Bento box meals are a fantastic way to ensure that you get a healthy, balanced, and satisfying meal on-the-go. The Japanese-inspired meal in a box is convenient and practical, and it’s no wonder that they have become so popular around the world. With a little creativity and imagination, bento box ideas are endless, making it an excellent option for anyone looking to switch up their lunch routine. In this article, we’ll explore some easy and delicious bento box ideas to get you started.
First, let’s talk about the basics of a bento box. Traditionally, bento boxes include rice, protein, vegetables, and fruit, all arranged in a visually pleasing way. However, there is no hard and fast rule about what you should include in your bento box, and you can mix and match to create a meal that suits your tastes and preferences.
Here are some bento box ideas to inspire you:
Teriyaki Chicken Bento Box
This bento box includes teriyaki chicken, sushi rice, broccoli, and carrots. Marinate the chicken in teriyaki sauce overnight, grill or bake it, and then pack it in your bento box. You can also add some sesame seeds on top for added flavor.
Tuna Salad Bento Box
For a lighter option, consider a tuna salad bento box. Mix canned tuna with some mayonnaise and chopped celery, and then add some lettuce and cherry tomatoes on the side. You can also pack some crackers or rice crackers to enjoy with the tuna salad.
Turkey and Hummus Bento Box
For a low-carb option, try a turkey and hummus bento box. Fill a section of your bento box with sliced turkey breast, and then add some hummus, sliced cucumbers, and carrots. You can also add some pita bread on the side for dipping.
Vegetarian Bento Box
If you’re a vegetarian, don’t worry – there are plenty of bento box ideas that don’t include meat. Consider packing some brown rice, edamame, roasted sweet potatoes, and cherry tomatoes in your bento box. You can also add some fruit, such as sliced apples or strawberries, for a sweet finish.
Korean BBQ Beef Bento Box
For a bold and flavorful option, try a Korean BBQ beef bento box. Marinate thinly sliced beef in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil, and then stir-fry it with some vegetables like bell peppers and onions. Serve it over rice, and you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal.
Sushi Bento Box
If you love sushi, why not pack it in your bento box? You can make your own sushi rolls at home, or purchase them from a local sushi restaurant. Include some soy sauce and wasabi in your bento box, and add some sliced cucumbers, avocado, and carrots on the side.
Chicken Caesar Salad Bento Box
For a classic salad option, try a chicken Caesar salad bento box. Pack some romaine lettuce, sliced grilled chicken, croutons, and Parmesan cheese in your bento box, and then include a small container of Caesar dressing on the side.
Egg Salad Bento Box
For an easy and protein-packed option, try an egg salad bento box. Mix chopped hard-boiled eggs with some mayonnaise and chopped celery, and then add some cherry tomatoes and sliced cucumbers on the side. You can also include some crackers or rice crackers for dipping.
Beef and Broccoli Bento Box
For a Chinese-inspired option, try a beef and broccoli bento box. Stir-fry thinly sliced beef with broccoli and some
soy sauce, and then serve it over rice in your bento box. You can also add some sliced carrots and bell peppers on the side for extra color and nutrition.
Greek Salad Bento Box
For a refreshing and healthy option, try a Greek salad bento box. Pack some chopped romaine lettuce, sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and kalamata olives in your bento box, and then include a small container of Greek dressing on the side.
Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad Bento Box
For a pasta option, try a pesto chicken pasta salad bento box. Cook some fusilli pasta, and then toss it with some pesto sauce and diced grilled chicken. Add some cherry tomatoes and sliced cucumbers on the side, and you’ll have a delicious and filling meal.
Beef Stew Bento Box
For a warming and comforting option, try a beef stew bento box. Make a hearty beef stew with potatoes, carrots, and onions, and then serve it over rice in your bento box. You can also add some bread on the side for dipping.
Tofu and Vegetable Stir-Fry Bento Box
For a vegan option, try a tofu and vegetable stir-fry bento box. Stir-fry tofu with some mixed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers, and then serve it over rice in your bento box. You can also add some sliced fruit on the side for a sweet finish.
Grilled Shrimp and Vegetable Skewers Bento Box
For a summer-inspired option, try a grilled shrimp and vegetable skewers bento box. Grill some shrimp and vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini, and then serve them over rice in your bento box. You can also add some fruit on the side for a refreshing touch.
Black Bean and Sweet Potato Bowl Bento Box
For a Mexican-inspired option, try a black bean and sweet potato bowl bento box. Roast some sweet potatoes in the oven, and then add them to a bowl with black beans, rice, and some sliced avocado. Include some salsa on the side for dipping.
Caprese Salad Bento Box
For a simple and classic option, try a Caprese salad bento box. Pack some sliced fresh mozzarella cheese, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil in your bento box, and then include a small container of balsamic dressing on the side.
Turkey Club Wrap Bento Box
For a wrap option, try a turkey club wrap bento box. Fill a whole wheat wrap with sliced turkey breast, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise, and then slice it into bite-sized pieces. Add some sliced fruit on the side for a sweet finish.
Tuna Nicoise Salad Bento Box
For a French-inspired option, try a tuna Nicoise salad bento box. Pack some mixed greens, canned tuna, boiled potatoes, green beans, cherry tomatoes, and hard-boiled eggs in your bento box. Include a small container of Dijon mustard dressing on the side.
Quinoa Salad Bento Box
For a gluten-free and vegetarian option, try a quinoa salad bento box. Cook some quinoa, and then toss it with mixed vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers. Add some feta cheese and chopped herbs like parsley and mint for extra flavor.
Fruit and Yogurt Parfait Bento Box
For a sweet option, try a fruit and yogurt parfait bento box. Layer some Greek yogurt, granola, and sliced fruit like strawberries, blueberries, and bananas in your bento box. Top it off with some honey or maple syrup for added sweetness.
Conclusion
Bento boxes are a convenient and fun way to pack a meal for work or school. With so many options, you can customize your bento box to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re in the mood for sushi, pasta, salad, or a protein-packed meal, there’s a bento box idea out there for you. By taking the time to plan and prepare your bento box, you can ensure that you’re fueling your body with delicious and nutritious food throughout the day.