Review: Let's Make Ramen!: A Comic Book Cookbook

Let's Make Ramen!: A Comic Book Cookbook by Hugh Amano
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Let’s Make Ramen! is a hybrid cookbook and graphic novel written by foodie Hugh Amano and illustrated by Sarah Becan – who also pens the food-based webcomic I Think You’re Sauceome. This comic book cookbook contains over forty ramen recipes that are at the same time easy to understand, funny, and beautifully drawn.

The book starts off with Ramen 101, giving the reader a thorough introduction into the world of this Japanese dish by discussing its cultural history, etiquette (it’s OK to slurp!), and many of the best ways to enjoy ramen including the best drinks to pair with it.

From there it prepares the reader for making ramen on their own by showing what ingredients to have stocked in the pantry and what cooking equipment to get for the kitchen, including a few items most Americans might not already have like noodle baskets and pasta rollers.

The bulk of the book goes on to break down a variety of ramen recipes like miso ramen, veg head’s deluxe, and tonkotsu ramen. A lot of time and illustration goes into how to make and store the wide array of stocks & broths that can be used in ramen dishes. For instance, it shows how to make instant ramen cubes by freezing stock in an ice cube tray. This handy trick saves a lot of time and energy when preparing future bowls of ramen. The noodles are also a major focal point in the book, discussing the best brands if buying in the store as well as how to prepare your own at home. Although, I would have liked some information on gluten-free noodle preparation for those sensitive to that ingredient.

Overall, I’d recommend this unique graphic novel cookbook for anyone looking to expand their ramen horizons beyond the 25-cent, plastic-wrapped, store-bought version that you might have survived on at some point in your life. Even if you don’t read this one from cover to cover, I’d invite you to browse as each page and section is full of colorful artwork and insightful information. Now let’s make ramen!


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