Shaki Shaki: Exploring the World of Japanese Pickles (Tsukemono)

Pickling is both an art form and a science in Japan, taking on a spectrum of textures, flavors, and colors. Whether served in simple bento lunches or multi-course kaiseki feasts, these side dishes are always a special part of each meal. If you’re new to Japanese pickles, let us introduce you to these nutrient-packed, crunchy, and delicious side dishes.

A white round plate with sliced pickles and a long black plate with whole veggie pickles.

The Art of Pickling in Japan

Pickles in Japan can encompass a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, and even seafood that are preserved in a mixture of salt, vinegar, and other seasonings. “Shaki shaki” (シャキシャキ) is an onomatopoeic term that describes the crisp and crunchy texture of fresh vegetables and is a testament to the satisfying crunch of a well-made pickle. The next time you enjoy a perfect pickle, remember to say “shaki shaki“!

In Japanese cuisine, pickles are categorized into several types, each with its own distinct preparation method and flavor profile. Here are the most common ones:

  • Salty Pickles (Shiozuke): These pickles are preserved in salt and often include vegetables like cucumbers, radishes, and eggplants. The salt draws out excess moisture, leaving the vegetables with a pleasing crunch. The salty and savory notes make them a perfect accompaniment to rice.
  • Sweet Pickles (Amazuzuke): As the name suggests, these pickles are sweet and tangy. They are often made using sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce, resulting in a delightful contrast of flavors. Daikon radish and ginger are commonly used for amazuzuke.

Red lacquer tray with a small plate with pickled plums

  • Sour Pickles (Suzuke): These pickles are typically preserved in vinegar, which imparts a zesty and tangy flavor. One well-known example is “umeboshi,” or pickled plums, which have a strong sour taste and are used sparingly due to their intensity.
  • Fermented Pickles (Nukazuke): Nukazuke involves fermenting vegetables in a rice bran mixture known as “nuka.” This method imparts a complex umami flavor and is often used for veggies like cucumbers and radishes. The fermentation process can take several weeks, resulting in a unique depth of flavor.

Cultural Significance

Top view of four plate filled with various side dishes and picklesBeyond their culinary appeal, pickles hold cultural significance in Japan. They are a symbol of preservation and resourcefulness, as pickling allowed people to enjoy vegetables year-round, even in the absence of fresh produce. Additionally, pickles are often associated with celebrations and rituals, such as the Japanese New Year’s tradition of eating “osechi ryori,” a special assortment of dishes that includes various types of pickles.

Health Benefits of Pickles

In addition to being delicious, Japanese pickles also offer a range of health benefits. Many types of pickles are low in calories and fat, and the fermentation process involved in some pickles, such as nukazuke and some kimchi varieties, promotes the growth of probiotics—beneficial bacteria that support gut health and digestion. These probiotics contribute to a balanced gut microbiome, potentially aiding immune function and nutrient absorption.

Furthermore, pickled vegetables often retain the nutritional value of the vegetables used, including vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Pickled daikon radish is a good source of vitamin C, while pickled cucumbers provide essential nutrients like potassium and vitamin K. Antioxidants in certain pickles may also help combat oxidative stress in the body. When enjoyed as part of a well-rounded diet, Japanese pickles can be a flavorful and nutritious choice that supports overall well-being.

Exploring the Diversity of Japanese Pickles

White rectangular plate with a variety of Japanese pickles

Japan’s regional diversity is reflected in its pickles, with each area boasting its own unique specialties. For example, Kyoto is known for its “senmai-zuke,” thinly sliced pickled vegetables, while Hiroshima is famous for “fukujinzuke,” a spicy pickle blend served with okonomiyaki. The next time you enjoy a Japanese meal, pay attention to the pickles on your plate – they are not just side dishes but a vibrant expression of tradition and taste.

