Let's Make Ramen!

A completely different take on the ramen cookbook: an illustrated comic book format that makes the whole process feel approachable and fun. Hugh Amano (a trained chef) and Sarah Becan (an illustrator) combine more than 40 recipes with the history and culture of ramen, all presented through colorful, step-by-step comics.

Why Consider This One

If the idea of making ramen from scratch feels overwhelming, this is the gentlest on-ramp available. The comic format means every technique is visually demonstrated, panel by panel. You see exactly what your broth should look like at each stage, how to fold the chashu, and when your noodles are ready. It removes the guesswork that can make written-only recipes intimidating.

The book covers tares, broths, noodles, and toppings with enough depth to produce genuinely good bowls. It also includes preparation shortcuts for when you want ramen on a weeknight without spending hours on broth. Along the way, you get cultural context, personal anecdotes, and insights from ramen experts including Ivan Orkin.

What to Expect

A 192-page paperback in a graphic novel format. The illustrations carry most of the instructional weight, so you can flip through it quickly to get an overview before committing to a recipe. The tone is lighthearted but the recipes are serious. It is the shortest book on this list and the fastest to get through, making it a good complement to a more comprehensive reference like Ivan Ramen or Ramen Obsession.