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Delicious Ekiben: Japanese Railway Bento Recipe

Ekiben: Japanese Railway Bento 駅弁

A delightful recipe for Ekiben, a traditional Japanese railway bento that will make your meal feel special. Quick and easy, it's perfect for lunch, a picnic, or dinner at home.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Base Ingredients
  • 2 cups cooked rice white or brown
  • 1/2 cup cooked and seasoned vegetables e.g., pickled radish, carrots, green beans
  • 1/2 cup protein e.g., grilled chicken, fish, or tofu
  • 1 large boiled egg halved
  • 1/4 cup seaweed (nori) cut into strips
  • 1/4 cup pickles e.g., umeboshi or other Japanese pickled vegetables
For Serving
  • soy sauce
Optional Garnish
  • sesame seeds
  • shiso leaves
  • chopped green onions

Equipment

  • Bento Box or Compartmentalized Container

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Prepare the rice according to package instructions and allow it to cool slightly.
  2. Step 2: In a bento box or compartmentalized container, place a portion of the cooked rice in one section.
  3. Step 3: Arrange the cooked and seasoned vegetables next to the rice.
  4. Step 4: Add your chosen protein next to the vegetables.
  5. Step 5: Place the halved boiled egg in a separate section or on top of the rice.
  6. Step 6: Scatter the seaweed strips over the rice or place them in a small section of the bento.
  7. Step 7: Include pickles in another section of the container.
  8. Step 8: Optionally, garnish with sesame seeds, shiso leaves, or chopped green onions.
  9. Step 9: Serve with soy sauce on the side.

Notes

Ekiben can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the soy sauce separate until serving.