20 Japanese Bento Box Rice Ball Recipe Get Ready To Indulge!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
Creating a bento box rice ball, or onigiri, is a beloved tradition in Japan. These compact and flavorful rice balls are a staple in Japanese cuisine and have become increasingly popular in other parts of the world. With its simple ingredients and versatile nature, onigiri is the perfect lunch option for anyone looking for a quick and delicious meal. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to make your own homemade bento box rice balls, so you can enjoy a taste of Japanese culture right in your own kitchen.
If you're a fan of crispy, breaded chicken, you'll love this Japanese twist on the classic dish. Japanese Pork Katsu is a popular dish in Japan, and it's easy to see why. Tender, juicy pork cutlets are coated in panko breadcrumbs and fried until golden brown and crispy. The result is a deliciously crunchy exterior with a juicy, flavorful interior. Serve with a side of rice and tonkatsu sauce for a complete meal that will have your taste buds dancing.
2of 20
Onigiri - The Simple Japanese Rice Ball Snack
Main Ingredients: Rice, Seasoning, Water, Salt
Onigiri is a popular snack in Japan that consists of a ball of rice filled with various fillings and wrapped in nori seaweed. It's a simple and convenient snack that is perfect for on-the-go eating. Onigiri is also a popular lunchbox item for kids and adults alike. The fillings can range from simple ingredients like umeboshi (pickled plum) to more complex combinations like tuna and mayonnaise. No matter what you fill it with, onigiri is a tasty and filling snack that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
3of 20
Hibachi-Style Japanese Fried Rice
Main Ingredients: Soy Sauce, Apple Cider Vinegar, Maple Syrup, Liquid
Hibachi-style Japanese fried rice, also known as chahan, is a popular dish that is typically served at hibachi restaurants. This flavorful fried rice is made with a combination of rice, vegetables, and protein, and is cooked on a flat-top grill with soy sauce and other seasonings. The result is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect as a side or a main course. Use your favorite vegetables and protein to make this dish your own.
4of 20
Japanese Salmon Avocado Rice Bowls
Main Ingredients: Rice, Avocado, Smoked Salmon, Cucumbers, Nori Seaweed
For a healthy and satisfying meal, try these Japanese Salmon Avocado Rice Bowls. This dish features tender pieces of salmon, creamy avocado, and crisp vegetables, all served over a bed of sushi rice. Top it off with a drizzle of soy sauce and sriracha for a spicy kick. This dish is not only delicious, but it's also packed with nutrients and healthy fats. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner.
5of 20
Chicken Teriyaki
Main Ingredients: Sake, Mirin, Soy Sauce, Light Brown Sugar, Fresh
No list of Japanese dishes would be complete without mentioning Chicken Teriyaki. This classic dish features tender chicken pieces marinated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, then grilled to perfection. The result is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect as a main course or served over a bed of rice. The key to a good teriyaki is the marinade, so make sure to let the chicken sit for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
6of 20
Easy Gyudon (Japanese Beef Rice Bowl)
Main Ingredients: Soy Sauce, Sugar, Mirin, Sake, Broth, Ginger, Onion
Gyudon, or Japanese Beef Rice Bowl, is a popular dish in Japan that is quick and easy to make. Thinly sliced beef is cooked in a savory broth with onions and served over a bed of rice. The beef becomes tender and flavorful from cooking in the broth, and the onions add a touch of sweetness. Top it off with a soft-boiled egg for a creamy and delicious addition to this comforting dish.
7of 20
Kombu Onigiri (Kelp "Tsukudani" Rice Ball)
Main Ingredients: Kelp, Water, Sake, Rice Vinegar, Brown Sugar, Mirin
Kombu Onigiri, also known as "kelp rice ball", is a popular variation of onigiri that is filled with tsukudani, a type of Japanese seaweed that is boiled in soy sauce and sugar until it becomes soft and flavorful. The combination of the savory seaweed and the rice is a match made in heaven, and the kelp also adds a unique texture to the dish. These onigiri make a great snack or addition to a bento box.
