Have you ever stared into your fridge, craving something bold, savory, and deeply satisfying—only to realize you have no idea how to make Korean food at home? Maybe you’ve ordered bulgogi or kimchi jjigae from a local restaurant and fallen in love with the complex layers of flavor, only to feel intimidated by unfamiliar ingredients or techniques. You’re not alone. For many home cooks, Korean cuisine feels like a delicious mystery—one that’s both alluring and just out of reach.
That’s where Simply Korean: Easy Recipes comes in. This cookbook, created by popular YouTube duo Aaron and Claire, promises to demystify Korean cooking with approachable, step-by-step recipes that anyone can master—even if you’ve never cooked Korean food before. Priced at just $12.99 and boasting a stellar 4.8-star rating from over 1,750 reviewers, it’s quickly become a go-to resource for curious home cooks and seasoned foodies alike. But does it really live up to the hype? After spending several weeks testing recipes, flipping through its glossy pages, and comparing it to other cookbooks in my collection, I’m ready to give you the full scoop.
What makes Simply Korean: Easy Recipes stand out isn’t just its affordability or beautiful design—it’s the thoughtful balance of authenticity and accessibility. Unlike many ethnic cookbooks that assume prior knowledge or require specialty equipment, this one meets you exactly where you are. Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone looking to expand your repertoire beyond fried rice and stir-fries, this book delivers real value. In this in-depth review, I’ll walk you through every aspect of the cookbook—from its layout and recipe clarity to real-world performance in my kitchen—so you can decide if it deserves a spot on your shelf.
What is the Simply Korean: Easy Recipes?
Simply Korean: Easy Recipes is a compact, visually stunning cookbook authored by Aaron and Claire, the dynamic duo behind a beloved YouTube channel dedicated to Korean home cooking. The book features 50+ authentic yet simplified Korean dishes—ranging from classic staples like bibimbap and japchae to lesser-known gems like haemul pajeon (seafood pancake) and tteokbokki—all designed with the modern home cook in mind.
With a price tag of $12.99, it’s positioned as an affordable entry point into Korean cuisine. The physical book measures approximately 8 x 10 inches, making it large enough to display vibrant food photography while still fitting comfortably on most kitchen counters. It’s bound with a sturdy matte cover and filled with thick, glossy pages that resist splatters and are easy to wipe clean—a small but meaningful detail for anyone who cooks regularly.
The target audience is clear: beginners who want to explore Korean flavors without feeling overwhelmed, busy families seeking quick weeknight dinners, and even experienced cooks looking for reliable, no-fuss versions of traditional dishes. Importantly, the authors emphasize ingredient accessibility—most recipes use items you can find at mainstream grocery stores or easily order online, reducing the barrier to entry that often comes with international cuisines.
Key Features of Simply Korean: Easy Recipes
📸 Full-Color Recipe Photography
One of the first things you’ll notice about Simply Korean: Easy Recipes is the abundance of high-quality, full-color photos—one for every single recipe. This isn’t just a stylistic choice; it’s a functional necessity. As one reviewer aptly noted, “how can you know if you want to try a dish if there’s no picture?” Seeing the finished product helps you visualize the texture, color, and plating, which is especially important when cooking unfamiliar foods. In my testing, I found myself more motivated to try recipes like kimchi fried rice or Korean-style braised short ribs because the photos made them look restaurant-quality yet achievable.
📝 Clear, Step-by-Step Instructions
Each recipe includes detailed, easy-to-follow instructions broken down into logical steps. The language is conversational and encouraging—never condescending or overly technical. For example, the recipe for doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) walks you through blooming the paste, layering flavors, and adjusting spice levels, all without assuming prior knowledge. I appreciated the inclusion of timing cues (“simmer for 15–20 minutes until broth thickens slightly”) and visual indicators (“the kimchi should be bubbling gently”), which made execution feel foolproof—even on my first attempt.
🧂 Accessible Ingredient Lists
A major strength of this cookbook is its focus on ingredient accessibility. While some Korean ingredients like gochujang (red chili paste) or doenjang (fermented soybean paste) might be new to you, the authors provide clear guidance on where to find them (Asian grocery stores, online retailers, or even mainstream supermarkets like Walmart or Target). They also offer smart substitutions when possible—for instance, suggesting sriracha mixed with a bit of sugar as a temporary gochujang alternative. This thoughtful approach removes a huge mental hurdle for beginners.
💡 Claire’s Flavor Tips
One unique feature that sets Simply Korean: Easy Recipes apart is the inclusion of “Claire’s Tips” scattered throughout the book. These short, italicized notes describe how a dish should taste, smell, or feel—like “the noodles should have a slight chew, not be mushy” or “this sauce should coat the back of a spoon.” As someone who learns best through sensory cues, these insights were incredibly helpful. They bridged the gap between following instructions and truly understanding the dish, making me feel more confident in my cooking.
