17 Basic Japanese Bento Recipe Savor The Mouthwatering Goodness!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
For those looking to explore Japanese cuisine, one dish that should not be missed is the bento box. This traditional Japanese lunch box has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. It is not only a convenient and portable way to enjoy a delicious meal, but it also offers a diverse range of flavors and textures in one compact package. In this article, we will be sharing a basic Japanese bento recipe that is perfect for beginners and can be easily customized to suit individual tastes.
Main Ingredients: Muffins, Cantaloupe, Sliced Cucumbers, Hard Cooked Egg
If you're looking for a fun and creative way to pack your lunch, bento boxes are the way to go. These lunch boxes originated in Japan and are known for their colorful and compartmentalized designs. Not only are they visually appealing, but they also make it easy to pack a variety of foods in one container. Try out different combinations of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and grains to keep your lunch interesting and nutritious.
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5 Colors Bento Lunch Box (Easy Bibimbap)
Main Ingredients: Spinach, Shiitake Mushrooms, Large Carrot, Garlic
If you're a fan of Korean cuisine, you'll love this easy bibimbap bento box recipe. It's a colorful and flavorful combination of rice, vegetables, and protein, all topped with a fried egg and gochujang sauce. This bento box is not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftovers you have in the fridge.
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Bento Box Lunch with Horizon
Main Ingredients: Turkey Ham, Rolls, Crackers, Cheddar Cheese, Colby
For a kid-friendly bento box option, try this recipe with Horizon organic cheese and crackers. It's a simple and convenient way to pack a balanced lunch for your little ones. The best part? They can customize it to their liking by choosing their favorite type of cheese and crackers to include. It's a win-win for both kids and parents.
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Bento Box Turkey Club Roll Ups
Main Ingredients: Center Cut Bacon, Mayonnaise, Flour Tortilla, Roasted
If you're a fan of the classic turkey club sandwich, you'll love this bento box version. These roll-ups are packed with all the delicious flavors of a club sandwich, but in a more portable and fun form. Simply wrap up your favorite deli turkey, cheese, and veggies in a tortilla, and you have a tasty and convenient lunch option.
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Bento Box Lunches
Main Ingredients: Brown Rice, Frozen Pea, Oil, Coriander, Salt, Pepper
For a variety of bento box lunch ideas, check out this recipe that offers five different options. From a chicken Caesar salad to a vegetarian sushi roll, there's something for everyone in this recipe. These lunch boxes are not only delicious but also a great way to ensure you're getting a well-rounded meal with a variety of nutrients.
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Pan-Fried Teriyaki Salmon Bento Box for Mom
Main Ingredients: Salmon Steak, Teriyaki Sauce, Soy Sauce, Honey, Salt
If you're a busy mom looking for a healthy and delicious lunch option, this bento box recipe is for you. It features pan-fried teriyaki salmon, brown rice, and a variety of veggies for a well-balanced and satisfying meal. It's also a great option for meal prepping, as you can make multiple boxes ahead of time for the week.
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Hello Kitty Bento Box
Main Ingredients: Pita Bread, Cheese, Lettuce, Orange, Crackers, Grape
If you have young kids, they'll love this adorable Hello Kitty bento box recipe. It's a fun and creative way to pack their lunch, and they'll surely be the talk of the lunch table. You can use sushi rice, seaweed, and a variety of veggies to create the iconic Hello Kitty face on top of the rice. This recipe is not only cute but also healthy and nutritious.
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Spring Strawberry Bento Box
Main Ingredients: Strawberries, Arugula, Balsamic Reduction, Goat Cheese
Looking for a light and refreshing bento box option? This spring strawberry bento box is perfect for the warmer months. It features a variety of fresh fruits, including strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi, along with a delicious lemon yogurt dip. It's a colorful and tasty option for a light lunch or snack.
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No Cook Greek Pita Bento Box
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Tzatziki, Mini Pitas, Cherry Tomatoes
If you're short on time or don't have access to a microwave, this no-cook Greek pita bento box is a great option. It features a pita stuffed with hummus, cucumber, tomato, and feta cheese, along with a side of fresh vegetables and fruit. It's a convenient and delicious way to enjoy your favorite Greek flavors on the go.
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Southwest Chicken Salad Bento Box
Main Ingredients: Whole Wheat Tortilla, Romaine Lettuce, Chicken Salad
If you're a fan of Tex-Mex flavors, you'll love this southwest chicken salad bento box. It features a flavorful chicken salad with a variety of veggies, along with a side of tortilla chips and salsa. It's a great way to pack a filling and tasty lunch without having to heat anything up.
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The Funky Monkey Bento Box Lunch Idea
Main Ingredients: English Muffin, Wheat Crackers, Raisins, Candy Eyes
If you're looking to add some fun and creativity to your lunch, give this funky monkey bento box a try. It features a sandwich shaped like a monkey, along with a variety of fruits and veggies to complete the meal. This recipe is perfect for kids or anyone who wants to add some personality to their lunch.
