Rafute Bento (ラフテー弁当)

ラフテー弁当 (Rafute Bento) is a traditional Okinawan dish featuring tender, braised pork belly served in a bento box. This flavorful and comforting meal is perfect for a packed lunch or a picnic.

Rafute Bento (ラフテー弁当)

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs pork belly
  • 1 cup soy sauce
  • 1 cup sake
  • 1 cup mirin
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 4 hard-boiled eggs
  • 4 cups steamed white rice

Instructions

  1. Cut the pork belly into large chunks.
  2. In a large pot, combine the soy sauce, sake, mirin, and brown sugar. Bring to a simmer.
  3. Add the pork belly to the pot and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the pork is tender.
  4. Remove the pork from the pot and slice into smaller pieces.
  5. Return the sliced pork to the pot and simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
  6. Peel the hard-boiled eggs and set aside.
  7. Divide the steamed rice, braised pork, and hard-boiled eggs among 4 bento boxes.
  8. Drizzle the pork with the braising liquid and serve.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
20 minutes
Cooking time:
2 hours
Total time:
2 hours
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
450 per serving
Protein
25g
Carbohydrates
15g
Fat
30g

Supplies

Bento boxes Large pot

Tools

Knife Cutting board Potato masher (optional)

Serving suggestions

Serve the Rafute Bento with a side of pickled vegetables and a cup of green tea for a complete meal.

Tips & tricks

For an extra flavorful twist, marinate the pork belly in the braising liquid overnight before cooking.

Cost

$20