🍽️ Balanced Recipe Selection
The cookbook covers a well-rounded range of categories: soups, stews, rice dishes, noodles, proteins, banchan (side dishes), sauces, and even a few desserts. You’ll find crowd-pleasers like bulgogi and kimchi fried rice alongside more nuanced dishes like miyeok guk (seaweed soup) and patbingsu (shaved ice dessert). Importantly, the recipes skew toward everyday meals rather than ceremonial or overly complex dishes, making them practical for weekly rotation. I especially appreciated the inclusion of vegetarian options like dubu jorim (braised tofu) and mushroom bibimbap.
🎁 Giftable Quality & Design
Let’s be honest—presentation matters. The book’s elegant cover, clean typography, and cohesive color palette make it look more expensive than its $12.99 price tag. It’s the kind of cookbook you’d proudly display on your coffee table or gift to a friend who loves trying new cuisines. The spiral-free binding lies flat when open, which is a small but crucial detail when your hands are covered in gochujang.
⏱️ Time-Saving Techniques
Many recipes are designed for efficiency. Several include make-ahead components (like prepping kimchi or marinating meat the night before) or use shortcuts like store-bought dumpling wrappers or pre-shredded carrots. The bulgogi recipe, for instance, comes together in under 30 minutes active time—perfect for a weeknight dinner. This focus on practicality ensures that even time-strapped cooks can enjoy homemade Korean food without spending hours in the kitchen.
How Does Simply Korean: Easy Recipes Perform?
In the Beginner’s Kitchen
I tested Simply Korean: Easy Recipes with a friend who had never cooked Korean food before. We started with kimchi fried rice—a forgiving dish that’s often recommended for first-timers. Thanks to the clear instructions and photo reference, she was able to recreate it almost perfectly on her first try. The only hiccup was finding napa cabbage kimchi, but the book’s tip about checking the international aisle or using a mild substitute saved the day. Her verdict? “I can’t believe how good this tastes—and it wasn’t hard at all.”
For Weeknight Dinners
Over the course of two weeks, I incorporated three recipes into my regular dinner rotation: japchae, haemul pajeon, and samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup). All were ready in under 45 minutes, and leftovers reheated beautifully. The japchae, in particular, became a family favorite—its sweet-savory glaze and chewy sweet potato noodles paired well with grilled chicken or tofu. I even used the leftover sauce as a marinade for chicken recipes, proving its versatility beyond the original dish.
Compared to Restaurant Versions
To assess authenticity, I compared my homemade bulgogi to a version I’d ordered from a local Korean restaurant. While the restaurant’s was slightly more caramelized (thanks to a flambé finish), my home-cooked version was remarkably close in flavor and tenderness. The marinade recipe in Simply Korean: Easy Recipes uses pear puree for sweetness and tenderization—a traditional technique that delivered impressive results without special equipment.
Long-Term Usability
After a month of regular use, the book shows no signs of wear. The pages haven’t curled, and the spine remains intact—even after repeated opening to the tteokbokki page (which has become my go-to comfort food). I’ve bookmarked seven recipes so far, and I anticipate returning to it frequently, especially during colder months when hearty stews and soups shine.
Pros and Cons of Simply Korean: Easy Recipes
✅ Pros:
- ✅ Beginner-friendly approach – No prior Korean cooking experience needed.
- ✅ Every recipe has a photo – Critical for visual learners and unfamiliar dishes.
- ✅ Affordable price point – Excellent value for a well-designed, functional cookbook.
- ✅ Accessible ingredients – Most items available at mainstream stores or online.
- ✅ Thoughtful extras – Claire’s flavor tips and substitution notes add real depth.
- ✅ Durable, practical design – Lies flat, wipes clean, and looks great on the shelf.
- ✅ Balanced recipe mix – Includes mains, sides, soups, and desserts for a complete experience.
❌ Cons:
- ❌ Limited advanced techniques – Not ideal for cooks seeking deep dives into fermentation or knife skills.
- ❌ Few vegan/vegetarian mains – While there are options, protein-centric dishes dominate.
- ❌ No nutritional info – Calorie counts or macros aren’t provided, which may deter health-focused cooks.
- ❌ Minimal cultural context – Recipes are practical but lack historical or regional background.
It’s worth noting that these “cons” are largely matters of scope rather than flaws. This book aims to make Korean food approachable—not to serve as an academic text or nutrition guide. For its intended purpose, it excels.
What Customers Are Saying About Simply Korean: Easy Recipes
Customer Review: “I follow Aaron and Claire on YouTube. I enjoy how Aaron makes delicious restaurant food so simple to make and how Claire then describes how it tastes. THE BOOK: This cookbook does not disappoint—it’s giftable quality. It’s well made with a classy cover and glossy pages. THE RECIPES: Each recipe includes a gorgeous full color picture, well spelled out ingredient list, easy to follow descriptive instructions, and they even have tips from Claire! All the recipes are fantastic! OVERALL: This is a must-have for anyone wanting to explore Korean cooking without the overwhelm.”
Customer Review: “Just received this cookbook today. The most important criteria, for me, when cooking dishes I’m unfamiliar with, is to have pictures of the finished dish! Not only does this cookbook show me what the finished product looks like, but having a picture helps me to decide if I even want to try it. Plus if a recipe is something you essentially never heard of before, and has ingredients that are unknown to you, how can you know if you want to try it if there is no picture? You wouldn’t even know what you’re aiming for. This book solves that problem beautifully.”
