Tofu Teriyaki Bento Box
Tofu Teriyaki Bento Box (Quick Vegan Lunch Idea)
Are you searching for a delicious and nutritious vegan lunch option? Look no further than the Tofu Teriyaki Bento Box! This quick and easy recipe combines crispy tofu, savory teriyaki sauce, fluffy rice, and fresh vegetables to create a well-balanced and satisfying meal. Perfect for meal prep or a delightful lunchbox treat, this bento box will excite your taste buds and provide plenty of energy for the day!
Why Make This Recipe
The Tofu Teriyaki Bento Box is not just flavorful; it’s also packed with wholesome ingredients. This vegan dish is rich in protein thanks to the firm tofu and is accompanied by nutrient-dense vegetables and rice. It’s a balanced meal that is easy to customize based on your preferences. In addition, preparing your lunch in a bento box makes it visually appealing and fun to eat!
How to Make Tofu Teriyaki Bento Box (Quick Vegan Lunch Idea)
Ingredients
- 300 g firm tofu, pressed and cut into rectangles
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (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 the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, fluff it with a fork and sprinkle with furikake seasoning.
- Prep the Tofu: Lightly press the tofu to remove excess moisture, cut it into rectangles, and coat each piece with cornstarch.
- Pan-Fry the Tofu: In a skillet, heat the neutral oil over medium heat. Fry the tofu pieces until they are golden brown on all sides. Once done, set them aside.
- Make the Teriyaki Sauce: In the same pan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. Let it simmer for a few minutes, then return the cooked tofu to the pan and coat it in the teriyaki sauce.
- Prepare the Cucumber Salad: Mix the sliced cucumber with rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and shichimi togarashi. Allow it to marinate briefly.
- Blanch the Veggies: Boil the sugar snap peas for 1–2 minutes, then drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Assemble the Bento Box: Layer cooked rice in your bento box, then top with teriyaki tofu and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Add marinated cucumber salad, sugar snap peas, and cherry tomatoes on the side.
How to Serve Tofu Teriyaki Bento Box (Quick Vegan Lunch Idea)
To serve, simply close the bento box and enjoy it as is! You can also pair it with additional soy sauce or pickled vegetables for extra flavor. This dish is perfect for on-the-go lunches or leisurely weekend meals.
How to Store Tofu Teriyaki Bento Box (Quick Vegan Lunch Idea)
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, the tofu and rice can be warmed up in the microwave. However, it’s best to eat the cucumber salad fresh to maintain its crunch.
Tips to Make Tofu Teriyaki Bento Box (Quick Vegan Lunch Idea)
- Extra Flavor: For a deeper flavor, let the tofu marinate in soy sauce for 20-30 minutes before cooking.
- Crispier Tofu: For even crispier tofu, double-coat it with cornstarch before frying.
- Vegetable Options: Feel free to include your favorite vegetables in the bento, such as grilled bell peppers or steamed broccoli.
Variations
- Add Protein: Swap the tofu for tempeh or seitan for a different type of plant-based protein.
- Different Sauces: Experiment with different sauces like sweet and sour or general tso’s sauce if you want to change up flavors.
- Switch the Rice: Use quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a unique twist.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute soy sauce with tamari, and make sure your mirin and rice vinegar are also gluten-free.
2. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! This bento box is perfect for meal prepping. Just store components separately and assemble when you’re ready to eat.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add more shichimi togarashi or a dash of chili oil to the teriyaki sauce for an extra kick!
Give this Tofu Teriyaki Bento Box a try for an easy, healthy, and delicious lunch option that will surely impress your taste buds! Enjoy your meal!
Tofu Teriyaki Bento Box
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 300 g firm tofu, pressed and cut into rectangles
- 1 cup Japanese short-grain rice (uncooked)
- 1 cup sugar snap peas
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
For the Teriyaki Sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce Substitute with tamari for gluten-free
- 2 tbsp mirin Ensure it's gluten-free if needed
- 1 tbsp sake (or water + pinch of sugar)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
For Cooking and Marinade
- 2 tbsp cornstarch For coating tofu
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (like avocado oil) For frying
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp shichimi togarashi For seasoning cucumber salad
Vegetables
- 1 Japanese or Persian cucumber (thinly sliced) For cucumber salad
Instructions
Cooking the Rice
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Cook the rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, fluff it with a fork and sprinkle with furikake seasoning.
Preparing the Tofu
- Lightly press the tofu to remove excess moisture, cut it into rectangles, and coat each piece with cornstarch.
Cooking the Tofu
- In a skillet, heat the neutral oil over medium heat. Fry the tofu pieces until they are golden brown on all sides. Once done, set them aside.
Making the Teriyaki Sauce
- In the same pan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. Let it simmer for a few minutes, then return the cooked tofu to the pan and coat it in the teriyaki sauce.
Preparing the Cucumber Salad
- Mix the sliced cucumber with rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and shichimi togarashi. Allow it to marinate briefly.
Blanching the Veggies
- Boil the sugar snap peas for 1–2 minutes, then drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Assembling the Bento Box
- Layer cooked rice in your bento box, then top with teriyaki tofu and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Add marinated cucumber salad, sugar snap peas, and cherry tomatoes on the side.
