If you’re craving a quick, satisfying meal that’s both comforting and delicious, look no further than the Tamago Sando. This Japanese egg sandwich is a staple in convenience stores across Japan, known for its creamy egg filling nestled between slices of soft, fluffy bread. It’s a nostalgic favorite that has gained international popularity for its simplicity and rich flavor.
🥚 What Makes Tamago Sando So Special?
At its core, the Tamago Sando is a celebration of eggs. The Japanese take on the classic egg salad sandwich focuses on the purity and richness of the egg flavor. Unlike its Western counterparts, which often include a variety of ingredients like celery, onion, or mustard, the Tamago Sando keeps it simple with just eggs, mayonnaise, and a touch of seasoning. This minimalist approach allows the creamy texture and delicate taste of the eggs to shine through.
The sandwich is typically made using shokupan, a Japanese milk bread known for its soft, pillowy texture and slightly sweet flavor. This bread complements the creamy egg filling perfectly, creating a harmonious balance in every bite.
🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (Kewpie mayo is highly recommended for its rich, umami flavor)
- 1 teaspoon mustard (Dijon or yellow mustard, depending on your preference)
- 2 slices of sandwich bread (shokupan is ideal, but any soft white bread will work)
- ½ teaspoon salt and pepper (or everything bagel seasoning for an extra kick)
Optional add-ins:
- Canned sweet corn
- Chopped green onions
- Sliced cucumber
- Shredded imitation crab
🥗 Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a Side: Enjoy your Tamago Sando with a side of miso soup or a light salad for a complete meal.
- Make It a Bento: Tamago Sando is a popular choice for bento boxes. Its compact size and satisfying nature make it perfect for a lunch on the go.
- Customize It: Feel free to experiment with add-ins like sliced avocado, a drizzle of sriracha for some heat, or a handful of fresh herbs to personalize your sandwich.
💡 Tips for the Perfect Tamago Sando
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: Starting with eggs at room temperature can help prevent cracking during boiling and ensure even cooking.
- Don’t Overcook the Eggs: Overcooking can result in a dry, crumbly texture. Aim for a 9-minute boil for creamy yolks.
- Choose the Right Bread: Opt for soft, slightly sweet bread like shokupan to complement the creamy filling.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerating the assembled sandwich for a short time can enhance the flavors and make it easier to slice.
Simple Egg Sandwich (Tamago Sando)
Ingredients
Instructions
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Places eggs in a pot of boiling water, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 9 minutes. Immediately transfer the eggs to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and make peeling easier.
Make sure the eggs are first brought to room temperature.
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Peel the cooled eggs and mash them in a bowl using a fork until they reach your desired consistency.
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Add the mayonnaise and mustard to the mashed eggs. Stir until well combined.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste. For added flavor, consider mixing in optional ingredients like chopped green onions or a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning.
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Spread the egg salad evenly onto one slice of bread. Top with the second slice to complete the sandwich.
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Cut the sandwich diagonally and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Note
You can add more ingredients to the egg to make it more filling! Some popular options are canned sweet corn, cucumber slices, and shredded imitation crab. This is just the simplest version. ;)
