Looking for a quick, easy, and delicious meal that will fuel your busy days? Look no further than the humble bento box! A staple in Japanese cuisine, bento boxes are perfect for packing a nutritious lunch or dinner that’s both satisfying and visually appealing. With a little creativity, you can create a variety of tasty and healthy meals that cater to different tastes and dietary needs. In this article, we’ll share 20 mouth-watering bento box recipes that will inspire your culinary adventures.
From classic teriyaki chicken to spicy tuna rolls and savory vegetable tempura, our collection of bento boxes offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a busy professional looking for a quick lunch or a parent seeking a healthy meal solution for your family, these recipes are sure to please.
Stay tuned for the full article and get ready to pack a punch with these delectable bento box meals!
Teriyaki Chicken Bento Box
A classic Japanese-inspired dish, this Teriyaki Chicken Bento Box is a flavorful and healthy meal option that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. With its sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, succulent chicken, and crunchy vegetables, it’s a delightful combination in every bite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)
– 1/4 cup cooked white rice
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce and sesame oil.
3. Place chicken breast in the mixture, coating evenly.
4. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, steam mixed vegetables until tender.
6. Assemble the bento box with cooked rice, teriyaki chicken, and steamed vegetables.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Spicy Tuna Roll Bento Box
A delicious and flavorful twist on traditional sushi rolls, this Spicy Tuna Roll is perfect for a quick and easy bento box meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained)
– 1/2 cup of cooked white rice
– 1/4 cup of chopped cucumber
– 1/4 cup of sliced avocado
– 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. In a medium bowl, mix together tuna, cooked rice, cucumber, and avocado until well combined.
2. Lay the nori sheet flat on a cutting board. Spread the tuna mixture evenly onto the seaweed, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
3. Drizzle soy sauce and sriracha sauce over the filling.
4. Roll the sushi using a bamboo mat or your hands, applying gentle pressure.
5. Slice into 8 equal pieces. Serve in a bento box with garnishes of sesame seeds and pickled ginger (if desired).
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Tamagoyaki and Rice Bento Box
Experience the simplicity of Japanese cuisine with this classic Tamagoyaki (Japanese-style rolled omelette) paired with a flavorful bowl of steamed rice. This bento box is perfect for a quick and easy meal or lunchbox.
Ingredients:
– 2 eggs
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup sake (optional)
– 1/2 cup cooked Japanese-style short-grain rice
– Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Crack the eggs into a bowl, add salt, and whisk until smooth.
2. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Pour in the egg mixture and cook until the bottom is set.
3. Roll the omelette using a spatula or bamboo sushi mat. Repeat for the second omelette.
4. Cook Japanese-style short-grain rice according to package instructions.
5. Serve the Tamagoyaki on top of steamed rice, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped scallions.
Cooking Time:
– Tamagoyaki: 5-7 minutes
– Steamed Rice: 15-20 minutes
Karaage Fried Chicken Bento Box
This Japanese-inspired recipe combines crispy karaage-style fried chicken with a variety of colorful vegetables and savory flavors, all packaged in a convenient bento box. Perfect for lunch or dinner on-the-go!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup Japanese-style curry powder (or regular curry powder)
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 egg, beaten
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Assorted vegetables (e.g., carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, green beans)
– Cooked white rice or other grains
– Optional: pickled ginger, sesame seeds, and soy sauce for added flavor
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and curry powder.
2. Dip chicken pieces into beaten egg, then coat with panko breadcrumbs mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
3. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry coated chicken until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes).
4. Drain fried chicken on paper towels and serve with assorted vegetables, cooked rice or grains, and optional pickled ginger, sesame seeds, and soy sauce.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes total, including preparation and cooking time.
Vegetable Tempura Bento Box
This recipe combines crispy vegetable tempura with a nutritious bento box, perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, etc.)
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup ice-cold soda water
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Bento box ingredients (cooked rice, edamame, cucumber slices, etc.)
Instructions:
1. Cut the mixed vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and cornstarch. Gradually add soda water, whisking until smooth.
3. Dip each vegetable piece into the batter, coating evenly.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
5. Fry the battered vegetables in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
6. Drain excess oil on paper towels and serve hot with your favorite bento box ingredients.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Onigiri and Pickled Plum Bento Box
A classic Japanese lunchbox staple, this onigiri (rice ball) and pickled plum bento box is easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup short-grain Japanese rice
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Pickled plums (umeboshi), sliced into wedges
– Optional fillings: salmon, tuna, or pickled vegetables
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice thoroughly and combine with water and salt in a medium saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and fluffy.
3. Allow the rice to cool slightly, then shape into triangles or oval shapes.
4. Place a spoonful of your chosen filling (if using) in the center of each onigiri.
5. Fold the edges over the filling to form a triangle or oval shape.
6. Arrange the onigiri and pickled plums in a bento box for a balanced and delicious meal.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Tips:
– Use short-grain Japanese rice for the best results.
– Adjust the amount of filling to your taste.
– For a more authentic touch, use wasabi or soy sauce as a dipping condiment.
