Tamago Sandos: Japanese Egg Salad Sandwiches

As May unfolds, so does the celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of the AAPI community in Washington state and beyond. One of the most beautiful aspects of this celebration is the opportunity to explore and appreciate the diverse culinary heritage that thrives within our communities. Today, we're delving into the world of Japanese cuisine with a spotlight on Tamago Sandos, a beloved Japanese egg salad sandwich that's as comforting as it is flavorful. Join us as we pay homage to the vibrant AAPI community in Washington and learn how to make this delightful dish that embodies the spirit of unity and cultural appreciation.

What are Tamago Sandos?:

Tamago Sandos, or Japanese egg salad sandwiches, feature a creamy and slightly sweet egg salad filling sandwiched between slices of soft, pillowy milk bread or fluffy, crustless white bread. Sometimes, a jammy soft boiled egg is halved and placed intact in the center of the sandwich. With its simple yet satisfying flavors, Tamago Sandos are a nostalgic and comforting bite, making them a favorite snack or light meal for people of all ages.

Recipe: Homemade Tamago Sandos

Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs

• 5 tablespoon Japanese-style mayonnaise

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

• 1/2 teaspoon sugar

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 8 slices Japanese milk bread or white sandwich bread with crusts cut off

• Butter, softened for spreading

• Optional: 2 additional eggs for the center

Instructions:

1. Hard-boil the 6 eggs using your preferred preparation method. Once cooked, cool eggs completely.

2. Peel and roughly chop the cooled cooked eggs.

3. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and creamy. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

4. If using a center soft-boiled egg, soft boil the 2 additional eggs using your preferred preparation method. Once cooked, cool, peel, and carefully slice in half, being careful to keep the yolk contained.

5. Assemble: Spread a thin layer of butter or margarine on one side of each slice of bread. Divide the egg salad mixture evenly among 4 slices of bread, spreading it in an even layer all the way to the edges.

6. If using, add an egg half to the center of each of the 4 slices of bread, yolk side up.

7. Place the remaining 4 slices of bread on top of the egg salad mixture, buttered side facing down, to form sandwiches.

8. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut each sandwich diagonally into halves or twice diagonally into quarters. Serve immediately, or wrap the sandwiches in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to one day.

As we celebrate AAPI Heritage Month and the vibrant AAPI community in our state, let's take a moment to savor the flavors and traditions that make our cultural tapestry so rich and vibrant. Making Tamago Sandos at home is a delicious way to pay tribute to Japanese cuisine and an opportunity to connect with loved ones and share in the joy of good food. So why not whip up a batch of these delightful sandwiches and celebrate the diverse culinary heritage that brings us all together? It's a simple yet meaningful way to honor AAPI Heritage Month and the spirit of unity that binds us as a community.