Elevate Your Kitchen Game with Zojirushi’s Multicooker EL-CAC60

Top view of the multicooker with seafood stew. Besides it two served plates with a side of bread and salad.

Happy December, Zo Fans!

Are you looking for a kitchen appliance that can do it all? Then look no further than the Zojirushi Multicooker EL-CAC60! With its nine menu settings, this kitchen appliance is like a Swiss Army knife, ready to help with sautéing, searing, simmering, slow cooking, steaming, cooking rice, keeping food warm, and even making yogurt! See what sets this Multicooker apart from other kitchen appliances in today’s guide.

Front view of the multicookerThe Zojirushi Multicooker EL-CAC60 is made with high-quality materials and construction, with a heavy-duty tri-ply stainless steel cooking pot with resin handles that are resistant to corrosion and rust. The pot has a 10-inch diameter, making it capable of accommodating large cuts of meat or cooking larger batches of food. So, feel free to invite the whole family over, as there’s plenty of room to cook for everyone!

A serving of pot roast with chunks of meat, potatoes and carrots. A plate with four spoons on the side.

Culinary Applications:

  • Sauté and sear proteins like chicken, beef, or tofu directly in the pot.
  • Slow cook soups, stews, and chili on a simmer without the need for constant supervision.
  • Steam vegetables and fish with the included basket, locking in nutrition and flavor.
  • Cook various types of rice — from white to brown to quinoa — with the press of a button.
  • Use the “keep warm” function to maintain the temperature of dishes until ready to serve.
  • Experiment with making your own yogurt, controlling ingredients for a healthier option.

Multicooker front panel

Functions & Accessories

From a full-color recipe book to inspire your next meal to a measuring cup for precise ingredient additions, each Zojirush Multicooker EL-CAC60 comes equipped with everything you need to maximize your multicooker experience.

Grid view of lid, steamer and cooking pan

Features and accessories include:

  • A powerful 1,350 watt heating plate for uniform cooking.
  • An intuitive, upward-facing control panel with an LCD display.
  • A sturdy, self-standing tempered glass lid.
  • Dual temperature settings for effortless sautéing and searing.
  • Smart pre-programmed settings for grains and yogurt, making intricate cooking easy.
  • A stainless steel steaming basket lets you use the Multicooker for steaming dishes like fish or vegetables.
  • A rice measuring cup, along with a vibrant recipe book.
  • Plastic parts are BPA-free for peace of mind.
  • Practical design elements like a removable power cord and recessed handle for seamless storage and portability.
  • ETLus certification, ensuring quality and safety.

Recipes

With the Multicooker EL-CAC60, anyone can be a gourmet cook. Check out some of our holiday-friendly slow cooker favorites:

A white plate with a serving of fettuccine bolognese sprinkled with basil and parmesan cheese with a side dish with parmesan cheese on the side.

Fettuccine Bolognese – The key to this delicious Italian meat sauce is simmering over low heat for 6 hours to bring out the flavor and richness of each ingredient. The Zojirushi Multicooker’s LO SIMMER setting makes it effortless!

Plate with three beef tamales - one is cut in half topped with green and red salsa, and sour cream. Sides dishes with green and red salsa, and sour cream on the side.

Beef Tamales – These are a savory selection, expertly steamed in the Zojirushi Multicooker to yield a moist, flavorful masa filled with spiced beef, making them a sought-after dish for any festive occasion.

Plate with slices of braised pork and braised eggs cut in half with a side of dipping sauce.

Japanese Nibuta (Braised Pork) – Pork butt or shoulder roast makes delicious, tender nibuta simmered in a sweet soy sauce base. It’s perfect as a main dish or topping for ramen noodle soups.

So, Zo fans, what will you whip up with the Zojirushi Multicooker EL-CAC60? We’re excited to see your creations! Make sure to share your comments and tag us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. #Zojirushi #ZoFan

Twas the Night for Zojirushi (revisited)

rice bowl with santa
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house–
Nothing was stirring, not even a mouse.
And just when even a mouse wouldn’t squeak,
The Zojirushi products decided to speak!

rice cookerThe Rice Cooker said, “They can’t live without me.
Rice is a staple, their dinners need me.
Whatever the side dish, whatever the soup,
You need fluffy rice, to complete the group.”

