Bento boxes made in the traditional Japanese way use a ratio of 4-3-2-1 ratio which means that they include in each box:
- Four parts carbohydrate
- Three parts protein
- Two parts vegetable
- One part pickled vegetable or fruit
What foods can you pack in a bento box?
What foods can you pack in a bento box? Carbs: Steamed rice (frozen → reheat in the microwave) with shiso leaf and umeboshi. Main: Chicken Katsu (frozen → reheat in the toaster oven) Sides: Carrot Namul (frozen → thaw in bento box),green bell pepper with okaka (frozen → thaw in bento box)
What to put in a bento box?
- Carbs: Steamed rice (frozen → reheat in the microwave) with shiso leaf and umeboshi
- Main: Chicken Katsu (frozen → reheat in the toaster oven)
- Sides: Carrot Namul (frozen → thaw in bento box), green bell pepper with okaka (frozen → thaw in bento box)
- Fillers: Blanched broccoli (refrigerated), boiled corn (frozen → thaw in bento box), cherry tomato
What is usually in a bento box?
You can put almost anything in a bento box. Usually, a traditional bento box contains rice or noodles with fish or meat, often with pickled and cooked vegetables. However, using modern bento boxes, you can also include some soup and other liquid-based items in the container as long as it has a leak-proof feature.
What to put in a breakfast Bento Box?
Instructions
- Hard boil eggs if necessary and peel. Cut into wedges for smaller kids.
- Peel and segment clementines. Depending on the age of your kids, you can start it for them by cutting off the top and then they can peel it themselves.
- Put yogurt in little cups or silicone muffin liners.
- Cook pancakes or waffles as directed. ...
What are 10 foods often found in bento?
Popular bento ingredientsFish or meat (usually in the form of meatballs, karaage, katsu, sausages, etc.)Pickled or precooked vegetables (Salad, broccoli, carrots, bean sprouts, edamame, mini tomatos, etc.)Tamagoyaki (Japanese omelett)Potato or pasta salad.Sometimes fruit (in a little box or small bowl)
What do you put in bento for lunch?
Think packable foods. Bento boxes are convenient because you often don't need to heat up anything, and the food is already portioned. Main meals can include wholesome salads, wraps, sandwiches or sushi. While snacks can be all types of fruits, freshly chopped vegetables, dips, nuts and seeds, or energy balls.
What does a bento box consist of?
A bento box is an all-in-one Japanese lunch box containing a single portion of a balanced meal. This meal typically consists of a starch (like rice or noodles), a protein, and assorted vegetable and fruit side dishes.
What is usually in bento?
According to Japan Society, a typical obento is usually made up of three parts rice, one part meat, and two parts fruits and vegetables. This provides the diner with a well-balanced diet, but the color of the dishes is also important. Japan Society notes that a frequent combination used is red, yellow, and green.
Why is it called a bento box?
The word bento is originated from the Japanese language which means lunch box. A sneak peek into Bento Box history tells us they are very common in Japan. Bento box was originated in the fifth century, and became trendy around the world in the past decade.
Do bento boxes keep food cold?
Bento boxes have multiple compartments so you're able to pack warm and cold food together. Choose a bento box that has a built-in layer of insulation or a removable ice pack since it will work better to keep your food at the right temperature.
Why are bento boxes so popular?
As you can see, the bento box is designed to hold a 2-3 course meal but in small portions so it's easy and convenient for you to eat. A bento box is perfect if you're after a quick and easy lunch, which is why it's becoming more popular with a wide range of audiences.
Why are bento boxes so small?
Bento boxes are described by volume in milliliters (ml). This is because in Japan, it's considered normal to pack the bentos with 3 parts grain, 2 parts vegetables and 1 part protein. (Leaving no empty space, not adding sweets, junk food or fatty foods).
How do you make a traditional bento box?
How To Pack Bento Dishes In Bento BoxStep 1: Put Carb. I usually fill 1/2 of the bento box with carbs. ... Step 2: Put Main Dish (Protein) Any kind of beef, chicken, pork, tofu, beans, eggs, or other protein sources can be packed in 1/4 of the bento box. ... Step 3: Put Side Dishes (Vegetables) and Fruits.
Can you pack rice for lunch?
