The art of creating a delicious and visually appealing Japanese bento box is one that requires finesse, creativity, and attention to detail. Whether you’re packing a lunch for school or work, hosting a dinner party, or simply want to try your hand at cooking something new, this iconic Japanese meal format has something for everyone. In fact, the word “bento” itself roughly translates to “lunchbox,” but in reality, it’s so much more than that. It’s a carefully curated selection of dishes, each one complementing and balancing the others, all presented in a charming and compact package.
With its emphasis on fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and harmonious presentation, Japanese cuisine is renowned for its simplicity and elegance. And when it comes to bento boxes, this philosophy shines through in the way that seemingly disparate ingredients are brought together to create a truly memorable meal. In this article, we’ll explore 20 mouthwatering bento box recipes that cater to every taste and occasion. From classic teriyaki chicken to innovative takes on traditional dishes like sushi and tempura, these creative combinations will inspire you to get cooking and make the most of your next bento adventure.
Teriyaki Chicken Bento Box
A classic Japanese-inspired dish meets a convenient bento box meal! This Teriyaki Chicken Bento Box recipe combines sweet and savory flavors with the ease of a one-dish meal.
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
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1 cup cooked Japanese rice (preferably short-grain)
– Assorted bento box fillings (e.g., steamed broccoli, diced carrots, sliced green onions)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
3. Add chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat; set aside for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
4. Remove chicken from marinade and cook in a skillet with vegetable oil until cooked through.
5. Cook Japanese rice according to package instructions.
6. Assemble bento box by placing cooked chicken on top of rice, followed by your choice of fillings.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes (including marinating time)
Salmon Onigiri Bento Box
A simple and healthy bento box recipe that combines the flavors of grilled salmon with traditional Japanese onigiri rice balls.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked Japanese short-grain rice
– 2/3 cup water
– 1/4 cup salmon fillet, cooked and flaked
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt to taste
– Nori seaweed sheets (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the onigiri rice by mixing cooked rice with water in a bowl until it forms a sticky dough.
2. Divide the dough into 3-4 portions and shape each portion into a triangle or oval shape.
3. In a small bowl, mix together flaked salmon, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
4. Place a small amount of the salmon mixture onto one half of the onigiri and fold the other half to form a triangle or oval shape.
5. Repeat with remaining ingredients and onigiri shapes.
6. Serve in a bento box with nori seaweed sheets (if using) and your favorite sides.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Tamagoyaki and Rice Bento
A classic Japanese bento box staple, Tamagoyaki is a sweet and savory rolled omelette filled with savory ingredients. This recipe pairs it with simple cooked rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 eggs
– 1/4 cup dashi (or substitute with chicken or beef broth)
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup sake (optional)
– 1/2 tablespoon mirin
– 1/4 teaspoon sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked Japanese rice
– Optional: nori seaweed sheets, pickled ginger, and other bento box fillings
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together eggs, dashi, soy sauce, sake (if using), mirin, sugar, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Pour in the egg mixture and cook until the edges start to set.
3. Use a spatula to gently lift and fold the edges towards the center. Repeat this process until the omelette is fully cooked.
4. Let it cool slightly before rolling up the Tamagoyaki.
5. Cook Japanese rice according to package instructions.
6. Assemble the bento box by placing the rolled Tamagoyaki on top of a bed of cooked rice.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (includes cooking time for rice)
Karaage Fried Chicken Bento
A classic Japanese-inspired bento dish that combines crispy fried chicken with a side of savory karaage sauce, served with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup karaage sauce (see below for recipe)
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Steamed Japanese rice and stir-fried vegetables (such as carrots, green beans, and peas) for serving
Karaage Sauce:
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp sake (Japanese rice wine)
– 1 tbsp mirin (sweet Japanese cooking sake)
– 1 tsp sugar
– 1/4 tsp sesame oil
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, and panko breadcrumbs.
2. Dip chicken thighs into the flour mixture, then fry in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. Drain excess oil on paper towels.
3. Serve fried chicken with karaage sauce spooned over the top.
4. Serve with steamed Japanese rice and stir-fried vegetables.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes (including prep time)
Vegetable Tempura Bento
This classic Japanese-inspired bento combines crispy vegetable tempura with a variety of fresh and flavorful fillings, perfect for a quick and easy meal or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, zucchini, bell peppers)
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup water
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Bento fillings:
+ Cooked Japanese rice
+ Sliced cucumber
+ Pickled ginger slices
+ Edamame (boiled soybeans)
Instructions:
1. Cut the mixed vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a bowl, mix together flour and water to create tempura batter.
3. Dip each vegetable piece into the batter, making sure they are fully coated.
4. Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
5. Fry the battered vegetables for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain on paper towels.
7. Assemble the bento by placing the tempura vegetables onto cooked Japanese rice, along with your choice of fillings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Beef Sukiyaki Bento Box
Experience the flavors of Japan with this classic Beef Sukiyaki recipe, served in a traditional bento box.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 2 cups dashi broth
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup sake
– 2 tbsp sugar
– 2 tbsp mirin
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine dashi broth, soy sauce, sake, sugar, mirin, and ginger. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add beef strips to the pot and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until cooked through.
