How To Make An Egg Sandwich The Japanese Way

Konbinis are an essential part of everyday Japanese life. You’ll find one of these convenience stores on nearly every street corner in most cities. But beyond serving locals, these one-stop shops offer tourists an easy – and incredibly delicious – way out of hunger pangs. And if you’ve been in that situation, you know that tamago sandos are absolute lifesavers. One bite of these creamy, delicate sammies feels like being reborn! Have you ever thought about learning how to make an egg sandwich with the same effect? Now’s your chance! 

What makes konbini egg salad different from a homemade version? How do you choose the best egg sandwich ingredients? What type of bread should you use? How should you store it? Follow along and find the answers in this foolproof guide.

Selecting the Bread

Every classic tamago (egg) sandwich recipe starts with a shokupan (milk bread) base. This type of white bread is sweet and milky and features a pillowy bounce. Although it’s readily available in groceries, many Japanese homemakers prefer to make it from scratch. But that doesn’t mean you also have to! Instead, turn to these alternatives when the traditional loaf is out of reach:

• “Tasty” white bread: Considered the official sandwich bread in the Philippines, local “tasty” is a terrific substitute for shokupan. Just make sure to select the softest loaves you can find! Pro tip: go directly to a bakery and ask them to cut the loaf into thicker slices.
• Croissants: For a less filling bun, try this buttery French favorite. However, croissant egg sandwiches can get soggy, so it's best to consume them immediately to retain their flavor and texture. 
• Pandesal: This Filipino breakfast favorite is always a reliable choice. You also can’t beat its affordability!

Are you done picking your bread? It's time to move to the next ingredient.

Choosing the Mayo

It’s no secret that choosing the right mayo is essential to this process. This condiment can make or break your sandwich! But that doesn’t mean you need to shell out extra bucks for the Japanese variety. With a few tricks, you can achieve the same tangy, sweetish profile that lends the filling more flavor complexity and linamnam. 

How to make an egg sandwich spread without going over budget? Start with a good-quality base, like Lady’s Choice Real Mayonnaise. For every cup of this condiment, mix in two tablespoons of lemon juice. Next, add one tablespoon of granulated sugar, then whisk everything together until well combined. Do you want it with a bit of heat? You can also blend in a teaspoon of mustard. Now, are you ready to toss in the star ingredient?

Preparing the Eggs

You can’t make a tamago salad spread without the main component – eggs! Always go for the chicken variety for consistency and affordability. For this sandwich, you want to work with something familiar, no matter the color of the shell. If you only have brown ones in your fridge, no problem! But also, don’t pressure yourself to find the farm-fresh kind. Older eggs are easier to peel after boiling. 

Making the Egg Spread

Tamago sando spreads are unbelievably straightforward. But just like what the Japanese are known for, you need to treat every component with care and utmost attention. Gather these ingredients and gently mix them together!

Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs
• ¼ tsp sugar
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
• 2 tsp milk
• 2 tbsp prepared mayonnaise

Method:

1. Bring eggs to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, set the timer and cook for 12 minutes. 
2. Transfer eggs into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Let them cool completely, then peel off the shells.
3. Mash the eggs in a bowl until the whites are uniform in size. 
4. Add sugar, salt, pepper, and milk; stir. 
5. Add mayonnaise and gently mix. Adjust seasonings if needed. Refrigerate for at least 10 minutes.

Assembling Your Tamago Sando

It’s time to put together all components of your Japanese egg sandwich!

Ingredients:

• 2 white bread slices
• salted butter
• prepared egg sandwich spread

Method:

1. Butter one side of the bread slices.
2. Evenly spread egg filling on top of a buttered piece. Cover with the second slice, butter-side down.
3. Compress the sandwich by weighing it down using a plate. Set aside for 5 minutes, then cut off the crusts. Slice into rectangles or triangles. Serve cold or at room temperature.

You can keep leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. If packing them for baon, wrap them first in cling film to keep them fresh longer.

Some helpful tips for sandwich success

Make a flawless spread by following these practical tricks: 

1. Don’t skip the sugar if you want the sandwich to taste just like the konbini version.
2. Butter your bread generously! It acts as a barrier, keeping the sandwich from turning soggy.
3. Try separating the boiled yolk, then run it through a sieve. Do the same with the whites before combining everything with the mayo. The result? A fluffier egg filling!
4. Add halved soft-boiled eggs to your sandwich for added texture and richness.
5. Don’t be stingy with the egg filling. Make sure you cover even the corners.
6. If you prefer a thicker, richer salad filling, use fewer egg whites and add more yolks.

With the help of this guide, learning how to cook egg sandwiches is a breeze. And once you get the hang of the process, you can even start getting creative with the components. Add Fuji apples for crunch or mix in wasabi into the filling for spice. Pair it with a fresh salad and air-fried chips for the complete konbini-style experience. Ready to give this beloved Japanese treat a shot?

Back to Momspiration