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Bento Box Ideas: 5 Days of Bento Packing | Japanese Lunch Box Ideas

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Chef JA Cooks
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Sweet and Sour Stir-Fry is a beloved dish in Japanese cuisine, often enjoyed for its balance of flavors and vibrant colors. This dish showcases a medley of fresh vegetables and protein, typically tofu, coated in a tangy sauce that combines sweetness with a hint of acidity. It's a versatile dish, easily adaptable to include seasonal vegetables or proteins, making it a favorite for both weeknight dinners and festive gatherings.

Ingredients

  • โ—vegetable oil
  • โ—bell peppers
  • โ—onion
  • โ—carrots
  • โ—broccoli
  • โ—snap peas
  • โ—tofu
  • โ—soy sauce
  • โ—rice vinegar
  • โ—sugar
  • โ—cornstarch
  • โ—garlic
  • โ—ginger
  • โ—sesame oil
  • โ—green onions
  • โ—sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. 1Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. 2Add diced bell peppers, onion, and carrots; stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
  3. 3Add broccoli and snap peas; continue stir-frying for another 2-3 minutes until vibrant and tender-crisp.
  4. 4Add cubed tofu and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
  5. 5In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
  6. 6Pour the sauce over the stir-fried vegetables and tofu; stir to coat evenly.
  7. 7Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  8. 8Add minced garlic and ginger; stir-fry for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  9. 9Drizzle with sesame oil and toss to combine.
  10. 10Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Ingredient Alternatives

tofu

Healthier: tempeh

Cheaper: chicken

Tempeh is a protein-rich alternative, while chicken is more affordable.

soy sauce

Healthier: tamari

Cheaper: liquid aminos

Tamari is gluten-free, while liquid aminos is often cheaper.

vegetable oil

Healthier: coconut oil

Cheaper: canola oil

Coconut oil offers a unique flavor, while canola is budget-friendly.

sugar

Healthier: honey

Cheaper: agave syrup

Honey is a natural sweetener, while agave syrup is often less expensive.

Techniques

stir-frying

Equipment

large skilletsmall bowlwhisk
๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธLowsoy

Also Known As

Sour Sweet Stir-FrySweet and Sour Vegetable Stir-Fry

Mushroom rice has roots in various cuisines, often as a comforting dish that highlights the umami flavor of mushrooms. Traditionally served as a side or main dish, it reflects the agricultural practices of utilizing local ingredients. Today, it has gained popularity globally, with variations that include different grains and spices, adapting to local tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients

  • โ—rice
  • โ—mushrooms
  • โ—onion
  • โ—garlic
  • โ—vegetable broth
  • โ—olive oil
  • โ—butter
  • โ—parsley
  • โ—thyme
  • โ—salt
  • โ—black pepper
  • โ—lemon juice
  • โ—parmesan cheese
  • โ—bay leaf
  • โ—carrots
  • โ—peas

Instructions

  1. 1Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted.
  2. 2Add chopped onion and garlic; sautรฉ until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. 3Stir in sliced mushrooms; cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. 4Add rice; stir to coat grains with oil and cook for 2 minutes.
  5. 5Pour in vegetable broth and add bay leaf; bring to a boil.
  6. 6Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender.
  7. 7Remove bay leaf; fluff rice with a fork.
  8. 8Stir in lemon juice, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
  9. 9Fold in grated parmesan cheese if using.
  10. 10Add cooked peas and diced carrots; mix gently to combine.
  11. 11Serve warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Ingredient Alternatives

parmesan cheese

Healthier: nutritional yeast

Cheaper: grated cheddar

Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.

butter

Healthier: coconut oil

Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil is a healthier fat option.

vegetable broth

Healthier: water with herbs

Cheaper: chicken broth

Using water with herbs reduces sodium.

mushrooms

Healthier: cauliflower

Cheaper: canned mushrooms

Cauliflower adds volume with fewer calories.

Techniques

sautรฉingboilingsteaming

Equipment

large skilletpotmeasuring cupsspatulaknifecutting board
๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธLowdairy

Also Known As

Mushroom PilafMushroom Risotto

Tamagoyaki is a traditional Japanese dish often served as part of a bento box or as a side dish in sushi restaurants. It is characterized by its sweet and savory flavor, achieved through the use of dashi and soy sauce. This dish is commonly enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack, showcasing the Japanese culinary technique of rolling layers of cooked egg.

