18 Japanese Bento Box Recipe Ideas They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
When it comes to Japanese cuisine, bento boxes are a staple that cannot be missed. These compact lunch boxes are not only visually appealing but also offer a well-balanced and nutritious meal. The traditional bento box typically consists of rice, fish or meat, and various side dishes. However, the possibilities for creating your own bento box are endless. In this article, we will explore some Japanese bento box recipe ideas that are easy to make and perfect for anyone looking to add some variety to their lunch routine.
Main Ingredients: Soba Noodles, Vegetable Broth, Toasted Sesame Oil
Bento box meals are a popular and convenient way to enjoy a variety of Japanese dishes in one packed lunch. And what better way to start your bento box journey than with a warm and comforting bowl of bento box soup? This recipe is a delicious blend of broth, veggies, and tender pieces of chicken, making it the perfect addition to any bento box meal.
The Japanese take their bento box meals seriously, and it's no wonder why. These packed lunches are not only visually appealing but also packed with delicious and nutritious dishes. This Japanese-style bento box recipe includes rice, grilled chicken, vegetables, and a side of pickled radish for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
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Teriyaki Meatballs Bento Box
Main Ingredients: Ground Pork, Ground Beef, Panko Bread Crumbs, Green
For a twist on the traditional bento box, try this teriyaki meatball recipe. These juicy and flavorful meatballs are coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce and paired with rice, edamame, and steamed broccoli for a balanced and tasty bento box meal.
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Japanese Fried Chicken (Chicken Karaage) Bento
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken, Ginger Juice, Mizkan Bonito Flavored
Chicken karaage is a popular Japanese dish that consists of bite-sized pieces of marinated and deep-fried chicken. This recipe takes it a step further by incorporating it into a bento box meal. With a side of rice, vegetables, and a tangy dipping sauce, this bento box is a delicious and indulgent treat.
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Japanese Fried Chicken Bento
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken, Ginger Juice, Base, Mirin
If you're a fan of fried chicken, then you'll love this Japanese fried chicken bento box recipe. The chicken is coated in a light and crispy batter and served with a side of rice, vegetables, and a drizzle of Kewpie mayo for a creamy and flavorful touch.
Pancakes for lunch? Yes, please! These Japanese-style pancakes, also known as okonomiyaki, are a popular street food in Japan. They are made with a batter of flour, eggs, cabbage, and your choice of protein, such as pork or seafood, and topped with a variety of sauces and condiments. These fluffy and savory pancakes are sure to be a hit in your bento box.
A bento box meal isn't complete without a sweet treat, and this Japanese 'cotton' cheesecake is the perfect addition. This cheesecake is light and fluffy, with a delicate texture that resembles cotton. It's made with a combination of cream cheese, eggs, and heavy cream for a decadent and delicious dessert.
Okonomiyaki, also known as Japanese savory pancakes, are a popular dish that can be found on the streets of Japan. This recipe includes a mix of cabbage, pork, and seafood, topped with a variety of sauces and condiments. These savory and flavorful pancakes are a great addition to any bento box meal.
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Sanshoku Bento (Tri-coloured Japanese Rice Bowl)
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Beef Mince, Ginger, Soy Sauce, Sake
This tri-colored rice bowl, also known as sanshoku bento, is not only delicious but also visually stunning. It consists of three different types of rice, including white, brown, and red, and is topped with a variety of protein, vegetables, and pickled radish. This bento box is a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
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Bento Box Lunch with Horizon
Main Ingredients: Turkey Ham, Rolls, Crackers, Cheddar Cheese, Colby
Looking for a healthy and organic bento box option? Look no further than this bento box lunch recipe with Horizon. This bento box includes a variety of organic and nutritious items, such as brown rice, grilled chicken, and steamed vegetables, for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
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Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
A bento box meal is not complete without a refreshing and light side dish, and this Japanese cucumber salad, also known as sunomono, is the perfect addition. It's made with thinly sliced cucumbers, seaweed, and a tangy vinegar dressing, making it a refreshing and palate-cleansing accompaniment to any bento box meal.
Ramen is a popular Japanese dish known for its rich and flavorful broth and chewy noodles. This recipe takes the classic ramen and turns it into a bento box meal by adding a side of rice, vegetables, and protein, such as pork or chicken, for a filling and satisfying lunch option.
