Are you looking for a quick, easy, and delicious way to fuel your busy days? Look no further than the humble Japanese bento box. These beautifully presented boxes of goodness are not only a feast for the eyes but also packed with flavor and nutrients. In Japan, bento is a staple of daily life, providing a nutritious and satisfying meal for people on-the-go.
In this article, we’ll explore 20 delicious Japanese bento box recipes that are perfect for busy days. From classic teriyaki chicken to savory beef sukiyaki, these recipes showcase the best of Japanese cuisine. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just looking for some inspiration in the kitchen, you’ll find something to love in this collection of mouthwatering dishes.
So go ahead and grab your bento box – it’s time to get cooking!
Teriyaki Chicken Bento Box
A flavorful and nutritious bento box recipe that combines the sweetness of teriyaki sauce with the savory taste of chicken.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1/4 cup sliced green onions for garnish
– Cooked white rice (for serving)
– Steamed vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers) for serving
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and grated ginger.
2. Place the chicken pieces in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
4. Assemble the bento box by placing the cooked chicken on top of cooked white rice, with steamed vegetables on the side. Garnish with sliced green onions.
Cooking Time: 20-30 minutes
Tamagoyaki and Rice Bento
A classic Japanese bento recipe featuring tamagoyaki (Japanese-style rolled omelette) and steamed rice, perfect for a quick and easy lunch or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 eggs
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup sake (or substitute with dry white wine)
– 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet Japanese cooking sake)
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1 cup Japanese short-grain rice
– Water for steaming
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together eggs, soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar until well combined.
2. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Pour in the egg mixture and cook until the edges start to set (about 30 seconds).
3. Use a spatula to gently lift and fold the edges towards the center, allowing uncooked egg to flow to the edges. Repeat this process 4-5 times or until the eggs are almost set.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Cook Japanese short-grain rice according to package instructions using water for steaming.
6. Cut the tamagoyaki into bite-sized pieces and serve with steamed rice.
Cooking Time:
– Tamagoyaki: 2-3 minutes
– Steamed Rice: 15-20 minutes
Karaage Fried Chicken Bento
Get ready for a Japanese-inspired twist on classic fried chicken! This Karaage Fried Chicken Bento recipe combines crispy, juicy chicken with savory bento box flavors.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/2 cup potato starch
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 cup Karaage sauce (available at Asian grocery stores or online)
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Bento box ingredients: steamed Japanese rice, stir-fried vegetables (e.g. carrots, green beans), and pickled ginger
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, potato starch, salt, black pepper, and baking powder.
2. Dip chicken pieces into the dry mixture, shaking off excess.
3. Fry chicken in hot oil (375°F) for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown.
4. Drain on paper towels and toss with Karaage sauce while still warm.
5. Assemble bento box with fried chicken, steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, and pickled ginger.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Onigiri and Pickled Vegetables Bento
This classic Japanese recipe combines the simplicity of onigiri (triangular rice balls) with the tanginess of pickled vegetables, perfect for a quick and easy bento meal.
Ingredients:
For the Onigiri:
– 2 cups cooked Japanese short-grain rice
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Pickled Vegetables:
– 1 cup thinly sliced carrots
– 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber
– 1/2 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked rice and water. Mix until the rice is sticky and forms a ball.
2. Divide the rice into small portions and shape each portion into a triangle (onigiri).
3. For the pickled vegetables, combine vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and salt in a separate bowl.
4. Add sliced carrots, cucumber, and red bell pepper to the marinade and toss to coat.
5. Assemble the bento by placing an onigiri in the center and surrounding it with pickled vegetables.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Beef Sukiyaki Bento Box
Savor the flavors of Japan with this classic Beef Sukiyaki recipe, served in a beautifully presented bento box.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef (sirloin or ribeye), sliced into thin strips
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sake (or dry white wine)
– 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet Japanese cooking wine)
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
– 1 cup bok choy, chopped
– 1/2 cup cooked Japanese rice
– Bento box components: nori seaweed sheets, pickled ginger slices
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sake, mirin, sugar, and grated ginger.
2. Add the sliced beef to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
3. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove beef from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off.
4. Cook beef and onion mixture until beef is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add garlic, mushrooms, and bok choy to the wok. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.
6. Serve the Beef Sukiyaki in a bento box with cooked Japanese rice, nori seaweed sheets, and pickled ginger slices.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Salmon Teriyaki Bento
Enjoy a flavorful and nutritious bento-style meal with this easy-to-make Salmon Teriyaki recipe.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– Cooked Japanese rice
– Steamed vegetables (e.g., broccoli, carrots)
– Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and sesame oil.
3. Place salmon fillets in a shallow baking dish and brush the teriyaki mixture evenly over both sides of the fish.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Prepare Japanese rice according to package instructions.
