It’s the start of a new work week, and you’re scrambling around in the morning because you’re not sure what to bring for lunch. With only a few minutes left on the clock until you need to head out, you realize you don’t have enough time to prepare anything, so you end up buying lunch out again.
Sound like a familiar situation? It’s one we’ve probably all been in a few times, but it’s also one that’s very avoidable thanks to convenient food storage solutions like wood bento boxes!
With their various tiers and compartments, these iconic wood bento boxes make it easy to have a nutritious and well-rounded meal when you’re away from home. You just need a bit of guidance and inspiration to make it work on a regular basis. Here are some of our top bento box meal prep tips, so you can finally curb your habit of eating expensive and/or unhealthy meals out.
Keep It Simple
The great thing about traditional wooden bento boxes is that they are normally used for foods that are eaten cold or at room temperature. This often means less cooking and prepping for you!
Chop up some fruits and vegetables that can be eaten raw, make a quick meal like a sandwich, and add in some easy snacks like nuts and crackers.
Keep It Balanced
Use your bento box compartments strategically to ensure you’re getting a balanced meal. Save one for vegetables, one for proteins (hard boiled eggs are a great choice), and another for grains, like rice. A traditional cedar wood bento box maintains proper moisture levels for rice, so it always stays soft and fluffy. Works well for bread storage, too!
If you have any extra space left over, you can always sneak in a little dessert compartment. Everything is fine in moderation!
Consider Presentation
Anything goes in a western tupperware container, but presentation is still important in bento boxes. In Japanese culture, food is meant to be a visual and culinary treat, which is why dishes are carefully arranged to show off different colors, cutting techniques, and individual ingredients. Japanese chefs are master artisans in their own way — a lot of attention to detail goes into the presentation of a meal.
Of course, your bento box doesn’t have to be on the same level as a professional, but try to organize your ingredients in a pleasing way so they don’t get smashed up in the box. Use your compartments to separate foods with different colors and textures. Whether to make a statement for your house party or a personal bento lunch box for your simple pleasure, be as grand as you can take it, or just be simple.
Bento Box Lunch Ideas
Now you know how to organize your bento box, but what exactly should you put in it? Here are some of our favorite bento box lunch ideas:
1. Chicken* Teriyaki Bento
Main: Chicken* teriyaki slices
Sides: Steamed broccoli, carrot sticks, and cherry tomatoes
Grain: White or brown rice with a sprinkle of sesame seeds
Extras: Edamame and small pieces of fruit (like apple slices or grapes)
*You can sub chicken for another meat or protein source
2. Sushi Roll Bento
Main: Fish or vegetarian sushi rolls (vegetarian rolls can be filled with cucumber, avocado, carrots, and/or tofu)
Sides: Seaweed salad, edamame, and pickled ginger
Extras: Soy sauce for dipping and a few orange slices
3. Sandwich Bento
Main: Sandwiches (make western style sandwiches with cold meats and vegetables, or try a Japanese egg salad sandwich)
Sides: Baby carrots, cucumber slices, and cherry tomatoes
Extras: Mixed nuts and pieces of fruit
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