Bento lunch boxes are a wonderful way to enjoy a balanced, flavorful, and visually appealing meal that’s perfect for on-the-go lunches.
Originating from Japan, bento boxes typically combine a variety of small dishes, including proteins, vegetables, and grains, all neatly packed into a compact container.
Whether you’re looking to prepare a nutritious meal for work, school, or a picnic, bento lunches offer versatility and creativity while keeping portion sizes in check.
With over 22 bento lunch box recipes to explore, you can easily find options to suit every taste, dietary preference, and occasion.
From classic Japanese favorites like chicken karaage and teriyaki chicken to vegetarian delights such as tofu teriyaki and veggie sushi, bento boxes make lunchtime exciting and satisfying.
22+ Delicious Bento Lunch Box Recipes to Make Your Midday Special
Exploring these 22+ bento lunch box recipes opens up a world of delicious possibilities that combine taste, nutrition, and convenience.
Whether you’re a seasoned bento enthusiast or a beginner, these recipes will inspire you to craft lunches that are both appealing and wholesome.
By preparing bento meals ahead of time, you save effort during busy days and enjoy diverse flavors in each bite.
Bento boxes aren’t just meals; they’re an artful way to make your lunch break something to look forward to.
chicken teriyaki bento
Chicken teriyaki bento is a flavorful and balanced lunch box that combines tender, glazed chicken with steamed rice and fresh vegetables. This classic Japanese-inspired meal is both satisfying and visually appealing, making it a perfect choice for a convenient, nutritious lunch. The sweet-savory teriyaki sauce adds depth without overpowering the natural flavors of the chicken and sides.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons mirin
- 2 tablespoons sake (or substitute with dry white wine)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- Steamed broccoli and carrot slices for serving
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar to create the teriyaki sauce.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken thighs until browned and cooked through.
Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and simmer until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken nicely.
In a bento box, pack a serving of steamed rice, teriyaki chicken, and steamed vegetables.
Chicken teriyaki bento offers a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors paired with wholesome ingredients. It’s an easy-to-make meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious, perfect for anyone seeking a delicious and well-rounded lunch on the go.
veggie sushi bento
Veggie sushi bento is a colorful and healthy lunch box option featuring fresh vegetable sushi rolls accompanied by crunchy edamame and pickled ginger. This meal is light yet filling, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors while keeping it vegetarian-friendly. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy Japanese cuisine in a convenient, portable format.
Ingredients
- Sushi rice, cooked and seasoned
- Nori sheets
- Julienne cucumber, avocado, and carrots
- Soy sauce for dipping
- Steamed edamame
- Pickled ginger
Instructions
Lay a nori sheet on a bamboo sushi mat, spread a thin layer of sushi rice over it.
Arrange cucumber, avocado, and carrot strips along one edge.
Roll tightly and slice into bite-sized pieces.
Pack sushi rolls, steamed edamame, and pickled ginger in the bento box.
Serve with soy sauce on the side.
Veggie sushi bento is a refreshing and light lunch that combines the clean flavors of fresh vegetables with the satisfying texture of sushi rice. It’s perfect for those seeking a nutritious and elegant meal that’s easy to prepare and enjoyable to eat anytime, anywhere.
teriyaki salmon bento
Teriyaki salmon bento features flaky, tender salmon glazed with a rich teriyaki sauce, paired with steamed rice and crisp vegetables. This bento box provides a well-rounded meal full of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. The combination of flavors and textures makes it both delicious and nourishing, ideal for a packed lunch that feels special.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons mirin
- 2 tablespoons sake or dry white wine
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Cooked white rice
- Steamed green beans and snap peas
Instructions
Mix soy sauce, mirin, sake, and brown sugar to make the teriyaki sauce.
Cook salmon fillets in a skillet over medium heat until nearly cooked through.
Pour teriyaki sauce over salmon and cook until sauce thickens and coats the fish.
In a bento box, arrange cooked rice, glazed salmon, and steamed vegetables.
