How to Make the Perfect Bento Box for Lunch or Dinner

Get creative with your meals with this Bento Box recipe. Easy to make and packed with flavor, it’s a meal in a box.

Bento boxes are a staple in Japanese cuisine and have been enjoyed for centuries. They are a type of packed lunch, usually consisting of rice, protein, and vegetables, all neatly packed in a box. Bento boxes are not only delicious but also a healthy way to have a nutritious meal on the go. In this recipe, we will show you how to make a traditional Bento Box that you can enjoy for lunch or dinner.

Prepare the Rice

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup of sushi rice
  • 1 and 1/4 cups of water
  • 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• Preparation:
  1. Rinse the sushi rice in cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. In a pot, bring the water to a boil and add the rinsed rice.
  3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 18-20 minutes.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until sugar dissolves.
  5. Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and add the vinegar mixture. Stir until well combined.
• Tips and Tricks:
  • If you don’t have sushi rice, you can use regular long grain rice, but the texture may be slightly different.
  • To keep the rice warm, place a damp kitchen towel over the bowl and cover it with plastic wrap.

Prepare the Protein

• Ingredients:
  • 4 ounces of chicken breast or tofu
  • 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of cooking oil
  • 1 clove of minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
• Preparation:
  1. Cut the chicken breast or tofu into small cubes.
  2. In a pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat.
  3. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Add the chicken or tofu and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Add the soy sauce and cook for another minute.
• Tips and Tricks:
  • If you prefer, you can marinate the chicken or tofu for 30 minutes before cooking for extra flavor.
  • For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with extra firm tofu.

Prepare the Vegetables

• Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup of broccoli florets
  • 1/2 cup of carrots, sliced
  • 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes
• Preparation:
  1. Boil a pot of water and add the broccoli florets. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until tender.
  2. In a separate pan, sauté the sliced carrots for 3-4 minutes or until tender.
• Tips and Tricks:
  • You can use any vegetables you like for this step, such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or edamame.
  • For a sweeter taste, you can roast the vegetables in the oven for 15-20 minutes at 375°F.

Assemble the Bento Box

• Ingredients:
  • Rice
  • Protein
  • Vegetables
• Preparation:
  1. In a bento box or a container with compartments, place a portion of rice in one section.
  2. In another section, place the cooked protein.
  3. In the remaining section, place the cooked vegetables.
  4. If desired, add a side of pickled vegetables or fruit for added flavor and nutrition.
• Tips and Tricks:
  • To keep the components separate, you can use silicone dividers or wax paper.
  • You can also add a sauce, such as teriyaki or sweet chili, for added flavor.

Conclusion: Bento boxes are a delicious and nutritious way to have a meal on the go. With this recipe, you can easily make a traditional Bento Box with rice, protein, and vegetables. It’s a great way to meal prep for the week or have a quick and easy lunch or dinner. Get creative with your ingredients and enjoy this classic Japanese dish!