off, I had no idea that there were so many different uses for kimchi but wow, you can add it to anything for a quick and easy flavor boost! The Kimchi Mac and Cheese looks incredible and literally made my mouth water. I'll definitely be looking forward to buying a copy of this cookbook as soon it drops onto the shelves.

This is a really great collection of banchan recipes. Some of the recipes include easier to find ingredients for those who might not have a Korean grocery close by. The pictures are nice and it’s great to see every dish instead of guessing how it should look.

I moved to North Dakota in 2009 from a major metropolitan city. I miss Asian food, specifically Korean food soooo much. My favorite part of Korean food, after japchae, is the banchan so when I saw this title I knew I had to request it. Over the Memorial Day weekend I trekked to Bismarck for the Asian market to get my missing ingredients and it was a Banchan-Extravaganza all weekend long! The Oi Muchim, Pa Muchim, and Shigeumchi Namul were as good as I remember. Loved the Sesame Broccoli Salad and had to try the Creamy Kimchi Bacon Dip, I thought was husband was in Heaven!!

Can't wait to get a hardcopy for myself and my library when this is published!

I’m biased because I love banchan, so I’m excited to try these recipes. The book is full of lovely photos and easy to follow recipes. Great addition to the cookbook collection.

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

Banchan
Author: Caroline Choe
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Such a great cookbook for those wanting to make Korean dishes at home! The book is well organized and I really liked that all the recipes had photos to accompany them. I'm really looking forward to trying out the recipes especially the Creamy Kimchi Bacon Dip that I think would be an instant hit for parties. This book would make a great addition to any cookbook shelf!

Thanks to NetGalley, Chronicle Books, and Caroline Choe for an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of "Banchan" by Caroline Choe. All opinions are my own.

This beautiful cookbook includes 60 recipes featuring Korean American dishes. So many of these dishes sounds delicious and I can't wait to try them!!

I have liked Korean food since I worked at a Korean restaurant when in college. I have tried over the years to make certain foods at home more successful in some endeavors than others. So I was really excited to see this book available here for review. I have not made the I love the layout of the book and the deep dive of banchan. It expanded my knowledge and what I thought of even as banchan. I like the educational aspect of this book.

Banchan focuses on Korean side dishes and shareables.

The Sections are
Fermented & Preserved
Namul & Muchim
Jorim & Soy Sauce-Marinated
Stir-Fried & Steamed
Soups & Stews
Buchimgae
Cold Banchan
Hot Banchan

Each recipe has servings, ingredients, a little blurb, a beautiful photo of the dish, directions, and any notes on the dish. Though there weren’t any prep, cooking, or total times included which is a little fall out for me.

Overall there are tons of great recipes to try.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This cookbook hits all the right notes! The photography is bright and gorgeous, and nearly every dish has a photo to show you the final product (so helpful!!). The recipes are clear, uncomplicated, and delicious sounding. I learned a lot about what banchan is and the place it has in Korean cuisine. I can’t wait to try several of these recipes!

I love Korean food + have been wanting to learn how to make banchan, so I was super excited to check out this book! The way it's written is very conversational, like talking with/getting to know a friend (who happens to be a chef) better. The beginning also includes a section on what she usually keeps her kitchen (pantry/fridge) stocked with to make these recipes possible.

The book is divided into 2 parts -- the first part containing the more traditional recipes + the 2nd with her version of lots of different classic recipes. There are hot + cold recipes + honestly some of everything for everyone. (Some ingredients may be harder to find outside of an Asian grocery store.)

Each recipe includes the ingredient list, an intro, serving size, and instructions (+ sometimes notes, e.g. for how to store, where to find certain ingredients). I'm looking forward to trying out the Gamja Jorim (soy-braised potatoes) + "hot honey" crispy tofu!

Thank you to the publisher + NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a review!

Banchan are Korean side dishes served during the meal. Items like zucchini or kimchi pancakes, pickled veggies or tofu in a soy sauce are served on the table to eat with the main dish and rice. Combining them in a dish like Kimbab, recipe included, as well. If you are a fan of K-dramas you have seen these on the screen. Now you can make them at home too.
So delicious. Each recipe also includes a spice rating and accompanying pictures.

