Satsuki's Bento Box (My Neighbor Totoro)

Inspired by the bento Satsuki carefully prepared for Mei and her father, this recipe recreates the iconic meal. Though simple, the vibrant contrast of pink sakura denbu, green beans, and red umeboshi is beautiful and heartwarming. For an authentic 'outdoor' experience, try grilling the dried fish over charcoal and serving it in a mess tin!

Instructions

1. 1.

   Prepare the Cod for Sakura Denbu: Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add the cod fillets and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through. Drain the cod, then carefully remove the skin and any bones. Set aside to cool slightly.

   Time: 7 min
2. 2.

   Clean and Shred Cod: Place the cooked and cooled fish in a bowl of water. Gently shred it with your fingers, rinsing the fish in the water until the water runs clear and all impurities are removed. Drain the shredded fish and squeeze it thoroughly in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to remove as much excess moisture as possible.

   Time: 5 min
3. 3.

   Make the Sakura Denbu: Transfer the squeezed, shredded fish to a non-stick pot or pan over medium-low heat. Add the sake, sugar, and a tiny pinch of red food coloring. Stir constantly with chopsticks, breaking up any clumps, until the moisture completely evaporates and the fish becomes light, fluffy, and a beautiful pale pink color. This will take about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

   Time: 15 min
4. 4.

   Grill the Fish: Preheat your broiler, grill pan, or outdoor grill. Place the mezashi or shishamo on a lightly oiled pan or grill rack. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until lightly charred and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out quickly.

   Time: 5 min
5. 5.

   Assemble the Bento Boxes: For each bento, pack a generous layer of freshly cooked white rice into a bento box or a mess tin. Shape the rice to create a flat surface.

   Time: 3 min
6. 6.

   Arrange Toppings: On top of the rice, artfully arrange the components. Place the cooked uguisu-mame (or green peas) on one side. Add a serving of the homemade sakura denbu next to it. Place one grilled mezashi (or shishamo) in the center, and a vibrant umeboshi beside it, recreating the iconic movie look. Repeat for the remaining bento boxes.

   Time: 5 min