5 Best Ramen Cookbooks You Need Right Now In 2025
Ramen brings comfort, depth, and flavor to every bowl. From rich tonkotsu broths to light shoyu soups, each recipe tells a story rooted in tradition and innovation.
Some books dive into the history of ramen, while others take a bold, modern path with creative toppings and twists. A great ramen cookbook doesn’t just give instructions it inspires your kitchen with passion and technique.
This list explores five standout ramen cookbooks that offer more than just noodles and broth. These titles break down complex recipes into clear steps and teach the secrets behind layering flavor like a pro.
Home cooks, food lovers, and ramen addicts can all discover something new on these pages. Dive into the textures, aromas, and warmth that only a good bowl of ramen can deliver. Your next delicious slurp could begin with one of these must-have books.
5 Best Ramen Cookbooks 2025
1.
Cookbook Overview
A Comic Book That Teaches Cooking
This cookbook mixes fun comics with real ramen recipes. Each page shows the steps with drawings and short tips. That makes it easy to follow, even for people who don’t speak perfect English. You can see what to do, not just read it.
The authors use humor and clear pictures to explain every part. They teach how to make noodles, broths, sauces, and toppings. The story-style format keeps readers interested from start to finish. It feels like reading a fun book, not a serious cooking manual.
Over 40 Easy Recipes for Ramen and More
The book includes more than 40 recipes. There are recipes for traditional ramen styles like Shio, Shoyu, Miso, and Tonkotsu. It also includes new dishes like Tsukemen and Mazemen. You can learn how to make soft-boiled eggs, pork belly (Chashu), and bamboo shoots (Menma).
The book also shows how to make fresh noodles at home. Each recipe includes clear steps and prep tips. Some are quick and easy. Others take more time and care. So, it works for both beginners and experienced cooks.
Features
Simple Weeknight Bowls
The book shows how to make ramen on busy days. Shortcuts are built into the recipes. You can use ready-made broth and still get a good taste. These faster bowls still feel homemade and fresh. Good for tired evenings or last-minute meals.
Weekend Projects for Food Lovers
Longer recipes are great for weekends. You can try boiling bones for hours or mixing dough for noodles. These steps take more time but give deep, rich flavor. The book teaches these steps in a way that doesn’t feel scary. Step-by-step comics guide you through each part.
Tips from Ramen Experts
Top ramen chefs share their secrets in the book. Ivan Orkin and Brian MacDuckston add tips, stories, and food wisdom. They explain how real ramen shops do things. Their advice helps make your bowl better, even with simple tools at home.
Fun Learning Through Comics
The comic book format stands out. Instead of long blocks of text, you get bright pictures and clear labels. This helps visual learners or anyone new to cooking. The fun tone keeps you turning pages. You don’t need to guess what a word means. The drawing shows it.
A Mix of Tradition and Creativity
Classic Japanese flavors mix with new ideas. From salty broths to dry-style noodles, the book has variety. Some recipes follow tradition. Others try something fun. You can pick based on time, taste, or what you have in your kitchen.
Perfect for All Skill Levels
Beginners feel safe with the simple layout. Experienced cooks enjoy the deeper recipes. The mix of easy and hard keeps the book useful as your skills grow. You won’t outgrow it. It grows with you.
2.
Cookbook Overview
A Different Take on Ramen
“Prison Ramen” gives you more than recipes. Each dish carries a story from someone who lived inside a prison cell. You’ll read personal memories and real-life challenges. These voices bring emotion to each meal.
This book is not just for cooks. It speaks to anyone who enjoys stories, survival, and smart food ideas. You’ll meet people like Slash, Danny Trejo, and Shia LaBeouf through their favorite ramen meals. Even the foreword by Samuel L. Jackson adds humor and soul.
From Simple Packs to Smart Meals
Inmates don’t have fancy tools or ingredients. So they get creative. With just a few items from the commissary, they build flavor and comfort. This book shows how one cheap ramen pack becomes something bold, fun, and tasty.
You’ll find odd mixes that somehow work. Orange punch meets pork skins. Cheese crackers mix with chili noodles. It sounds wild, but these combos come from real need and big hunger.
Features
65+ Recipes with Personality
Each recipe feels personal. Names like “Sloppy Ramen Joe” and “Orange Porkies” tell you this is not a typical cookbook. You’ll laugh, think, and maybe even cry. All from a ramen book. Instructions are short and easy to follow. Many need just 3–5 ingredients. You don’t need special gear. A hot plate, a bowl, and a plastic spoon are often enough.
Firsthand Stories from Prison
Every few pages, you’ll read a short story. Some are raw. Some are funny. Others are deep and moving. These real accounts bring life to each recipe. They remind you that food is more than taste it’s hope, memory, and joy.
Recipes by Celebrities and Everyday People
You’ll see names you know. You’ll meet people you don’t. But they all have one thing in common: they love ramen. And they made something special with it. This mix of voices keeps the book fresh and full of surprise.
Ramen Hacks You Won’t Expect
Forget boiling water and tossing in a flavor packet. This book teaches bold tricks. Wrap ramen in a tortilla. Mix it with corn chips. Use Kool-Aid for color and taste. Strange? Yes. But also smart, fun, and full of soul.
3.
