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