Learning Korean

A “wildly inventive” (Food & Wine) James Beard Award–winning chef interprets one of Asia’s greatest cuisines for the everyday eater

Seoul-born, Maryland-raised chef Peter Serpico offers readers a seat at his family table in his debut cookbook, Learning Korean. Serpico’s meals are personal, drawing from decades of professional cooking experience—and his own heritage—to explore the extraordinary world of traditional Korean home cooking.

From an instant kimchi and simple banchan to rice, noodles, grilled meats and soul-stirring stews, these 100 recipes use ingredients found in well-stocked supermarkets for outstanding, healthy results. He features ideas for creative weekday meals, including an onion pancake paired with a dipping sauce and pork dumplings and acorn squash soup served with homemade, crispy rice cakes. For barbecue fans, a Korea-fied roast chicken sits alongside a sweet-and-spicy grilled cauliflower.

Cooks of all skill levels will find inspiration and delight in this beautifully photographed, unique take on the Korean culinary canon, from an award-winning chef, father and talented teacher.

About the Author

Born in Seoul, South Korea, Peter Serpico was adopted when he was two years old, and was raised in Laurel, Maryland. Serpico graduated from the Baltimore International College Culinary School and his first cook job was at the Belmont Conference Center, where he worked under chef Rob Dunn. In 2006, Peter began as sous chef at the original Momofuku Noodle Bar in the East Village. For the next six years, Serpico worked with David Chang to open Momofuku Ssäm Bar and Momofuku Ko. As director of culinary operations, Serpico earned three stars from the New York Times, a James Beard Award, and two Michelin Stars, among other accolades.

Serpico’s highly praised eponymous restaurant on South Street in Philadelphia opened in 2013. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Serpico was reimagined as Pete’s Place. In 2022, Serpico and restaurant-partner Stephen Starr launched a revamp of Pod, a long-standing Philadelphia pan-Asian restaurant, as KPod, with a menu inspired by Serpico’s native South Korea. Serpico lives with his family in Philadelphia.