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No Cook Vegan Bento Snack Box
Main Ingredients: Mini Bell Peppers, Seeds, Hummus, Blackberries
If you follow a vegan diet, it can be challenging to find easy and convenient lunch options. This no-cook vegan bento snack box is a great choice for a quick and nutritious meal. It features a variety of plant-based snacks, including hummus, veggies, fruit, and crackers. It's a great way to stay fueled and satisfied throughout the day.
Main Ingredients: Pita, Hard Boiled Eggs, Cherry Tomatoes, Sliced
Who says you can only enjoy bento boxes for lunch? This recipe offers three different options for a breakfast bento box that is suitable for vegetarians, vegans, and those following a gluten-free diet. From a tofu scramble to chia seed pudding, these breakfast bento boxes are not only delicious but also a great way to start your day off right.
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Cat Bento
Main Ingredients: Short Grain Rice, Water, Nori, Lettuce Leaves, Mochiko
Similar to the Hello Kitty bento box, this cat bento is a cute and creative option for kids. It features a sandwich shaped like a cat, along with sliced cheese, fruit, and veggies. You can use different cookie cutters to create different shapes for the sandwich, making it a versatile and fun option for lunch.
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Falafel Hummus and Salad Meal-Prep Bento Boxes
Main Ingredients: Cucumber, Cherry Tomatoes, Chickpeas, Olives, Whole
If you're into meal prepping, this falafel hummus and salad bento box recipe is a great option. It features homemade falafel, hummus, and a variety of veggies and grains for a flavorful and nutritious meal. You can make multiple boxes ahead of time and have them ready to grab and go throughout the week.
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Lunch Box Pizzas
Main Ingredients: Pizza Dough, Pizza Sauce, Shredded Mozzarella
Who says you can't have pizza for lunch? With this lunch box pizza recipe, you can! It's a simple and convenient way to enjoy your favorite pizza flavors, all packed neatly into a bento box. You can customize the toppings to your liking and even have your kids help assemble their own pizzas.
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Lunch Box Tacos
Main Ingredients: Tortilla, Chicken, Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend
Tacos for lunch? Yes, please! This lunch box taco recipe is a tasty and convenient option for those who love Mexican cuisine. It features a taco salad with a variety of toppings, along with a side of tortilla chips and salsa. You can also switch up the protein and use chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
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Lunch Box Ramen
Main Ingredients: Water, Ramen Noodles, Edamame, Tofu, Baby Spinach
Ramen doesn't have to be reserved for dinner. This lunch box ramen recipe is a great way to enjoy your favorite noodle soup for lunch. The best part? You can customize it with your favorite veggies and protein, making it a healthier and more satisfying option than the instant ramen packets you may be used to.
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Deli Snack Box
Main Ingredients: Turkey Breast, Hard Boiled Egg, Cherry Tomatoes, Sharp
If you're looking for a simple and convenient lunch option, this deli snack box is a great choice. It features deli meat, cheese, crackers, and a variety of fruits and veggies. You can mix and match different combinations to keep your lunch interesting and satisfying.
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Protein Box Lunches
Main Ingredients: Hard Boiled Eggs, Cheese, Salted Nuts, Cashews
For those who are constantly on the go, protein box lunches are a lifesaver. These boxes feature a variety of protein-packed foods, such as hard-boiled eggs, cheese, nuts, and fruit, to keep you fueled and satisfied throughout the day. They're an excellent option for busy days or when you need a quick and filling lunch.
Ingredients:
Main Dish
Featured keyword: Japanese rice
Eggs
Featured keyword: Chicken or related main keyword: Tofu
Vegetables of your choice (carrots, green beans, mushrooms, etc.)
Seasoning (soy sauce, featured keyword: Japanese sake, related main keyword: Mirin)
Side Dishes
Seaweed salad
Featured keyword: Edamame
Assorted sushi rolls
Featured keyword: Pickled vegetables
Instructions:
To begin, cook the Japanese rice according to package instructions. While the rice is cooking, prepare the main dish by frying the eggs in a pan and setting them aside. In the same pan, cook the chicken or tofu with your choice of vegetables and seasoning. Once cooked, add the eggs back into the pan and mix everything together.
Next, prepare the side dishes by either purchasing them pre-made or making them from scratch. Seaweed salad can be found in most Asian supermarkets, while edamame can be boiled in salted water for a few minutes until tender. Sushi rolls can also be purchased pre-made or made at home with a sushi rolling kit.
Once all the dishes are prepared, it's time to assemble the bento box. Start by placing a layer of Japanese rice at the bottom of the box. Then, add the main dish on top, followed by the side dishes. You can also add pickled vegetables as a side dish or as a garnish on top of the main dish.
Finally, close the bento box and pack it up for a delicious and convenient meal on the go. You can also add additional toppings such as sesame seeds or furikake for extra flavor and texture. And there you have it, a basic Japanese bento box that is both delicious and visually appealing.
With this recipe as a guide, feel free to get creative and customize your bento box with your favorite ingredients. You can also experiment with different seasonings and sauces to create unique flavor combinations. And don't forget to add some Japanese sake or green tea to your bento box for the full Japanese dining experience. Enjoy!