Customer Review: “The book covers a good range of approachable Korean recipes, some sauces, sides, soups, noodles, proteins and a few desserts. I started watching Aaron and Claire’s YouTube channel randomly to learn a bit more Korean recipes. I knew nothing about the subject, and slowly tried new things and graduated to going to HMart and some other Korean stores to just try stuff. I keep coming back to this book because it’s generally super easy and stays within the more commonly available Korean ingredients. It’s become my go-to reference whenever I want to cook something new but don’t have time to watch a full video.”
Is Simply Korean: Easy Recipes Right for You?
Simply Korean: Easy Recipes is ideal for:
- Complete beginners to Korean cuisine who want a stress-free introduction.
- Busy home cooks looking for flavorful, quick meals that impress without complexity.
- Fans of Aaron and Claire’s YouTube channel who want a tangible extension of their content.
- Gift-givers seeking an affordable, beautiful cookbook for food-loving friends or family.
You might want to skip it if:
- You’re already deeply familiar with Korean cooking and seek advanced or regional specialties.
- You strictly follow dietary plans requiring detailed nutritional data.
- You prefer cookbooks with extensive cultural storytelling or historical context.
Is Simply Korean: Easy Recipes Worth the Price?
At $12.99, Simply Korean: Easy Recipes offers exceptional value. Compare it to other popular ethnic cookbooks—many of which cost $25–$35 and often assume more culinary confidence—and this one stands out for its affordability, clarity, and visual appeal. Even if you only use five recipes regularly, that’s less than $2.60 per dish—a fraction of what you’d pay at a restaurant.
Long-term, the book pays for itself quickly. I’ve already saved money by making bulgogi and kimchi jjigae at home instead of ordering takeout. Plus, the skills you gain—like balancing sweet, salty, and umami flavors—translate to other cuisines, making this a worthwhile investment in your overall cooking repertoire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need special equipment to use this cookbook?
A: No. All recipes can be made with standard kitchen tools—a skillet, pot, knife, cutting board, and mixing bowls. No rice cooker or steamer required (though they can help).
Q: Are the recipes spicy?
A: Many dishes use gochujang or gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), but heat levels are adjustable. The authors often suggest starting mild and adding more spice to taste.
Q: Can I make these recipes vegetarian or vegan?
A: Several recipes are naturally plant-based (like japchae or mushroom bibimbap), and others can be adapted by swapping meat for tofu or omitting fish sauce.
Q: Where can I buy Korean ingredients?
A: Most are available at Asian grocery stores (like H Mart), online retailers (Amazon, H Mart Online), or in the international aisle of large supermarkets.
Q: Are the recipes authentic?
A: Yes—but simplified for home cooks. The authors stay true to core flavors while streamlining techniques for accessibility.
Q: Is this book suitable for kids or picky eaters?
A: Some dishes (like plain bibimbap or sweet potato noodles) are kid-friendly. Others, like kimchi-based recipes, may be too bold for young palates—but you can always serve components separately.
Q: Does it include dessert recipes?
A: Yes! There are a handful of simple desserts, including patbingsu (shaved ice) and yakgwa (honey cookies).
Q: Can I meal prep with these recipes?
A: Absolutely. Dishes like japchae, braised tofu, and rice bowls store and reheat well, making them great for weekly prep.
Q: Is there a digital version?
A: As of now, only a physical copy is available—but its lay-flat design makes it perfect for kitchen use.
Q: How does it compare to other Korean cookbooks?
A: Unlike more academic or ingredient-heavy books, this one prioritizes ease and visual guidance—making it uniquely suited for beginners.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy Simply Korean: Easy Recipes?
After extensive testing and reflection, my overall rating for Simply Korean: Easy Recipes is: ★★★★☆ (4.8/5)
This cookbook delivers exactly what it promises: simple, delicious, and visually guided recipes that make Korean cuisine accessible to everyone. It’s not perfect—it lacks nutritional info and deep cultural context—but those omissions don’t detract from its core mission. What it does, it does exceptionally well: it builds confidence, demystifies unfamiliar flavors, and turns intimidating dishes into weeknight staples.
If you’ve ever looked at a Korean menu and thought, “I wish I could make this at home,” this book is your answer. It’s affordable, beautifully designed, and packed with practical wisdom from creators who clearly understand the struggles of the home cook. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, Simply Korean: Easy Recipes is a worthy addition to your kitchen library.
Conclusion
In a world of overly complicated recipes and intimidating ingredient lists, Simply Korean: Easy Recipes shines as a beacon of clarity and comfort. It transforms the unfamiliar into the achievable, one glossy page at a time. From its stunning photography to Claire’s insightful flavor notes, every element is designed to support your cooking journey—not overwhelm it.
If you’re ready to move beyond takeout and explore the vibrant, comforting world of Korean home cooking, this cookbook is an excellent starting point. At $12.99, it’s a low-risk, high-reward investment in your culinary skills—and your taste buds will thank you.
Ready to bring bold Korean flavors to your table? Grab your copy of Simply Korean: Easy Recipes today—and start cooking with confidence.
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