6. Steam desired vegetables until tender.
7. Assemble bento by placing cooked salmon on top of Japanese rice, accompanied by steamed vegetables and garnished with sesame seeds and chopped scallions.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Ebi Fry (Fried Shrimp) Bento
A classic Japanese-inspired bento that combines crispy fried shrimp with a variety of flavors and textures. This simple recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Sliced carrots, green beans, and bok choy for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and panko breadcrumbs.
2. Dip each shrimp into the beaten egg, then coat in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
3. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Fry the shrimp in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Yakisoba Noodle Bento
A classic Japanese-inspired bento box filled with savory yakisoba noodles, crispy vegetables, and a sweet surprise.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup yakisoba noodles
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, bean sprouts)
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup pickled ginger slices
– 1 hard-boiled egg, sliced
Instructions:
1. Cook yakisoba noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
3. Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender-crisp.
4. Add cooked noodles, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using). Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes to combine flavors.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Assemble bento box by placing noodles at the bottom, followed by sliced egg, pickled ginger slices, and any additional desired fillings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Gyoza and Rice Bento
A classic Japanese combination of pan-fried dumplings and fluffy rice, this bento box is a satisfying and filling meal for any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 1 package Gyoza wrappers (about 20-24 pieces)
– 1/2 cup ground pork
– 1/4 cup finely chopped cabbage
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked Japanese short-grain rice (about 1 cup cooked)
– Sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, chopped cabbage, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
2. Lay a Gyoza wrapper on a flat surface. Place about 1 tablespoon of the pork 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. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add enough oil to shallow-fry the Gyoza. Pan-fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Serve the Gyoza on top of cooked Japanese short-grain rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes total
Tonkatsu (Pork Cutlet) Bento
Experience the classic Japanese flavors of tonkatsu, a breaded and fried pork cutlet, paired with a simple bento box meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 pork cutlets (about 1/4 inch thick)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1/4 cup water
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Bento box staples:
+ Cooked Japanese rice
+ Stir-fried vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, carrots, green beans)
+ Boiled edamame
Instructions:
1. Prepare the breading station by mixing flour, breadcrumbs, and a pinch of salt on one plate.
2. Dip each pork cutlet in beaten egg, then coat in the breading mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
3. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry breaded pork cutlets for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden brown.
4. Serve tonkatsu with steamed Japanese rice, stir-fried vegetables, and boiled edamame for a well-rounded bento box meal.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chicken Katsu Bento Box
Transform your lunch into a delightful Japanese-inspired meal with this easy-to-make Chicken Katsu Bento Box recipe. This classic combination of crispy chicken cutlet, savory sauce, and colorful bento box filling is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Tonkatsu sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Steamed Japanese rice
– Sliced carrots and green beans
– Pickled ginger slices
Instructions:
1. Prepare the chicken: Cut each breast into a thin cutlet, season with salt, and dip in flour mixture.
2. Fry the chicken: Dredge the chicken in panko breadcrumbs and fry until golden brown (3-4 minutes per side).
3. Assemble the bento box: Place a fried chicken cutlet on top of steamed Japanese rice, accompanied by sliced carrots, green beans, and pickled ginger slices.
4. Serve with tonkatsu sauce for dipping.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Unagi (Grilled Eel) Bento
Experience the classic Japanese flavors of Unagi, grilled to perfection and served with a variety of bento-style accompaniments.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb eel fillets (unagi)
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp sake
– 2 tbsp mirin
– 2 tsp sugar
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sake, mirin, sugar, and ginger.
3. Place eel fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Grill eel for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, prepare bento accompaniments: cook Japanese rice according to package instructions, slice cucumbers and carrots, and prepare pickled ginger.
6. Assemble the bento by placing grilled eel on a bed of rice, accompanied by your choice of sides.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (including marinating time)
Vegetable Tempura Bento
This recipe brings together the Japanese art of tempura with the convenience of a bento box, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g. carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms)
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
– 1/2 cup ice-cold soda water
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Bento box and lid
Instructions:
1. Cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, cornstarch, salt, and white pepper.
3. Pour in soda water and stir until batter is smooth.
4. Dip each vegetable piece into the batter, allowing excess to drip off.
5. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Fry the battered vegetables in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
7. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
8. Assemble the bento box with fried tempura, your favorite Japanese rice, and any additional desired fillings (e.g. pickled ginger, wasabi).
9. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Tuna Roll Bento
A classic Japanese-inspired bento filled with spicy tuna rolls, perfect for a quick and flavorful lunch or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of sushi-grade tuna (drained)
– 1/2 cup of cooked white rice
– 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
– 1 sheet of nori seaweed
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, mix together tuna, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
2. Lay the nori sheet flat and spread a thin layer of cooked rice onto it, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
3. Place about 1 tablespoon of the spicy tuna mixture in the middle of the rice.
4. Roll the sushi using a bamboo mat or a clean tea towel, applying gentle pressure to form a compact roll.
5. Slice into bite-sized pieces and serve with your favorite bento box fillings.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (prep and assembly)
Miso Glazed Cod Bento
Transform your bento game with this sweet and savory Miso Glazed Cod recipe! Pan-seared cod is smothered in a sticky miso glaze, served atop a bed of fluffy Japanese rice and paired with crunchy vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup white miso paste
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp sake (or dry white wine)
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tsp grated ginger
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Japanese short-grain rice, cooked according to package instructions
– Assorted vegetables (e.g., carrots, green beans, cherry tomatoes)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small saucepan, combine miso paste, soy sauce, sake, brown sugar, and grated ginger. Whisk until smooth.
3. Brush both sides of cod fillets with sesame oil. Pan-sear in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Transfer cod to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon miso glaze evenly over each fillet.
5. Bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and sticky.
6. Serve cod atop Japanese rice, surrounded by assorted vegetables.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Oyakodon (Chicken and Egg Bowl) Bento
A classic Japanese comfort food, Oyakodon is a simple yet satisfying dish that combines the richness of chicken and egg with the warmth of steamed rice. This recipe serves one, but can easily be doubled or tripled to feed a crowd.
Ingredients:
– 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 2 eggs
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sake (Japanese cooking wine)
– 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet Japanese cooking wine)
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
– Cooked Japanese rice
– Scallions, thinly sliced
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sake, mirin, sugar, and white pepper to make the sauce.
2. Slice the chicken breast into thin strips and place in a separate bowl.
3. Pour the sauce over the chicken and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Cook the chicken in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side.
5. Crack the eggs into a small bowl and whisk lightly.
6. Add the eggs to the skillet with the chicken and scramble until cooked through.
7. Serve the chicken and egg mixture over steamed Japanese rice, garnished with thinly sliced scallions.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Japanese Curry Rice Bento
A classic Japanese comfort food, this curry rice bento is a simple and satisfying meal perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked Japanese short-grain rice
– 1/2 cup Japanese curry roux (available at most Asian grocery stores)
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g. carrots, green beans, peas)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: sliced chicken or beef for added protein
Instructions:
1. Cook Japanese short-grain rice according to package instructions.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add Japanese curry roux and water. Whisk until smooth and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the mixture thickens slightly.
5. Stir in mixed vegetables and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve cooked rice topped with the curry mixture.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Grilled Mackerel Bento
A refreshing and flavorful Japanese-inspired bento box recipe that combines the richness of grilled mackerel with the simplicity of a rice bowl.
Ingredients:
– 4 mackerel fillets (about 6 oz each)
– 1 cup Japanese short-grain rice
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sake or dry white wine (optional)
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1/4 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Assorted bento box fillings (e.g. pickled ginger, daikon, shiitake mushrooms)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sake or white wine, sesame oil, and grated ginger.
3. Brush both sides of the mackerel fillets with the marinade mixture.
4. Grill the mackerel for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Cook Japanese rice according to package instructions.
6. Assemble bento box by placing grilled mackerel on top of a bed of rice and adding your choice of fillings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chicken Karaage and Potato Salad Bento
A delightful combination of crispy chicken karaage (Japanese-style fried chicken) served with a refreshing potato salad, perfect for a quick and easy bento meal.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Karaage:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup potato starch
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1/4 cup ice-cold soda water
– Vegetable oil for frying
For the Potato Salad:
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and potato starch.
2. Dip chicken pieces into the beaten egg, then coat with the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
3. Fry the chicken in hot oil until golden brown and crispy, about 5-6 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
4. Boil diced potatoes until tender, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and let cool.
5. Mix mayonnaise and Dijon mustard together. Add salt, pepper, and chopped scallions (if using).
6. Assemble the bento by placing chicken karaage on top of potato salad.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes for the chicken and potato salad.
Beef Tataki and Sushi Rice Bento
Treat your taste buds to a delightful combination of tender beef and flavorful sushi rice, all wrapped up in a convenient bento box.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef tenderloin (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup sake
– 2 tbsp mirin
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– 1 cup sushi rice
– 2 cups water
– Salt, to taste
– Optional: sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sake, mirin, brown sugar, and sesame oil.
2. Add the beef tenderloin and marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove beef from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
4. Cook sushi rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt.
5. Slice grilled beef into thin strips.
6. Assemble bento box with sliced beef, sushi rice, and optional garnishes.
Cooking Time: approximately 1 hour
Summary
Discover the art of creating delicious Japanese bento boxes with these 20 mouth-watering recipes! From classic teriyaki chicken and tamagoyaki to more adventurous options like spicy tuna rolls and miso glazed cod, there’s something for every palate. This collection of recipes features a variety of protein sources, including chicken, beef, pork, and seafood, as well as vegetarian and vegan options. With these easy-to-follow recipes, you’ll be able to create beautiful and balanced bento boxes that are perfect for busy days or special occasions.
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