This was such a good intro to banchan!! I loved how it was divided!! Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this arc ebook in exchange for an honest review.

This cookbook is beautiful. The layout is easy to follow. The pictures look delicious and make my stomach growl. I am going to make every one of these side dishes. The recipes are very straight forward and easy to follow.

I really like the straightforward nature of this cookbook. It is what it is, straight to the point, but it also feels like it was personally written by a friend just for you. Banchan is an array of shared side dishes seen at a Korean table. Part 1 of this book are the Banchan Classics broken into six sections that include the Fermented & Preserved (mostly various kimchis and pickled chilis), Namul & Muchim (fresh vegetables), Jorim & Soy Sauce-Marinated (soy-marinated or braised foods), Stir-Fried & Steamed foods, Soups and Stews, and the section that looks the most interesting to me: Buchimgae (pancakes). Part 2 has both hot and cold banchan recipes from Caroline Choe’s kitchen and are a bit more non-traditional. We also get to hear some stories about her growing up as a Korean American.

There is also a section about what she usually keeps in her pantry and fridge for preparing these tasty side dishes. Who knew there were so many ways to add kimchi to a meal? I always used to see Korean dramas and wonder about all the dishes they’d have to wash after every meal, but they always looked so delicious. It was fun to see recipes for things I’d seen in dramas. Now I can make kimbap, bibimbap, and the different pancakes I’ve always seen on tv. It’s a sweet cookbook with a very personal feel.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for sharing this book with me in exchange for my honest review.

Everything I need to know about how to made Korean side dishes. I'm lucky to live not far from a Korean grocery store but there were a lot of recipes I could make even if I didn't.

Anyone who adores Korean food, especially banchan--the scrumptious shared side dishes--will want to own this first-of-its-kind cookbook with 60 recipes for mouthwatering traditional fare to contemporary Korean American versions. Yum!

This is a thoughtful and beautifully written book of recipes. I found the layout to be easy to use and the recipes themselves both approachable and exciting! Everyone knows that the Banchan are often the star of a Korean meal and I think it was brilliant to create a book that was dedicated solely to these vibrant and tasty sides!

I enjoyed this cookbook of Banchan (small dish) recipes.
I love Korean food but was pretty intimidated the last time I tried to make it.
These recipes are shorter, more reasonable, than the last Korean cookbook I tried.
The pictures of the dishes were nice as well.
Some ingredients will be a little harder to find but could be purchased online if you live in the boonies like me.

I saved these recipes:
Smoky gochujang chicken salad
Kimchi fried rice

Thank you Netgalley for the eARC

A beautifully formatted cookbook with simple, easy-to-follow recipes. Prior to the actual recipe, the author Caroline Choe gives a tidbit of her life and experience relating to that dish, which enlightens my idea of the experience of a Korean-American daughter. I've tested out the soups and stews first, and I loved the Haemul Sundubu Jjigae. This recipe and this cookbook can indeed warm your stomach and your heart!

I love the images as well, it really connects to a home cook and they don't present themselves as a pretentious gourmet dish that is difficult to make. Excited for this to come out!

I'm a huge banchan lover so this ARC thrilled me. I had the chance to try some of the recipes and can confirm, they are amazing. The recipes range from more traditional Korean-American banchan to the author, and her family's, unique riffs on recipes. In addition to dishes like various kimchis and jeon, there's also an awesome japchae recipe and plenty of jjigaes! The ingredients selected are all easily accessible if you have an Asian/Korean grocery store nearby, and the recipes are very instructive, with photos for every dish.

I for one, love LOVE that there are pictures for almost every dish, and that the pictures are gorgeous.

Recipes are written in a way that are easy to follow. It not dumbed down to a point that are repetitive or annoying.

I also really liked that each recipe has a story or educational tidbit.

Received this as an Advanced Reading Copy from NetGalley for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. It's always intimidating to try cooking different cuisines. The author did a great job introducing Korean cuisine. She introduced the ingredients and made the recipes very approachable for newbies. Most of the recipes used relatively easy to find ingredients. I also loved the Korean American influenced recipes. It was a fun breakaway from the usual, more traditional dishes you often see in restaurants. She also included some of her family's own recipes which gave her writing a fun and personal touch. I can't wait until this book is officially published. I've already pre-ordered on Amazon.

