19 Japanese Style Bento Box Recipe Dive Into Deliciousness!
Published on: Mar 26, 2024
Japanese style bento boxes are not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes. These compartmentalized lunch boxes originated in Japan and have become popular all over the world. They are not only practical for carrying a variety of dishes, but also showcase the delicate art of Japanese cuisine. In this article, we will guide you through a traditional Japanese style bento box recipe that will elevate your lunch game and impress your taste buds.
If you're looking for a delicious and convenient lunch option, look no further than the Japanese-style bento box. This traditional meal is not only visually appealing, but it also offers a variety of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds satisfied. The key to a perfect bento box is balance - a combination of rice, protein, vegetables, and a little bit of sweetness. Here are some of the best Japanese-style bento box recipes to try out at home.
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Bento Box Soup
Main Ingredients: Soba Noodles, Vegetable Broth, Toasted Sesame Oil
When the weather is cold and you're craving something warm and comforting, try making a bento box soup. This dish typically consists of a flavorful broth, noodles, and a variety of vegetables and protein. You can customize your bento box soup with your favorite ingredients, like tofu, shrimp, or chicken. It's the perfect meal for a cozy night in or a quick lunch.
Katsu refers to a Japanese-style cutlet, usually made with pork or chicken. It's a popular dish in Japan, and for a good reason - it's crispy, juicy, and full of flavor. To make a bento box with pork katsu, simply slice the cooked cutlet into bite-sized pieces and add it to your bento box with some rice, steamed vegetables, and pickled radish. You can also drizzle some tonkatsu sauce on top for extra flavor.
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Teriyaki Meatballs Bento Box
Main Ingredients: Ground Pork, Ground Beef, Panko Bread Crumbs, Green
Teriyaki meatballs are a delicious and convenient option for a bento box. You can make them with ground beef, pork, or chicken, and then cook them in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. The meatballs can be served on top of rice or noodles, with some steamed broccoli and carrots on the side. It's a great option for meal prep, as you can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
Who says pancakes are just for breakfast? Japanese-style pancakes, or okonomiyaki, are a popular meal in Japan that can be enjoyed any time of the day. These fluffy pancakes are made with cabbage, flour, eggs, and your choice of protein, like bacon, shrimp, or octopus. They are typically topped with a variety of sauces, like mayonnaise, okonomiyaki sauce, and bonito flakes. Add them to your bento box for a unique and tasty lunch option.
If you have a sweet tooth, this Japanese-style cheesecake is a must-try. Unlike traditional cheesecakes, Japanese ‘cotton’ cheesecake is light, fluffy, and has a delicate texture. It's made with cream cheese, eggs, and cornstarch, and is typically served with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh fruit. Cut a small slice and add it to your bento box for a sweet treat.
Okonomiyaki is a savory Japanese pancake that is packed with flavor and texture. It's made with a batter of flour, eggs, and dashi (a type of Japanese stock), and then filled with ingredients like cabbage, pork belly, shrimp, and octopus. You can top it off with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes for a delicious and filling bento box option.
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Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
This refreshing and crunchy cucumber salad is a staple in Japanese cuisine. It's made with cucumbers and a sweet and tangy vinegar dressing. You can also add some crab meat or shrimp for extra protein. It's a great side dish to add to your bento box, especially during the warmer months.
Ramen is a popular Japanese noodle dish that is typically served in a flavorful broth with toppings like pork, green onions, and soft-boiled eggs. You can make your own ramen at home and add it to your bento box for a filling and satisfying lunch. You can also add some steamed vegetables or tofu to make it even more nutritious.
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Japanese Rice Balls Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Umeboshi, Bonito Flakes, Soy Sauce, Mirin
Onigiri are packed rice balls that are a popular snack in Japan. They are typically filled with umeboshi (pickled plums), tuna, salmon, or pickled vegetables. They are easy to make and can be added to your bento box as a quick and convenient option. You can also wrap them in nori seaweed for extra flavor.
Udon noodle soup is another popular dish in Japan that can be easily made at home. It's made with thick and chewy udon noodles, a flavorful broth, and topped with ingredients like tempura, tofu, and green onions. It's a hearty and delicious option for a bento box, especially during the colder months.
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Japanese Gyoza Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Napa Cabbage, Ground Pork, Garlic, Fresh Ginger
Gyoza are Japanese-style dumplings that are typically filled with ground pork, cabbage, and garlic. They can be steamed or pan-fried, and are often served with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce and rice vinegar. These tasty dumplings can be added to your bento box as a protein-packed option.
