Bento boxes are a staple of Japanese cuisine, offering a convenient and delicious way to enjoy a meal on-the-go. Whether you’re a busy professional looking for a quick lunch or a parent seeking a nutritious snack for your child’s school bag, bento boxes have got you covered.
But what makes a great bento box recipe? For starters, it needs to be easy to prepare and transport, with a balance of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates. And let’s not forget the flavor factor – a good bento box should tantalize your taste buds!
In this article, we’ll explore 20 delicious bento box recipes that are perfect for busy days. From classic teriyaki chicken to innovative sushi creations, there’s something for everyone in our list of mouth-watering meal ideas.
Teriyaki Chicken Bento Box
A flavorful and nutritious bento box recipe featuring tender chicken glazed with a sweet teriyaki sauce, served with a variety of colorful vegetables and steamed rice. Perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, snap peas)
– 1 cup cooked Japanese-style rice
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
3. In a separate pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Brush the teriyaki glaze over the chicken during the last minute of cooking.
5. Cook mixed vegetables according to package instructions.
6. Serve chicken, vegetables, and rice in a bento box with sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Tuna Roll Bento Box
This Japanese-inspired bento box recipe combines the flavors of spicy tuna with crunchy vegetables and a savory sauce, making it a perfect and healthy meal for any occasion. With just a few ingredients and simple preparation, you can create this delicious bento box in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 can of sushi-grade tuna (drained)
– 1/2 cup of sushi rice
– 1/4 cup of chopped cucumber
– 1/4 cup of sliced carrots
– 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon of sriracha sauce
– 1 sheet of nori seaweed
– Sesame seeds and pickled ginger for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook sushi rice according to package instructions.
2. Mix tuna with soy sauce, sriracha sauce, and a pinch of salt.
3. Lay a sheet of nori seaweed flat and spread a thin layer of sushi rice on it.
4. Place the tuna mixture in the center of the rice.
5. Add chopped cucumber and sliced carrots around the tuna.
6. Roll the bento box using your fingers or a bamboo mat.
7. Garnish with sesame seeds and pickled ginger (if desired).
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Tamagoyaki and Rice Bento Box
A classic Japanese bento box featuring tamagoyaki (Japanese-style rolled omelette) served with a scoop of flavorful rice.
Ingredients:
– 2 eggs
– 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1/2 teaspoon sake (or dry white wine)
– 1/4 teaspoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup cooked Japanese-style short-grain rice
– Optional: nori seaweed sheets, pickled ginger, and/or other bento box staples
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together eggs, soy sauce, sake, sugar, and salt until well combined.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour in the egg mixture and cook until the edges start to set (about 30 seconds).
3. Use a spatula to gently lift and fold the edges of the omelette towards the center. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes, until the eggs are almost set.
4. Use the spatula to roll the omelette into a neat cylinder shape. Slice in half if desired.
5. Serve the tamagoyaki with a scoop of cooked Japanese-style rice and your choice of bento box accompaniments.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
Vegetable Tempura Bento Box
Experience the harmony of Japanese flavors with this vibrant Vegetable Tempura Bento Box recipe! Crunchy tempura, fluffy rice, and savory vegetables come together in a delightful meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup vegetable oil
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, etc.)
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 cups cooked Japanese-style rice
– 1 sheet of nori seaweed (dried)
– Optional: soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger for dipping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, and water to create tempura batter.
3. Dip vegetables into the batter, then fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
4. Cook Japanese-style rice according to package instructions.
5. Assemble bento box by placing fried vegetables on top of rice, and finishing with a sheet of nori seaweed.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Beef Bulgogi Bento Box
A twist on traditional Korean Bulgogi, this recipe combines tender beef with a sweet and savory marinade, served in a convenient bento box. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef (sirloin or ribeye), sliced into thin strips
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1/4 cup sesame oil
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
– Bento box with rice, kimchi, and other favorite fillings
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, chili flakes, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and water.
2. Add the beef strips to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
3. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove beef from marinade and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Assemble bento box with grilled beef, rice, kimchi, and other favorite fillings.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (marinating time not included)
Sushi Bento Box with Pickled Ginger
This recipe serves as a delightful fusion of Japanese flavors and Western presentation, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. This Sushi Bento Box combines fresh sushi rolls with tangy pickled ginger for a harmonious balance of textures and tastes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked Japanese rice
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup short-grain sushi vinegar
– 1 sheet nori seaweed
– Filling ingredients (e.g., salmon, cucumber, avocado)
– Pickled ginger:
+ 1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh ginger
+ 1/4 cup rice vinegar
+ 1/4 cup sugar
+ 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Prepare sushi rice according to package instructions.
