Follow these steps for perfect results
Hot cooked white rice
Nori seaweed
Imitation crab meat sticks
Cheese
Ham or fish sausage
Prepare hot cooked white rice.
Make the faces of the Empress and Emperor.
Use a round cutter to make cheese circles.
Cut nori seaweed to create hair for the figures.
Place the nori seaweed hair on the cheese circles.
Shape the Emperor's hair differently from the Empress's.
Make small triangular rice balls using plastic wrap.
Create the kimono by spreading the red part of imitation crab meat.
Cut nori seaweed into rectangles for the kimono.
Wrap the rice balls with the crab meat kimono and nori seaweed.
Secure the kimono with plastic wrap to allow settling.
Ensure the right side of the kimono is on top.
Attach the faces to the rice balls.
Cut nori seaweed for the eyes and mouth.
Use ham for the cheeks and cheese for the crown.
Add a small piece of nori seaweed for the Emperor's headgear.
Arrange the Empress and Emperor bento characters in the box.
Expert advice for the best results
Use food coloring to make the rice balls more vibrant.
Use cookie cutters to make different shapes for the cheese and ham.
Make sure the rice is cool enough to handle before shaping.
Everything you need to know before you start
5 minutes
The rice balls can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
Arrange the Empress and Emperor rice balls in a bento box with colorful side dishes.
Serve with edamame, cherry tomatoes, and carrot sticks.
Pairs well with the flavors of the bento.
Discover the story behind this recipe
Hinamatsuri (Girls' Day)
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