I think the book is solid, but it's not one of my favorites. This is a situation where I'm under the impression that Choe is a better cook than she is an author. The second section really does have some inventive, interesting takes on banchan and other Korean food, but the writing needs to be more assertive of Choe's expertise. However, this is her first book and I'm sure she'll be more confident in the next.

Wow! Banchan by Caroline Choe is exactly the book I have been looking for! One of my guilty pleasures is watching aesthetic YouTube videos of Korean housewives working in their kitchen. The food culture is so different from mine and inspiring, but it didn't feel accessible to me to make the same delicious foods for myself because I felt I lacked a fundamental understanding of Korean cooking. Banchan has changed that and made me feel like I can easily recreate many recipes I’ve drooled over in the past! I’m so excited to get started and will be purchasing a hard copy of this book once it’s published!

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

Banchan was a great book for introducing myself to Korean cooking! It was a wealth of recipes, including several Kimchi recipes that I cannot wait to try! The book included a guide for staples to have in your pantry for Korean cooking and amazing photos of the large variety of recipes!

A recipe book dedicated to banchan, which might be most well-known to a non-Korean audience as the numerous free side dishes you get at the beginning of a meal at Korean BBQ.

The author specifies these aren’t technically traditional Korean recipes, but rather Korean-American recipes, which I understand. The first half leans toward traditional Korean dishes, while the second half does feel more like the Korean American side, where you’ll see more American/western dishes given a Korean twist or using banchan from recipes earlier in the book. I liked this organization and also how earlier recipes made appearances in later recipes (kind of like foreshadowing in a novel, but it might just point to how Korean food is good at using one dish in multiple ways). There’s also a bit at the beginning about the ingredients you’ll need for the recipes and where you’ll find them if you’re not already familiar with Asian groceries, and recipes often include substitutes as well, so it’s very helpful. The recipes are often short, too, usually about one page. The anecdotes before each recipe were cute, and I sympathize with the author on getting actual measurements on those family recipes, when immigrant parents might tend not to be the most specific. The photos were great, too.

One recipe for soup had an accompanying picture of bread so that confused me. Also, there were just a few recipes in the book that weren’t technically Korean or featured Korean ingredients, like miso soup, which I didn’t really understand the relevance. There were tiny illustrations at the bottom of the recipes as well, and most of them were cute but some of them could have used more effort (like the little dots). I feel like maybe there’s some expectation of a bit of cooking knowledge from the recipe, like knowing what blanching is, so it might be hard for total newbies. But the directions are clear and simple, with a variety of recipes and helpful tips on storage.

Thanks to Netgalley for the eARC!

I have been craving banchan lately, so browsing this cookbook was perfect. The photos are pleasing and the overall layout works. I prefer the more traditional recipes, but for those who are into more fusion-y plates, this book provides that as well. Sides don't get nearly as much attention as they should and this cookbook lets them shine!

Wow, I like banchan but I don;t know how to made it, just enjoy the food. This book Banchan offers us 60 Korean American recipes for delicious, shareable sides so we can make it ourselves and eat more.

I am a huge banchan fan and the minute I saw this book I had to request it. One of the things I enjoyed at the beginning of the book was the must have pantry and fridge items. I loved that she shared what her favorite brand was for items such as seaweed, soy sauce, salt, etc. I loved that every recipe had a picture, my only comment is for fresh items that are not a common purchase (i.e. daikon radish) I wish in the intro of the recipe it stated what to look for to purchase a good diakon radish (or other fresh items). Additionally, some of the recipes where you need to soak items over night or let sit for 24 hours - it would be helpful if this was made clear in the beginning - maybe under the ingredients so that people did not get everything for the recipe and realize it was not something that could be enjoyed day of.

Otherwise I enjoyed the recipes that I made and plan to make more. Thank you!

