Japanese Rice Cooker & Earthenware Donabe

Japanese Cookers

Les cuiseurs à riz japonais en terre cuite, pour un riz gonflé et brillant. Donabe et marmites en céramique qui cuisent sur le feu, dans la tradition de la cuisine japonaise. La terre monte doucement en température et restitue une cuisson pleine de saveur, loin de l'autocuiseur électrique. Des cuiseurs solides, à choisir selon le nombre de parts, pour le riz comme pour les plats mijotés.

The donabe, clay rice cooker

The donabe is a clay pot that cooks rice directly over the fire. The clay heats up slowly and produces swollen, shiny, and flavorful rice, close to traditional cooking. Some models are also used for soups and stews. See the PETARI pots and the KAMADOSAN cookers.

Choosing well and caring for it

Choose the size according to the number of servings, from a small cooker for one or two people to a large family donabe. A clay cooker is often prepared by seasoning before first use. See also kitchenware and tableware.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a donabe?

A donabe is a Japanese clay pot that cooks over the fire, traditionally used for rice, soups, and stews. The clay heats up slowly and provides gentle, enveloping heat, giving the rice a swollen and shiny texture.

Why cook rice in a clay cooker?

Terracotta heats gradually and distributes gentle heat, which makes the rice swell and brings out its flavor, often better than an electric pressure cooker. The result is shiny, fragrant rice, sometimes with a thin golden crust at the bottom, appreciated in Japanese cuisine.

How to care for a clay cooker?

Before first use, a clay cooker is often prepared by seasoning, as indicated in its instructions. Then, let it dry completely between uses and avoid thermal shocks. Terracotta does not like abrasive soap or sudden temperature changes from cold to hot.

What size rice cooker should I choose?

Choose according to the usual number of servings. A small cooker is suitable for one to two people, a medium size for a family, and a large donabe for entertaining. Each product sheet indicates the capacity in servings or volume, to help you choose according to your cooking style.

Can a donabe be used for anything other than rice?

Yes, many donabe are also used for soups, broths, and stews, and some models are designed for that purpose. The gentle cooking of the clay is well suited for long preparations. Check the product sheet for recommended uses and compatibility with your heat source.