Whether you include rice in your daily lunches or not, you many not want to cook up fresh rice on a daily basis. Mom's in Japan freeze pre-proportioned packets of rice to use on busy mornings. Rice actually freezes very well when you wrap portions while they are still warm.
Does a bento box keep food warm?
The Bento Box has a similar property like a glass lunch box, so it can keep the food warm for 2 hours, as the longer the time, the lower the quality.
Why do Japanese make bento?
Bento boxes are very popular in Japanese culture, as they were established as a convenient way to eat a healthy portion-controlled meal.
Do you put a bento box in a lunch box?
The most common way to keep food in a bento box cold is to place the whole bento box into a larger lunch box along with an ice pack (or two).
How do you make a bento meal?
4:466:31How to Make Bento (Perfectly Balanced Bento Recipe for Lunch ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlace it on the bento box divider. Like before coat another onigiri with the you carry fricativeMorePlace it on the bento box divider. Like before coat another onigiri with the you carry fricative wrap it with a sheet of toasted nori.
Why is Bento Box popular?
Bento boxes have grown in popularity, not just because of the nutritional value of the meals, but also because they're also aesthetically pleasing. Often foods are arranged in the bento to look like popular characters like Snoopy, the minions and, as in this case, the Simpsons.
Is a bento box healthy?
Bento boxes aren't necessarily healthy because of the food they contain — many contain fried chicken, creamy potato salads, and thick sweet sauces, foods traditionally deemed “unhealthy” — but they are healthy because of the way these foods are balanced together.
History of the bento box
In Japan, the tradition of compartmentalizing food in a box in order to easily have a meal outdoors does not date from yesterday, but from the 12th century. Originally, the bento box was filled with rice and dried fish which was later replaced by rice balls with vinegar ( onigiri ).
How to choose your bento?
The size of the box may surprise you at first, especially those who tend to have eyes bigger than their stomach, but the bento box has the advantage of being adapted to your (real) food needs of the day and being easily transportable at the same time.
How to compose your bento?
In Japan, the bento is not only a meal box, but also an art. Food must be arranged in a harmonious way, both in terms of taste and visual appearance.
Three reasons to adopt a bento box
Whether it is for school, work, outdoor activities, long train rides... bento boxes are omnipresent in Japanese life. After reading these three reasons to adopt one, you will probably fall for them too.
1. Caprese Chicken Salad Meal Prep Bowls
Preparing a lettuce-based salad days in advance is a recipe for a wilted, sad lunch. Caprese salad, on the other hand…genius.
2. Easy Vegetarian Bento Box
As a bonus, this one—which features hummus vegetable wraps—is extremely kid-friendly.
3. Meal Prep Tropical Jerk Chicken and Gingered Broccoli
It’s true, many meal-prep recipes can err on the boring side. Not this sticky-sweet-spicy number.
4. Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
This is one lunch your kid definitely won’t want to trade. (That is, if you don’t pack it for yourself first.)
5. No-Cook Taco Salad Bento Box
It’s like a full taco bar in one tiny box, and it takes a mere 25 minutes to meal prep for the whole week.
6. Sheet Pan Garlic-Ginger Chicken and Broccoli
Thanks to this savory soy sauce-garlic-ginger situation, you may never go back to PB&J again. Not that there’s anything wrong with PB&J, but you get the idea.
7. Slow-Cooker Meal-Prep Burrito Bowls
No time to cook? No problem. Lean on your slow cooker to do the hard work, and reap the juicy pork-shoulder-burrito benefits.
How Are Bento Boxes Used Today
Modern-day bento boxes are normally used by the working-class and school children in Japan. The boxes are seen as a healthier and cheaper alternative to the normal fast food takeout. They normally include healthy raw fish dishes like nigiri, sashimi, and other delicious dishes. Bento boxes are also very common during family picnics or day outs.
Types of Japanese Bento Boxes
Japanese bento boxes are available in different types. They are normally categorized based on their purpose. Here are some of the most commonly used bento boxes in the country:
Weird Bento Boxes in Japan
Despite the incredible variety of bento boxes available in Japan, there are a few weird exceptions. Shikaeshi-ben is one of them. Remember we discussed the Aisai Bento above, which is prepared by a loving wife. Think of the Shikaeshi-ben as the exact opposite. Maybe you’ve been a bad boy or perhaps you are not in good terms with your spouse.