Whether you’re a fan of salty, sweet, sour, or fermented flavors, there’s a pickle for everyone to love in Japanese cuisine! Have you tried Japanese pickles before? Where and how have you tried them? Share your thoughts, comments, and questions with us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram! #Zojirushi #ZoFan Continue reading

Cozy Up to Fall with Zojirushi’s Vacuum Insulated Food Jars

Lunch spread on a light brown table: a large pink food jar in the background and a light blue medium food jar in front, open filled with food, a side of stew, a bowl of rice and veggies

It’s officially October, which means it’s officially comfort food season! Whether you’re headed to work, going on an outdoor adventure, or need a quick snack on standby, our vacuum-insulated food jars are your trusty sidekicks for keeping your meals hot and ready – no microwave needed. Keep reading to learn more about our full stainless steel food jar lineup, and discover our favorite fall recipes you can use the next time you need some inspiration. Let’s dive in!

Designed For You: Zojirushi Food Jar Convenience Features & Specifications

At Zojirushi, we take pride in the quality and craftsmanship of our food jars. Every Zojirushi vacuum insulated food jar shares a consistent standard that you can always rely on:

Pink lid disassembled in 3 parts

Food jar lids are fully disassemblable for easy cleaning.

  • No-Spill Lid with Gasket: This innovative feature ensures that your food or beverages stay securely sealed inside the jar, preventing leaks or spills during transportation.
  • Wide Opening & Removable Lid Cover: The extra-wide opening makes it convenient for eating directly from the jar and easy to clean. Additionally, the lid cover is removable, allowing for a hassle-free eating experience and ensuring that every bit of your food is accessible.
  • Stay Clean Technology & SlickSteel® Polished Interior: SlickSteel® not only resists stains and odors but also maintains the integrity of your food’s flavors.
Hands holding a pink food jar: Left hand holds the main jar and the right hand holds the lid

Tight-fitted lid with gasket seals tightly and maximizes heat retention

  • Molded Dimples for Easy Grip: The food container is designed with molded dimples on its exterior, providing a comfortable and secure grip. This makes it easy to hold, especially when the jar contains hot contents.
  • Pressure Release feature on the lid for easy opening: The lid has been engineered to relieve pressure generated by steam, so the lid is always easy to open.
Food jar split in half showing it filled with a fruit salad on the left and chicken noodle soup on the right

Zojirushi stainless steel food jars are perfect for taking cold or hot foods with you everywhere you go.

  • Advanced Temperature Retention: Zojirushi’s vacuum insulated food jars are known for their superior temperature retention capabilities. It keeps your food hot or cold for extended periods, ensuring that your meals are just the right temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them.
  • Variety of sizes: The Zojirushi Food Jars are available in various capacities, including 9, 10, 12, 14, 17, 18 and 25 ounces. This allows you to choose the size that best suits your portion needs and preferences, making it versatile for different meals and snacks.
  • Always safe: Like all Zojirushi products, our food containers are made with high-quality 18/8 stainless steel, and all surfaces that come into contact with food or beverage are BPA-free.

Pink food jar with a graphic depicting the vacuum insulation

Meet the Vacuum Insulated Food Jar Lineup

Cue the food jars! Get to know what makes each model special, whether it is size, color, or design.

  • Stainless Steel Food Jar SW-FBE75: The Stainless Steel Food Jar comes with a convenient tote bag and spoon. Holds up to 25 oz. and comes in Stainless, Pearl Yellow colors.
  • Stainless Steel Food Jar SW-FCE75: Available in 25 oz. capacity, this food jar comes in five color options: Stainless, Aqua Blue, Shiny Pink, Cream, Dark Brown
  • Stainless Steel Food Jar SW-EAE35/50: Clocking in at 12 and 17 oz. these compact food jars come in five colors: Stainless, Aqua Blue, Shiny Pink, Cream, Dark Brown
  • Stainless Steel Food Jar SW-EK26H: Look at those pretty pastel colors! These tiny but mighty 9 oz food jars are our smallest and come in Pale Orange, Pale Blue.
  • Stainless Steel Food Jar SW-KA Series: It features the new Therma Chamber lid, designed with small chambers inside that improve heat retention. These aesthetically pleasing food jars come in understated colors in a matte finish. Available in 10, 14, 18, 25 oz.
  • ZOJIRUSHI x HELLO KITTY® Stainless Steel Food Jar SW-EAE50KT: If you’re a Hello Kitty fan, add these food jars to your collection! Limited edition 17 oz are available in Black and White colors. They are also individually boxed, making them ideal for gift-giving.