4. Stir in sesame oil and serve hot.
5. Assemble bento box with cooked beef, steamed rice, and your choice of side dishes (e.g., stir-fried vegetables, pickled ginger).
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Ebi Fry (Fried Shrimp) Bento
A classic Japanese bento recipe that combines crispy fried shrimp with a savory dipping sauce and steamed rice, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sake (or dry white wine)
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Steamed Japanese rice for serving
– Dipping sauce ingredients: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, panko breadcrumbs, and a pinch of salt.
2. Dip each shrimp into the beaten egg, then coat with the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
3. Fry the coated shrimp in hot oil until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Drain the fried shrimp on paper towels and serve with steamed Japanese rice.
5. Mix together dipping sauce ingredients and serve on the side.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Unagi Don (Eel Rice) Bento
A classic Japanese bento dish that combines the flavors of grilled eel with savory rice and vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Japanese short-grain rice
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup unagi sauce (eel sauce)
– 1/2 pound eel fillets, grilled or pan-fried
– 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., carrots, green beans, bell peppers)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– Salt to taste
– Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook Japanese rice according to package instructions using 1/2 cup water.
2. In a separate pan, heat the unagi sauce over medium heat until warm.
3. Grill or pan-fry eel fillets until cooked through. Slice into thin strips.
4. Heat mixed vegetables in a pan with soy sauce and salt to taste.
5. To assemble the bento, place a scoop of cooked rice on a plate, followed by sliced eel and sautéed vegetables.
6. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Yakisoba Noodle Bento
A classic Japanese comfort food, Yakisoba noodles are a staple in many bento boxes. This recipe is a simple and flavorful take on the traditional dish, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 package yakisoba noodles
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g. bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms)
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
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; cook until tender.
4. Add cooked noodles, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using); stir-fry until combined.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Gyoza Dumplings Bento Box
Transform your lunch into a delightful Japanese-inspired meal with these crispy and savory Gyoza dumplings, served in a bento box with a side of tangy dipping sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 package round wonton wrappers (about 20-24 wrappers)
– 1/2 cup finely chopped cabbage
– 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
– 1/4 cup ground pork
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Dipping sauce (see below)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cabbage, green onions, ground pork, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well.
2. Lay a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Place 1 tablespoon of the filling mixture in the center.
3. Fold the wrapper into a triangle by bringing the two opposite corners together to form a point.
4. Press the edges together to seal the dumpling.
5. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
Cooking Time:
– Pan-fry the Gyoza dumplings in a little oil until crispy and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
– Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce (e.g., soy sauce mixed with vinegar and chili flakes).
Chicken Katsu Bento
A classic Japanese-inspired dish, Chicken Katsu Bento is a delightful combination of crispy breaded chicken, savory sauce, and nutritious rice and vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/2 cup water
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Tonkatsu sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Cooked Japanese rice
– Steamed mixed vegetables (e.g., broccoli, carrots, green beans)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the chicken by pounding each breast to an even thickness.
2. In a shallow dish, mix flour and panko breadcrumbs.
3. Dip each chicken breast in the egg mixture, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry the coated chicken breasts until golden brown and crispy (about 3-4 minutes per side).
6. Serve the Chicken Katsu with Tonkatsu sauce, Japanese rice, and steamed mixed vegetables.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes
Japanese Curry Rice Bento
A classic Japanese comfort food, this curry rice bento is a simple and satisfying meal that combines the flavors of Japan with a Western twist.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked Japanese short-grain rice (preferably Koshihikari or Akita Komachi)
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons Japanese curry roux (available at most Asian grocery stores)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 carrot, peeled and grated
– 1 potato, peeled and diced
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
2. In a large pan or wok, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent.
3. Add the grated carrot and diced potato. Stir-fry for 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Add the curry roux, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the curry is well combined with the vegetables.
5. Serve the curry over the cooked rice in a bento box.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Saba Shioyaki (Grilled Mackerel) Bento
A classic Japanese bento recipe that combines the flavors of grilled mackerel, salt, and shiso leaves. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 mackerel fillets (about 6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup kosher salt
– 2 tbsp sake (Japanese rice wine)
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp mirin (sweet Japanese cooking wine)
– 2 tsp grated shiso leaves
– Sesame seeds and thinly sliced daikon radish for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together sugar, salt, sake, soy sauce, and mirin.
3. Place mackerel fillets in a shallow dish and brush with the sugar mixture.
4. Grill mackerel for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Brush shiso leaves with the remaining sugar mixture and place on top of the grilled mackerel.