Honey brick toast drizzled with honey“You’re wrong you know,” the Breadmaker said.
“What staple is there, other than bread?
I can bake it fresh, and it smells so good,
Their mornings are mine, that’s understood.”

water boilerWait just a minute. Wait for the spoiler!
“That’s not how this ends,” chimed the Water Boiler.
“It all starts with water and I heat it with ease.
Tea drinkers love me, everyone agrees.”

shepherd's pie coming out of oven“So what? Big deal.” said the Toaster Oven.
“I can toast bagels or an English muffin.
I can bake a cake or a whole lasagna
I’m the one and only, I’m tryin’ to tell ya!”

insulated drink mugs“Ah, but here’s one thing that’s wrong with y’all.
You guys are stuck here, you’re plugged to the wall!”
The Stainless Mugs just started to smile;
“We’re tall and sleek, we’re a lifestyle.”

miso soup served in food jarsThe Food Jars, they heard this discussion.
They said, “We agree, we second that motion!
We’re essential, maybe the best of the bunch.
Without us, how can you enjoy your lunch?”

flat griddleAnd that Gourmet guy, you know the one–
that Tabletop Griddle who has all the fun.
The life of the party, always looking so chic;
let out a sigh and rose up to speak.

“Hold it, listen you all. You’re missing the point!
It’s not who’s great, or who rocks this joint.
We all serve a purpose; we follow a plan.
We make life easier whenever we can.

We all love to cook, and that’s the truth.
We satisfy cravings, or any sweet tooth.
So let’s enjoy what we do–we are truly blessed.
It’s not about skill, or who is the best.”

A sudden silence then came over the kitchen.
The arguing stopped and they started to listen.
The Zojirushi spirit is alive and well.
“He’s right, good point! They started to yell.”

And so it was on that Holiday night,
with the fire in embers and the stars out of sight,
a commotion was settled, the rebellion rejected.
Peace came again, with the kitchen protected.

Zojirushi products were once again quiet
They knew better than to start a riot.
It’s so much better to give up the strife—
they started Treasuring Everyday Life.

(with apologies to Clement Clarke Moore)

Click on images to see past posts from Bert-san

Products used in this post: Rice Cooker NW-QAC10/18, Breadmaker BB-PDC20, Water Boiler CV-JAC40/50, Toaster Oven ET-ZLC30, Stainless Mugs SM-VA60/72, Food Jars SW-KA52H/75H, Gourmet Sizzler® Electric Griddle EA-DCC10

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

All images by Bert Tanimoto ©2023

Atsu Atsu: Exploring the Heartwarming Comfort of Oden

Zojirushi electric skillet filled with hot oden and a plate served on the side with a pair of chopsticks and mustard dipping sauceOden, also known as Japanese hot pot, is a culinary gem that warms the heart and soul. It is often associated with communal gatherings and celebrations in Japan, such as welcoming in the New Year or celebrating festivals during the winter months. Traditionally, oden comprises various ingredients like daikon radish, konnyaku (a jelly-like ingredient), boiled eggs, and fish cakes, all simmered in a soy-based broth. The slow simmering process allows flavors to meld together, creating a harmonious blend that’s both soothing and satisfying. In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about oden, from its history, flavor, and cultural significance. We’ll even share how you can make an easy pot of oden at home with Zojirushi.

History of Oden

The history of oden can be traced back to the late 19th century when it emerged as a popular street food in Japan. Street vendors would set up stalls, particularly during the chilly winter months, to serve this warming dish to passersby. The dish’s humble beginnings reflect its role as a comforting and affordable meal for the masses.

Oden’s origins can be traced back to a dish called “dengaku,” which was simply tofu grilled over an open flame and topped with a miso sauce. Dengaku was a popular dish among Buddhist monks, who would eat it during the winter months to stay warm. Over time, dengaku evolved into oden, with new ingredients added to the broth, such as daikon radish, konnyaku, and fish cakes. The dish became more widely available as restaurants and food stalls began serving it.

