The Gaijin Cookbook: Japanese Recipes from a Chef, Father, Eater, and Lifelong Outsider

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Ivan Orkin is a self-described gaijin (guy-jin), a Japanese term that means “outsider.” He has been hopelessly in love with the food of Japan since he was a teenager on Long Island. Even after living in Tokyo for decades & running two ramen shops that earned him international renown, he remained a gaijin.
 
Fortunately, being a lifelong outsider has made Orkin a more curious, open, & studious chef. In The Gaijin Cookbook, he condenses his experiences into approachable recipes for every occasion, including weeknights with picky kids, boozy weekends, & celebrations. Everyday dishes like Pork & Miso-Ginger Stew, Stir-Fried Udon, & Japanese Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce are what keep the Orkin family connected to Japan. For more festive dinners, he suggests a & , where guests assemble their own sushi from cooked & fresh fillings. And recipes for Bagels with Shiso Gravlax & Tofu Coney Island (fried tofu with mushroom chili) reveal the eclectic spirit of Ivan’s cooking.

Ivan Orkin is the author of Ivan Ramen & a star of Chef’s Table & The Mind of a Chef. He owns Ivan Ramen & Ivan Ramen Slurp Shop in NYC.

Chris Ying is the cofounder of Lucky Peach & the author of The Mission Chinese Food Cookbook & You and I Eat the Same.