Bento

Name: Bento
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1 cup rice, cooked; 2 salmon, cooked, small pieces; 1/4 cup pickled vegetables; 1/4 cup fresh fruit, sliced; 1/2 hard-boiled egg, halved

A balanced lunch box featuring rice, protein (like chicken or fish), pickled vegetables, and fresh fruit, inspired by traditional Japanese bento.

45 minMediumServes 2430 cal/serving

JapaneseLunchRice CookerPescatarianHigh ProteinHalal-friendlyLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeNightshade-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

1 cup rice, cooked
2 salmon, cooked, small pieces
1/4 cup pickled vegetables
1/4 cup fresh fruit, sliced
1/2 hard-boiled egg, halved

Instructions

1

Start with a clean bento box or compartmentalized container.
2

Place 1 cup cooked rice in the largest compartment of the bento box, filling it about halfway.
3

If desired, shape the rice into a mound or use a mold to create a decorative shape.
4

In another compartment, place 2 cooked, small pieces salmon.
5

Add 1/4 cup pickled vegetables to a separate compartment or section of the bento box.
6

Arrange 1/4 cup sliced fresh fruit in another section of the box.
7

Place 1/2 halved hard-boiled egg in the remaining compartment or alongside other items.
8

For an authentic touch, add a small container of soy sauce or other condiment if desired.
9

Close the bento box securely and pack with appropriate utensils.
10

Keep refrigerated until ready to eat, or use an insulated lunch bag with ice pack if transporting.
11

Serve at room temperature or chilled, depending on preference.

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Questions

What is Bento?

A balanced lunch box featuring rice, protein (like chicken or fish), pickled vegetables, and fresh fruit, inspired by traditional Japanese bento. This reference files it under Japanese lunch: rated medium and about 45 minutes start to finish.

Can I use another fish instead of salmon in Bento?

Arctic char or steelhead trout cooks the same way. Thinner fillets need a minute or two less, so go by thickness rather than the clock. As written, the entry for Bento uses 2 salmon, cooked, small pieces.

Does Bento contain fish?

Yes: 2 salmon, cooked, small pieces. The full allergen list for this entry is eggs and fish. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

How many calories are in Bento?

One serving (the recipe makes 2) is about 430 calories, with 32 g protein, 40 g carbohydrate and 12 g fat, plus 1 g fiber and 260 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

How do I store and reheat Bento?

Refrigerate what is left of Bento within two hours and eat it within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop. The grain firms up as it chills; add a spoonful of water before reheating.

Serve it with

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