My first Korean cookbook was Joanne Molinaro's Korean Vegan where I learned new recipes and appreciated the story telling that accompanied those recipes. One of my favorite concepts I learned from that book was banchan, or side dishes. The concept reminded me a lot of salatim (salads) popular in Israeli/Middle Eastern cuisine, though salatim are served earlier in the meal, as opposed to banchan which are generally served. with an entree. When I saw this book available to request in NetGalley, I was immediately excited and intrigued.

Banchan by Caroline Choe does not disappoint. I love the idea of being able to sample multiple flavors and textures through side dishes like banchan. Its almost like when you go out to eat with a group and you each order an appetizer and everyone gets to share. The recipes I tried from this book were delicious and I look forward to making more of them.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this free advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

I am a banchan mega-stan. There is simply nothing better than having lots of little salty, fermented, and acidic things to nibble on, and this book has me fully prepared to fill my fridge to the brim with exactly that. I loved the stories and the photos, and there are tons of recipes that I will actually make. The recipes are easy to follow, and I can't wait to try a few!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. This book has some great recipes and the pictures that went along with the recipes was a nice touch. I’m definitely looking forward to trying these recipes.

Love the layout of this cookbook! I've come across a fair amount of cookbooks recently that have terrible formatting, so I really enjoyed how each recipe is color coded. The recipes are also pretty easy to follow.

I was so excited to read Banchan and explore some of the author’s family tips and suggestions for cooking banchan at home. I loved the narrative of the book and found the author described the steps in a clear way for someone who has not dabbled in fermentation. I am already planning to make some of my go to dishes I order at Korean restaurants following the recipes in this book. I can’t wait to make kimchi, japchae, and pajeon!

I love Korean food and the concept of banchan itself! They are small side dishes that accompany the main meal, which are often made in advance. This book has an excellent variety of banchan, some of which I have made before and some new ones. It also has some recipes for meals that incorporate the premade banchan(like kimchi) into them, such as stews or kimchi pancakes.

Most of the recipes contained ingredients you can find at a typical American grocery store, but there were some that required things I have only been able to find at Asian/international markets or online. The instructions are well written and easy to follow.

I highly recommend this cookbook for anyone who loves Korean food and wants to make their own banchan!

This book is phenomenal!
If you are new to Korean Banchans or someone who knows most common banchans, like myself, this book is a must grab!
Not only does Choe cover your basic banchans, but then she goes into her own unique banchans she makes at home, such as a Smoky Gochujang Chicken Salad that I'm very excited to try!
Highly recommend for anyone looking for some new recipes to try! :)

Banchan is a perfect addition to your stash of cookbooks. The recipes are easy to follow, and the pictures are beautiful. The author simplified the process of making the recipes without losing any of their original essence. The beginning has a list of what will be needed for the meals, most of which are easily accessible. 5 of 5 stars

Really enjoyed this - so many beautiful stories and pictures to go with fabulous recipes! Anyone that loves and appreciates Korean food will enjoy this book. I can't wait to pick up my copy and get cooking. Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Banchan
One thing that I liked was there were a few sides that had different recipes based on what someone might prefer- for example, kimchi. For me, sometimes the kimchi is too fishy for me but there is a recipe that requires no fish sauce that I am excited to try.

If you are looking to add some new foods to your meals, I recommend checking this cookbook out especially if you like Korean foods. I will note that some recipes do need to be prepared day before.

I am no stranger to korean food, it having been the cuisine that I continue to try to replicate at home for over 5 years now. I have attempted kimchi at home more than once although I like the little korean-owned corner store near me and chain kimchi better.

I have actually made many of the dishes in this cookbook, but greatly enjoy the little blurbs about Caroline Choe's family and life and where food fits into it.

I also intend to try out some of these recipes which differ a little bit from ones I've found on the internet, because if I've learned anything, there's no such thing as one single recipe for any dish in the world and everyone puts a spin on things. I will note that I thought this would only be banchan without reading the title too closely- there's actually quite a variety of Korean dishes which should appeal to many cooks!

There are also certainly some quirky recipes that I can't say I've seen anywhere else. The strawberry citrus geotjeori... intrigues me. I don't know if I'll try it in a full portion for fear I waste expensive berries but we'll see.

The drawings and graphic design style of the book are cute. I'm a fan. The pictures are also very eye catching and somehow they made even the generally less aesthetically appealing foods appetizing.

