Embedded Files
Historical Background
Historical Background
The history of Ishiyakinabe dates back to the time when Japanese fishermen still fished from wooden boats. At the time, the fishermen put the captured fish and the seaweeds into the wooden bucket. Moreover, on the ship, there was a charcoal fire in the ship's brazier, so they heated the rocks and put them into the bucket so it would be easy to make their lunch.This cooking method did not allow the fishers to bring their cooking instruments, which were easy for them to cook.
Photo: https://oganavi.com/spot/40/
Characteristics
Characteristics
The cooking method: For the cooking, Ishiyaki Nabe uses a unique cooking method. For the heating process, it utilizes rocks that have been heated up until they appear red. For the rock, welded tuff is utilized because it can endure high temperatures. However, it can be reused only around 3 times on average. This method does not just entertain the audience, but also has meaning for the flavour. Since it heats up rapidly, it secures the flavour and tastes of the ingredient and captures the umami (旨味）into the soup.
The size of the ingredients. One of the biggest characteristics of Ishiyaki Nabe is that whole fish are placed boldly into the bucket. The reason they put all the ingredients is based on history. Therefore, we can enjoy the Oga's sea food as much as possible.
To Know More
To Know More
Visual image of Ishiyaki nabe in 10 seconds
(No Englsh subtitle)
Ishiyaki nabe's explanation with tour guide
(In Japanese. No English subtitle available)
Not only just Ishiyaki nabe, it tells the Akita's charm
(In Japanese, no English available)
Direct Voice from（Yuichi Kaneko）
Direct Voice from（Yuichi Kaneko）
I have never done deep research about the food. Hence, it was interesting to understand the local foods concept. Not just simply, it looks good or tastes good, Ishiyaki Nabe has historical meaning, and the wisdom of fishermen is condensed inside.
Putting the heated rock inside do not just entertain the audience, but also has culinary benefits. It is said that by boiling the whole ingredients at super high temperatures, the flavours are locked in and the seasoning of the Ishiyaki Nabe is enriched. Although Oga has very unique traditional food, recently, the number of rocks is depleting. Therefore, it is said that the time we can eat this food is limited. Before this tradition extincs, I hope one day I could visit Oga and enjoy this meal.
References
References
Oga Navi. (n.d.). Ogano Midokoro (Oga’s Highlight). https://oganavi.com/spot/40/
Oga Navi. (n.d.-a). Oga no Ishiyaki Ryouri (Oga’s Ishiyaki dish). Oga no Ishiyaki Ryouri (Oga Stone-Grilled Cuisine｜Oga Navi). https://oganavi.com/ishiyaki/
Page updated
Report abuse