Zojirushi Vacuum Insulated Food Jar Recipes for the Fall

Our portable vessels are capable of storing so much more than soup! Here are some seasonal dishes we think you’ll love: Stainless steel food jar filled with a pasta dish with broccoli and a side of breadsticks on the side

  • Soups & Broths:
    • Bean Medley Soup: This warm and flavorful soup is perfect for lunch or dinner
    • Beefy Daikon Broth: A simple, clear beef soup made with beef and root vegetables.
    • Chicken Noodle Soup: A classic American comfort food perfect for any occasion.
  • Porridge & Grains:
    • Steel Cut Oatmeal: Great for a delicious and nutritious breakfast
    • Rice Porridge: Flavor with soy sauce, and top with pickles or any other toppings you like in your porridge.
    • Korean Gukbap: Rich flavors of beef, sesame, and veggies.
  • Salads & Sides:
    • Saucy Pasta: Bacon, broccoli, onion, and pasta cooked in a slightly spicy tomato sauce
    • Chilled Out Ramen Salad: Dressed with original karashi dressing (mustard)

Red Cranberry Gelatin in a Zojirushi Insulated Food Jar

  • Desserts:
    • Red Cranberry Gelatin: Get festive with this sweet and tart cranberry dessert!

What are your favorite ways to celebrate fall? Do you have any recipes you love to use in your Zojirushi thermos for food? Please share your comments and rice ideas with us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram! #Zojirushi #ZoFan

Favorite Fall Comfort Foods

Close-up of three sweet potatoes: purple, orange and yellow Here’s the thing—you wouldn’t expect the words “comfort food” and “high tech” to go together, but when I sit here and think, “What can I make with my Zojirushi products today?” the tech makes it easier to cook everything. And that includes the simple stuff that I grew up with, like sweet potatoes.

My wife loves French onion soup. She dug up this recipe from Better Homes & Gardens® that makes a one-pot pasta with canned soup, so we made it with our electric skillet.Finished French Onion pasta cooked in electric skillet

You can tell this is going to taste good just by looking at it—how can you go wrong with canned soup? Of course it isn’t going to compare with how the French did it in the 19th Century, when the modern version of onion soup first originated at open air markets, but modern times has its advantages too.Pouring canned French Onion soup onto mixture of cooked ground beef, garlic, parsley and raw pasta

Once the pasta has cooked through, the real flavor goes in; all those browned onions and cheese.Cooked pasta and ground beef, topped with browned onions and shredded cheese

The crusty French bread takes the place of the croutons you would normally find in French Onion Soup. This is the best kind of comfort food—the kind you make with no trouble in one pot.French Onion Pasta served in small bowls topped with cheese toasted roll

OK, I’m not gonna lie. We don’t have a lot of counter space in our kitchen, so when we take out an appliance to use, it’s going to get more than one use before it goes back into the closet. The skillet is handy for this kind of homey dish anyway, so we made Paella. Listen, whenever I eat rice it’s almost always an Asian dish, but I do like other kinds and Spanish Paella is one of them. The other is Cajun rice. I’ll eat anything that tastes good, you know what I mean?Finished Paella cooked in electric skillet

Notice how the skillet seared the bottom of the rice so nicely, a trademark of good Paella.Close-up of paella dish showing underside of seared crispy rice

More comfort food—a simple steak with grilled vegetables.Grilling piece of steak on the electric grill along with asparagus, peppers, zucchini and red onion

Maybe steak isn’t that simple. There are a gazillion ways to eat it, after all. Some people like a good steak sauce, some prefer a chimichurri, or maybe just butter and some salt and pepper for others. My favorite way to eat a steak is wasabi shoyu, a dipping sauce made of soy sauce and wasabi. But hey, it could be because I always eat my steak with white rice (which means I cut my meat up before I eat it and use chopsticks). How do you eat your steak?Smoky grilled steak with char lines alongside roasted veggies

Let’s talk about those lusciously colorful sweet potatoes. The purple one is the Okinawan potato, known for its sweet and creamy texture. It’s been called a superfood, and who am I to argue; we all know that Okinawans are some of the oldest living humans on earth. The orange one is the traditional yam, the kind we love on Thanksgiving. And the pale yellow one is the Japanese sweet potato, that I’ve heard can still be bought from food carts in Tokyo on a cold night. You’d have to be on a quieter suburban street probably, but it sure would bring back childhood memories for me. You can buy these at the market in season and bake them in your toaster oven.