8of 20
Japanese Rice Balls Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Umeboshi, Bonito Flakes, Soy Sauce, Mirin
Rice balls, or onigiri, are a staple in Japanese cuisine. They are a simple and convenient snack that can be made with various fillings and flavors. One popular variation is tuna mayo onigiri, which is made by mixing canned tuna with mayonnaise and shaping it into a ball with rice. Other popular fillings include salmon, pickled plum, and tempura. With so many possibilities, you can never get bored with onigiri.
9of 20
Katsudon Japanese Pork Cutlet and Egg Rice Bowl
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Chops, Salt, Pepper, Flour, Egg, Panko
Katsudon is a popular Japanese comfort food that is made with a breaded and fried pork cutlet, tonkatsu, and eggs cooked in a sweet and savory sauce. The dish is served over a bed of rice and topped with sliced green onions and benishoga, or pickled ginger. This dish is hearty, filling, and full of flavor. It's the perfect meal for a cold, rainy day or when you just need some comfort food.
Tonkatsu, or Japanese pork cutlet, is a popular dish that is a staple in Japanese home cooking. This dish is made by coating thin slices of pork with flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs, then frying until golden brown and crispy. The result is a tender and juicy pork cutlet with a deliciously crunchy exterior. Serve with a side of tonkatsu sauce and a bowl of rice for a complete meal that is sure to please.
11of 20
Gyudon (Japanese Beef & Rice Bowls)
Main Ingredients: Neutral Oil, Onions, Beef, Sugar, Mirin, Soy Sauce
Gyudon, or Japanese beef and rice bowls, is a popular dish in Japan that is made with thinly sliced beef and onions cooked in a sweet and savory broth and served over a bed of rice. This dish is quick and easy to make, and the flavors are comforting and satisfying. The key to a good gyudon is to cook the beef quickly over high heat so it stays tender and doesn't become tough.
12of 20
Japanese Salmon Bowl
Main Ingredients: White Rice, Rice Wine Vinegar, Soy Sauce, Chilli Sauce
If you're a fan of poke bowls, you'll love this Japanese twist on the popular dish. This Japanese Salmon Bowl features tender pieces of salmon, avocado, cucumber, and edamame, all served over a bed of sushi rice and topped with a drizzle of soy sauce and wasabi. This dish is not only delicious, but it's also packed with protein and nutrients. It's perfect for a light and healthy meal.
13of 20
Teriyaki Meatballs Bento Box
Main Ingredients: Ground Pork, Ground Beef, Panko Bread Crumbs, Green
Bento boxes are a popular lunch option in Japan, and for a good reason. They are convenient, customizable, and packed with a variety of flavors and nutrients. This Teriyaki Meatballs Bento Box features juicy and flavorful meatballs coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, along with a side of rice, vegetables, and fruit. Pack it up for lunch or enjoy it as a quick and easy dinner.
14of 20
Japanese Farm-Style Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
Main Ingredients: Teriyaki, Portobellos, Chicken Thighs, Shitake
This Japanese Farm-Style Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Bowl is a delicious and satisfying dish that is full of flavor. The chicken is marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce and then grilled to perfection. Serve over a bed of rice and top with a fried egg for a complete meal that is sure to please. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend grilling session.
15of 20
Japanese Beef Rice Bowl
Main Ingredients: Water, Dried Kombu, Bonita, Yellow Onion, Red Onion
For a quick and easy meal that is packed with flavor, try this Japanese Beef Rice Bowl. Thinly sliced beef is cooked in a savory broth with onions and served over a bed of rice. The beef becomes tender and flavorful from cooking in the broth, and the onions add a touch of sweetness. Top it off with a soft-boiled egg for a creamy and delicious addition to this comforting dish.
16of 20
Japanese Curry With Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Carrots, Onions, Red
Japanese curry is a popular dish in Japan that is a fusion of Indian and Japanese flavors. The curry is made with a roux and a mix of spices, vegetables, and protein. This version features tender pieces of chicken in a flavorful and slightly spicy curry sauce, served over a bed of rice. Top it off with some fukujinzuke, or pickled vegetables, for a burst of flavor and texture.
