Packed with a mouth-watering Teriyaki Chicken, a delicate Tamagoyaki, a savory Spinach Goma-ae, and the irresistible sweetness of Mochi with Red Bean Paste,
- this bento box is a perfect blend of flavors and textures.
Let's dive into the art of bento making and bring a touch of Japan to your lunch!
This bento box includes a main dish, a couple of side dishes, and a dessert.
Main Dish - Triyaki CHICKEN
What do I need?
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 2 tbsp sake
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp vegetable oil
How to make the dish?
1. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, and grated ginger.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the bowl with the sauce and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (save the marinade) and cook it in the pan until browned on both sides.
4. Add the Sauce: Pour the marinade into the pan and cook until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Slice and Pack: Slice the chicken and pack it into the bento box.
Side DISH 1 - Tamagoyaki (Japanese Rolled omelet)
What do I need?
- 3 eggs
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin
- 1 tsp sugar
- A pinch of salt
- Vegetable oil
How to make the dish?
1. Mix the Ingredients: Beat the eggs in a bowl. Add soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and salt, and mix well.
2. Cook the Omelette: Heat a tamagoyaki pan (or a regular pan) over medium heat and lightly oil it. Pour a thin layer of the egg mixture into the pan.
3. Roll the Omelette: Once the egg is partially set, roll it to one side of the pan. Add more egg mixture to the empty space and repeat until all the egg mixture is used up.
4. Slice and Pack: Let the tamagoyaki cool slightly, then slice it into pieces and pack it into the bento box.
Side DISH 2 - goma-ae (spinach with sesame dressing)
What do I need?
- 1 bunch of spinach
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp mirin
How to make the dish?
1. Prepare the Spinach: Blanch the spinach in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water. Squeeze out excess water and chop into 2-inch pieces.
2. Make the Dressing: Toast the sesame seeds in a pan until fragrant, then grind them in a mortar and pestle. Mix the ground sesame seeds with soy sauce, sugar, and mirin.
3. Combine and Pack: Toss the spinach with the sesame dressing and pack it into the bento box.
dessert - mochi with red bean paste
What do I need?
- 1 cup glutinous rice flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup water
- Red bean paste
- Potato starch (for dusting)
How to make the dish?
1. Prepare the Dough: In a microwave-safe bowl, mix the glutinous rice flour, sugar, and water until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave for 2 minutes. Stir, then microwave for another minute until the dough is cooked through and translucent.
2. Shape the Mochi: Dust your hands and a surface with potato starch. Divide the dough into small portions and flatten each portion. Place a small amount of red bean paste in the center and fold the dough over the paste, sealing the edges.
3. Pack the Mochi: Let the mochi cool, then pack them into the bento box.
This Japanese bento box recipe gives you a delicious and well-balanced meal. Enjoy your meal!
For more Japanese Bento box recipes like this: Have a quick look!