Three colors of sweet potato on a pan coming out of toaster oven

Because it’s October, I really can’t finish this post without talking about pumpkins. One of my favorite desserts growing up local in Hawaii was butter mochi, the classic cake made with mochiko flour. Well, if you add pumpkin puree to the mix you can get pumpkin mochi cake and not feel left out of pumpkin season.

Pumpkin mochi cake baked in a pan, cut into squares and coming out of toaster ovenAdding the puree makes this cake a bit more pudding-like, but the flavor is ono; I guarantee it.Close-up of pumpkin mochi cake showing inside texture after a bite taken outAnd that’s how we do comfort food at our house. Whenever there’s any excuse to go a little beyond bacon fried rice for dinner (like using our Zojirushi stuff for example), our menu often gets more interesting. Ha-ha!

 

Products used in this post: Micom Toaster Oven ET-ZLC30, Indoor Electric Grill EB-DLC10, Gourmet d’Expert® Electric Skillet EP-RAC50

Please note that these recipes were not tested by Zojirushi America.

All images by Bert Tanimoto ©2023

Hoka Hoka: The Sound of Perfectly Steamy Japanese White Rice

Freshly cooked rice in a traditional Japanese bowl and a pair of chopsticks holding a bite of rice with steam rising

In Japan, the sound of perfectly cooked white rice is known as “hoka hoka.” This onomatopoeia perfectly captures the gentle popping and bubbling of the rice grains as they cook, a sure sign that they are cooked to perfection.

Hoka hoka is a sound that we at Zojirushi love to hear. White rice is a staple food in Japan, and it’s essential to many traditional dishes. For rice to be considered perfectly cooked, it must be fluffy and tender, with each grain separate and distinct.

There are many different ways to cook white rice, but the most important thing is to use the right type of rice. Japanese rice is short-grain rice that is high in starch. This starch helps to create the fluffy texture that is characteristic of perfectly cooked Japanese rice. If you want to learn about different types of rice or see what rice looks like when it’s over or under-cooked, visit our Rice Guide here.

Uncooked white short grain rice in a flat woven basket, in the center a wooden square container filled with rice

Making White Rice

Ready to make some white rice now? Here are some tips for perfectly and deliciously cooked Japanese white rice in your Zojirushi rice cooker:

  • Use the correct type of rice. Japanese rice is short-grain rice that is high in starch. This starch helps to create the fluffy texture that is characteristic of perfectly cooked Japanese rice.
  • Rinse the rice thoroughly with cold water. This will remove any excess starch that can usually makes it clump, become yellow, and brown the bottom. It’s important to rinse the rice until the water runs clear.
  • Use the correct amount of water. The amount of water you use will depend on the type of rice you are using and the size of your rice cooker. Zojirushi rice cookers come with a measuring cup and a water level guide inside the cooking pan, so it’s easy to get the right amount of water.
  • Don’t open the lid while the rice is cooking. This will release steam and can make the rice tough.
  • Fluff the rice with the rice spatula after it’s cooked. This will release steam trapped in the rice and will separate the grains and make the rice light and fluffy.

White bowl with a red bottom and red lines from bottom to top, filled with white rice and a pair of chopsticks in front. Another bowl of rice in the back and a cup of tea

Hoka hoka is not only the sound of perfectly cooked white rice, it’s also a metaphor for the joy of eating a delicious Japanese meal. When you hear the sound of hoka hoka, you know that you are about to enjoy a taste of Japan!

At Zojirushi, we believe that everyone should be able to experience the joy of perfectly cooked Japanese white rice. Have you heard hoka hoka when making rice before? Share your thoughts, comments, and questions with us on Twitter,

Elevate Your Rice with Zojirushi’s Induction Heater (IH) Rice Cookers!

Two flat top rice cookers side by side in two different sizes. The large one is on the left and the smaller on the right

Are you tired of cooking rice on the stovetop? Do you wish you could enjoy perfectly cooked rice every time you cook rice? If so, you need a Zojirushi Induction Heater (IH) rice cooker! Induction heating is a more efficient way to cook rice than traditional heating methods, which means that your rice will cook more evenly, produce fluffier rice, and will improve the deliciousness of your rice. If you haven’t met our IH rice cookers before, let us introduce you.