Teriyaki salmon bento delivers a nutritious and flavorful lunch option that combines the rich taste of salmon with a perfectly balanced sauce and fresh veggies. It’s a smart and tasty way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in a portable, convenient form.
beef yakiniku bento
Beef yakiniku bento is a savory and satisfying lunch box featuring thinly sliced, marinated grilled beef paired with steamed rice and crisp vegetables. This Japanese-inspired meal delivers bold flavors with a tender texture, perfect for those craving a hearty yet balanced lunch that travels well. The marinade infuses the beef with a delicious umami richness that complements the simplicity of the rice and veggies.
Ingredients
- Thinly sliced beef (such as ribeye or sirloin)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons mirin
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Cooked white rice
- Steamed green beans and pickled radish
Instructions
Combine soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and garlic to make the marinade.
Marinate the beef slices for at least 30 minutes.
Grill or pan-fry the beef over medium-high heat until cooked through and caramelized.
Pack cooked rice, grilled beef, and vegetables into a bento box.
Beef yakiniku bento offers a delicious combination of tender, flavorful meat with simple accompaniments that balance the meal. It’s a perfect option for a filling lunch that’s easy to prepare and ideal for eating on the go or at work.
tamagoyaki bento
Tamagoyaki bento features Japanese rolled omelette slices paired with steamed rice, pickled vegetables, and fresh greens. This dish highlights the delicate sweetness and soft texture of tamagoyaki, making it a delightful and protein-rich addition to any bento box. It’s a great way to add a traditional Japanese touch to your lunch while keeping things light and nutritious.
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 2 tablespoons dashi stock (or water)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Cooked white rice
- Pickled cucumbers and cherry tomatoes
Instructions
Beat eggs with dashi, soy sauce, and sugar.
Heat a rectangular tamagoyaki pan or nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Pour a thin layer of egg mixture, cook partially, then roll it to one side.
Add more egg mixture and roll repeatedly until all is cooked.
Slice rolled omelette and pack with rice and vegetables in a bento box.
Tamagoyaki bento provides a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors wrapped in a fluffy, delicate omelette. It’s a versatile and elegant lunch option that brings a traditional Japanese favorite to your meal prep with ease.
tofu stir-fry bento
Tofu stir-fry bento offers a colorful and healthy lunch with crispy tofu cubes sautéed alongside fresh vegetables and seasoned with a savory sauce. This vegetarian-friendly bento is packed with protein and fiber, making it both nourishing and delicious. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for a plant-based meal that’s flavorful and convenient to pack.
Ingredients
- Firm tofu, cubed
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- Cooked brown rice
Instructions
Heat sesame oil in a skillet and sauté tofu until golden brown.
Add broccoli, bell peppers, and ginger; stir-fry until vegetables are tender-crisp.
Pour soy sauce over and toss to coat evenly.
Pack tofu stir-fry and brown rice in a bento box.
Tofu stir-fry bento is a vibrant and nutritious lunch option that combines satisfying textures with bold flavors. It’s perfect for meal prep and offers a wholesome, plant-based alternative that keeps lunchtime exciting and healthy.
shrimp tempura bento
Shrimp tempura bento is a delightful and crispy lunch box featuring golden battered shrimp served alongside steamed rice and fresh vegetables. This Japanese favorite offers a satisfying crunch with tender shrimp inside, making it a crowd-pleaser that’s both indulgent and balanced. Paired with simple sides, it creates a well-rounded meal perfect for on-the-go lunches or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 10 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup tempura batter mix
- Oil for deep frying
- Cooked white rice
- Steamed broccoli and carrot sticks
- Soy sauce for dipping
Instructions
Prepare tempura batter according to package instructions.
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
Dip shrimp into batter and fry until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Arrange shrimp tempura, steamed vegetables, and rice in a bento box.
Serve with soy sauce for dipping.
Shrimp tempura bento brings the perfect balance of crispy texture and delicate seafood flavor to your lunch. It’s a delicious treat that remains light enough for midday, offering both comfort and elegance in a portable meal.
chicken katsu bento
Chicken katsu bento features breaded and fried chicken cutlets paired with steamed rice, shredded cabbage, and a tangy tonkatsu sauce. This classic Japanese dish delivers crunchy, juicy chicken that pairs beautifully with simple, fresh sides, making it a satisfying and hearty bento option. It’s an easy way to enjoy restaurant-quality flavors packed neatly for lunch.
