11 Tips for Creating Bento Boxes

The word bento (弁当) originates from the Japanese word for lunch box. Over the past decade, bento boxes have gained the Western world's attention with their culinary delights and beautiful presentation. If you're feeling inspired and want to get creative with your very own bento box, have a browse through your favourite Japanese supermarket in the UK to find some tasty treats and oriental ingredients to include in your bento box.

What is a Bento Box?

Bento boxes have evolved over the decades. From small bags of cooked rice in the 12th century to rice balls in wooden boxes. You can now find pre-packaged and commercialised bento boxes in Asian grocery stores, but nothing beats a homemade bento box. Mothers often take pride in the presentation of their lovingly made bento box as they send their children off to school.

What is in a Bento Box?

Traditionally, bento boxes feature rice or noodles as the foundation of the meal; this is usually accompanied by a protein, such as fish, eggs or meat. The bento box is then finished off with an assortment of pickled or cooked veg along with some fruit. Some modern bento's are inspired by the western world and will include sandwiches, yoghurt, fried potatoes and green salads.

Bento Box Tips & Tricks

We've listed some of our favourite tips and tricks you can use to create the perfect bento box!

Use Leftovers

Bento boxes are often made after dinner for the following day's lunch. This is so that you can use the tasty leftovers of the meal to recreate a new dish to enjoy during your lunch!

Choose your Container

Be sure to consider your bento box container carefully - there are loads to choose from! Some are specially designed and offer small compartments and containers to keep all your delicious ingredients separate from one another, much like our bento box here at Oriental Mart!

Separate your Sauce

To stop all your flavours from mixing in and mingling, pack your wet food and sauces in a separate container or wrap them in foil. This will stop any unnecessary leaks and will keep your bento box looking pristine!

Divide Food Using Lettuce Leaves for vegetables

Arrange lettuce leaves or the steamed stalks of your favourite vegetables to create a divider between various foods. This is especially handy if your container doesn't have separate compartments.

Cool Cooked Food Before Packing

For food safety purposes, it is paramount that you cool down your rice and bento filling before packing them.

Keep Your Bento Box Cool

Make sure to refrigerate your bento box or add in an ice pack!

Get Creative

Bento boxes should include a variety of colours and textures. Some bento boxes are true works of art. They almost look too delightful to eat; with cartoon characters and their use of delicious ingredients, it's hard to stop yourself from tucking in. Have fun while creating your bento box, but make sure not to get too hung up on the design; there's nothing wrong with keeping things simple.

Use Vinegar

Vinegar is a natural preservative; it's often used in bento's to keep rice and proteins fresh and food safe. Cold foods can have muted flavours, se use ingredients such as Mizkan Vinegar to season your bento box and incorporate lots of flavours without including any sodium.

Freeze Pre-Cooked Foods

Pre-cook food and freeze it in portioned measures to save time. As rice is a staple for most bento boxes, you can easily use this technique for a ready-made base.

Plan Ahead

Instead of wasting your time of a morning desperately searching through the cupboards, try to plan out your meals ahead of time and for added convenience, use our freezer tip! You don't need to keep to the plan, but it will give you a rough idea of what ingredients you have and what you can quickly whip up when in a rush.

Keep Your Bento Box Simple

Sometimes it's better to stick to a maximum of four to five components per box; this will save you time and allow the flavours to complement each other more. However, that's not to say you can't have fun with your bento box and add in as many as you like!

Japanese Inspired Bento Box Lunch Ideas

We've collated some of our favourite bento box ideas for you to use!

Karaage Fried Chicken

Karaage fried chicken is delicious and easy to make! This tasty Japanese treat is made with soy sauce, sake, ginger and garlic! To lock in the chicken’s succulent texture, it's covered in potato starch before being fried for a crispy coat!

Onigirazu (Rice Sandwich)

Rice sandwiches make for a great addition to any bento box. They are made up of a selection of delicious fillings that sit between two thick sheets wrapped in seaweed. You can use a number of fillings in your onigirazu, such as:

• Sha-ke (salted salmon)
• Umeboshi (pickled plum)
• Okaka (bonito flakes moistened with soy sauce)
• Kombu (simmered kombu seaweed)
• Tarako (salted cod roe)

Tamagoyaki (Japanese Egg Omelette)

Tamagoyaki is a Japanese omelette that is made by rolling together several layers of fried egg. The well-loved omelette has a slightly sweet taste with a fluffy, custardy texture that melts in your mouth. You can eat it cold or hot, and it is often paired with miso soup, fish, pickled vegetables and rice. To add it to you bento box, why not try our Tamagoyaki recipe?

Shredded Cabbage

Japanese shredded cabbage is finely sliced cabbage that is paired with a dressing that consists of:

• White miso
• Soy
• Mirin
• Lime juice
• Sesame oil
• Vegetable oil

If you're planning on making this scrumptious side in advance, make sure to only add the dressing just before serving; otherwise, the cabbage will go soggy.

Tonkatsu

Tonkatsu is a favourite among foodies. It consists of breaded tempura pork cutlet served with a thick, delicious sauce, which can also be paired with fish, chicken, beef and tofu! Tonkatsu sauce is sweet and tangy, so it's perfect to use as a dip! Add it into your bento box meal plan for a mid-week treat!

Pickled Vegetables

Tsukemono, pickled veg, is a favourite in Japan. They're a great addition to any bento box as they not only offer a range of colours, texture and flavour, but they also provide numerous health benefits! The vegetables are preserved and pickled in salt, salt brine or rice brine. You can pickle your favourite veg, such as cucumber, carrots and cabbage, in only two short hours! Make sure to mix in some wasabi paste with your cabbage from an extra bite!

Additional Bento Box Ideas

Here are some more of our favourite bento box foods that we recommend trying!

• Cucumber, Sesame and Spring Onion Salad
• Vegetable Maki
• Tuna Sashimi
• Yuzu Chicken

Experience the enticing smells and tastes of the east by taking a look through our blog, where we offer more oriental inspiration. Join us as we explore Asian cuisine, from Korean breakfast ideas to mouth-watering wonton soup recipes!