Note I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for this review, but all opinions are my own :)

Anyone who eats at a Korean restaurant will notice that the main dish comes with mouthwatering side dishes to choose from. Some are so good most of us want to make them at home. Caroline Choe has made it possible in her cookbook, Banchan: 60 Korean American Recipes for Delicious, Shareable Sides. This excellent cookbook includes dozens of Korean side dishes as well as some that can be served as main dishes, too.
The recipes are written in the traditional manner with the ingredients listed fi
rst, followed by step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow. She has included some of the classics, including several kinds of kimchi, as well as pickled vegetables, egg dishes, and favorite Korean pancakes. There are also some not-so-well-known dishes that most Korean food lovers will want to try.

Choe has also included beautiful, professional photographs that make the dishes even more appealing. Many of the recipes call for a long list of ingredients, so they aren’t particularly quick to prepare, but they are worth it. Most readers will want to make lists of the necessary ingredients and pay a visit to their favorite Asian grocery store, since some of them aren’t available in regular grocery stores. The author has included lists of necessary ingredients.

All told, this is an excellent cookbook for anyone who wants to prepare Korean side dishes at home. The recipes are very appealing, and they are easy to follow. This one is recommended.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading through this cookbook and can't wait to cook my way through it as well! All of the recipes look beyond delicious and I learned so much!

This book has an excellent collection of banchan recipes! The recipes are well-organized and easy to follow. I think the layout and fonts are somewhat basic, but the photographs are beautiful. There is a wonderful variety of ingredients used throughout. Immediately after reading, I made kkakdugi (cubed radish kimchi) and am excited to try the results in a few days!

A perfect mix of classic and modern, Banchan offers recipes for beloved classic dishes like dubu jorim and modern ones like kimchi corn cheese. Revolutionize your mealprep by trying out three or four of these tasty dishes with rice, for a balanced, never-boring set of meals to enjoy all week. Most of the recipes are one pan wonders that take less than 30 minutes to execute, prep time included.

Perfect cookbook for those of us who have fallen in love with Korean cuisine and want to make all the delicious banchan that you get in restaurants!

Wonderful selection of Banchan (side dishes). If you love Korean food, you'll love this!
Thanks so much to NetGalley, Chronicle Books and Caroline Choe for giving me an ARC of this wonderful cookbook!

If you're a fan of Korean food and banchan (all those little dishes that are served alongside the meal), this cookbook is a must have! I found so many recipes in Banchan that I can't wait to try! The recipes aren't overly difficult, and there is a little of everything from homemade kimchi to pancakes, even soups and a mac and cheese recipe (yum). I also loved the beautiful food photography, and I enjoyed reading the author's family stories surrounding the dishes.

For everyone not familiar with Korean Cuisine; Banchan are shared side dishes in every Korean Meal. Not ever has there been a cookbook specially focused on these delicious side dishes, with has something for every taste palate.
In this beautiful book that comes out this October, chef Caroline Choe shows 60 banchan recipes, traditional ones, but mostly Korean-American types, as the author is a true New Yorker with Korean roots. In the introduction she tells about herself and her family and their bond with food.

The book is divided into two parts; part 1 covers the Banchan Classics, which is subdivided into different chapters in which the recipes differ by cooking technique (fermented, stir-fried and steamed, soy sauce-marinated). Part 2 is "Banchan From My Kitchen'', with cold and hot banchan recipes from the author's hand, with recipes as Kimchi Mac and Cheese, Asian pear and green onion kimchi, sesame egg salad and grilled kimcheese sandwiches. And of course the author shares which staple ingredients are not to miss in you pantry for these recipes.

The recipes are truly delicous and the pictures that accompany the recipes are sharp , clear and just beautiful!

To name a few recipes that stood out;Kimchi Avocado Nigiri, smoky gochujang chicken salad, tomato potato miso soup, and a classic bibimbap.

Overall, this book is a must have for everyone who loves Korean/Korean-American food, and for those who are new to it and just for everyone who loves to recreate these delicious side dishes at home!

Gorgeous book, easy to use and read. It's not always easy to make a cookbook that I can follow, but this one hit all the marks. Will look for a physical copy for sure!