Classic Bento Box

March 30, 2026 Prep: 30min Cook: 20min 2 servings Medium
Classic Bento Box

A bento box is more than a packed lunch — it is a balanced meal in miniature, combining protein, carbs, vegetables, and a touch of sweetness. The presentation is as important as the taste.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked Japanese rice
  • 2 chicken thighs
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons mirin
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon dashi stock
  • 1 teaspoon sugar for eggs
  • Broccoli florets
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Pickled daikon or cucumber
  • Sesame seeds
  • Umeboshi (pickled plum)
  • Vegetable oil

Nutrition Facts

520
Calories
28g
Protein
58g
Carbs
18g
Fat

Instructions

  1. 1
    Make teriyaki chicken: score chicken thighs and pan-fry skin-side down for 5 minutes until crispy. Flip and cook 3 more minutes. Add soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Simmer until glazed. Slice.
  2. 2
    Make tamagoyaki (rolled omelette): beat eggs with dashi and sugar. Cook in a rectangular pan, rolling layers as you add more egg mixture. Slice into pieces.
  3. 3
    Blanch broccoli for 2 minutes until bright green. Season with a drop of soy sauce and sesame seeds.
  4. 4
    Pack the bento box: place rice on one side (add umeboshi on top), arrange sliced teriyaki chicken, tamagoyaki pieces, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and pickled vegetables in separate sections.
  5. 5
    Sprinkle sesame seeds over rice. Add any decorative touches.
  6. 6
    Close the box and enjoy at room temperature — bento is designed to be eaten without reheating.
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