Hanami Bento - Spring themed Japanese Bento Box Recipe

mirin

🥗Healthier: rice vinegar

💰Cheaper: white wine

Rice vinegar adds acidity without the sweetness of mirin.

ground chicken

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground beef

Ground turkey is leaner while ground beef is often cheaper.

nori

🥗Healthier: seaweed snacks

💰Cheaper: none

Seaweed snacks provide a similar flavor but are not a direct substitute.

pickled vegetables

🥗Healthier: fresh vegetables

💰Cheaper: none

Fresh vegetables can be a healthier option but change the flavor profile.

Start by cooking rice in a rice cooker, which will take about 25 minutes.

Prepare snow peas by breaking off the stems and pulling the strings.

Boil the snow peas until tender.

Cut the snow peas into small pieces diagonally.

Slice the carrots and cut them into sakura-shaped pieces using a cutter.

Place the sliced carrots into a microwave-safe container, add 1 teaspoon of sugar and 1 teaspoon of butter, cover with plastic wrap, and microwave for 2 minutes at 500 watts.

Beat 2 eggs, 2 teaspoons of sugar, and a pinch of salt together in a cup.

Heat oil in a pot on medium heat.

Pour the egg mixture into the pot and scramble with chopsticks until set but still soft, then transfer to a bowl and set aside.

Place ground chicken in a pot, add mirin, sugar, and soy sauce, and heat on medium.

Cook the ground chicken until most of the liquid has been absorbed.

In a bento box, place the cooked rice first, then arrange the ground chicken, green peas, and carrots on top to cover the entire surface.

Wrap the bento box with a wrapping cloth for transport.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens