Tamagoyaki Bento Box

Traditional Japanese bento for a delicious lunch far from sandwiches and chips. The onigiri can be formed into cute shapes or animal figures to surprise your kids with a fun lunch.

3
Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
30 mins
Additional Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 15 mins
Servings:
1
Yield:
1 bento box
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 1 servings

For the Onigiri:

  • ½ cup uncooked short-grain white rice

  • ¾ cup water

  • 1 sheet nori (dry seaweed), or as needed

  • 2 teaspoons bonito flakes, divided

  • 1 teaspoon white sesame seeds

  • 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds

For the Tamagoyaki:

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 teaspoon mirin (Japanese sweet wine)

  • teaspoon tamari

  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil

  • 2 tablespoons tamari

  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

  • teaspoon wasabi paste

  • ¼ cup steamed broccoli florets

  • ½ cup cooked shelled edamame

Directions

  1. Rinse rice with cool water until the water runs clear; drain. Bring rice and 3/4 cup water to a boil in a pot. Reduce heat and let simmer until water is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Let cool, 10 to 20 minutes.

  2. Cut the sheet of nori into two 1-inch strips; reserve the remainder of the sheet for making tamagoyaki.

  3. Wet your hands and form the cooled rice into 4 equal portions. Keep your hands wet to keep rice from sticking. Create an indention in one of the rice portions using your thumb. Fill the indention with 1 teaspoon bonito flakes. Top with another rice portion to close the onigiri. Form into an oval shape and wrap the middle with a strip of nori. Make another onigiri with the remaining ingredients. Sprinkle white and black sesame seeds on top. Place in a bento box.

  4. Whisk together the eggs, mirin, and 1/8 teaspoon tamari together in a bowl; divide into 3 portions. Cut remaining portion of nori sheet into four 1/2-inch strips.

  5. Heat oil in a small saucepan or square tamagoyaki pan over medium-high heat. Add 1/3 of the egg mixture and cook until almost firm, 2 to 3 minutes; if omelette is too firm, it won't stick together very well. Slide onto a plate. Add the 4 strips of nori to the pan with some space between each.

  6. Cook another 1/3 of the omelette the same way, but roll it up carefully in the saucepan with the nori. Slide the rolled-up omelette onto the edge of the first omelette. Cook the third omelette and roll it up, sliding it on top of the second omelette. Let cool enough to touch, about 5 minutes.

  7. Roll the entire layered omelette together with nori inside. Cut into 4 pieces. Place into the bento box alongside the onigiri.

  8. Mix 2 tablespoons tamari, ginger, and wasabi paste together in a bowl. Put the mixture into a portable container then put inside the bento box. Add the steamed broccoli and edamame.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

730 Calories
21g Fat
99g Carbs
35g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 1
Calories 730
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 21g 26%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Cholesterol 372mg 124%
Sodium 2239mg 97%
Total Carbohydrate 99g 36%
Dietary Fiber 13g 46%
Total Sugars 7g
Protein 35g 70%
Vitamin C 32mg 36%
Calcium 149mg 11%
Iron 8mg 46%
Potassium 462mg 10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.