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Tamago Sando is a popular Japanese egg salad sandwich made with a rich and creamy filling that’s simple yet so satisfying. The key to its special texture is the use of Japanese mayonnaise, which is creamier than traditional mayo, making the egg salad extra luscious. Served in soft, fluffy brioche buns or Japanese milk bread, this sandwich is perfect for a snack or a light meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

6 mini brioche buns (or 12 slices of white bread)
6 large eggs
⅓ cup Japanese mayo (or substitute with regular mayo)
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon white granulated sugar
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
Optional: 1 tablespoon white vinegar (for boiling eggs)
Optional: ½ teaspoon salt (for boiling eggs)

Directions

Boil and chill eggs: In a medium pot, bring water to a boil. Add salt and vinegar (optional) to make peeling easier. Lower eggs into boiling water and cook for 13 minutes. Remove eggs and transfer them to an ice bath to cool.
Peel eggs: Once the eggs are cool, crack and peel them. Use a spoon to help peel and separate the yolks from the whites.
Grate yolks and dice whites: Run yolks through a fine sieve into a mixing bowl. Dice the egg whites and add them to the bowl with the yolks.
Make egg salad: Add salt, black pepper, sugar, and Japanese mayo to the eggs. Mix until creamy and well-combined.
Assemble the sandwich: Cut the brioche buns halfway and scoop an equal portion of the egg salad into each bun. Close and garnish with dried parsley (optional).
Serve: Enjoy immediately!

Nutrients

Calories: 510 kcal (per sandwich)
Carbohydrates: 39g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 313mg
Sodium: 816mg
Potassium: 64mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Vitamin A: 966 IU
Vitamin C: 1mg
Calcium: 74mg
Iron: 2mg

What Makes Tamago Sando Special?

The allure of Tamago Sando lies in its understated elegance. At its core, this sandwich features just a few essential ingredients—eggs, mayonnaise, a hint of seasoning, and soft bread. Yet, when combined, they create an irresistible flavor profile that makes the sandwich so popular, not only in Japan but around the world. The magic happens with the key ingredient: Japanese mayonnaise. Unlike regular mayonnaise, which is often tangy or sharp, Japanese mayo has a distinct, richer taste, thanks to the inclusion of ingredients like rice vinegar and egg yolks. This gives the egg salad its unique velvety smoothness, creating a satisfying contrast with the fluffy, slightly sweet bread it’s paired with.

The Ingredients: Quality and Simplicity

The ingredients used in Tamago Sando are essential for achieving the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The eggs, of course, are the star of the show. They should be perfectly boiled to ensure they are firm yet creamy, forming the foundation of the egg salad. Japanese mayo is the next essential ingredient, transforming the boiled eggs into a smooth, flavorful mixture. The sweetness from the sugar and the mild saltiness from the salt and pepper enhance the flavor, making the egg salad delightfully creamy without being overpowering.

In terms of bread, many prefer to use soft, pillowy brioche buns or Japanese milk bread for their delicate sweetness and softness, which perfectly complement the rich egg salad. For those who prefer a lighter sandwich, using regular white bread is also an option. To add a bit of garnish and visual appeal, a sprinkle of dried parsley is often used, although it’s optional.

The Art of Making Tamago Sando

While Tamago Sando is incredibly simple, the process of making it is where the precision lies. The first step is to properly boil the eggs. The key to perfect boiled eggs is timing and temperature. They need to be cooked for exactly 13 minutes to achieve the ideal hard-boiled texture. After boiling, the eggs should be transferred to an ice bath to prevent overcooking and to make peeling easier.

Once cooled, the eggs are peeled, and the yolks are grated through a fine sieve. This step is crucial as it ensures that the yolks are creamy and smooth, forming the base of the egg salad. The whites are diced into small pieces and added to the mixture, providing a bit of texture. The addition of sugar, salt, pepper, and Japanese mayo helps to bring the mixture together. The end result is a silky, rich egg salad that perfectly fills the sandwich.

Assembling the Sandwich

Assembling the Tamago Sando is as easy as it is satisfying. The brioche buns (or bread of your choice) are cut halfway, creating a pocket for the egg salad. A generous portion of the creamy egg salad is then scooped into the bun, making sure each sandwich is packed with flavor. The sandwich is then closed and garnished with a sprinkle of dried parsley for a touch of color and extra flavor. This simple yet effective step transforms the dish from a basic snack to a delightful meal.

Why Tamago Sando is Perfect for Any Occasion

Tamago Sando’s appeal is timeless and versatile. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a light lunch, or a meal to enjoy with friends, this Japanese sandwich is a perfect choice. Its simplicity makes it easy to prepare, while its creamy, indulgent texture makes it irresistible. The sandwich is not only satisfying but also portable, making it an excellent option for picnics, bento boxes, or even meal prep. It is also incredibly customizable, allowing you to adjust the ingredients and flavors to suit your taste.

In Japan, Tamago Sando is often enjoyed as a breakfast option or a snack during the day. It is commonly found in convenience stores and cafes, where it’s sold as a quick and easy meal for busy individuals. Its popularity has grown internationally, thanks to its delicious flavor and simplicity, making it a favorite among those looking to try something new or recreate a piece of Japanese culinary tradition at home.

Nutritional Value of Tamago Sando

Tamago Sando is a rich and satisfying snack, offering a decent amount of protein and healthy fats thanks to the eggs and mayonnaise. A typical serving contains approximately 510 calories, making it a relatively light yet filling option for those looking for a quick meal. The carbohydrates come mainly from the bread, providing an energy boost, while the fat content is higher due to the richness of the mayo and eggs. Despite its indulgence, the sandwich provides a decent amount of vitamins, particularly vitamin A, and offers small amounts of calcium and iron. However, it’s worth noting that Tamago Sando does contain cholesterol and sodium, which should be monitored if you’re following a specific dietary plan.

Customizing Tamago Sando

While the classic version of Tamago Sando is beloved for its simplicity, there are many ways to customize this sandwich to suit personal preferences. For example, some people add a touch of mustard or wasabi to the egg salad mixture to introduce a bit of spice and tang. Others might include fresh herbs such as chives or dill for added flavor. If you prefer a more substantial sandwich, adding slices of avocado or a few crispy strips of bacon can elevate the dish further. The versatility of the Tamago Sando makes it a great base for experimentation.

Conclusion: The Timeless Appeal of Tamago Sando

Tamago Sando is more than just a sandwich—it’s an experience. The creamy, indulgent filling, coupled with the soft, slightly sweet bread, creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Its simplicity is its strength, offering a deliciously comforting meal that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light lunch or a snack, Tamago Sando will always hit the spot. Its rich, velvety egg salad filling, combined with the luxurious taste of Japanese mayo, makes it a standout in the world of sandwiches. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or add your own twists, this Japanese classic is sure to leave you satisfied and coming back for more.

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