Beef Sukiyaki Bento Box
Experience the flavors of Japan with this savory Beef Sukiyaki Bento Box recipe, featuring tender beef strips cooked in a rich and savory sukiyaki sauce, served with steamed rice and colorful vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (such as sirloin or ribeye), sliced into thin strips
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup sukiyaki sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup steamed Japanese rice
– Assorted vegetables for bento box (e.g. carrots, green beans, cherry tomatoes)
– Sesame seeds and pickled ginger for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook beef strips in a pan with oil and garlic until browned.
2. Add sukiyaki sauce and simmer until the beef is cooked through.
3. Serve beef over steamed rice in a bento box.
4. Arrange assorted vegetables around the beef and rice.
5. Garnish with sesame seeds and pickled ginger.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Salmon Teriyaki Bento Box
A classic Japanese-inspired dish gets a bento box twist! This recipe combines the flavors of grilled salmon, sweet teriyaki sauce, and steamed vegetables for a quick and easy meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers)
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Bento box components: short-grain Japanese rice, sliced daikon radish, pickled ginger, and nori seaweed sheets
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Grill salmon for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, steam mixed vegetables until tender.
5. In a small saucepan, warm teriyaki sauce over low heat.
6. Assemble bento boxes by placing grilled salmon on top of rice, with steamed vegetables and nori sheets on the side.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Japanese Curry Rice Bento Box
A classic Japanese bento box combination, this recipe combines tender chicken, flavorful curry sauce, and fluffy rice for a satisfying meal on-the-go. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy days or as a comforting treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups Japanese curry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions
– 1/4 cup sliced carrots
– 1/4 cup sliced bell peppers
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the chicken breast in a pan until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
2. In a separate pot, heat the curry sauce according to package instructions or homemade recipe.
3. Prepare the bento box by layering the cooked rice, cooked chicken, and sliced vegetables.
4. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Ebi Fry Bento Box
A delicious and easy-to-make Japanese-inspired snack that combines crispy fried shrimp with a flavorful dipping sauce, served in a convenient bento box.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Dipping sauce (see below)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Dip each shrimp into the flour mixture, then roll in panko breadcrumbs to coat.
3. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Fry the coated shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
5. Drain on paper towels and serve hot with dipping sauce.
Dipping Sauce:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl. Serve with fried shrimp.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes, depending on the number of shrimp and frying time.
Chicken Katsu Bento Box
Satisfy your cravings with this flavorful and visually appealing Japanese-inspired bento box, featuring crispy chicken katsu, steamed rice, and savory vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 1 cup Japanese short-grain rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., carrots, green beans, bell peppers)
– Sesame seeds and soy sauce for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the chicken katsu by coating each breast in flour, then egg, and finally panko breadcrumbs.
2. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Cook Japanese rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
4. Steam mixed vegetables until tender.
5. Assemble the bento box by placing cooked chicken on top of steamed rice, accompanied by a serving of mixed vegetables.
6. Garnish with sesame seeds and soy sauce.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Yakisoba Noodle Bento Box
This Japanese-inspired bento box recipe combines stir-fried yakisoba noodles with savory ingredients and fresh vegetables, perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of yakisoba noodles
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, carrots, green beans)
– 1/2 cup cooked chicken or tofu, diced
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook yakisoba noodles according to package instructions.
2. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic, stir-frying until softened.
3. Add mixed vegetables and cooked chicken or tofu, stir-frying until combined.
4. Add soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using), stirring well.
5. Combine cooked noodles with the vegetable mixture, tossing to combine.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Divide into bento boxes and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Gyoza Dumplings Bento Box
This Japanese-inspired bento box recipe combines the deliciousness of pan-fried gyoza dumplings with a variety of colorful and nutritious side dishes. Perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of round wonton wrappers (about 20-24 wrappers)
– 1/2 cup finely chopped cabbage
– 1/2 cup ground pork
– 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions (green onions)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Various bento box side dishes (e.g., steamed rice, pickled ginger, shredded carrots)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped cabbage, ground pork, scallions, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well.
2. Lay a wonton wrapper on a flat surface. Place a tablespoon of the filling in the center of the wrapper.
3. Fold the wrapper into a triangle by bringing the two opposite corners together to form a point. Press edges together to seal.
4. Pan-fry gyoza dumplings in a little oil until golden brown and crispy (about 2-3 minutes per side).
5. Assemble bento box with steamed rice, pickled ginger, shredded carrots, and pan-fried gyoza dumplings.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes to prepare and cook the gyoza dumplings.
Unagi Don Bento Box
Experience the perfect balance of flavors with this Japanese-inspired Unagi Don Bento Box recipe, featuring grilled eel and a savory rice bowl. A delightful combination that will satisfy your appetite.
Ingredients:
– 1 piece of unagi (eel) fillet
– 1 cup cooked Japanese rice
– 1/2 cup dashi broth
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sake
– 1 tablespoon mirin
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1 sheet of nori seaweed
– Pickled ginger slices and shiso leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Grill the unagi fillet according to package instructions or desired level of doneness.
