why make this recipe
Tofu Teriyaki Bento Box is a quick, delicious, and nutritious vegan lunch idea. It combines protein-rich tofu with fresh veggies and flavorful rice, making it a satisfying meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner. This recipe is great for meal prepping, and it’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables. Plus, it takes very little time to make, so it’s a perfect choice for busy days.
how to make Tofu Teriyaki Bento Box
Ingredients:
- 300 g firm tofu, pressed and cut into rectangles
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (I like avocado oil)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp sake (or water + pinch of sugar)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 1 cup Japanese short-grain rice (uncooked)
- Furikake seasoning, to taste
- 1 Japanese or Persian cucumber (thinly sliced)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp shichimi togarashi
- 1 cup sugar snap peas
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
Directions:
- Cook rice – Rinse the rice in cold water until it runs clear. Cook it according to the package instructions, fluff it with a fork, and sprinkle with furikake seasoning.
- Prep tofu – Lightly press the tofu to remove extra moisture, cut it into rectangles, and coat each piece with cornstarch.
- Pan-fry tofu – In a pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Fry the tofu until it is golden brown on all sides. Once done, set it aside.
- Make teriyaki – In the same pan, mix the soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. Let it simmer. Return the tofu to the pan and coat it with the teriyaki sauce.
- Cucumber salad – In a bowl, toss the cucumber slices with rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and shichimi togarashi. Let it marinate briefly.
- Blanch veggies – In boiling water, blanch the sugar snap peas for 1–2 minutes. Drain and rinse them in cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Assemble – Layer the rice in your bento box. Top it with the teriyaki tofu and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Add the cucumber salad, sugar snap peas, and cherry tomatoes on the side.
how to serve Tofu Teriyaki Bento Box
Serve the Tofu Teriyaki Bento Box fresh for lunch or dinner. It is great at room temperature, so you can pack it for work or school. Enjoy each component together for a balanced meal.
how to store Tofu Teriyaki Bento Box
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for 2-3 days. To reheat, simply warm the tofu and rice in the microwave or enjoy it cold.
tips to make Tofu Teriyaki Bento Box
- Make sure to press the tofu thoroughly to remove excess moisture. This helps it get crispy when frying.
- Experiment with different vegetables such as bell peppers or broccoli for added color and nutrients.
- If you like your teriyaki sauce thicker, let it simmer longer to reduce and thicken.
variation
You can substitute the tofu with tempeh or seitan for a different texture. Additionally, feel free to swap out the veggies based on what you have at home.
FAQs
1. Can I use different grains instead of rice?
Yes, you can use quinoa, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
3. Can I prepare this bento box ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the components in advance and assemble the bento box when you’re ready to eat.
