Everything You Need to Know About Donabe: History, Care, and Recipes

Author: Joost Nusselder, author of The Essential Japanese meal planner cookbook Updated November 2, 2022

What is a donabe, you ask? It’s a type of cooking pot used in Japanese cuisine, made of clay or metal. It’s a versatile tool that can be used to cook rice, stews, soups, and more.

The donabe pot is a versatile tool used to cook rice, stews, soups, and more. It’s a great way to experience the unique flavor and texture of Japanese cuisine. But what exactly is it?

Let’s look at the history, benefits, and types of donabe pots, as well as how to use one properly.

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What is a Donabe?

Donabe is a traditional Japanese clay pot that is used for cooking and serving a wide variety of dishes. It is a special type of cooking tool that has been used in Japan for centuries and is highly regarded for its unique ability to create delicious, steamed rice and other dishes.

The Benefits: Why Use a Donabe?

Using a donabe for cooking has many benefits, including:

• Natural and strong material: Donabe is made of natural clay, which is a strong and durable material that can withstand high temperatures.
• Simple and easy to use: Donabe is a simple and easy-to-use cooking tool that does not require any special skills or knowledge to use.
• Versatile: Donabe can be used to cook a wide variety of dishes, from steamed rice to stews and soups.
• Excellent for everyday use: Donabe is an ideal tool for everyday cooking, as it is easy to clean and maintain.
• Highly regarded in Japanese cuisine: Donabe is a famous and highly regarded cooking tool in Japan, where it is commonly used to create traditional dishes.

The Types: What Varieties of Donabe are Available?

There are many different types of donabe available on the market, each designed to function in a certain way or to serve a specific purpose. Some of the most common varieties of donabe include:

• Rice cooker donabe: This type of donabe is specifically designed for cooking rice and is highly regarded for its ability to create perfectly steamed rice.
• Stew pot donabe: This type of donabe is ideal for making stews and soups, as it has a wide, round body that allows for even cooking and heat distribution.
• Hot pot donabe: This type of donabe is designed for serving hot pot dishes, where the pot is placed on the table and the food is cooked and served directly from the pot.
• Clay pot donabe: This type of donabe is made from coarse, slightly porous clay that allows for faster cooking and better heat retention compared to other types of donabe.

The How-To: How to Use and Care for your Donabe

Using and caring for a donabe is simple and easy, and requires only a few basic steps:

• Before using a new donabe for the first time, it should be seasoned by filling it with water and boiling it for about 30 minutes.
• To prevent food from sticking to the bottom of the pot, it is important to let the donabe cool down before washing it with a soft cloth and mild detergent.
• After washing, the donabe should be dried thoroughly and stored in a cool, dry place.

The Recipe: Let’s Try Making a Dish with a Donabe

One simple and delicious dish that can be made using a donabe is steamed rice. To make steamed rice in a donabe, simply:

• Rinse the rice thoroughly and place it in the donabe with the appropriate amount of water.
• Cover the donabe with the lid and cook over low heat for about 20-30 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked.
• Once the rice is cooked, let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

Using a donabe to make steamed rice is a great way to experience the unique flavor and texture that this special cooking tool can create. So why not give it a try and see for yourself why donabe is such a highly regarded and versatile tool in Japanese cuisine?

The Evolution of Donabe: A Look into the History of this Traditional Japanese Pottery

Donabe is a type of pottery that is traditionally produced in Japan. It is made from clay that is rich in minerals and is characterized by its fine texture and strong body. According to historical documents dating back to the middle of the Edo period, donabe was widely used in Japan as a portable charcoal grill that was placed directly on tatami mats for dining.

Uses and Functions of a Donabe

Donabe has a special function in Japanese cuisine, and it is used to cook a variety of dishes, including rice, stews, and hot pots. Depending on the style and texture of the pot, it can be used to cook different types of food. Donabe is perfect for cooking rice, as it gets cooked evenly and the pot helps prevent the rice from burning.

