Ikenaga Cast Iron Ikayaki Squid Pancake Maker

Product Information

• Brand:Ikenaga
• Material:Cast iron, Handle: Natural Wood
• Product type:Ikayaki Makers
• Country of origin:China
• Dimensions (approx):380 x 175 x 70 mm
• Item weight (approx):1800 g
• Shipping weight (approx):2300 g

Key Features

• This can make Ikayaki (squid pancake) at home, which is popular mainly in Kansai region in Japan.

Before First Use

Apply oil sufficiently before first use. The oil goes into uneven surface of cast iron and forms a thin layer. As you oil the iron well, it will be less likely to get burnt or rusty.

1. Wash it well and remove any dirt on the surface.
2. Warm it up over low to middle heat to evaporate water after washing.
3. Apply a thin layer of oil and stir-fry some vegetable scraps so that the oil coats the entire surface.
4. After a few minutes, turn off the heat and take vegetables out.
5. After the iron cools down, wash it with scourer or brush in water. Then it's ready to use!

Use & Care

• Only for gas cooktop. Not compatible with induction heating (IH).
• Cast iron products will be coated with oil over time and be less likely to get burnt or rusty. When it's still brand new, applying oil well before each use can prevent food sticking.
• After each use, wash it with with scourer or brush in hot water with no detergent. Washing with detergent will wash off the oil accumlated and make the iron more likely to burnt or rusty.
• After washing, heat it up to evaporate water and cool it down. If applied a thin layer of oil before storage, it will be less get rusty.
• As cast iron products are very heavy, be careful for use. Fall or rapid cooling may cause crack or breakage.
• As the body and handle get extremely hot during use, do not touch with bare hands.
• If the food is left in cast iron products for a while, it may cause chemical reaction due to tannin contained. Although it is harmless to human body, take the food out right after cooking.

Background

"Nambu cast ironware is produced in Morioka City and Mizusawa, Oshu City. In 1975, it was designated as a traditional craftwork. “Nambu” refers to the Nambu clan, who built Morioka Castle about 400 years ago. The Nambu lords made numerous efforts towards the cultural development of their fief, inviting artisans from Kyoto and promoting the tea ceremony. As a result, the production of cast ironware for the tea ceremony began to develop in the area, with all the necessary materials readily available locally: iron sand, river sand, clay, lacquer, charcoal, etc. The cast ironware of Mizusawa was originally developed about 900 years ago, by the Fujiwara clan who developed the Golden Culture."
- A Trip to Iwate, Iwate Prefecture Tourism Portal Site