What is Induction Heater (IH) Technology?

See through rice cooker looking at the interior with the cooking pan filled with rice depicting the heat generated from induction heating and the path it moves with two arrows traveling from the center bottom moving up towards the center

IH technology utilizes electromagnetic energy, which uses the cooking pan as a conductor, generating heat instantly. Unlike traditional rice cookers that rely on conventional heating elements or a heating plate, the electromagnetic waves of the IH rice cooker generate quick and even heat within the inner cooking pan. This enables rapid and efficient heating, cooking the rice from all angles and eliminating any potential for unevenly cooked grains.

The Zojirushi IH Rice Cooker Lineup

Zojirushi offers a diverse range of IH rice cooker models, each designed to cater to your unique needs and preferences. Take a look at them below:

Zojirushi NP-NWC10/18

The Pressure Induction Heating Rice Cooker & Warmer uses pressurized cooking and AI (Artificial Intelligence) to cook perfect rice. Platinum infused nonstick inner cooking pan helps the rice cook sweeter. Pressure cooking helps turn beta starch into alpha starch for softer and easier to digest rice. Includes convenient settings like Jasmine, Congee, and Steel Cut Oatmeal settings.

Zojirushi NW-JEC10/18

Black rice cooker on the right and a tray with tea and a rice dish to the left, and a round vase with aesthetic branches with leavesMade in Japan with precision, the Pressure Induction Heating Rice Cooker & Warmer combines automatic pressure, artificial intelligence, premium convection, superior IH technology, and an iron coated platinum infused nonstick inner cooking pan to create perfect rice. Its exclusive “My Rice (49 ways)” setting will ensure that it cooks perfect rice tailored to your tastes, all while looking sleek and elegant. it will surely become a permanent fixture in your kitchen.

Zojirushi NW-QAC10/18

Bright kitchen with white marble countertops with a kitchen island and a modern rice cooker in black in the foregroundThis Japan-made Induction Heating Rice Cooker & Warmer uses superior Induction Heating (IH) technology to generate high heat and makes fine heat adjustments, which result in fluffier and more aromatic rice. The sleek and elegant flat-top design with an integrated control panel brings your kitchen to the next level.

Zojirushi NP-HCC10/18

Side view of the rice cooker along with a rice measuring cup and a spatula on the side of the rice cooker

If you are looking for a classic and timeless stainless steel look combined with our advanced Induction Heating System, then this is the one for you. The Induction Heating System Rice Cooker & Warmer uses high-tech Induction Heating (IH) technology to heat the inner cooking pan. Because of this special heating method, the rice cooker is able to make precise temperature adjustments to cook exceptional rice.

Zojirushi NP-GBC05

Side view of a stainless steel rice cooker with a spatula attached on the side and two rice measuring cups in the forefront.The 3-cup capacity Induction Heating (IH) System Rice Cooker & Warmer is ideal for singles and smaller families. It cooks as little as 1/2-cup of rice and takes up minimal space. Superior IH technology efficiently prepares flawless rice every time, even with smaller portions.

A Closer Look: Features & Functions

Close up of the rice cooker with the lid open taking a look at the area where the pan would be inserted

Zojirushi IH rice cookers have a variety of other features that make them the perfect kitchen appliance for any home cook. These include:

  • Micro Computerized: The rice cookers are equipped with a microcomputer that controls the cooking process precisely, ensuring that your rice is cooked perfectly every time.
  • Multiple cooking functions: In addition to cooking white rice, these rice cookers can also cook brown rice, sushi rice, porridge, and a variety of other grains.
  • Keep warm function: The rice cooker will keep your rice warm for up to 24 hours, so you can enjoy fresh, hot rice whenever you want.
  • Easy to clean: The inner cooking pan is non-stick coated, making cleanup a breeze.

Investing in a Zojirushi rice cooker means investing in quality and durability. Crafted with precision and built to last, our IH rice cookers are engineered to stand the test of time, providing you with years of culinary excellence. Cooking rice will never be the same!

To learn more about Zojirushi rice cooker technology, read our rice cooker guide. And remember to share your comments and rice ideas with us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram! #Zojirushi #ZoFan