2. Lay nori sheet flat and spread a thin layer of sushi rice onto the seaweed, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
3. Add filling ingredients in the middle of the rice.
4. Roll sushi tightly but gently.
5. Slice into individual pieces.
6. For pickled ginger, combine vinegar, sugar, and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
7. Strain ginger slices through a fine-mesh sieve and discard liquid.
Cooking Time:
– Sushi rice: 20-25 minutes
– Pickled ginger: 15 minutes
Karaage Fried Chicken Bento Box
Get ready to elevate your lunch game with this Japanese-inspired Karaage Fried Chicken Bento Box! Crunchy fried chicken, savory rice, and sweet pickled ginger come together in a delightful combination that’s sure to satisfy.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup sake (or dry white wine)
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Cooked Japanese short-grain rice
– Pickled ginger slices
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and panko breadcrumbs.
2. Dip chicken pieces into beaten egg and then coat with the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
3. Fry coated chicken in hot oil (350°F) for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
4. Cook Japanese short-grain rice according to package instructions.
5. Slice pickled ginger into thin strips.
6. Assemble the bento box with fried chicken, cooked rice, and pickled ginger.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Onigiri and Edamame Bento Box
This recipe combines the classic Japanese onigiri rice balls with steamed edamame for a quick and easy meal or snack. Perfect for packing in a lunchbox or serving as an appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked Japanese short-grain rice (preferably Koshihikari)
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup edamame, shelled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– Optional: nori seaweed sheets for wrapping onigiri
Instructions:
1. Cook Japanese short-grain rice according to package instructions.
2. Mix cooked rice with water, salt, and a pinch of salt. Knead until sticky and pliable.
3. Shape into small triangles or ovals.
4. Steam edamame for 5 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.
5. Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over edamame.
6. Serve onigiri and edamame together in a bento box.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (including rice cooking time)
Salmon Teriyaki Bento Box
Experience the harmony of Japanese flavors with this easy-to-make Salmon Teriyaki Bento Box. A sweet and savory teriyaki sauce coats succulent salmon fillets, served alongside a medley of colorful vegetables and fluffy Japanese rice.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1 cup cooked Japanese rice
– Assorted vegetables (e.g., carrots, green beans, cherry tomatoes)
– 1 sheet of nori seaweed
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place salmon fillets.
3. Brush teriyaki sauce evenly over the salmon, making sure they’re fully coated.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Cook Japanese rice according to package instructions.
6. Prepare vegetables by cutting into bite-sized pieces.
7. Assemble bento box with a bed of rice, topped with teriyaki salmon, and surrounded by vegetables.
8. Garnish with nori seaweed sheet.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Japanese Curry Bento Box
A classic Japanese comfort food, this curry bento box combines tender chicken, flavorful curry sauce, and nutritious rice, all wrapped up in a convenient and portable package.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups Japanese curry roux (available at most Asian grocery stores)
– 2 cups cooked Japanese short-grain rice
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as carrots, green beans, and peas)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the chicken in a pan with some oil until browned and cooked through.
2. In a separate pan, mix together curry roux and water according to package instructions.
3. Add the mixed vegetables and soy sauce to the curry mixture; stir-fry until heated through.
4. Serve the curry over the cooked rice in a bento box or container.
5. Garnish with sesame seeds and any other desired toppings (such as sliced green onions or pickled ginger).
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Yakisoba Noodle Bento Box
A classic Japanese-inspired bento box recipe that combines savory yakisoba noodles with a variety of flavorful ingredients, perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup yakisoba noodles
– 1/2 cup diced pork (or chicken/beef), cooked and sliced
– 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, bean sprouts)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook yakisoba noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a pan, heat the cooked pork and mixed vegetables with soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Stir-fry until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
3. Add the cooked noodles to the pan and stir-fry until well combined.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Divide the noodle mixture into individual bento box portions.
6. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Grilled Eel Bento Box
Eel grilled to perfection and served with a variety of colorful and flavorful components makes for a delightful Japanese-inspired meal. This bento box recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner that’s both nourishing and visually appealing.
Ingredients:
– 4 pieces of eel fillet (about 1 inch thick)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sake (or dry white wine)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 cup mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, and lettuce)
– 1/2 cup cooked Japanese rice
– 1/4 cup pickled ginger slices
– 1/4 cup sliced cucumber
– 1/4 cup sliced carrots
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sake, brown sugar, and grated ginger.
3. Brush both sides of the eel fillets with the marinade.
4. Grill eel for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Assemble bento box by placing grilled eel on a bed of mixed greens, accompanied by Japanese rice, pickled ginger slices, sliced cucumber, and sliced carrots.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chicken Katsu Bento Box
In this recipe, juicy chicken breasts are breaded and deep-fried to a crispy perfection, served with a side of savory tonkatsu sauce and steamed vegetables. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal or lunchbox treat.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/2 cup tonkatsu sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., broccoli, carrots, green beans)
– Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the chicken by pounding each breast to an even thickness.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, breadcrumbs, and a pinch of salt.
