No Cook Vegan Bento Snack Box recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you make a balanced bento box? ›

Put main dish (protein): Any kind of beef, chicken, pork, tofu, beans, eggs, or other protein sources can be packed in 1/4 of the bento box. If possible, add 2 kinds of protein dishes in the spot. Put side dishes (vegetables) and fruits: Vegetables and fruits should be filled up in the remaining 1/4 of the bento box.

Traditional bentos follow a couple of basic rules. The 4-3-2-1 rule: 4 parts rice, 3 parts protein, 2 parts vegetable, and 1 part "treat" (Usually either pickled vegetables or something sweet.) Sushi should be prepared with more wasabi than usual. Pack foods with flavors that might run or stick together with a divider.

The golden ratio for constructing your bento box is 4:3:2:1, this consists of 4 parts rice, 3 parts protein, 2 parts vegetable and 1 part pickle. However, this ratio can easily be adjusted accordingly to your dietary and lifestyle requirements.

Half the bento box is traditionally filled with rice, while the smaller compartments hold fruit, vegetables and a light protein to create a complete meal. Each dish is stored separately to keep flavors from mixing and to create a tidy, beautiful presentation.

Usually a bento box will include a bed of rice, pickles, eggs, salads, perhaps some fish or meat, all to be enjoyed at room temperature.

In simple terms, bento is a single-serving, packed meal, transported by the eater already assembled and ready to be savored. Like an American lunch box, only so much more. Bento historically stars rice or noodles as the foundational starch, accompanied by a protein or two like fish, eggs, or meat.

Add cooked rice, quinoa, or pasta along with black beans, corn, tomatoes, chopped romaine lettuce, and salsa. You can also add cubed or sliced avocado or guacamole. Spritz with some lemon or lime juice to prevent browning. If your bento box is not leak proof, be sure to pack salsa and guacamole in separate containers.

The ideal way to fill a bento box you'll be porting around in your backpack or briefcase for a while is to pack it as tightly as possible, as high as possible to the rim while still being closeable, so that the food has little chance to shift around and get messy.

The bento packing rule is three parts carbs, two parts fruits and vegetables, and one part protein. Keep this in mind when you are building the box to create a balanced meal. If you pack the box with healthy food items, without leaving any spaces you can create a 600-calorie meal.

To avoid any risk of bacteria growth, you must cool down the food first before closing the bento, especially if the lunch box is going stay at room temperature for a few hours period. Use ice packs and an insulated bag to keep food fresh and safe till lunch time.

What is the ratio for Japanese bento? ›

In Japanese culture, the traditional ratio used to ensure a nutritionally balanced bento is 4:2:1. This means 4 parts of rice to 2 parts of side dishes and 1 part of other ingredients³. The national recommendation, however, is 1:1:2 — 1 wholegrain, 1 protein and 2 fruits or vegetables⁴.