Easily prep ahead a vegetarian bento box loaded with protein, fun flavors and a variety of textures.
months ago,
i made mention of a
new food hobby:
the bento box.
my goal for a simple 2018
continues.
with some planning,
prep,
and practice,
i’ve been able to whip
this up in 30 min.
i’ll take it.
fyi:
wood bento boxes 
Click here for the pickled daikon recipe.
Print
How to Make a Delicious Vegetarian Bento Box
- Total Time: 105 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and healthy vegetarian bento box, perfect for meal prepping. Packed with flavour and texture, its a satisfying and delicious lunch.
Ingredients
- 1 block (approx. 454 g) extra firm tofu
- 2 TBL tamari
- 1 TBL sambal oelek or sriracha
- drizzle of maple syrup
- 1 TBL sesame oil
- 1/3 cup (approx 79 ml) cornstarch
- 1 small (approx. 454 g) butternut squash
- 1 TBL tamari
- 1 TBL honey
- 1 TBL sriracha
- 1 TBL sesame oil
- 2 TBL sesame seeds
- 2 TBL black sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup (approx 118 ml) bread crumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 large carrots
- 1 TBL maple syrup
- 1 TBL minced ginger
- baked tofu
- soy roasted squash
- maple-ginger carrot
- pickled daikon
- prepared rice
Instructions
- For the snack layer, use silicone muffin containers to keep the fruit and cheese separated.
- For the lunch layer, section off the box with about 1/4 cup of rice.
- Layer the top with carrots, sliced hard-boiled eggs, squash, tofu, and pickled daikon.
- Underneath, use parchment paper or spinach leaves to prevent leaching.
- Baked Tofu
- Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and press down with a heavy object.
- In a large bowl, combine tamari, sambal oelek or sriracha, maple syrup, and sesame oil. Mix well.
- Cut the tofu block into equal-sized cubes.
- Add the tofu to the bowl and gently mix with the sauce, ensuring all sides are marinated.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Prepare three shallow dishes: one with cornstarch, one with beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs and sesame seeds.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Dredge each tofu cube in cornstarch, then egg wash, then the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly.
- Place the breaded tofu cubes on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast in the preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Cool completely and store in an airtight container.
- Soy Roasted Squash
- Mix all ingredients and roast at 400°F (204°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until tender. Allow to cool.
- Maple Ginger Carrots
- Mix all ingredients and roast at 400°F (204°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until tender. Allow to cool.
Notes
- For easier cleanup, line your baking sheet with parchment paper when roasting the tofu and squash.
- To add extra flavor to the tofu, marinate it for at least 30 minutes before breading and baking.
- Substitute other vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for the carrots to customize your bento box.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bento box
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 70
- Fiber: 10
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 100
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of protein in my Vegetarian Bento Box?
Yes, you can substitute the original protein with tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas for a variety of textures and flavors.
What can I add to my bento box for extra crunch?
Adding pickled daikon or raw veggies like carrots and cucumbers can provide a nice crunch to your bento box.
How should I store the components of my bento box after preparing them?
Keep each component in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness, assembling the bento box just before serving.