Ingredients

  • โ—eggs
  • โ—dashi
  • โ—soy sauce
  • โ—sugar
  • โ—salt
  • โ—oil

Instructions

  1. 1In a bowl, whisk together eggs, dashi, soy sauce, sugar, and salt until well combined.
  2. 2Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly oil it.
  3. 3Pour a small amount of the egg mixture into the pan, tilting to spread evenly.
  4. 4Cook until the edges start to set, then roll the omelette towards one side of the pan.
  5. 5Add more egg mixture to the pan, lifting the rolled omelette to allow the uncooked mixture to flow underneath.
  6. 6Repeat the process until all the egg mixture is used, forming layers.
  7. 7Remove from the pan and let it cool slightly before slicing into pieces.

Ingredient Alternatives

dashi

Healthier: vegetable broth

Cheaper: water

Vegetable broth is lower in calories and can be more budget-friendly.

soy sauce

Healthier: low-sodium soy sauce

Cheaper: tamari

Low-sodium soy sauce is healthier, while tamari can be a gluten-free alternative.

Techniques

whiskingrollingcooking

Equipment

non-stick panwhiskspatulabowl
๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธLoweggs

Also Known As

Japanese omeletteDashimaki Tamago

Originating from Sichuan province in China, Mapo Tofu is a beloved dish known for its bold flavors and numbing spiciness from Sichuan peppercorns. Traditionally, it features soft tofu and minced meat in a spicy sauce, often enjoyed with rice. Today, it has gained international popularity, inspiring various adaptations and vegetarian versions, making it a staple in Chinese cuisine around the world.

Ingredients

  • โ—tofu
  • โ—ground pork
  • โ—doubanjiang
  • โ—soy sauce
  • โ—ginger
  • โ—garlic
  • โ—scallions
  • โ—Sichuan peppercorns
  • โ—vegetable oil
  • โ—chicken broth
  • โ—cornstarch
  • โ—water
  • โ—sesame oil

Instructions

  1. 1Heat vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. 2Add ground pork and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. 3Stir in minced garlic, ginger, and scallions; sautรฉ for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. 4Add doubanjiang and soy sauce; mix well and cook for another minute.
  5. 5Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
  6. 6Gently add cubed tofu, stirring carefully to avoid breaking it.
  7. 7Simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  8. 8Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry; add to the wok.
  9. 9Stir gently until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
  10. 10Add Sichuan peppercorns and sesame oil; mix to combine.
  11. 11Serve hot, garnished with additional scallions if desired.

Ingredient Alternatives

ground pork

Healthier: ground turkey

Cheaper: ground beef

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground beef is often less expensive.

doubanjiang

Healthier: chili paste

Cheaper: sriracha

Chili paste can replicate the heat with less complexity.

Sichuan peppercorns

Cheaper: black pepper

Black pepper provides spice but lacks the unique numbing effect.

chicken broth

Healthier: vegetable broth

Cheaper: water with seasoning

Vegetable broth is lower in calories, while water is a budget-friendly option.

Techniques

sautรฉingmixingthickening

Equipment

wokspatulameasuring cupsknifecutting board
๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธHotsoy

Also Known As

Mapo Doufu้บปๅฉ†่ฑ†่…

Ingredients

  • โ—500g ground beef
  • โ—1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • โ—1/4 cup milk
  • โ—1 egg
  • โ—1 small onion, finely chopped
  • โ—2 cloves garlic, minced
  • โ—1 tsp salt
  • โ—1/2 tsp black pepper
  • โ—1 tbsp soy sauce
  • โ—1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • โ—2 tbsp ketchup
  • โ—2 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. 1In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
  2. 2Mix the ingredients until well combined, but do not overmix.
  3. 3Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape them into patties.
  4. 4Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  5. 5Add the patties to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are browned and cooked through.
  6. 6Remove the patties from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes.
  7. 7In the same skillet, add ketchup and a little water to create a sauce, stirring to combine.
  8. 8Serve the patties with the sauce drizzled on top.

Equipment

large bowlskilletspatula
veganplant-baseddairy-freeegg-freesoy-free

Ingredients

  • โ—1 block (14 oz) firm tofu
  • โ—2 tbsp soy sauce
  • โ—1 tbsp mirin
  • โ—1 tbsp sugar
  • โ—1/2 tsp sesame oil
  • โ—1/4 tsp salt
  • โ—1/4 tsp black pepper
  • โ—1 green onion, finely chopped
  • โ—1 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. 1Drain the tofu and wrap it in a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture. Let it sit for about 15 minutes.
  2. 2Crumble the tofu into small pieces using your hands or a fork.
  3. 3In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
  4. 4Add the crumbled tofu to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. 5In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, mirin, sugar, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper.
  6. 6Pour the sauce mixture over the tofu in the skillet and stir well to combine.
  7. 7Continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the tofu is slightly browned and the sauce has thickened.
  8. 8Remove from heat and stir in the chopped green onion.
  9. 9Serve warm over rice or as a filling for sushi rolls.

Equipment

skilletmixing bowlkitchen towelspatula

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