Oden quickly gained popularity as a winter staple thanks to its heartwarming and nourishing qualities. Simmering various ingredients in a communal pot created a sense of warmth and togetherness, making it a perfect choice for gatherings with family and friends during the cold season. Today, oden remains a popular dish throughout Japan. It is enjoyed by people of all ages and from all walks of life. Oden is often served as a snack or light meal but can also be eaten as a main course.

The Meaning of “Atsu Atsu

Atsu atsu (あつあつ) is a Japanese onomatopoeia that describes something that is hot or steaming. It is often used to describe oden, as the dish is typically served piping hot. The word “atsu atsu” perfectly captures the essence of oden, a dish that is both heartwarming and comforting. Atsu atsu can also be used to describe other foods that are hot, such as ramen, soup, and tempura. It can also describe other things that are hot, such as a bath or a sauna. So, the next time you enjoy a piping hot bowl of soup, you can say, “atsu atsu!”

Wooden tray with internal metal compartments filled with broth and oden ingredients like fish cakes, eggs, and daikon; a wooden ladle in the foreground with a daikon round

Regional Variations of Oden

As oden spread across Japan, it underwent regional adaptations, reflecting local tastes and available ingredients. Different regions began to develop their own styles of oden, incorporating popular or abundant ingredients in their areas. This regional diversity is one of the hallmarks of oden. Here are a few examples of regional variations of oden that you might find:

Kanto-style oden: Kanto-style odenis the most common type of oden, characterized by its soy sauce-based broth. Popular ingredients in Kanto-style odeninclude daikon radish, konnyaku, boiled eggs, and fish cakes.

  • Kansai-style oden: Kansai-style oden is characterized by its sweeter broth, made with a combination of soy sauce, sugar, and mirin. Popular ingredients in Kansai-style oden include beef tendon, tofu, and chikuwa (a type of fish cake).
  • Hokkaido-style oden: Hokkaido-style oden is characterized by its smoky flavor, which comes from cooking the ingredients over an open flame. Popular ingredients in Hokkaido-style oden include seafood, such as scallops and crab, and vegetables, such as potatoes and carrots.

Wooden table in the background with a deep plate filled with oden like an egg, konyaku noodles, fish cake and radish; served with a side of pickles and a glass of water.

Popular Oden Ingredients

Oden is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, and the great thing about it is that you can truly make it your own! People often add their own favorite ingredients to oden, such as meatballs, shrimp, or vegetables. Some people also like adding different condiments to their oden, such as Japanese mustard, shichimi togarashi (seven-spice blend), or grated daikon radish.

Some of the most popular oden ingredients include:

  • Daikon radish: Daikon radish is a Japanese radish known for its mild flavor and crunchy texture. It is a popular ingredient in oden because it absorbs the broth well and adds a touch of sweetness.
  • KonnyakuKonnyaku is a jelly-like ingredient made from the corm of the devil’s tongue yam. It is a popular ingredient in oden because it is low in calories and fat and has a unique texture.
  • Boiled eggs: Boiled eggs are a classic oden ingredient. They add protein and flavor to the broth.
  • Fish cakes: There are many different types of fish cakes used in oden. Some popular types include chikuwasatsumaage (a deep-fried fish cake), and hanpen (a steamed fish cake).
  • Meatballs: Meatballs are a popular addition to oden. They add protein and flavor to the broth.
  • Vegetables: Some popular vegetables used in oden include potatoes, carrots, and cabbage.
How to Make Oden at HomeZojirushi electric skilled filled with broth and various oden ingredients like fish cake, sausage, daikon, tomatoes, eggs, and stuffed cabbage.

Now, let’s bring the heartwarming comfort of oden into your kitchen. Here’s a simple guide to making oden at home with your Gourmet d’Expert® Electric Skillet (EP-RAC50). The great thing about this recipe is that you can set it and forget it; before you know it, dinner is served! Click here for the full recipe.