6. Serve with sesame seeds and thinly sliced daikon radish.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Tofu Steak Bento Box
A twist on traditional bento boxes, this recipe combines the savory flavors of tofu steak with a variety of colorful and nutritious ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm tofu, cut into steak-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1/4 cup sliced green onions
– 1/4 cup sliced bell peppers
– 1/4 cup cooked Japanese rice
– 1 hard-boiled egg, sliced
– 1 sheet nori seaweed
Instructions:
1. Marinate tofu steak in a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil for at least 30 minutes.
2. Grill or pan-fry the tofu steak until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
3. Prepare bento box ingredients by slicing green onions, bell peppers, and hard-boiled egg.
4. Place grilled tofu steak in the center of a sheet nori seaweed.
5. Arrange other bento box ingredients around the tofu steak.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Tuna Roll Bento
This Spicy Tuna Roll recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make sushi option that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained and flaked)
– 1/2 cup cooked Japanese short-grain rice
– 1/4 cup cucumber slices
– 1/4 cup carrot sticks
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt to taste
– Nori seaweed sheets (dried or toasted)
– Optional: pickled ginger and wasabi for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Mix tuna, rice, soy sauce, sesame oil, and grated ginger in a bowl.
2. Lay a nori sheet flat on a cutting board.
3. Place the tuna-rice mixture onto the nori, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
4. Add cucumber and carrot slices on top of the filling.
5. Roll the sushi using a bamboo sushi mat or your hands.
6. Slice into bite-sized pieces.
7. Serve with pickled ginger and wasabi for added flavor (optional).
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Kinpira Gobo (Burdock Root) Bento
A traditional Japanese recipe that highlights the natural sweetness of burdock root, perfect for a quick and healthy bento box meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium-sized burdock root (gobo), peeled and cut into small pieces
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sake (or dry white wine)
– 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet Japanese cooking wine)
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized pan, combine burdock root, soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar.
2. Add water to the pan and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced and the burdock is tender.
4. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve warm in a bento box.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Chawanmushi (Savory Egg Custard) Bento
A classic Japanese bento staple, Chawanmushi is a savory egg custard that pairs perfectly with steamed rice and various fillings. This simple recipe yields a rich and creamy dish that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups dashi broth (or chicken/vegetable stock)
– 1 cup water
– 3 large eggs
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup sake (Japanese rice wine)
– 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet Japanese cooking wine)
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine dashi broth, water, and soy sauce. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Crack in the eggs and whisk until smooth.
3. Gradually add mirin, sake, and sugar while continuously whisking.
4. Reduce heat to low and cook for 8-10 minutes or until the custard thickens slightly.
5. Remove from heat and season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
This Chawanmushi recipe is perfect for a quick and easy bento addition. Simply spoon it into small cups or molds, refrigerate until chilled, and serve alongside your favorite fillings. Enjoy!
Okonomiyaki (Savory Pancake) Bento
Okonomiyaki, a popular Japanese savory pancake, is a flavorful and filling meal that can be enjoyed as part of a bento box. This recipe combines the rich flavors of pork, seafood, and vegetables with crispy cabbage and a sweet Worcestershire-based sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup okonomiyaki flour
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup grated daikon (Japanese white radish)
– 1/4 cup grated Japanese yamaimo (mountain potato)
– 1/2 cup diced pork
– 1/2 cup diced shrimp
– 1/4 cup chopped cabbage
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together okonomiyaki flour and water until smooth.
2. Add grated daikon, yamaimo, diced pork, shrimp, and chopped cabbage. Mix well.
3. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Pour in batter mixture and cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side, or until edges start to set.
4. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until pancake is crispy and golden brown.
5. Serve with Worcestershire sauce mixed with soy sauce and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Tonkatsu (Pork Cutlet) Bento
Experience the classic Japanese flavor of tonkatsu, a breaded and fried pork cutlet, served with a side of steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables.
Ingredients:
• 4 pork cutlets (about 1/4 inch thick)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sake (or dry white wine)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Steamed Japanese rice
• Stir-fried vegetables (e.g., bok choy, carrots, bell peppers)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the tonkatsu: In a shallow dish, mix flour, breadcrumbs, garlic, soy sauce, and sake. Dip each pork cutlet in the mixture, coating both sides evenly.
2. Cook the tonkatsu: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2-3 coated pork cutlets (do not overcrowd). Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Repeat with remaining cutlets.
3. Serve: Divide steamed rice into individual bento boxes. Place a tonkatsu on top of the rice, accompanied by stir-fried vegetables.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Matcha Mochi Dessert Bento
A sweet and refreshing Japanese-inspired dessert bento perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup glutinous rice flour
– 1/2 cup matcha powder
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup red bean paste or ice cream (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine glutinous rice flour and matcha powder.
2. Gradually add in sugar and mix until well combined.
3. Add in water and salt, mixing until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
5. Divide the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
6. Flatten each ball slightly to form a disk shape.
7. Place red bean paste or ice cream in the center of each mochi disk, if using.
8. Fold the mochi over the filling to form a triangle or square shape.
9. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Cooking Time: None, as this recipe is for assembling and serving mochi desserts.
Summary
Get ready to elevate your lunch game with these 20 delicious Japanese bento box recipes! From classic dishes like teriyaki chicken and salmon onigiri, to creative twists like beef sukiyaki and spicy tuna roll, there’s something for every occasion. These bite-sized meals are perfect for packed lunches, picnics, or even a quick dinner. Each recipe is carefully curated to showcase the best of Japanese cuisine, with a focus on flavor, texture, and presentation. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for inspiration, these bento box recipes are sure to delight.
