A bento box is a great way to try a bunch of delicious Japanese dishes all at once, and this version is both easy and accessible for the home cook.
Directions for: Chicken Teriyaki Bento Box
Ingredients
Sushi Rice2 cups (500 mL) Japanese short grain rice
2 cups (630 mL) water
Chicken Teriyaki4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 Tbsp (30 mL) soy sauce
2 Tbsp (30 mL) hoisin sauce
1 tsp (5 mL) honey
1 Tbsp (15 mL) mirin
1 Tbsp (15 mL) rice wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
Fried Green Beans and Enoki Mushrooms with Miso Dressing2 Tbsp (30 mL) golden miso
1 Tbsp (15 mL) rice wine vinegar
1 Tbsp (15 mL) soy sauce
1 tsp (5 mL) honey
1 Tbsp (15 mL) vegetable oil
lb(s) (230 g) green beans, blanched
lb(s) 230 g) Enoki mushrooms
2 Tbsp (30 mL) sesame seeds
Directions
Sushi Rice1. In a stainless steel bowl, wash the rice. Fill the bowl 3 times until all the white starch from the rice washes off and the water looks clear again.
2. Drain all excess water and reserve the rice for cooking.
3. Bring the rice to a simmer with 2 1/3 cup (550 mL) of water with the lid on.
4. Simmer and stir the rice, turn the heat to low while keeping the lid on.
5. Check at 5 minutes. Once the water is absorbed, stir the rice one more time and remove lid.
Chicken Teriyaki1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and marinate for at least 30 minutes to overnight before grilling.
Fried Green Beans and Enoki Mushrooms with Miso Dressing1. In a bowl, mix the miso, vinegar, soy sauce and honey. Set aside.
2. In a saut pan on medium heat, add the vegetable oil and saut the beans and mushrooms for about 5 minutes or until mushrooms are slightly wilted.
3. Remove the pan from the heat and add about 2-3 Tbsp (20-45 mL) of dressing to the beans and mushrooms.
4. A bento box is complete with a simple salad and some fresh fruit. For my Asian inspired salad, I use the following ingredients: butter/gem lettuce, shaved red radishes, shiso, coriander, sliced scallions.
5. The salad could also contain any of your favourite vegetables; it is particularly delicious with avocado. Dress the salad with a splash of seasoned rice wine vinegar and a little bit of olive oil.
Tips and Substitutions
A rice cooker is an incredibly fool proof way to cook sushi rice like this!
See more: Asian, Chicken, Japanese, Legumes, Main, Mushrooms, Rice/Grain