Our number 1 pick for this dishOnigiri (Japanese Rice Balls) (Video) おにぎり
Japanese rice balls with customizable fillings, a portable snack perfect for lunch boxes.
onigiribentosnack
The best bento recipes
A bento is a packed meal built to be balanced, portable and often beautiful: rice in one corner, a protein, and a few colourful vegetable sides arranged to fit the box. The best recipes here are as much about make-ahead strategy and arrangement as about any single dish.
Our number 1 pick for this dish
More bento
Onigiri Dog (Japanese Rice Hot Dog) おにぎりドッグ
Seasoned rice molded into a hot dog shape, wrapped in nori, and filled with your choice of toppings. A fun portable lunch or snack.
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Miso-Marinated Salmon with Yuzu Pepper
Salmon fillets glazed with miso, yuzu pepper, and sake, then grilled until the skin is golden. Minimal prep, maximum flavor.
seafoodgrilldinner
Folding Onigiri
Layered onigiri with vegetables, tuna, and eggs folded into a decorative square.
onigirieggbento
Chicken Soboro Donburi Recipe
Layered rice bowl with ground chicken, scrambled eggs, and green beans. A quick, colorful bento option.
donburichickenegg
Onigiri Bento Lunch Recipe
Complete lunch box built around seasoned rice balls with pickled plum and bright vegetables.
onigiribentolunch
Tamagoyaki Sandwich Recipe
Rolled egg omelet in a bread sandwich with mayo and mustard, typically packed with fresh fruits and vegetables for meals.
tamagoyakieggsando
Demon Slayer (Sukiyaki) Bento Recipe
A bento box featuring sukiyaki-style beef, tofu, eggs, and vegetables simmered in a sweet soy-based broth.
sukiyakibeeftofu
Special Miso Glazed Chicken
Moist chicken thighs glazed with miso, mayo, and chili bean paste, pan-fried until caramelized and perfect for bento boxes or meal prep.
chickenteriyakistir fry
Harumaki (Japanese Spring Rolls) (Video) 春巻き
Crispy deep-fried spring rolls filled with pork, chicken, shrimp, and vegetables, ideal for appetizers or lunches.
deep frysnackbento
Teriyaki Chicken Bento Recipe
Glazed chicken thighs with charred peppers and a sweet-savory sauce, presented in a bento box over rice.
teriyakichickenbento
Common questions about bento
What is a bento?
A bento is a single-portion packed meal in a compartmented box, typically combining rice, a protein and several small vegetable or pickled sides. It is designed to be eaten cold or at room temperature.
What goes in a typical bento?
A common ratio is roughly half rice, a quarter protein (such as karaage, tamagoyaki or grilled fish) and a quarter vegetables or pickles, chosen for colour and to travel well.
How do you keep bento food safe to eat later?
Food is cooled fully before the lid goes on, cooked through (few raw items), and well seasoned, since salt, vinegar and thorough cooking all help it keep until lunchtime.