The Origins of the Bento Box
The first Japanese bento box was developed in the 13 th century. During this period, Japanese peasant farmers had learned how to dry cooked rice, often referred to as “Hoshi-ii”. They however needed a way to carry the food to eat later. At first, cooked dried rice was stored in small bags and carried around. But this was not convenient enough.
Where to Get the Best Bento Boxes in Japan
Bento boxes are part and parcel of Japanese cuisine. So, plenty of places to buy them exist in the country. There are two types of bento box customers. The first category covers on-the-go buyers. These are people who want to grab a balanced quick bite and wouldn’t mind a packed bento box.
Buying Bento Lunches on the Go
There are two popular places to buy bento lunch boxes on the go. They include the train station and convenience stores
Convenience Store Bento
A lot of convenience stores in major Japanese cities sell bento boxes too. However, we recommend any 7-Eleven locations near you. It’s understandable if you don’t associate convenience store food with superior taste and delicacy. But Japanese 7-Eleven locations have stepped up as far as the bento goes.
What Is In A Bento Box Lunch?
Learning how to make a successful bento box lunch is quite simple once you know what types of ingredients to include. Here’s a few key tips on what foods to consider and how to make the most of your box compartments.
Easy And Healthy Bento Box Lunch Ideas
While there’s so many different combinations you can make with a bento box, here’s a few ideas to get you started.
Bento Box Lunch Ideas (For School or Work)
Bento box lunches are a great way to pack for lunch on-the-go. Choose an assortment of healthy ingredients for vibrant meals and balanced nutrition that’s utterly convenient for work or school.
Clean-Eating Bento Box Lunch
Who says bento boxes are just for kids? This healthy bento-style lunch--loaded with clean, satisfying foods--is perfect to pack for work.
Turkey & Cheese Pinwheels Bento Lunch
Bite-size pinwheels of turkey, cheese and lettuce make an appealing centerpiece of this bento box. Crisp celery sticks and juicy blueberries are tasty accompaniment, while popcorn, mixed with chocolate chips, makes a satisfying snack or dessert. Plus, this healthy lunch is so easy to pack and can even be made the night before.
Protein Bistro Lunch Box
Inspired by Starbucks' bistro boxes, this affordable lunch is easy to make and pack yourself. With high-protein ingredients like a hard-boiled egg, edamame and tuna, this bistro-style lunch will leave you feeling satisfied.
DIY Lunch Kits for Kids
In search of new lunch ideas for kids? Children will be delighted by our healthy take on Lunchables, which includes turkey, cheese and crackers for building mini sandwiches, plus fruit, veggies with dip and even a little chocolate for dessert.
Mediterranean Bento Lunch
Travel to the Mediterranean over your lunch break with this healthy bento box idea that combines Greek salad, hummus, pita and more for a satisfying work lunch.
Charcuterie Bistro Lunch Box
This packable lunch is just like a personal-size cheese plate to take on-the-go. The healthy and easy snack-style meal is perfect to take for lunch at work or for a light picnic date night.
Taco Salad Bento Lunch for Kids
No more half-eaten lunches--this taco-inspired bento box lunch is a healthy and portable meal your kid will love.
Rice Balls
Rice balls are popular in Japanese bento boxes and can work well for other audiences too. They can be made with many different fillings and can be easily picked up and eaten.
Edamame
Edamame is a Japanese appetizer and it’s one of the simplest appetizers that you’ll find (you’re basically just boiling or steaming soy beans). These can be served salted, plain or with a little spice. While the snack is nice warm, it is often even better cold in a bento box.
White Rice
White rice is a classic part of a Japanese bento box. It is often used as the base ingredient in one compartment, with other ingredients packed on the top or to the side. This can work well because rice combines well with many other foods.
Carrot Sticks
Carrot sticks are simple, healthy and tasty. They make an easy addition to any bento box, while adding in a splash of color.
Sandwiches
Sandwiches are a classic lunchtime staple and they work well in a bento box environment too. Many bento boxes won’t give you enough space for a full sandwich, but you can easily get creative with smaller sandwiches.
Fresh Fruit
Any type of fruit will work well in a bento box. The trick is to make the fruit look good, while also making sure that it can be easily eaten. For example, sliced oranges work better than whole ones.
Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes deserve a special mention. They’re amazing in bento boxes, as they offer a perfect burst of flavor that can’t be beaten.