Bowl filled with various oden ingredients

Oden’s food history is a testament to the enduring appeal of this heartwarming dish. From its humble beginnings as street food to its role as a beloved winter staple, oden has continued to evolve and adapt while remaining a symbol of comfort and togetherness in Japanese cuisine. Its regional variations and enduring popularity in modern times showcase the timeless nature of this culinary treasure. How do you like to make your oden? Make sure to show us how you use your tumbler throughout the day by sharing your comments and tagging us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. #Zojirushi #ZoFan

Zojirushi Stainless Steel Tumblers: The Ultimate Guide

Man sitting on a blue sofa and with a lap top on his lap, and a light blue tumbler in his left hand and the lid with a handle on his right hand.

Happy November, Zo Fans!

This month, we’re excited to delve into the world of our stainless steel tumblers – your versatile and stylish companion for hydration on the go. Whether you’re enjoying a hot cup of coffee on your commute or a cold glass of iced tea on a hot summer day, a Zojirushi tumbler will keep your drink refreshing and delicious any time of year. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about our tumblers, from all our different models available to their top features and specifications. Let’s dive in!

What’s the Difference Between a Tumbler and a Mug? 

Man sitting on a desk in front of a laptop holding a light cinnamon brown tumbler in his left hand

Zojirushi offers a range of vacuum insulated beverage containers, including mugs and bottles, so you don’t have to worry about which ones are vacuum insulated and which ones are not. While Zojirushi has many types of vacuum insulated products, you may wonder how tumblers differ from mugs. Tumblers come with a wider mouth opening, making them ideal for coffee or tea. They are also easier to fill and clean than stainless steel mugs. In addition, many tumblers come with leak-proof lids. Both tumblers and mugs are convenient for travel, and some of Zojirushi’s tumblers even come with handles.

Meet the Models

Three tumblers with a handle in diagonal formation, in colors blue, white and brown in this order.

The Stainless Tea Tumbler with Handle is made for tea lovers, inspired by a traditional purple clay teapot with a sleek and porous finish that gives you another dimension to your tea-sipping experience. Featuring a dual infuser and strainer that can brew various cold brew or loose-leaf teas, this tumbler’s lid conveniently turns into an infuser stand, and the tumbler’s opening even features a curved lip design for an elevated tea-drinking experience. This tumbler has a 16-ounce capacity and three colors: Prussian Blue, Off White, and Brown.

The Stainless Carry Tumbler is the perfect sidekick, with its signature one-piece, screw off lid that doubles as a handle. The lid is gasket free, so there is no need to take anything apart, making it easier to clean, and the tumbler itself is light, weighing only 9 oz. This tumbler will keep your hot beverages hot; after 6 hours, the internal temperature will be 133°F, and cold drinks will be at a chilly 50°F. Choose from four colors: Watery Green, Vintage Rose, Fog Blue, and Forest Gray.

This Stainless Carry Tumbler has an 11-ounce capacity and a wide mouth opening for easy filling and cleaning. Instead of a screw off, this tumbler features a Flip Lid with clip-style safety lock that prevents the lid from opening accidentally. The lid is also one-piece and gasket-free and designed to minimize condensation from forming. This tumbler can keep hot drinks hot at 129°F after 6 hrs and cold drinks under 50°F cold after 6 hrs. Choose from Vintage Rose, Cinnamon Beige, or Forest Gray.

This 15 oz. tumbler features a unique twist and seal, spill-resistant lid with a removable tea leaf strainer for direct brewing and sipping. It’s the best of both worlds! With a 3″ opening, it is easy to fill and clean. This tumbler can keep hot drinks extra hot, retaining temperatures up to 180°F after 6 hrs, and cold drinks under 45°F cold after 6 hrs. Choose from four different colors: White, Coral Pink, Navy, and Blue Gray.

If you like simple, sleek, and elegant, this stainless silver tumbler is for you. From hot tea to an ice-cold beer, this tumbler has the range. With a 15 oz. capacity and 3″ mouth opening, this tumbler can keep hot drinks hot at 118°F after 6 hrs, and cold drinks under 45°F cold for 6 hrs.