17of 20
Japanese Pickled Ginger for Sushi
Main Ingredients: Ginger, Rice, Sugar, Salt, Vinegar
Japanese pickled ginger, also known as gari, is a popular condiment that is often served alongside sushi. It is made by pickling sliced ginger in a mixture of sugar, vinegar, and salt, resulting in a tangy and slightly sweet flavor. It is typically served as a palate cleanser between different types of sushi to enhance the flavors. It's easy to make at home and adds a nice touch to any sushi meal.
18of 20
Gomoku Gohan (Japanese Mixed Rice)
Main Ingredients: Rice, Lotus Roots, Carrot, Aburaage, Dried Shiitake
Gomoku Gohan, or Japanese mixed rice, is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. This dish is made by cooking rice with a variety of ingredients, such as vegetables, protein, and seasonings. The result is a flavorful and hearty rice dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. Use whatever ingredients you have on hand to make this dish your own.
19of 20
How To Cook Japanese Rice With Your Pot
Main Ingredients: Rice, Soft Water
Rice is a staple in Japanese cuisine, and knowing how to cook it properly is essential. While rice cookers are a popular and convenient option, you can also cook perfect rice using a regular pot on your stovetop. The key is to use the right ratio of rice to water and to let the rice steam for a few minutes after cooking. Follow these simple steps to cook the perfect Japanese rice every time.
20of 20
GRILLED JAPANESE FARM STYLE TERIYAKI BOWL
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Portobellos, Shitake Mushrooms, Soy
For a delicious and satisfying meal, try this Grilled Japanese Farm Style Teriyaki Bowl. It features marinated and grilled chicken, a side of rice, and a variety of vegetables, all topped with a homemade teriyaki sauce. This dish is not only tasty but also full of nutrients and protein. Plus, it's perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner.
The Basic Ingredients
Short-grain Rice
The key ingredient in bento box rice balls is the short-grain rice. This type of rice has a stickier texture, making it easier to mold into a ball shape. It also has a slightly sweeter taste, which pairs well with other ingredients and seasonings.
Nori (Seaweed)
Nori, or dried seaweed, is another essential component of bento box rice balls. It adds a unique umami flavor and also helps to hold the rice ball together.
Fillings and Seasonings
One of the best things about onigiri is its versatility. You can fill it with almost any ingredient you desire, such as salmon, tuna, pickled vegetables, or even fried chicken. You can also add various seasonings, such as soy sauce, furikake (a savory Japanese seasoning), or sesame seeds, to enhance the flavor of your rice ball.
The Step-by-Step Process
Cooking the Rice
To make bento box rice balls, you will need to start by cooking the short-grain rice. Rinse the rice thoroughly and then cook it according to the package instructions. Once the rice is cooked, let it cool down slightly before moving on to the next step.
Shaping the Rice
Take a small amount of rice and place it in the palm of your hand. Wet your hands with water to prevent the rice from sticking, and then shape the rice into a triangle or oval shape. Use your fingers to make a small indent in the center of the rice ball, which will serve as a pocket for your filling.
Adding the Filling
Now it's time to add your desired filling to the rice ball. Place the filling in the indent you made earlier, and then cover it with a little bit of rice. Gently press the rice around the filling to seal it inside the ball.
Wrapping with Nori
To add a final touch to your bento box rice ball, wrap it with a sheet of nori. You can either wrap the entire ball or just the bottom half, leaving the top exposed. If you are not planning to eat the rice balls immediately, it's best to wrap them individually in plastic wrap to keep them fresh.
In Conclusion
Making bento box rice balls is a simple and fun process that allows you to get creative with your ingredients and flavors. These tasty and convenient rice balls are perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or as a snack on the go. So why not give this Japanese recipe a try and bring a taste of Japan into your daily meals?