2. Cook Japanese rice according to package instructions.
3. In a small saucepan, combine dashi broth, soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat until reduced slightly.
4. Assemble the bento box by placing cooked rice in the bottom, followed by grilled unagi on top.
5. Drizzle the glaze over the unagi and garnish with nori seaweed, pickled ginger slices, and shiso leaves.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
California Roll Bento Box
A fusion of Japanese and California cuisine, this bento box combines the classic flavors of sushi with a delightful presentation. Perfect for a quick lunch or snack, it’s an exciting twist on traditional sushi rolls.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1/2 avocado, sliced
– 1/2 cucumber, sliced
– 1/4 cup imitation crab meat (or real crab if preferred)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the white rice according to package instructions.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce and sesame oil.
3. Assemble the bento box by placing a scoop of cooked rice in the bottom.
4. Arrange the sliced avocado, cucumber, and imitation crab meat on top of the rice.
5. Drizzle the soy sauce mixture over the ingredients.
6. Garnish with sesame seeds.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Tonkatsu Pork Bento Box
Experience the flavors of Japan with this delightful Tonkatsu Pork Bento Box, featuring crispy breaded pork cutlet, savory vegetables, and fluffy Japanese rice. This easy-to-make bento box is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork cutlet
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Japanese short-grain rice
– Assorted vegetables (e.g., carrots, green beans, cherry tomatoes)
– Soy sauce and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the pork cutlet by pounding it thin and seasoning with salt.
2. Dip the pork in flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
3. Fry the pork in hot oil until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels.
4. Cook Japanese rice according to package instructions.
5. Steam or blanch assorted vegetables until tender.
6. Assemble the bento box with sliced Tonkatsu, cooked rice, and steamed vegetables. Garnish with soy sauce and sesame seeds.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Edamame and Sushi Bento Box
This refreshing bento box combines boiled edamame with a variety of sushi pieces, creating a nutritious and satisfying meal. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this recipe is easy to make and can be customized to your taste.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup edamame
– 1/2 cup cooked Japanese rice (preferably short-grain)
– 1/2 avocado, sliced
– 1/4 cucumber, sliced
– 1/4 carrot, peeled and grated
– 1 piece of sushi roll (e.g., maki or temaki) of your choice
– Sesame seeds and soy sauce for garnish
Instructions:
1. Boil edamame according to package instructions until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare sushi pieces by cutting them into bite-sized portions.
3. Assemble the bento box by placing cooked rice at the bottom, followed by the sliced avocado, cucumber, carrot, and boiled edamame.
4. Add a piece of sushi roll on top and garnish with sesame seeds and soy sauce to taste.
5. Serve immediately or store in an insulated lunch bag for up to 2 hours.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chicken Karaage Bento Box
A classic Japanese snack, Chicken Karaage (Japanese-style fried chicken) is a popular favorite. This recipe serves as the main attraction in a delightful bento box, accompanied by steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sake (or dry white wine)
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked Japanese rice
– Stir-fried mixed vegetables (e.g., carrots, green beans, bell peppers)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt.
2. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly.
3. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown (about 5-6 minutes per batch).
4. Drain excess oil on paper towels. Season with garlic, soy sauce, sake, and ginger.
5. Serve Karaage with steamed rice and stir-fried mixed vegetables.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Shrimp Tempura Bento Box
Savor the flavors of Japan with this easy-to-make Shrimp Tempura Bento Box, featuring crispy shrimp tempura, savory sauce, and a variety of colorful accompaniments.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/2 cup ice-cold soda water
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Tempura sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Assorted bento box ingredients (e.g., steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, pickled ginger)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt.
2. Pour in soda water and mix until smooth batter forms.
3. Dip shrimp into batter, allowing excess to drip off.
4. Fry battered shrimp in hot oil (350°F) for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Drain tempura on paper towels and serve with tempura sauce.
6. Assemble bento box by placing fried shrimp on top of steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, and pickled ginger.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Miso Soup and Rice Bento Box
This classic Japanese-inspired bento box combines the comforting warmth of miso soup with a satisfying serving of fluffy rice, perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups dashi broth (or vegetable broth)
– 2 tablespoons white miso paste
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup sliced green onions
– 1/2 cup cooked Japanese rice
– 1 boiled egg, sliced
– Edamame or other bento-friendly fillings (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small pot, combine dashi broth, miso paste, soy sauce, and grated ginger. Whisk until smooth.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 5 minutes or until heated through.
4. Cook Japanese rice according to package instructions.
5. Assemble bento box with cooked rice, miso soup, sliced green onions, and boiled egg.
6. Add edamame or other fillings of your choice.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Discover delicious and easy-to-make bento box recipes perfect for busy days. This collection features 20 mouth-watering ideas, including Teriyaki Chicken Bento Box, Spicy Tuna Roll Bento Box, and Tamagoyaki and Rice Bento Box. From classic Japanese dishes like Karaage Fried Chicken and Vegetable Tempura to international twists like California Roll and Tonkatsu Pork, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for quick and healthy meals on-the-go, these bento box recipes are sure to inspire your next meal.