Ingredients
- Boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- Oil for frying
- Cooked white rice
- Shredded cabbage
- Tonkatsu sauce
Instructions
Pound chicken breasts to even thickness.
Dredge chicken in flour, dip in beaten egg, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
Heat oil and fry chicken until golden and cooked through.
Slice and pack chicken katsu with rice, cabbage, and a side of tonkatsu sauce in a bento box.
Chicken katsu bento offers a crunchy and flavorful lunch that’s both comforting and filling. The crispy chicken cutlet with fresh cabbage and tangy sauce makes for a delicious balance, perfect for a satisfying midday meal.
soba noodle bento
Soba noodle bento is a refreshing and light lunch option featuring chilled buckwheat noodles served with dipping sauce, fresh veggies, and a boiled egg. This meal is not only easy to prepare but also offers a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and flavor, making it ideal for warm days or when you want something light yet fulfilling.
Ingredients
- Cooked soba noodles, chilled
- 1 boiled egg, halved
- Julienned cucumber and carrots
- Soy sauce or mentsuyu dipping sauce
- Green onions, sliced
Instructions
Cook soba noodles according to package, rinse under cold water and drain.
Pack noodles in a bento box with vegetables and boiled egg.
Serve with dipping sauce on the side and garnish with green onions.
Soba noodle bento offers a cool, nutritious meal that’s quick to assemble and easy to eat. Its refreshing flavors and light texture make it an excellent choice for a balanced lunch, especially during warmer months or when a lighter meal is preferred.
salmon onigiri bento
Salmon onigiri bento features flavorful rice balls stuffed with savory cooked salmon, wrapped in crisp nori seaweed, and paired with fresh vegetables and pickles. This traditional Japanese lunch is portable, easy to eat, and offers a perfect balance of protein and carbs, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying and convenient meal.
Ingredients
- Cooked sushi rice
- Cooked salmon flakes
- Nori sheets, cut into strips
- Pickled radish
- Cherry tomatoes
- Steamed edamame
Instructions
Shape a handful of rice into a triangle or ball, place some salmon flakes in the center, and mold rice around to seal.
Wrap a strip of nori around each onigiri.
Pack onigiri with pickled radish, cherry tomatoes, and steamed edamame in a bento box.
Salmon onigiri bento offers a comforting and classic Japanese lunch that’s both tasty and portable. The combination of tender salmon and sticky rice wrapped in seaweed makes for a flavorful and fulfilling meal that’s easy to enjoy anywhere.
pork bulgogi bento
Pork bulgogi bento is a Korean-inspired lunch box featuring thinly sliced pork marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, cooked to caramelized perfection, served alongside steamed rice and fresh veggies. This dish is packed with bold flavors and provides a satisfying balance of protein and vegetables, perfect for a flavorful and hearty lunch.
Ingredients
- Thinly sliced pork shoulder
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Cooked white rice
- Sliced cucumbers and kimchi
Instructions
Marinate pork with soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and garlic for at least 30 minutes.
Cook pork in a hot skillet until caramelized and cooked through.
Pack pork bulgogi with steamed rice, cucumbers, and kimchi in a bento box.
Pork bulgogi bento delivers rich, savory flavors that satisfy your taste buds while keeping the meal balanced and nutritious. It’s a perfect way to enjoy Korean cuisine on the go, making your lunch exciting and delicious.
vegetable tempura bento
Vegetable tempura bento offers a crispy, colorful assortment of battered and fried vegetables served with steamed rice and dipping sauce. This meal is light yet indulgent, combining a variety of textures and flavors that bring excitement and balance to your lunch. It’s a great vegetarian-friendly option that feels special and satisfying.
Ingredients
- Assorted vegetables (sweet potato, bell pepper, zucchini, green beans)
- Tempura batter mix
- Oil for frying
- Cooked white rice
- Soy-based dipping sauce
Instructions
Prepare tempura batter as per package instructions.
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
Dip vegetables in batter and fry until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
Pack vegetable tempura with rice and dipping sauce in a bento box.
