Name: Japanese Egg Sandwich (Tamago Sando) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 6 large Pete and Gerry’s Organic Eggs; 1/4 teaspoon sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 to 2 teaspoons milk or plant milk (Optional); 4 tablespoons Japanese mayonnaise; 4 slices Japanese milk bread; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; Chives, sliced (for garnish) (Optional)

Jump to Recipe·5 from 30 reviews

Cloud-like bread meets a creamy, dreamy filling in the Japanese Egg Sandwich (Tamago Sando)—an utterly comforting, delightfully simple treat that’s miles above your average egg salad sandwich. Each bite is soft yet satisfying, with the gentle sweetness of Japanese milk bread perfectly complementing the rich, velvety eggs inside. Whether you’re packing lunch, looking for a quick breakfast, or craving a savory snack, this beloved bite from Japan never disappoints. Trust me, once you try a fresh-made Japanese Egg Sandwich (Tamago Sando), you’ll find yourself making it again and again!

Japanese Egg Sandwich (Tamago Sando) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of a Japanese Egg Sandwich (Tamago Sando) lies in its humble list of ingredients—each one chosen for its power to lift the texture and flavor of the whole sandwich. Gather these essentials and you’ll be well on your way to sandwich bliss.

6 large Pete and Gerry’s Organic Eggs: The star of the show, providing that luscious, creamy filling that defines Tamago Sando.
1/4 teaspoon sugar: Just a hint to balance the richness of the eggs and mayonnaise.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning—never skip it!
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Lends a gentle warmth to the filling.
1 to 2 teaspoons milk or plant milk (optional): Perfect for smoothing out the texture of hard-boiled eggs.
4 tablespoons Japanese mayonnaise: Adds that iconic creamy tang; Kewpie is especially wonderful here.
4 slices Japanese milk bread: Soft, slightly sweet, and pillowy—this bread sets Tamago Sando apart.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Creates a luscious barrier between bread and filling, keeping everything perfectly moist.
Chives, sliced (optional): For a fresh pop of color and a gentle oniony note.

How to Make Japanese Egg Sandwich (Tamago Sando)

Step 1: Prepare the Eggs

Fill a big bowl with ice water—your future ice bath awaits. Bring plenty of water to a rolling boil in a medium pot, enough to cover your eggs fully. Gently lower the eggs with a ladle. For medium soft-boiled eggs (my personal favorite for their creaminess), boil for 7 minutes, then let them sit off the heat for another minute. If you prefer the classic hard-boiled texture, give them a full 10-minute boil. As soon as time is up, transfer those eggs right into your ice bath for 2 minutes to stop the cooking, but peel them while lukewarm—it makes all the difference for a smooth shell removal!

Step 2: Make the Egg Salad Filling

Once peeled, transfer the eggs into a large bowl. Using a fork, break them up, aiming for pieces smaller than a pea, but not totally minced. The texture should be rustic—think tiny, tender curds. Add the sugar, salt, and black pepper. For hard-boiled eggs, stir in a touch of milk to keep things creamy. Dollop in the Japanese mayonnaise and stir thoroughly, tasting and adjusting your seasonings as needed. The result should be soft, scoopable, and rich—with just enough body to hold together in your sandwich.

Step 3: Assemble the Japanese Egg Sandwich (Tamago Sando)

Grab those fluffy slices of Japanese milk bread and spread each with about 1/2 tablespoon of softened unsalted butter. Evenly spoon the egg salad mixture over one slice of bread, then cap it with the second slice, buttered side down. Gently press the bread together to settle the filling. For the iconic Tamago Sando look, neatly trim off the crusts with a sharp knife (so satisfying!), then cut the sandwich in half. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with a scattering of sliced chives.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Cut each sandwich in half—it’s tradition—and serve immediately. The contrast between the impossibly soft bread and the smooth, creamy egg filling is pure comfort. The Japanese Egg Sandwich (Tamago Sando) is perfect for picnics, bento boxes, or a quietly luxurious breakfast at home.

How to Serve Japanese Egg Sandwich (Tamago Sando)

Garnishes

A simple scattering of fresh chives over your Japanese Egg Sandwich (Tamago Sando) adds a lively color and a gentle bite, but you can also experiment with a sprinkle of extra black pepper, microgreens, or even paper-thin cucumber slices for an amplified freshness. Keep the garnishes light so you let the creamy eggs shine!

Side Dishes

This sandwich pairs beautifully with light, crunchy sides—think a crisp green salad, chilled edamame, or even a bowl of miso soup. If you’re packing lunch, a few slices of pickled radish or carrot give the meal a playful, tangy contrast without overpowering the delicate flavors of your Japanese Egg Sandwich (Tamago Sando).

Creative Ways to Present

Channel your inner Japanese café chef and slice the sandwiches into triangles or tidy rectangles for an authentic look. For bento boxes, wrap them individually in wax paper or sandwich wrappers—so adorable and practical for on-the-go eating! You can even make mini versions to serve as party finger food; just use a biscuit cutter to create bite-sized rounds and top each with a single chive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Japanese Egg Sandwich (Tamago Sando), simply wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. The sandwiches hold up beautifully for up to 2 days, staying moist and delicious—just the thing for a quick grab-and-go snack or busy lunch.

Freezing

While freezing is not ideal for preserving that dreamy, cloud-soft bread texture, you can freeze the egg salad filling by itself in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then assemble your fresh sandwiches when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

Japanese Egg Sandwich (Tamago Sando) is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature—no reheating required! If you’d like the filling slightly warmer, let the sandwich rest on the counter for 10-15 minutes to take the chill off. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the filling rubbery and the bread soggy.

FAQs

Can I use regular bread instead of Japanese milk bread?

While you can substitute regular white bread in a pinch, Japanese milk bread (also called shokupan) has a uniquely soft and fluffy texture that elevates the Japanese Egg Sandwich (Tamago Sando) to a whole new level. If you can find it, it’s definitely worth the extra effort!

What’s special about Japanese mayonnaise?

Japanese mayonnaise, especially the Kewpie brand, is richer and slightly sweeter than standard mayonnaise thanks to a higher ratio of egg yolks and a touch of rice vinegar. This gives the filling of your Japanese Egg Sandwich (Tamago Sando) its signature depth and creaminess.

How can I make this dairy-free?

Simply swap the unsalted butter for a dairy-free alternative and use a plant-based milk if you’re adding any. There are now plenty of delicious egg-free mayonnaises out there, too, so you can still enjoy an allergy-friendly Japanese Egg Sandwich (Tamago Sando).

Can I add other ingredients to the egg salad?

Of course! While the classic Japanese Egg Sandwich (Tamago Sando) is minimalist, you can gently fold in diced cucumbers, scallions, or a pinch of Japanese mustard if you’d like a twist. Just remember, less is more—let those eggs shine.

Is it safe to take on a picnic?

Yes, these sandwiches hold up well at room temperature for a few hours, making them ideal for picnics or lunchboxes. For longer outings, keep your Japanese Egg Sandwich (Tamago Sando) chilled in a cooler bag for maximum freshness and food safety.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how simple and utterly comforting it is to make a Japanese Egg Sandwich (Tamago Sando), I can’t wait for you to try it for yourself! Whether you keep it traditional or add your own creative flourish, there’s a reason this humble sandwich is such a beloved staple in Japan—give it a taste and you might find yourself smitten, too.