Imagine a culinary journey that captures the essence of Japanese travel and tradition in a single, perfectly crafted meal. The Ekiben bento box is more than just food - it's a cultural experience that transforms ordinary train travel into a gastronomic adventure! These meticulously prepared boxed meals have been delighting travelers across Japan for generations, and now you can bring this authentic railway cuisine right into your own kitchen. Get ready to unlock the secrets of a truly remarkable Japanese culinary tradition that will transport your taste buds directly to the scenic railways of Japan!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Japanese
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1/2 lb grilled chicken
- 1/2 cup pickled vegetables
- 2 boiled eggs
- 1/4 cup edamame
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the rice. If you haven't already done so, cook 2 cups of rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, let it cool slightly.
- While the rice is cooking, prepare the grilled chicken. If you have not yet grilled it, season 1/2 lb of chicken with salt and pepper, and grill it over medium heat until fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes per side. Once done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
- Next, prepare the boiled eggs. Place 2 eggs in a pot and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil, then cover the pot and remove it from heat. Let the eggs sit for 10-12 minutes. After that, transfer the eggs to an ice bath to cool before peeling them.
- While the eggs are cooling, prepare the edamame. If using frozen edamame, bring a pot of water to a boil and add 1/4 cup of edamame. Boil for about 3-5 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Now, gather your pickled vegetables. You can use store-bought pickled vegetables or make your own. Arrange 1/2 cup of pickled vegetables on a plate for easy access.
- Once the eggs are cool, peel them carefully and cut them in half lengthwise.
- In a large bento box or two smaller containers, start layering your ingredients. Begin with a portion of the cooked rice, filling about half of the container.
- Next, add the sliced grilled chicken on one side of the rice, followed by the boiled egg halves placed neatly beside the chicken.
- On the other side of the rice, add the pickled vegetables and the boiled edamame, creating a colorful presentation.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon of soy sauce over the rice and chicken for added flavor.
- Finally, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds over the entire bento box for garnish and extra crunch.
- Your Ekiben is now ready to be served! Enjoy this delightful Japanese railway bento meal either at home or on the go.
Tips
- Rice Perfection: Use short-grain Japanese rice and let it cool slightly before assembling to prevent sogginess.
- Chicken Preparation: Marinate your chicken beforehand in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, and sake for extra flavor depth.
- Egg Technique: For perfectly soft-boiled eggs, use a timer and immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
- Presentation Matters: Arrange ingredients carefully, leaving no empty spaces - visual appeal is crucial in traditional Japanese bento.
- Sauce Control: Drizzle soy sauce sparingly to enhance, not overpower, the individual ingredient flavors.
- Make Ahead: Most components can be prepared in advance, making this an ideal meal prep recipe.
- Authenticity Tip: Use a traditional bento box if possible, or choose a compartmentalized container to keep ingredients separate and fresh.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 250mg
