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Japanese Bento Box

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Create a delicious Japanese bento box at home with this easy and authentic recipe! Featuring flavorful onigiri (rice balls), tamago (soft-boiled egg), grilled salmon, marinated octopus, and a fresh cucumber salad, this well-balanced meal is perfect for lunch or meal prep. Learn how to make a classic Japanese-style bento with step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For Onigiri (Rice Balls):

  • 2 cups Japanese short-grain rice
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 sheet nori (cut into small rectangles)
  • Fillings (optional: salmon, tuna mayo, umeboshi, etc.)

For Tamago (Soft-Boiled Egg):

  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp mirin
  • 1 tbsp water

For Side Dishes:

  • 1 small grilled salmon fillet
  • 1/2 cup diced cucumber
  • 1/2 tsp sesame seeds
  • 1/4 cup marinated baby octopus (tako)
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • 1/2 tsp sesame oil

Instructions

1. Prepare the Rice:

  • Rinse the rice until the water runs clear.
  • Cook in a rice cooker or on the stovetop with the measured water.
  • Once cooked, let it cool slightly before shaping.

2. Make the Onigiri:

  • Wet your hands with water and sprinkle with a little salt.
  • Shape the rice into triangles or balls.
  • Add your desired filling inside and seal.
  • Wrap a small strip of nori around each rice ball.

3. Soft-Boiled Egg:

  • Boil water and cook eggs for 6–7 minutes.
  • Transfer to an ice bath, peel, and marinate in soy sauce and mirin for at least 30 minutes.

4. Prepare Side Dishes:

  • Grill the salmon with a pinch of salt until fully cooked.
  • Toss diced cucumber with soy sauce and sesame oil, then sprinkle with sesame seeds.
  • Serve the marinated baby octopus as is or lightly sauté for extra flavor.

5. Assemble the Bento Box:

  • Arrange the onigiri, salmon, marinated egg, and side dishes neatly in a bento box.

Notes

  • You can customize the onigiri fillings based on your preference.
  • The marinated egg tastes best after a few hours, so you can prepare it ahead of time.
  • Add other side dishes like pickled vegetables or tamagoyaki for variety.

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/japanese-bento-box/