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Bento is a single-serving Japanese meal traditionally consisting of fish, rice and meat, typically accompanied by a pickled vegetable.
This meal is often contained within a lacquer or wooden box called a bento box. Use the step-by-step directions listed below to make your own bento box for a delicious and healthy daytime meal you can take anywhere.
In a store, a lacquer bento box would sell for between $15-$20, but making one yourself is not only cheaper, it’s also a snap. Instructions for making a bento box out of cardboard have been provided below. Besides, making your own bento box allows you to put your own flair into the design.
First, find a box. This may take some trial and error to find one that feels right. The box may be as elaborate or as simple as desired. Initially, it would be good to start simple and use something along the line of an eight-inch by eleven-inch cardboard box that is about two inches deep.
Next, pick up some dividers or smaller containers. There will be a series of compartments inside the bento box. Usually, the compartments range in size to one another with a 4:3:2:1 ratio. This is not written in stone. The bento box may be divided up with washable plastic dividers or smaller containers that fit inside the box. Containers may be easier for refills and food changes.
Be sure to keep a small area available for sauces or dips. Purchase a very small mini bottle with a container for things like soy sauces or ranch dressing.
The contents of a bento box can vary greatly, depending on your tastes. In Japan, bento boxes are packed with pickled vegetables and preserved meats, both of which can be found in the international aisle of any supermarket. You can fill it with anything you like, but remember that the same rules apply to a bento box as any non-refrigerated lunch box. Some suggestions are vegetables, fruits and rice. Many recipes for bento are available. Each one goes nicely with Kahiki Naturals Flaxseed Vegetable or Chicken Egg Rolls. Delicious!
Now you’re ready to take this show on the road. The bento box is portable, delicious, healthy and serves as a welcomed break from the monotony of brown paper bag lunches. Accompanied by an equally portable Easy Crisp Egg Roll, you’ll be ready to dine in style this summer.
Step 1: Get the Box.
In a store, a lacquer bento box would sell for between $15-$20, but making one yourself is not only cheaper, it’s also a snap. Instructions for making a bento box out of cardboard have been provided below. Besides, making your own bento box allows you to put your own flair into the design.
Step 2: Make the Box.
First, find a box. This may take some trial and error to find one that feels right. The box may be as elaborate or as simple as desired. Initially, it would be good to start simple and use something along the line of an eight-inch by eleven-inch cardboard box that is about two inches deep.
Next, pick up some dividers or smaller containers. There will be a series of compartments inside the bento box. Usually, the compartments range in size to one another with a 4:3:2:1 ratio. This is not written in stone. The bento box may be divided up with washable plastic dividers or smaller containers that fit inside the box. Containers may be easier for refills and food changes.
Be sure to keep a small area available for sauces or dips. Purchase a very small mini bottle with a container for things like soy sauces or ranch dressing.
Step 3: Fill the Box.
The contents of a bento box can vary greatly, depending on your tastes. In Japan, bento boxes are packed with pickled vegetables and preserved meats, both of which can be found in the international aisle of any supermarket. You can fill it with anything you like, but remember that the same rules apply to a bento box as any non-refrigerated lunch box. Some suggestions are vegetables, fruits and rice. Many recipes for bento are available. Each one goes nicely with Kahiki Naturals Flaxseed Vegetable or Chicken Egg Rolls. Delicious!
Step 4: Enjoy!
Now you’re ready to take this show on the road. The bento box is portable, delicious, healthy and serves as a welcomed break from the monotony of brown paper bag lunches. Accompanied by an equally portable Easy Crisp Egg Roll, you’ll be ready to dine in style this summer.
