Black ceramic steamer from Iga ⋅ Nagatani Seito
ヘルシー蒸し鍋黒(中)
Vendor : Nagatani Seito
⋅ Thick walls for gentle, even cooking
⋅ Retains heat
⋅ Ideal for steamed vegetables and fish
⋅ An exceptional object
⋅ Handcrafted
Dimensions: ø 27cm x 18cm A glazed ceramic donabe steamer, made from Iga clay extracted from 4 million-year-old soil. Each donabe takes two weeks to make, being shaped by hand by craftsmen who give it its robust, thick shape, unchanged for centuries. These steamers are fired in kilns at very high temperatures for several days. Tradition dictates that villagers take turns stoking the ovens day and night, keeping the fire constant. These traditional methods give the donabe a unique cooking performance that is impossible to reproduce in a factory. Its shape and construction are designed to store and diffuse heat slowly. Thanks to its lid, the steamer creates a high-pressure cooking environment, ideal for capturing aromas and preventing spillage. In addition to its cooking properties, the donabe retains heat as well as cold: by pouring hot water or adding ice cubes to the bottom, it effectively keeps dishes at temperature. Its thick clay, around one and a half times denser than that of conventional cookers, and the small air pockets in its porous surface allow donabe to "breathe" like a wooden vessel. This natural respiration prevents excessive condensation and promotes even cooking, leaving ingredients tender and flavorful. Once fitted, this donabe steamer can last a lifetime, being handed down from generation to generation in Japanese families. For use on gas over medium heat.
Hand-crafted, artisanal product.
Not microwave-safe.
Not dishwasher-safe.
Not induction-compatible.
SKU:1002146
Free delivery
Means of payment*from €50 at a relay point in France from €85 home delivery in France from €90 home delivery in Europe
Japanese recipes to make at home :
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Vegan Shiitake Dashi 8 sachets ⋅ Kanejo for iRASSHAi ⋅ 56g
Soy sauce aged in cypress barrels ⋅ Adachi Jozo for iRASSHAi ⋅ 200ml
White miso ⋅ Kato Heitaro Shoten for iRASSHAi ⋅ 200g
Cooking sake 100% rice ⋅ Hinode ⋅ 13.5% ⋅ 900ml
Classic sesame oil ⋅ Iwai no Goma abura for iRASSHAi ⋅ 140g
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Soy sauce aged in cypress barrels ⋅ Adachi Jozo for iRASSHAi ⋅ 200ml
Hon mirin ⋅ Kokonoe Mirin for iRASSHAi ⋅ 14.5% ⋅ 500 ml
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White rice koshihikari ⋅ Nanohana for iRASSHAi ⋅ 1kg
White rice koshihikari from Minami Uonuma Niigata ⋅ Okomekan ⋅ 2kg
White rice milky queen from Toyama ⋅ Nanohana ⋅ 1kg

More details on this product
Nagatani Seito, one of the oldest donabe factories in Japan, was founded in 1832 in the town of Iga, and continues to perpetuate ancestral pottery know-how. Located in Iga, in the Mie prefecture of Kansai, it is renowned for its rich clay resources, ideal for making donabe. The tradition of Iga-Mono, or "the object of Iga", is based on a heritage of over 1300 years of pottery techniques.
Before use, always follow the culotte procedure.
Due to the characteristic porosity of Iga clay, it is essential to "culotte" your donabe before first use. This is a one-time procedure, to avoid the risk of cracking and ensure the durability of your cooker.
1. Make sure the bottom of your cooker is completely dry.
2. Pour water into the donabe up to about 70% of its capacity, then add already-cooked rice (about 20% of the volume of water). Mix well.
3. Place the two lids on the donabe, aligning their ventilation holes perpendicularly.
4. Place the donabe over a low-to-medium gas fire.
5. As soon as the mixture begins to simmer (about 10 minutes), remove the lids and continue cooking over low heat, until a thick paste is obtained. Never allow the rice to boil, and stir regularly to prevent sticking.
6. Turn off the heat and leave the mixture to cool in the donabe for about an hour.
7. Then empty the (inedible) contents, rinse and dry the donabe.
Care and maintenance :
1. Clean the donabe with a soft sponge, washing-up liquid and lukewarm water (avoid abrasive sponges).
2. Once washed, wipe dry thoroughly and leave to dry upside down.
3. Before use, check that the bottom of the donabe is completely dry, as a damp bottom may cause cracks during cooking.
4. Use low to medium heat and avoid sudden heating. Never expose the donabe to thermal shock (e.g. immersion in cold water).
5. Never place an empty donabe on the fire.
6. Avoid deep-frying.
7. Do not leave the donabe immersed in water for more than 30 minutes.
8. Make sure it is completely dry before storing.
9. Caution: donabe can become hot during cooking. Always handle with gloves or a cloth.
Before use, it is essential to follow the "culotte" procedure.
Due to the characteristic porosity of Iga clay, it is essential to "culotte" your donabe before first use. This once-only procedure avoids the risk of cracking and guarantees the durability of your cooker.
Knockout procedure :
1. Make sure the bottom of your cooker is completely dry.
2. Pour water into the donabe to about 70% of its capacity, then add already-cooked rice (about 20% of the volume of water). Mix well.
3. Place the two covers, ensuring that their ventilation holes are aligned perpendicularly.
4. Place the donabe over a low-to-medium gas fire.
5. As soon as the mixture begins to simmer (about 10 minutes), remove the lids and continue cooking over low heat, until a thick paste is obtained. Never allow the rice to boil, and stir regularly to prevent sticking.
6. Turn off the heat and leave the mixture to cool in the donabe for about an hour.
7. Then empty the (inedible) contents, rinse and dry the donabe.
Care and maintenance :
1. Clean the donabe with a soft sponge, washing-up liquid and lukewarm water (avoid abrasive sponges).
2. Once washed, wipe dry thoroughly and leave to dry upside down.
3. Before use, check that the bottom of the donabe is completely dry, as a damp bottom may cause cracks during cooking.
4. Use low to medium heat and avoid sudden heating. Never expose the donabe to thermal shock (e.g. immersion in cold water).
5. Never place the empty donabe on the fire.
6. Avoid deep-frying.
7. Do not leave the donabe submerged in water for more than 30 minutes.
8. Make sure it is completely dry before storing.
9. Caution: donabe can become hot during cooking. Always handle with gloves or a cloth.
Donabe rice cooking recipe
1. Before cooking the rice, rinse 2 or 3 times in cold water until the water runs clear.
2. Leave the rice to stand in one and a half parts cold water for the time indicated, outside the donabe.
3. Bring the water to the boil, then simmer for the time indicated, placing the hole on the top lid perpendicular to the holes on the inside lid.
4. Turn off the heat and let the rice stand for 15 minutes, leaving the lid on.




