Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/5 checked
1
servings
1 cup

Hot cooked white rice

1 unit

Nori seaweed

1 unit

Imitation crab meat sticks

1 slice

Cheese

1 slice

Ham or fish sausage

Step 1
~2 min

Prepare hot cooked white rice.

Step 2
~2 min

Make the faces of the Empress and Emperor.

Step 3
~2 min

Use a round cutter to make cheese circles.

Step 4
~2 min

Cut nori seaweed to create hair for the figures.

Step 5
~2 min

Place the nori seaweed hair on the cheese circles.

Step 6
~2 min

Shape the Emperor's hair differently from the Empress's.

Step 7
~2 min

Make small triangular rice balls using plastic wrap.

Step 8
~2 min

Create the kimono by spreading the red part of imitation crab meat.

Step 9
~2 min

Cut nori seaweed into rectangles for the kimono.

Step 10
~2 min

Wrap the rice balls with the crab meat kimono and nori seaweed.

Step 11
~2 min

Secure the kimono with plastic wrap to allow settling.

Step 12
~2 min

Ensure the right side of the kimono is on top.

Step 13
~2 min

Attach the faces to the rice balls.

Step 14
~2 min

Cut nori seaweed for the eyes and mouth.

Step 15
~2 min

Use ham for the cheeks and cheese for the crown.

Step 16
~2 min

Add a small piece of nori seaweed for the Emperor's headgear.

Step 17
~2 min

Arrange the Empress and Emperor bento characters in the box.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

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.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

5 minutes

Batch Cooking
Not Ideal
Make Ahead

The rice balls can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Low
Smell Intensity
Mild
Noise Level
Quiet
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with edamame, cherry tomatoes, and carrot sticks.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Miso soup
Japanese pickles

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Japan

Cultural Significance

Hinamatsuri (Girls' Day)

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Hinamatsuri

Occasion Tags

Hinamatsuri
Kids Lunch
Special Occasion

Popularity Score

75/100

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