An ink jet recording method includes recording with an aqueous ink composition on a non-ink-absorbing or low-ink-absorbing recording medium. The aqueous ink composition contains a water-insoluble colorant, water-insoluble thermoplastic resin particles, a surfactant, a first solvent including at least one selected from 2-pyrrolidone and N,N′-dimethylpropylene urea, a second solvent including 1,2-hexanediol, and a third solvent including at least one selected from glycol diethers having a boiling point of 240° C. or more and 280° C. or less.