6 Freezable Bento Box lunch Ideas - Japanese Bento Recipes for Beginners
Recipes in this Video
The Three-color Bento, or Sanbento, is a traditional Japanese lunch box that showcases a vibrant array of ingredients, symbolizing balance and nutrition. Typically enjoyed during picnics or as a convenient meal option, this bento reflects the Japanese ethos of aesthetic presentation and seasonal ingredients. Today, variations can be found worldwide, often adapted to local tastes and dietary preferences.
Ingredients
- ●rice
- ●nori
- ●egg
- ●carrot
- ●spinach
- ●chicken
- ●soy sauce
- ●mirin
- ●sugar
- ●salt
- ●sesame seeds
- ●pickled vegetables
- ●wasabi
- ●ginger
- ●green onion
Instructions
- 1Cook rice according to package instructions and let cool.
- 2Prepare the chicken by marinating it in soy sauce, mirin, and sugar for 30 minutes.
- 3Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the marinated chicken until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4In a separate pan, scramble the eggs until just set and season with salt.
- 5Blanch the spinach in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then drain and squeeze out excess water.
- 6Julienne the carrot and sauté in a little oil until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- 7Assemble the bento by placing rice in one compartment, followed by chicken, scrambled eggs, spinach, and carrots.
- 8Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions on top of the rice.
- 9Add pickled vegetables and wasabi on the side for extra flavor.
- 10Cover the bento box and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- 11Enjoy cold or at room temperature.
Ingredient Alternatives
chicken
Healthier: tofu
Cheaper: canned tuna
Tofu offers a plant-based protein option while canned tuna is often less expensive.
nori
Healthier: rice paper
Cheaper: lettuce leaves
Rice paper is lower in calories, and lettuce leaves provide a fresh alternative.
mirin
Healthier: rice vinegar
Cheaper: white sugar + water
Rice vinegar adds acidity without the added sugar.
soy sauce
Healthier: coconut aminos
Cheaper: salt + water
Coconut aminos are lower in sodium, while salt and water are more economical.
Techniques
Equipment
Also Known As
Chicken Teriyaki is a popular dish in Japanese cuisine, known for its sweet and savory glaze. The term 'teriyaki' refers to the cooking method of grilling or broiling with a glaze. While its origins trace back to Japan, the dish has gained international popularity, especially in Western countries, where it is often adapted with various ingredients and served in different styles.
Ingredients
- ●chicken breast
- ●soy sauce
- ●mirin
- ●sugar
- ●ginger
- ●garlic
- ●green onions
- ●sesame seeds
Instructions
- 1Marinate chicken in soy sauce, mirin, sugar, ginger, and garlic for at least 30 minutes.
- 2Preheat grill or skillet over medium heat.
- 3Remove chicken from marinade, reserving marinade for later.
- 4Grill or sauté chicken until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side.
- 5In a small saucepan, bring reserved marinade to a boil and simmer for a few minutes to thicken.
- 6Slice chicken and drizzle with thickened sauce, then garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Ingredient Alternatives
chicken breast
Healthier: chicken thighs
Cheaper: chicken thighs
Thighs are often more flavorful and less expensive.
soy sauce
Healthier: low-sodium soy sauce
Lower sodium option for health.
mirin
Healthier: rice vinegar with a bit of sugar
Cheaper: rice vinegar with a bit of sugar
A more accessible alternative.
Techniques
Equipment
Also Known As
Miso soup is a traditional Japanese dish often served as a staple in Japanese households. It is commonly consumed at breakfast, but can also be enjoyed at any meal. The soup's base, miso, is a fermented soybean paste that provides a rich umami flavor. Variations exist depending on regional ingredients and personal preferences, making it a versatile dish in Japanese cuisine.
Ingredients
- ●miso paste
- ●dashi stock
- ●tofu
- ●seaweed
- ●green onions
Instructions
- 1Prepare dashi stock by boiling water and adding dashi granules or kombu.
- 2In a separate bowl, dissolve miso paste in a small amount of warm dashi.
- 3Add the dissolved miso to the pot of dashi stock, stirring gently.
- 4Cut tofu into small cubes and add to the soup.
- 5Add seaweed and simmer for a few minutes until softened.
- 6Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Ingredient Alternatives
miso paste
Healthier: white miso
Cheaper: soybean paste
White miso is lower in sodium, while soybean paste can be more budget-friendly.
tofu
Healthier: silken tofu
Cheaper: firm tofu
Silken tofu is lower in calories, while firm tofu is often less expensive.