Cookbook Overview
Learn from the Bowl’s Roots
Ramen carries a long story. This cookbook starts with that journey. You will explore how ramen began, how it changed by region, and how chefs around the world make their own versions today. These pages give you a deeper look into what makes each bowl special.
Step-by-Step Guidance
Each bowl has six key parts. This book shows you how to prepare each one. From the broth to the noodles, nothing gets left out. The author breaks the process into clear steps. Each part gets its own space. That makes the whole method feel simple, not scary.
130 Easy and Complex Recipes
The cookbook includes 130 ramen recipes. Some are simple and great for beginners. Others are detailed and give you a fun challenge. From creamy miso ramen to seafood shoyu bowls, the book gives you variety. Every recipe teaches you something new.
Features
History That Adds Flavor
The book explains the origin of ramen in plain words. It covers how it started, why it changed over time, and how it grew across Japan and the world. It gives you context without making you feel lost. You’ll gain a better love for the dish.
Simple 6-Part Framework
Each recipe follows six parts:
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Broth – Learn to make it rich or light. Chicken, pork, seafood, or veggie options are available.
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Tare (Sauce) – Discover how a small spoon of sauce can shape the taste.
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Oils and Fats – Add aroma and depth with flavored oils like garlic or chili.
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Noodles – Find tips for cooking or buying the right kind of noodles.
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Toppings – Use common or creative add-ons like eggs, pork, or seaweed.
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Final Bowl Assembly – Put it all together with the right balance.
Each step is easy to follow. No need for expert skills.
Wide Range of Recipes
Some recipes take just a few steps. Others are full meals that need more time. This variety lets you grow your cooking skills. One day you may make a quick bowl with leftover chicken. The next, you may build a spicy miso tonkotsu with pork and ginger.
Easy Language and Clear Instructions
The cookbook avoids fancy food terms. It keeps instructions short and direct. That makes it great for new cooks and non-native English speakers. You won’t get lost in long lists or hard words.
Real Kitchen Tools
No need to buy special equipment. The book gives tips on how to use regular tools you already have. You learn how to cook smart, not just cook hard.
4.
Cookbook Overview
Clear Instructions for Beginners
This cookbook teaches ramen from the ground up. It explains the basics first. You’ll learn about broths, noodles, and toppings. Each part includes simple directions.
Step-by-Step Recipes
Every recipe is written in small steps. You won’t feel lost. The book takes time to explain things clearly. It starts with basic broths, then moves on to more flavors.
Over 75 Tasty Recipes
You get more than 75 recipes. Some are classic. Others have a fun twist. Try chicken ramen one day. Try kale ramen the next. There’s plenty to explore.
Simple to Advanced Ideas
The book grows with your skills. First, you make basic recipes. Later, you try more bold and creative ones. No pressure. Go at your pace.
Features
Ingredient Guide
There’s a full list of what you need. You’ll find tips on noodles, broths, seasonings, and toppings. Each ingredient is easy to find in most stores.
Building Block Recipes
The book gives base recipes like chicken bone broth. You can use these as a base for many other bowls. Think of it as your ramen foundation.
Mix-and-Match Style
You can mix broths, seasonings, and toppings. This lets you build your own bowl your way. The book gives freedom, not just fixed ideas.
Fresh and Fun Toppings
Try soy-marinated eggs. Add crispy kale. These toppings bring new textures. They also add color and crunch to your bowl.
Comfort in Every Bowl
Each recipe is packed with flavor. Some taste mild and warm. Others feel bold and rich. But they all satisfy. That’s the heart of ramen.
5.
Cookbook Overview
Easy to Use for Beginners
Ramen at Home is made for everyone. You don’t need to be a chef. This book starts from the basics. It shows what tools to use, what ingredients to buy, and how to cook step-by-step. New cooks can follow along without stress.
Over 100 Recipes
This book offers more than just a few noodle bowls. It has over 100 recipes. You get broths, toppings, noodle types, and full bowl ideas. Some are classic Japanese styles. Others bring new flavors from other cuisines.
Cultural Insights
The book doesn’t only teach cooking. It also shares fun facts about Japanese food and culture. Readers learn where ramen comes from, how it changed over time, and why it’s so loved in Japan.
Features
Step-by-Step Instructions
Every recipe includes clear steps. The language stays simple. Directions are easy to follow. Even if English isn’t your first language, you won’t get confused. Each part of the ramen bowl is explained noodle, broth, toppings, and sides.
Beginner’s Guide to Ramen
The first part of the book gives a complete guide. It explains how to set up your kitchen, what tools you need, and where to find ingredients. This helps you feel ready before you even start cooking.
Topping Tips and Noodle Choices
Not sure which topping goes best with which broth? This book helps with that. It includes side notes on how to mix and match noodles, broths, and toppings. You’ll learn how small changes can make big differences in taste.
Ideas Beyond the Bowl
The book also gives recipes for side dishes. Think of dumplings, salads, or soft-boiled eggs. These extras turn a bowl of ramen into a full meal.
Final Thoughts
A good ramen cookbook makes a big difference. It helps you build rich broths, cook the right noodles, and pick toppings that bring it all together. Whether you love classic flavors or want to try something new, the right book will guide you step by step.
Each cookbook on this list offers simple language, clear instructions, and tasty results. From beginners to noodle fans, there’s something here for everyone who enjoys cooking at home. With the best ramen cookbooks, you can enjoy warm, flavorful bowls any day of the week no takeout needed.