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Japanese Rice Balls Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Umeboshi, Bonito Flakes, Soy Sauce, Mirin
Onigiri, also known as Japanese rice balls, are a popular snack and bento box item in Japan. These triangular-shaped rice balls are typically filled with various ingredients, such as pickled plum, seafood, or vegetables, and wrapped in seaweed. They are a convenient and delicious addition to any bento box meal.
If you're a fan of noodles, then you'll love this Japanese udon noodle soup recipe. Udon noodles are thick and chewy wheat noodles that are served in a flavorful broth with a variety of toppings, such as tofu, green onions, and tempura. This bento box meal is a hearty and satisfying lunch option.
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Japanese Gyoza Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Napa Cabbage, Ground Pork, Garlic, Fresh Ginger
Gyoza dumplings are a popular Japanese dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or as part of a meal. This recipe includes a mix of pork, cabbage, and seasonings, wrapped in a thin dough and pan-fried until crispy. These dumplings are a tasty and fun addition to any bento box meal.
Eggplant lovers rejoice! This Japanese eggplant recipe is a delicious and healthy addition to any bento box meal. The eggplant is grilled and topped with a savory miso glaze, making it a flavorful and satisfying side dish.
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Bento Box Lunches
Main Ingredients: Brown Rice, Frozen Pea, Oil, Coriander, Salt, Pepper
With so many delicious bento box options, it's no surprise that they make the perfect lunch for any occasion. Whether you're heading to work, school, or a picnic, these bento box lunches are a convenient and tasty way to enjoy a variety of Japanese dishes in one meal.
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Bento Box Turkey Club Roll Ups
Main Ingredients: Center Cut Bacon, Mayonnaise, Flour Tortilla, Roasted
If you're looking for a bento box recipe that's a bit more on the Western side, try these bento box turkey club roll-ups. These roll-ups are made with tortillas, turkey, avocado, and other classic club sandwich ingredients, making them a fun and tasty addition to any bento box meal.
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Japanese Soba Noodles With Peanut Sauce
Main Ingredients: Soba Noodles, Unsalted Roasted Peanuts, Sesame Oil
Soba noodles, made from buckwheat flour, are a staple in Japanese cuisine. This recipe takes soba noodles and pairs them with a creamy and flavorful peanut sauce for a unique and tasty bento box meal. Plus, the addition of vegetables and protein makes this dish a well-balanced and nutritious lunch option.
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Yakitori (Japanese Grilled Chicken)
Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Thighs, Soy Sauce, Pure Maple Syrup
Last but not least, no bento box meal is complete without some delicious grilled chicken. This yakitori recipe uses bite-sized pieces of chicken, marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, and grilled to perfection. These skewers are perfect for packing in a bento box and enjoying on the go.
Bento Box Essentials
Before we dive into the Japanese bento box recipe ideas, let's first go over the essential components of a bento box. The most important element is, of course, the rice. Japanese short-grain rice is the preferred type, but you can use any type of rice you like. Next, you will need a main dish, which can be a protein like grilled chicken or fish, or a vegetarian option like tofu. Then, add some colorful and nutritious side dishes such as steamed vegetables, pickles, or seaweed salad. And lastly, don't forget to add some snacks or desserts to your bento box, such as fruit, mochi, or a small piece of cake.
Easy Bento Box Recipes
Now that we have covered the basics, here are some Japanese bento box recipe ideas to get you started:
Sushi Bento Box
Sushi is a classic Japanese dish that can easily be incorporated into a bento box. Make your favorite type of sushi (maki, nigiri, or even onigiri) and add some veggies like cucumber or avocado for added nutrition. You can also add some edamame or seaweed salad as side dishes.
Tonkatsu Bento Box
Tonkatsu, or breaded and fried pork cutlets, is a popular dish in Japan and makes a delicious addition to a bento box. You can also use chicken or tofu as a protein alternative. Serve it with some steamed rice, pickled vegetables, and a side of miso soup.
Soba Noodle Bento Box
Soba noodles, made from buckwheat flour, are another popular Japanese dish that can be turned into a bento box. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, and top them with your choice of protein (tempura, shrimp, or tofu), steamed vegetables, and a sauce of your choice. Add some fruit or a small green salad as a side dish.
With these Japanese bento box recipe ideas, you can create a delicious and nutritious lunch that will satisfy your taste buds and keep you energized for the rest of the day. Don't be afraid to get creative and switch up the ingredients to suit your preferences. The key is to have a well-rounded and visually appealing meal that will make your coworkers envious of your lunch. Happy bento box making!
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