Vegetable tempura bento provides a delightful combination of crunch and freshness that makes lunch a treat. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy a tasty, vegetarian-friendly meal with satisfying textures and vibrant colors.
chicken karaage bento
Chicken karaage bento features Japanese-style fried chicken that’s juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside, paired with steamed rice and fresh vegetables. This popular dish is packed with flavor thanks to its marinade of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, making it a delicious and satisfying choice for lunchboxes. It’s a great way to enjoy a comforting, crunchy meal that’s perfect for any day.
Ingredients
- Boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup potato starch or cornstarch
- Oil for frying
- Cooked white rice
- Steamed broccoli and cherry tomatoes
Instructions
Marinate chicken pieces in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for at least 30 minutes.
Coat marinated chicken with potato starch evenly.
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
Pack chicken karaage with rice and vegetables in a bento box.
Chicken karaage bento offers a crispy, flavorful bite that pairs perfectly with simple steamed rice and fresh veggies. This classic Japanese comfort food makes for a filling and delightful lunch that’s easy to prepare and sure to please everyone.
eggplant miso bento
Eggplant miso bento features tender eggplant cooked in a savory miso glaze, served alongside steamed rice and fresh vegetables. This dish combines the rich umami flavors of miso with the soft texture of eggplant, creating a comforting yet healthy lunch option that’s vegetarian-friendly and full of depth.
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced
- 2 tablespoons miso paste
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Cooked white rice
- Steamed spinach and sliced cucumbers
Instructions
Mix miso paste, mirin, soy sauce, and sugar to make the glaze.
Pan-fry eggplant slices until tender, then add the miso glaze and cook until it thickens and coats the eggplant.
Pack glazed eggplant, rice, and vegetables in a bento box.
Eggplant miso bento is a flavorful and nutritious lunch that highlights the rich taste of miso with tender eggplant. It’s a great way to enjoy a plant-based meal that feels both satisfying and comforting, perfect for any lunchtime routine.
shrimp fried rice bento
Shrimp fried rice bento is a quick and flavorful lunch box featuring savory fried rice tossed with succulent shrimp, scrambled eggs, and vegetables. This meal is packed with protein and veggies, making it both delicious and balanced. It’s a convenient and tasty way to enjoy a classic dish in a portable format.
Ingredients
- Cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 cup peeled shrimp
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup diced carrots and peas
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
Heat oil in a pan and scramble eggs until cooked. Remove and set aside.
Sauté shrimp until pink and cooked through.
Add carrots and peas and cook until tender.
Add rice and soy sauce, stirring to combine.
Return eggs to the pan and mix thoroughly.
Pack shrimp fried rice in a bento box, garnished with green onions.
Shrimp fried rice bento is a hearty and flavorful meal that brings the comfort of a classic fried rice dish to your lunchbox. It’s easy to make, packed with protein and veggies, and perfect for a satisfying midday meal on the go.
teriyaki chicken bento
Teriyaki chicken bento offers tender chicken glazed with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, paired with steamed rice and crisp vegetables. This classic Japanese dish is loved for its rich flavor and juicy texture, making it a satisfying and well-balanced lunch option that’s easy to prepare ahead of time.
Ingredients
- Boneless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons mirin
- 2 tablespoons sake
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Cooked white rice
- Steamed broccoli and carrots
Instructions
Combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar in a saucepan and simmer until slightly thickened.
Pan-fry chicken until cooked through, then pour teriyaki sauce over and coat evenly.
Pack teriyaki chicken with rice and steamed vegetables in a bento box.
Teriyaki chicken bento is a flavorful and hearty meal that brings together tender meat and savory sauce with fresh veggies and rice. It’s a dependable lunch choice that satisfies cravings while maintaining a balanced plate.
veggie sushi bento
Veggie sushi bento features colorful, fresh vegetable sushi rolls alongside edamame and pickled ginger. This light yet filling lunch is perfect for sushi lovers seeking a vegetarian option. The combination of crisp veggies and seasoned rice wrapped in nori offers a refreshing taste and appealing presentation.
Ingredients
- Sushi rice
- Nori sheets
- Julienned cucumber, avocado, and carrots
- Pickled ginger
- Steamed edamame
Instructions
Spread sushi rice on nori sheets, arrange vegetables in a line, and roll tightly.
