We'll talk about options using readily available items you probably already have in your kitchen. However, if you don't have one nearby don't fret. If you're lucky enough to have a large Asian market in your town you'll probably be able to find everything you need right there.
Many of these items can be found online (check the last step for links!). There are tons of super cute accessories with which to decorate your lunches. If you're into kitchen gadgets making bento boxes can be a very fulfilling past time. Oily foods (like gyoza) should be packaged on top of an absorbent material.īentos should not require refrigeration or heating.Ībove all else your bento should be equally as nice to look at as nice to eat! (Note that this is the only rule that is not optional! :) Sauces and dressings go in their own bottles (usually with a lid or cap). Separate wet foods from dry using a nested or altogether separate container such as a cupcake form. Pack foods with flavors that might run or stick together with a divider. Sushi should be prepared with more wasabi than usual. The 4-3-2-1 rule: 4 parts rice, 3 parts protein, 2 parts vegetable, and 1 part "treat" (Usually either pickled vegetables or something sweet.) Traditional bentos follow a couple of basic rules. Like many other Japanese arts bento making has its own set of guidelines. Step 1: Know the Rules (then Break Them!)
This instructable will attempt to provide the basic design principles, resources for obtaining the necessary tools, and some of the traditional rules of making a beautiful and delicious bento.
Today they are a vibrant art form popular worldwide. They originally began as simple meals that required little or no effort to assemble. Please note that probably nothing in here will belong to me / come from my imagination! Enjoy this part!īentos, or boxed lunches, have a long deep history rooted in ancient Japan.