The Different Types of Donabe Available on the Market

There are a variety of donabe pots available on the market, each with its own unique texture, finish, and pattern. Here are some of the most famous types of donabe:

• Iga donabe: This type of donabe is produced in the Mie prefecture and is characterized by its slightly coarse texture and simple finish.
• Kamado-san: This donabe is perfect for cooking rice and is able to produce delicious and nutritious rice every time.
• Banko-yaki: This donabe is produced in the Aichi prefecture and is able to retain heat for a long time, making it perfect for slow-cooking.
• Yukihira donabe: This donabe is perfect for cooking soups and stews and is able to produce delicious and nutritious dishes every time.

Caring for Your Donabe

To ensure that your donabe lasts for a long time, it is important to take good care of it. Here are some tips on how to care for your donabe:

• Let the pot cool down completely before washing it.
• Use a soft sponge or cloth to clean the pot.
• Do not use soap or any other cleaning agents to clean the pot.
• Store the pot in a dry and cool place to prevent odour and moisture from affecting the pot.

In conclusion, donabe is a special type of pottery that has been a part of Japanese cuisine for a long time. It is definitely worth picking up a donabe pot if you are looking for a simple and easy way to cook delicious and nutritious meals.

What dishes can be cooked in a donabe?

Donabe is a versatile tool that can be used to create a wide variety of traditional Japanese dishes. Some of the most commonly made dishes include:

• Rice: Donabe is perfect for cooking rice, as it creates a fluffy and moist texture that is simply irresistible. The clay pot allows the rice to cook evenly and faster than a regular pot.

• Steamed dishes: Donabe is excellent for steaming vegetables, fish, and meat. The hot clay pot creates a unique flavor that cannot be replicated with a regular pot.

• Hot pot dishes: Donabe is commonly used to make hot pot dishes, such as shabu-shabu and sukiyaki. These dishes involve cooking meat and vegetables in a simmering broth, which is perfect for the donabe.

Modern dishes

Donabe is not limited to traditional Japanese dishes. It can also be used to create a wide variety of modern dishes, such as:

• One-pot meals: Donabe is the ultimate tool for creating one-pot meals. You can add all your ingredients to the pot and let it cook, creating a flavorful and hearty meal.

• Soups and stews: Donabe is perfect for making soups and stews, as it creates a natural and rich flavor that cannot be replicated with a regular pot.

• Roasts: Donabe can be used to roast meat and vegetables, creating a crispy and flavorful dish.

Special recipes

Donabe has the ability to create unique and special dishes that cannot be made with any other tool. Some of the special recipes that can be made with donabe include:

• Donabe chicken: This is a particular dish that involves cooking a whole chicken in the donabe with vegetables and herbs. The result is an extremely flavorful and juicy chicken that will leave you feeling satisfied.

• Donabe risotto: This is a twist on the traditional Italian dish, which involves cooking the rice in the donabe with broth and other ingredients. The result is a creamy and delicious risotto that will leave you feeling comforted.

• Donabe curry: This is a Japanese take on the classic Indian dish, which involves cooking the curry in the donabe with vegetables and meat. The result is a flavorful and spicy curry that will leave you feeling excited.

Recommendations

If you’re new to donabe cooking, we recommend starting with simple dishes such as rice or steamed vegetables. Once you feel comfortable with the tool, you can try more complex dishes. Here are some recommendations:

• Donabe hot pot: This is a traditional Japanese dish that involves cooking meat and vegetables in a simmering broth. It’s a great way to get familiar with the donabe.

• Donabe clay pot rice: This is a simple and delicious dish that involves cooking rice in the donabe with broth and other ingredients. It’s a great way to notice the difference in quality that the donabe creates.

• Donabe chicken: This is a highly recommended dish that involves cooking a whole chicken in the donabe with vegetables and herbs. It’s a great way to experience the versatility and potential of the donabe.

In conclusion, donabe is an affordable and versatile tool that can create a wide variety of dishes. Whether you prefer traditional Japanese dishes or modern creations, donabe has got you covered. So go ahead and decide to buy one, and you’ll certainly notice the difference in the quality of the dishes you create.