Slice into bite-sized pieces and pack with edamame and pickled ginger in a bento box.
Veggie sushi bento delivers a fresh, vibrant lunch that’s both satisfying and healthy. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting to enjoy sushi flavors without fish, offering a crisp texture and beautiful colors.
beef stir-fry bento
Beef stir-fry bento contains tender strips of beef quickly cooked with bell peppers, onions, and a savory sauce, served alongside steamed rice. This dish is full of bold flavors and makes for a protein-packed, balanced lunch that can be prepped easily and enjoyed anywhere.
Ingredients
- Thinly sliced beef
- Sliced bell peppers and onions
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Cooked white rice
Instructions
Stir-fry beef in sesame oil until browned.
Add bell peppers and onions, cooking until tender-crisp.
Stir in soy sauce and oyster sauce, coating ingredients well.
Pack beef stir-fry with rice in a bento box.
Beef stir-fry bento is a savory and satisfying lunch option that delivers a great mix of protein and vegetables. Its quick preparation and rich taste make it ideal for busy days when you need a filling, delicious meal.
tofu teriyaki bento
Tofu teriyaki bento features crispy pan-fried tofu glazed with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, paired with steamed rice and fresh vegetables. This vegetarian-friendly meal is packed with flavor and offers a satisfying texture contrast between the crispy tofu exterior and tender inside, making it a wholesome and delicious lunch choice.
Ingredients
- Firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons mirin
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Cooked white rice
- Steamed broccoli and snap peas
Instructions
Mix soy sauce, mirin, and sugar to make the teriyaki sauce.
Pan-fry tofu cubes in oil until golden and crispy on all sides.
Pour teriyaki sauce over tofu and cook until sauce thickens and coats tofu.
Pack tofu teriyaki with rice and steamed vegetables in a bento box.
Tofu teriyaki bento is a tasty and nutritious lunch that brings a plant-based twist to classic teriyaki flavors. It’s perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking for a lighter, protein-rich meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
chicken yakisoba bento
Chicken yakisoba bento features stir-fried noodles with tender chicken, cabbage, carrots, and a savory sauce. This flavorful and filling bento is quick to prepare and offers a comforting blend of textures and tastes, making it a perfect choice for a satisfying lunch on the go.
Ingredients
- Yakisoba noodles or ramen noodles
- Boneless chicken breast, sliced thin
- Shredded cabbage and julienned carrots
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
Stir-fry chicken in sesame oil until cooked.
Add cabbage and carrots, cooking until slightly softened.
Add noodles, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine and heat through.
Pack chicken yakisoba in a bento box.
Chicken yakisoba bento offers a savory and satisfying noodle lunch that combines tender chicken and crisp veggies with a flavorful sauce. It’s an easy-to-make meal that’s both comforting and convenient for busy days.
shrimp avocado salad bento
Shrimp avocado salad bento combines juicy cooked shrimp with creamy avocado, crisp greens, and a light citrus dressing. This fresh and healthy bento is perfect for those who want a light but protein-packed lunch that feels refreshing and energizing.
Ingredients
- Cooked shrimp, peeled
- Ripe avocado, diced
- Mixed salad greens
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Juice of one lemon or lime
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper
Instructions
Toss shrimp, avocado, salad greens, and cherry tomatoes together.
Drizzle with lemon or lime juice, olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
Pack salad in a bento box.
Shrimp avocado salad bento is a light, nutritious, and flavorful meal perfect for warmer days or when you want a refreshing lunch. The creamy avocado balances the bright citrus and fresh shrimp, making every bite enjoyable and satisfying.
Conclusion
Bento lunch boxes provide a perfect balance between practicality and enjoyment, allowing you to bring a little bit of culinary creativity to your everyday meals. With these 22+ recipes, you’ll find that eating healthy and varied lunches is easier and more fun than ever. Whether you prefer meat-based dishes, vegetarian options, or light salads, there’s a bento recipe here for you. So grab your favorite lunchbox, get inspired by these recipes, and make your next lunch both nutritious and delicious.
