How to Use the KAKOMI Steam Plate for Softer, Lighter Dishes
By KINTO Japan | Published: 2026-10-31
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to use the KAKOMI Steam Plate 230mm with your donabe or enamel pot for gentle, healthy steaming. Step-by-step instructions and care tips.
Quick answer
To use the KAKOMI Steam Plate, place it inside a compatible KAKOMI donabe or enamel pot with enough water to steam, add your ingredients, cover, and cook over medium heat. The plate keeps food above the water, so vegetables and fish cook gently without sitting in liquid.
Why the steam plate changes the way you cook
Steaming with a plate insert is different from boiling: food sits above the water, so it cooks in vapor rather than liquid. That preserves shape and texture, and it means you can season delicate ingredients without diluting their flavor. The KAKOMI Steam Plate is designed to fit the KAKOMI series, so it sits steadily inside the pot and lets steam circulate around the food.
Because the plate is stainless steel, it heats up quickly and stays hot. That is an advantage for even cooking, but it also means you should never touch it with bare hands during or after use. Always use tongs or heat-resistant gloves to lift it out.
Choosing the right pot and heat level
The plate is intended for use with a KAKOMI enamel pot or clay pot (donabe). Using it with other pots is not recommended because the fit and stability may not be safe. Also, never use the plate in a microwave—it is not microwave-safe.
Keep the heat moderate. Since steam is invisible, you might be tempted to turn the burner up high, but a gentle simmer is enough. If the water boils too vigorously, it can splash onto the food and make it soggy, and it may also cause the pot to boil dry faster.
Step-by-step: using the KAKOMI Steam Plate
- Set up the pot with water: Place the steam plate inside your KAKOMI donabe or enamel pot. Add enough water so that the water level is below the plate's surface—usually about 1–2 cm (0.4–0.8 in). Never use the plate without water in the pot. Check the water level before heating; the pot must never be dry.
- Arrange your ingredients: Place vegetables, fish, or other ingredients on the plate in a single layer, leaving space between pieces so steam can circulate. Avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding steams unevenly; cook in batches if needed.
- Cover and heat: Put the lid on the pot and set the burner to medium heat. Bring the water to a gentle simmer—you should see steady steam but not a rolling boil. If the water boils too hard, reduce the heat to prevent splashing.
- Steam until done: Steam until the ingredients are tender. Cooking times vary by ingredient and thickness; check early to avoid overcooking. For vegetables, aim for crisp-tender. Use a timer and check frequently—steaming is fast.
- Remove the plate safely: Turn off the heat and carefully lift the lid away from you to avoid steam burns. Use tongs or heat-resistant gloves to remove the steam plate. Never touch it with bare hands. The plate and pot remain hot; use proper protection.
Product facts
- KAKOMI スチームプレート 230mm: The plate is made of 18-8 stainless steel and is dishwasher-safe. You can clean it easily in the dishwasher, but avoid abrasive cleansers or scrubbing pads that could scratch the surface.
KAKOMI スチームプレート 230mm