Seasoning Your Donabe: A Vital Step for a Long and Happy Life of Your Pot

When you purchase a new donabe, it’s essential to season it before cooking any food in it. Seasoning is the process of preparing the pot’s surface to prevent damage, breakage, and to reduce the risk of food sticking to it. Donabe is made of porous material, and seasoning helps to fill the microscopic pores, preventing stains and smells from sticking to the surface.

How to Season Your Donabe

Here’s a quick and easy method to season your donabe:

1. Rinse your donabe with warm water and dry it with a clean cloth.
2. Fill the pot with water up to 70% of its capacity.
3. Add 1/2 cup of rice flour to the water and mix it well.
4. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
5. Turn off the heat and let the pot cool down to room temperature.
6. Discard the water and rinse the pot with warm water.
7. Dry the pot with a clean cloth and let it air dry overnight.

Comments

Pay attention to the liquid you use in your donabe. Rapid changes in temperature or liquid can cause the pot to crack. Also, don’t use your donabe to cook potatoes or other starchy foods that can stick to the surface.

Seasoning your donabe is the best way to prevent food from sticking to the surface and to prolong the life of your pot. It’s a quick and easy process that helps to fill the microscopic pores in the material and reduce the risk of damage and breakage. When you take care of your donabe, it will reward you with good food and a long life.

How to Properly Wash Your Donabe

Donabe is a traditional Japanese clay pot that is used for cooking a variety of dishes, especially rice. As with any cooking tool, it is essential to keep your donabe clean and well-maintained to ensure that it lasts a long time and continues to produce good food. Properly washing your donabe is an essential step in this process, as it helps to prevent damage to the material and prevent any dirt or food from sticking to the surface.

The Step-by-Step Process of Washing Your Donabe

Here is a step-by-step guide to washing your donabe:

1. Allow the donabe to cool down completely before washing it. If you try to wash it while it’s still hot, you run the risk of damaging the material or causing food to stick to the surface.

2. Gently remove any stuck-on food with a soft cloth or sponge. Be careful not to use anything too abrasive, as this can cause damage to the material.

3. Pour a small amount of warm water into the donabe and use a soft cloth or sponge to gently clean the surface. Be sure to pay close attention to any areas that may have dirt or food stuck to them.

4. If necessary, add a small amount of dish soap to the water to help remove any stubborn dirt or food. Be sure to use a mild soap that won’t damage the material.

5. Rinse the donabe thoroughly with warm water to remove any soap residue.

6. Check the donabe carefully to make sure that it is completely clean. If you notice any areas that still have dirt or food stuck to them, repeat the cleaning process.

7. Let the donabe stand for a short time to allow any excess water to drain away.

8. If you want to be extra careful, you can perform a quick dry run by heating the donabe on low heat for a few minutes. This will help to prevent any moisture from getting trapped inside the material and causing damage.

Tips for Preventing Damage to Your Donabe

To keep your donabe in good condition, here are some additional tips to keep in mind:

• Always use a soft cloth or sponge to clean your donabe. Avoid using anything too abrasive, as this can cause damage to the material.

• Be sure to store your donabe in a cool, dry area. Avoid storing it in direct sunlight or outside, as this can cause the material to become brittle and crack.

• If you have a large collection of donabe, consider investing in a storage box or set to keep them organized and protected.

• When cooking with your donabe, be sure to use low to medium heat to prevent the material from becoming too hot and potentially cracking.

• If you’re new to using donabe, be sure to read up on its history and nature to help you better understand how to use and care for it.

• Compared to metal or other types of cookware, donabe takes a bit more time and effort to maintain, but the end result is worth it. Donabe is a popular choice for many dishes because it brings out the best flavors in food.

Conclusion

So, that’s what a donabe is – a Japanese pot used to cook a variety of dishes, from rice to stews and soups. It’s a versatile tool that can be used for everyday cooking and is highly regarded in Japanese cuisine.
So, if you’re looking for a new way to cook healthy meals at home, consider picking up a donabe pot – it’s simple, easy, and delicious!

Check out our new cookbook

Bitemybun's family recipes with complete meal planner and recipe guide.

Try it out for free with Kindle Unlimited:

Read for free

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Bite My Bun is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with Japanese food at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.