3. Dip each chicken breast in beaten egg, then coat with breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch (1 cm) of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded chicken until golden brown and crispy, about 5-6 minutes per side.
5. Serve each chicken breast with a dollop of tonkatsu sauce and steamed mixed vegetables.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Vegetable Stir-Fry Bento Box
A quick and nutritious meal that combines colorful vegetables with savory flavors, perfect for a lunchbox or dinner on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– 1 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
– 1 cup sliced mushrooms
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked white or brown rice for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the broccoli, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender-crisp.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot over cooked rice in a bento box or container.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Shrimp Tempura Bento Box
A classic Japanese-inspired bento box filled with crispy shrimp tempura, savory rice, and fresh vegetables, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup ice-cold soda water
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Cooked Japanese rice
– Steamed broccoli florets
– Thinly sliced carrot sticks
– Soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add soda water to form a smooth batter.
2. Dip shrimp into the batter, making sure they are fully coated.
3. Heat about 1/2 inch (1 cm) of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry shrimp tempura for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
4. Assemble bento box with cooked rice, steamed broccoli, and carrot sticks. Serve shrimp tempura on top. Enjoy with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pork Tonkatsu Bento Box
A Japanese-inspired bento box filled with crispy pork tonkatsu, steamed rice, and seasonal vegetables, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless pork cutlets
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg, beaten
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Steamed Japanese rice
– Seasonal vegetables (e.g., carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes)
– Tonkatsu sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix flour and breadcrumbs.
2. Dip each pork cutlet in the beaten egg, then coat with flour mixture, shaking off excess.
3. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry coated pork for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
4. Serve tonkatsu on top of steamed Japanese rice, accompanied by seasonal vegetables and a drizzle of tonkatsu sauce.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Miso Soup and Rice Bento Box
This classic Japanese bento box combines the comforting warmth of miso soup with a simple serving of steaming hot rice, making for a satisfying and easy meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon miso paste
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup dashi broth (or substitute with vegetable or chicken broth)
– 1/4 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked Japanese short-grain rice
– Optional: nori seaweed sheets for wrapping
Instructions:
1. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat and add miso paste, onion, garlic, dashi broth, and ginger. Simmer for 5 minutes.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook Japanese short-grain rice according to package instructions.
4. Divide cooked rice into individual portions.
5. Ladle the warm miso soup into a separate container or wrap in nori seaweed sheets for a neat bento box presentation.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
California Roll Bento Box
This recipe combines the classic flavors of California rolls with a fun and convenient bento box presentation, perfect for a quick lunch or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked Japanese rice
– 1/2 cup imitation crab meat (or real crab if preferred)
– 1/4 cup cucumber slices
– 1/4 cup avocado slices
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Bento box or small containers for assembly
Instructions:
1. Prepare the filling by combining cooked rice, imitation crab meat, cucumber slices, and avocado slices in a bowl.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the soy sauce and sesame oil over low heat until warmed through.
3. Assemble the bento box by placing a scoop of the filling mixture in each compartment.
4. Drizzle the warm soy sauce mixture over the top of each roll.
5. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (preparing the filling) + assembly time
Sweet Potato Korokke Bento Box
A delicious and nutritious bento box recipe that combines the sweetness of sweet potatoes with the savory flavor of korokke (Japanese-style croquettes).
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon grated ginger
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Bento box fillings (e.g., Japanese rice, grilled chicken, and mixed greens)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and ginger. Mix well.
2. Gradually add water to form a dough.
3. Divide the dough into 4-6 portions, depending on desired korokke size.
4. Shape each portion into a ball and flatten slightly into patties.
5. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
6. Fry the korokke for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
7. Drain on paper towels and assemble in a bento box with your desired fillings.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes (including frying time)
Chicken Yakitori Bento Box
Experience the flavors of Japan with this simple yet delicious Chicken Yakitori Bento Box recipe. Skewered chicken, savory sauce, and a medley of colorful vegetables come together in a delightful meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup yakitori sauce (or homemade equivalent)
– 10-12 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
– 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, mushrooms)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Thread chicken and vegetables onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. Brush with yakitori sauce and drizzle with vegetable oil.
4. Place skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Serve in a bento box with your choice of sides, such as steamed rice and pickled ginger.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to meal prep like a pro with these 20 delicious bento box recipes! Whether you’re looking for protein-packed lunches or quick and easy dinners, this collection has something for everyone. From classic Japanese dishes like teriyaki chicken and sushi rolls, to international twists like California rolls and beef bulgogi, these recipes will keep your taste buds satisfied all day long. Plus, they’re perfect for busy days when you need a meal that’s both flavorful and filling. So why not give bento box a try and see what amazing meals you can create?