Techniques
Equipment
Also Known As
Gyoza originated from Chinese jiaozi and became popular in Japan after World War II. Traditionally enjoyed as a snack or appetizer, they symbolize home cooking and are often made during family gatherings. Today, gyoza has gained global popularity, with variations across different cultures, including vegetarian and fusion options.
Ingredients
- ●gyoza wrappers
- ●ground pork
- ●cabbage
- ●green onions
- ●garlic
- ●ginger
- ●soy sauce
- ●sesame oil
- ●salt
- ●pepper
- ●water
- ●vegetable oil
- ●vinegar
Instructions
- 1Prepare the filling by mixing ground pork, finely chopped cabbage, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- 2Place a gyoza wrapper on a clean surface and add a spoonful of filling in the center.
- 3Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water, fold it in half, and pinch to seal, creating pleats if desired.
- 4Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- 5Arrange the gyoza in the skillet, flat side down, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown.
- 6Add water to the skillet (enough to cover the bottom) and cover immediately with a lid.
- 7Steam the gyoza for about 5 minutes, or until the water has evaporated and the gyoza are cooked through.
- 8Remove the lid and let them cook for an additional minute to crisp the bottoms again.
- 9Serve hot with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce and vinegar.
Ingredient Alternatives
ground pork
Healthier: ground chicken
Cheaper: ground beef
Ground chicken is leaner, while ground beef is often more economical.
gyoza wrappers
Healthier: rice paper
Cheaper: wonton wrappers
Rice paper is gluten-free, while wonton wrappers are commonly available.
soy sauce
Healthier: low-sodium soy sauce
Cheaper: tamari
Low-sodium soy sauce reduces salt intake, while tamari is gluten-free.
sesame oil
Healthier: olive oil
Cheaper: canola oil
Olive oil is healthier, while canola oil is less expensive.
Techniques
Equipment
Also Known As
Japanese rice, known as shari, is a staple in Japanese cuisine, often served with sushi or as a side dish. It is characterized by its sticky texture and slightly sweet flavor, achieved through the use of short-grain rice and a vinegar mixture. This rice has cultural significance, symbolizing purity and simplicity in Japanese dining. Today, it is enjoyed globally, especially in sushi restaurants.
Ingredients
- ●short-grain rice
- ●water
- ●rice vinegar
- ●sugar
- ●salt
Instructions
- 1Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- 2Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- 3Drain the soaked rice and transfer it to a rice cooker or pot.
- 4Add fresh water to the rice, following the 1:1 ratio of rice to water.
- 5Cook the rice according to the rice cooker's instructions or bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low heat for 18-20 minutes.
- 6Remove the pot from heat and let it sit covered for 10 minutes to steam.
- 7In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved.
- 8Transfer the cooked rice to a large bowl and gently fold in the vinegar mixture.
- 9Allow the rice to cool to room temperature before serving.
Ingredient Alternatives
rice vinegar
Healthier: apple cider vinegar
Cheaper: white vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has a milder flavor.
sugar
Healthier: honey
Cheaper: corn syrup
Honey adds sweetness with a different flavor profile.
Techniques
Equipment
Also Known As
The Bento Box is a traditional Japanese meal that is often prepared for lunch. It typically contains a variety of foods, including rice, fish, meat, and vegetables, all neatly arranged in a single container. This meal is not only practical for on-the-go eating but also reflects the Japanese aesthetic of balance and harmony in food presentation. Bento boxes can be homemade or purchased, and they are popular among students and workers alike.
Ingredients
- ●rice
- ●grilled fish
- ●pickled vegetables
- ●seaweed
- ●egg
- ●meat
- ●fruit
Instructions
- 1Prepare rice according to package instructions.
- 2Grill or steam the fish until cooked through.
- 3Slice vegetables and prepare pickles.
- 4Cook the egg and slice it into strips or make an omelet.
- 5Arrange the rice, fish, vegetables, and egg in a compartmentalized box.
- 6Add fruit as a side for freshness.
Ingredient Alternatives
white rice
Healthier: brown rice
Cheaper: quinoa
Brown rice is more nutritious, while quinoa is often cheaper.
grilled fish
Healthier: tofu
Cheaper: canned tuna
Tofu is a healthier protein alternative, while canned tuna is budget-friendly.
Techniques
Equipment
Also Known As
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