Japanese eggplant, or nasu, has a thinner skin and a sweeter flavor compared to regular eggplant. It can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as grilling, roasting, or stir-frying. You can add it to your bento box as a tasty and nutritious side dish, or even turn it into a main dish by stuffing it with ground pork or tofu.
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Japanese Soba Noodles With Peanut Sauce
Main Ingredients: Soba Noodles, Unsalted Roasted Peanuts, Sesame Oil
Soba noodles are thin and chewy noodles made from buckwheat flour. They are a staple in Japanese cuisine and can be served hot or cold. For a delicious bento box option, try tossing cold soba noodles with a peanut sauce and topping it with steamed vegetables and tofu. It's a satisfying and flavorful meal that you can enjoy on the go.
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Yakitori (Japanese Grilled Chicken)
Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Thighs, Soy Sauce, Pure Maple Syrup
Yakitori is a popular type of Japanese skewered chicken that is grilled and often brushed with a teriyaki sauce. It's a tasty and convenient option for a bento box, as you can easily make it at home and pack it with some rice and steamed vegetables. You can also add other types of skewered meat, like beef or pork.
Japanese zucchini, or kyuri, is a type of cucumber that is thinner and sweeter than regular cucumbers. It can be eaten raw or cooked in a variety of dishes, like stir-fries, soups, or salads. You can add it to your bento box as a refreshing and nutritious side dish, or even turn it into a main dish by stuffing it with ground chicken or tofu.
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Japanese Beef Steak
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Sake, Water, New York Steaks
If you're in the mood for something indulgent, try adding Japanese-style beef steak to your bento box. Japanese beef, or Wagyu, is known for its high quality and marbling, making it incredibly tender and flavorful. You can cook the steak to your preference and add it to your bento box with some rice and steamed vegetables.
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Katsudon Japanese Pork Cutlet and Egg Rice Bowl
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Chops, Salt, Pepper, Flour, Egg, Panko
Katsudon is a popular rice bowl dish in Japan that consists of a deep-fried pork cutlet, egg, and rice. The pork cutlet is cooked in a sweet and savory sauce and then placed on top of a bed of rice with a soft-boiled egg on top. It's a satisfying and delicious option for a bento box.
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Japanese Sweet Potato Okonomiyaki
Main Ingredients: Plain Flour, Baking Powder, Vegetable Stock, Eggs, Soy
If you're a fan of sweet potatoes, you'll love this Japanese-style sweet potato okonomiyaki. Instead of using regular flour, this savory pancake is made with sweet potato flour, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. It's filled with sweet potato chunks and can be topped with your choice of protein, like bacon or shrimp. It's a great option for a vegetarian bento box.
Japanese curry is a popular dish that has become a staple in Japanese cuisine. It's a thick and flavorful curry sauce that is typically served with rice, vegetables, and protein, like beef, chicken, or seafood. You can make a big batch of curry and add it to your bento box throughout the week for a quick and delicious lunch option.
Ingredients You Will Need:
Sushi Rice
- 2 cups of short-grain rice
- 2 1/4 cups of water
- 1/4 cup of rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- Sesame seeds
- Soy sauce
- Wasabi paste
- Japanese pickles
- Sliced green onions
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sushi Rice
- Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear. This will remove the excess starch.
- In a pot, bring the rice and water to a boil. Once boiled, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 18 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved.
- Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and gently mix in the vinegar mixture with a wooden spoon. Let the rice cool down to room temperature.
2. Prepare the Fillings
- Slice the cucumber, avocado, and carrot into thin strips.
- Cut the smoked salmon and cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice the tamagoyaki into thin strips.
3. Assemble the Bento Box
- Start by placing a small amount of rice in the bottom of each compartment of the bento box.
- Arrange the fillings on top of the rice, making sure to use a variety of colors and textures.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added flavor and crunch.
4. Add Garnishes
- Place a small amount of soy sauce and wasabi paste in a separate compartment for dipping.
- Add Japanese pickles and sliced green onions for extra flavor and decoration.
Final Thoughts:
With its beautiful presentation and delicious flavors, the Japanese style bento box is the perfect lunch option for any occasion. It can also be customized with your favorite sushi fillings and garnishes. So why not try this traditional recipe and impress your friends and family with your bento box making skills.
