How to Pack the Perfect Bento Box

If you like the look of bento boxes and want to make one for your lunch, we have put together some top tips for packing up a perfect bento!

The best way to go about making a bento box for lunch is to plan ahead and attempt to incorporate leftovers from the night before. If you are packing up cooked foods, such as rice, ensure that they have fully cooled before you pack them into your bento box, as otherwise everything else in the box may become soggy from the condensation! Ensure that all excess oil from fried foods, like tempura prawns, is removed with a piece of kitchen roll before they are packed away in your bento. Likewise, if you are adding in leftovers that use a sauce, it can be a good idea to drain away some of the liquid, as too much moisture in the box can ruin the consistency of the other items in the box. Some bento lovers add a little more seasoning to their food before they pack it up, as colder foods tend to present a little less flavour than when they are warm. If you are planning on re-heating your bento box, this will not be an issue.

While you should pack your box however you fancy, there is a packing order that most people follow that makes it far easier to get everything to fit in safely. Firstly, the rice is added, and typically this takes up around half of the bento space. Some bento boxes will come with a section solely for the rice to go in, whereas more standard boxes will allow you to cram in rice next to all your other items. Next in the box is food that is a fixed shape and won’t be able to be squished in between other items. This may be a larger item or one that can’t be squished, such as a sushi roll. Then add in anything small or soft that can be popped into any gaps. Bento boxes are meant to be fun and full of colour, so try and add in some vibrant ingredients such as sweetcorn, tomatoes, carrot, egg, seaweed and spinach.

When packing food into the box, the goal is to fill it as tightly as possible, as this helps to keep everything together, making it look more aesthetically pleasing. Cherry tomatoes and broccoli florets are a great choice for making a low-calorie addition to the box. They can be used to fill out any gaps in the box, or can act as a barrier between the other items in the box. Lettuce leaves or cupcake cases make other great ways of keeping food types separate.

While its origins remain in Japan, you do not have to fill your box with Japanese food or rice. Many people now pack sandwiches or noodle salads into their boxes. Whatever you pack into the box, make sure to keep it colourful!

Looking for something delicious and fun to add into your bento box? Check out the yummy oriental snacks we have on offer at Oriental Mart!

Image credit: gamene