Dear Japanese Food Lovers,
Hello from Aiko at isfor WA, Oxford!
It’s interesting how cooking tools can vary so much from country to country, isn’t it?
In Japanese cooking, one unique item often used is the otoshibuta, or drop lid.
An otoshibuta is a round lid placed directly on top of simmering food — rather than covering the pot completely. It helps ingredients cook evenly, keeps them submerged in the broth, and prevents them from breaking apart. It also helps flavours absorb beautifully throughout the dish.
If you don’t have one, don’t worry — you can easily make a substitute using a piece of kitchen foil!
Several recipes at isfor WA, such as Vegetable Nikujaga (Simmered Potatoes without Meat) and Japanese-style Rolled Cabbage, use this handy tool. We’ll also be sharing how to use an otoshibuta properly (and how to make your own at home).
