落(お)とし蓋(ぶた)

おとしぶた
noun
drop lid; inner lid for simmering
1. drop lid; inner lid placed directly on food while simmering
a lid placed directly on top of ingredients in a pot during simmering, smaller than the pot itself; helps distribute heat evenly and prevent ingredients from moving while reducing liquid
落(お)とし蓋(ぶた)をして弱火(よわび)で煮(に)る。
Cover with a drop lid and simmer over low heat.
落(お)とし蓋(ぶた)がないときはアルミホイルで代用(だいよう)できる。
If you don't have a drop lid, aluminum foil can be used as a substitute.
煮物(にもの)には落(お)とし蓋(ぶた)が欠(か)かせない。
A drop lid is essential for simmered dishes.

FORMATION:
落(お)とす (to drop) + 蓋(ふた) (lid) → lid that drops onto food

PURPOSE:

落(お)とし蓋(ぶた) serves several functions in Japanese cooking:

  • Keeps ingredients submerged in cooking liquid
  • Distributes heat evenly
  • Prevents ingredients from breaking apart
  • Allows steam to escape while retaining moisture

MATERIALS:

Traditionally made of:

  • 木(き) (wood) - especially cypress
  • Modern alternatives: silicone, stainless steel
  • Substitutes: aluminum foil, parchment paper

COMMON DISHES:

落(お)とし蓋(ぶた) is commonly used for:

  • 煮物(にもの) (simmered dishes)
  • 肉(にく)じゃが (meat and potatoes)
  • 煮魚(にざかな) (simmered fish)
  • 角煮(かくに) (braised pork belly)

USAGE:
落(お)とし蓋(ぶた)をする (to place a drop lid)

general
Added 2026.1.26 8:16
08000/08321_otoshibuta