Features & Specifications

Did you know that our very first product was a glass-lined vacuum bottle, all the way back in 1918? Safe to say, we know our way around vacuum insulation and we’ve been perfecting the art of the technology for over 100 years. Here are some of the features we promise with every Zojirushi tumbler:

  • Keeps drinks hot or cold for hours on end. Zojirushi tumblers use vacuum insulation to keep drinks at the perfect temperature for hours. This means that there is a vacuum between the inner and outer layers of each tumbler, which blocks heat transfer through air.
  • Durable and long-lasting. Zojirushi tumblers are made with high-quality steel, and our SlickSteel® polished stainless steel interior makes every tumbler stain-resistant, odor-resistant, and allows the color of your beverage to shine through.
  • Easy to clean. Zojirushi tumblers are dishwasher-safe, making them easy to clean, and feature wide openings so you can hand wash them with ease as well.
  • Stylish and versatile. Zojirushi tumblers come in a variety of colors and styles, so you can find one that matches your personality and lifestyle.
  • Always safe. Like all Zojirushi products, surfaces that come into contact with food or beverages are BPA-free.

Now that you know everything there is to know about Zojirushi tumblers, which one will you pick? Are you already a Zojirushi Tumbler owner? We want to see it in action! Show us how you use your tumbler throughout the day by sharing your comments and tagging us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. #Zojirushi #ZoFan

Thankful For My Hainan Chicken Rice

I guess at my age, I don’t have to think really hard to appreciate what I’ve got. I’ve never been one to be envious or jealous of my neighbor, or complain about what I don’t have, so it doesn’t take much to keep me happy. Some might say that’s great, some may say that’s why I don’t have more. I say it’s a byproduct of having experienced the hippie generation, when material things were frowned upon in the name of simple peace and love. (Best excuse!)

Take my Hainan Chicken Rice, for example. I’m grateful that I can cook it and steam the Chinese broccoli all in my rice cooker.

Hainan Chicken Rice shown in rice cooker before cooking

The natural chicken broth seeps into the jasmine rice as it cooks, and the steamer basket takes care of the broccoli. I found out that this is a signature Singaporean dish, brought over from the Hainan province in Southern China.

This is what both dishes look like right out of the rice cooker.

Hainan Chicken completely cooked in rice cooker

Chinese broccoli steamed in rice cooker

Homemade Hainan Chicken Rice. The ginger scallion sauce is a simple topping you can find easily online, and Hoisin sauce was sprinkled on the broccoli. This is good stuff, just using our rice cooker!

Hainan Chicken Rice plated showing Ginger Scallion Sauce

I am thankful for my electric griddle, which continues to be a really handy appliance to have in our kitchen. We have the takoyaki plate that fits into the griddle, which is a treat sometimes when we’re craving these.

Takoyaki cooking on hot plate

Out of all the jobs I’ve had in my life, the four years I spent in Japan were the most influential and memorable that I can keep with me forever. And that includes the foods I ate that really opened my eyes to Japanese cuisine. It’s so much more than sushi and ramen, you know? I’ll always look back at my summers in Japan as the most excruciatingly sticky and uncomfortable seasons ever, but also the best time for all the fun festivals going on. Takoyaki and yakisoba are best eaten from paper trays at your local town festival during summertime.

Takoyaki plated with condiments added

Yakisoba on griddle

By the way, just to let you know you can switch from the takoyaki plate to the flat griddle instantly to make these two summer classics at home.

Do you know what else I’m thankful for? I’m thankful I was raised Asian-American. Think about how lucky I am to know both cultures, having been around both worlds since I was born. This is one of the reasons I never let my kids forget that when they were growing up. A big part of keeping that alive is the food that we eat everyday. I think we take that for granted sometimes, but to be able to appreciate good food from whatever culture or cultures that make up your background is essential. And it only gets more important the older we get.

My Mom always used to make meatloaf when we were kids. And the tradition continues today.

And don’t forget the potatoes…

What are you guys thankful for this Thanksgiving? Don’t let it pass without giving it some thought—it’ll do wonders for your day.

Products used in this post: Micom Toaster Oven ET-ZLC30, Umami® Micom Rice Cooker NL-GAC10/18, Gourmet Sizzler® Electric Griddle EA-BDC10, Takoyaki Plate EA-YBC01

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

All images by Bert Tanimoto ©2023