How to create filling Bento lunches?

Question

I haven't really made bento lunches partially because the boxes seem so small--I like to eat and have been told I eat than most people.

I like the idea of creating visually appealing lunches, but I've been reluctant to buy bento boxes because they seem so small. I understand it's about proportion as well, which would make sense.

What do you Bento makers do to make sure your lunch is filling?

Answer 1

You know, you could get a multi-tiered bento box so that you can just pack more good food into it.  Check out this cool three tiered bento box:

http://www.plasticashop.com/mm5/merchant...

I also have a couple of two tiered bento boxes listed on my ThisNext.com list:

http://www.thisnext.com/list/84EE7E37/lu...

Hope this helps.

Shauna

http://www.thenewstayathomemom.com

Answer 2

I make sure there's a variety of flavors, and you're definitely not limited on what you put into the box!  I had some wonderful tuna tofu mini burgers, red pepper and pak choy stir fry and zakkokomai.  

Check out "JustBento" - it's a site for everything bento: boxes, recipes, anything you can imagine.  You'll absolutely LOVE it!

Answer 3

If you need cute and cheap bento supplies check out http://megasuperbento.ecrater.com/

Answer 4

You would be surprised how much those little bento boxes can hold.  I think Hawaii is probably one of the bento capitals of the world.  From the local market to the largest supermarket food chain you can buy a warm breakfast bento every morning starting at around 5AM.  They usually have 2 scoops sticky white rice, two scrambled eggs, 3 slices of fried bacon, a slice of fried spam, and 4 or 5 slices of fried Portuguese sausage.  Lunch bentos have two scoop rice or noodles, mochiko chicken, 2 hot dogs, teriyaki fish.  There are many variations, and they are all very filling!

Answer 5

I thought the same thing until I started using mine.  It actually holds a decent size portion.

First off, I use brown instead of white rice, which is very filling.

Second, I load up on vegetables and only bring a skewer or two of grilled meat.   Even my stews are mostly vegetable.

Third, I eat with the chopsticks that came with my bento box.  You get full a lot faster if you eat slowly.

Answer 6

Most native japanese eat less than westerners so the original bento boxes only hold a limited amount.  But you don't need to use an actual bento box, or you could always use more than one box.  The idea is to put a variety of foods in a box--rice, veggies, maybe some meat or other protein, japanese pickles, a few slices of fresh fruit.  Generally, everything in the box has to already be in bite-size pieces so it can be eaten with the fingers or hashi (chop sticks).  If you're doing meat you thinly slice or cube the meat and only put in 5-7 slices.  A small pile of pickles (tsukemono).  Maybe some bean sprouts or pea pods or other cooked veggies.  3 slices of oranges or a thin wedge of skinned melon or a small cluster of grapes.  One or two rice balls (nigiri)--can be tucked inside soy bean wrappers (inari) or wrapped in seaweed (nori) or rolled in sesame seeds or other seasonings (furikake), or simply salted.  Hijiki (type of black seaweed) with edamame (soy beas) and strips of fried tofu.

But then, Hawaiian bento boxes are bigger and fuller and breathtaking--so basically it's up to you.   The small bento boxes (5 or 6" square) usually are used in 3 stacks so you put different foods in each level (and those are usually used family style so you share with others).  The bigger boxes 8"-12" are used for individuals so you can fit more in there.  Usually all seasoning is already done so you just open the box and eat.

Answer 7

More isn't always more filling.  In North America we tend to overeat because our portion sizes are enormous and we've all been taught to finish what's on our places because "there are starving children in Africa/China/Guadalajara..."  To ensure your bento box is filling make sure you have a couple of protein selections, some rice and don't forget some vegetables.  A suggestion would be to have some kind of fish (sashimi or a few flash fried fish filets), rice with teryaki along with mixed cooked vegetables and a small salad or edamame.  Add a couple of pieces of fresh orange to round out your lunch.  Even in smaller portions this should be more than enough.