Introduction
On-the-go meals can be a challenge with some items needed to be hot and others needed to be cold and sauces and/or condiments needed to be separated until added right before consuming. We understand not wanting to take 5 or more food storage containers with you to work. In this blog, we present a unique solution to this ongoing challenge using bento boxes. If you haven’t yet seen our blog "On-The-Go Meal Ideas", then we recommend you check it out first as it sets the stage better for this blog. Also, if you haven’t meal planned yet for your grocery shopping, we recommend you check out our blog “Meal Planning Tips” second.
Bento boxes are a multicompartment box used for containing the different courses of a usually Japanese lunch according to Merriam Webster. While bento boxes are traditionally used with Japanese lunches, they are perfect to use and store food of every culture. Bento boxes are unique as the bento boxes with separated stacking microwaveable compartments allows for one of the compartments to store cold foods (some even have a small section for sauces and/or condiments), and hot foods. Take the bento box in the below link; it has two compartments that are both microwaveable and dishwasher safe as well as a separate compartment for nuts and another for silverware.
Bento Box by BentoHeaven Store (affiliate link) [As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.]
Benefits of Bento Boxes
Bento boxes bring unique benefits that other food storage containers typically do not feature best. Bento boxes allow for greater portion control and calorie management because of the multicompartment and/or dividers they feature. Because they offer greater portion control, this makes them cost-effective as bento boxes typically contain smaller portions of food, which can help to reduce food waste and save money on groceries. By meal planning and using a bento box to portion out your food, you can avoid overspending on convenience foods and eating out. Bento boxes are designed to be reusable and with proper care they can be used for many years to come, reducing the need to purchase disposable containers or bags. Bento boxes offer versatility as well as they can be used for a variety of meals for various dietary needs, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as snacks and desserts, which can help to save money on purchasing separate containers for each meal. Overall, using bento boxes can be a cost-effective way to prepare and pack your meals.
Basic Components of a Bento Box
The basic components of a bento box are a main dish, side dishes, rice or noodles, and fruits or vegetables. You can; however, customize the bento box to fit your dietary needs be that more protein or fat or carbs or dairy and/or sugar restrictions. We have a few bento box meal ideas you can use to create based on a variety of diets but feel free to use your favorite recipes from your recipe binder and place those meals in your bento box.
Vegetarian Bento Box:
Hummus with pita bread and vegetables (carrots, cucumber, cherry tomatoes)
Quinoa and black bean salad with diced avocado
Grilled tofu skewers with teriyaki sauce
Roasted sweet potatoes with tahini sauce
Fresh fruit salad with a side of yogurt
Protein-Packed Bento Box:
Grilled chicken breast with a side of roasted broccoli
Hard-boiled eggs with sliced avocado
Greek yogurt with mixed berries and nuts
Grilled shrimp skewers with a side of roasted sweet potatoes
Turkey and cheese roll-ups with cherry tomatoes
Low-Carb Bento Box:
Sliced cucumbers with cream cheese and smoked salmon
Broccoli and cauliflower salad with bacon bits and ranch dressing
Grilled chicken breast with a side of roasted asparagus
Deviled eggs with a side of olives
Mixed berries with whipped cream
Mediterranean Bento Box:
Greek salad with feta cheese and olives
Hummus with pita bread and vegetables (cucumbers, cherry tomatoes)
Grilled chicken skewers with tzatziki sauce
Tabouli salad with a side of stuffed grape leaves
Fresh fruit salad with a side of yogurt
Asian-Inspired Bento Box:
Sushi rolls (avocado, cucumber, carrot, and crab)
Edamame beans with a side of sesame seeds
Teriyaki chicken with a side of steamed vegetables (broccoli, carrots, and snow peas)
Ramen noodles with soft-boiled egg and green onions
Fresh fruit salad with a side of green tea ice cream
Hispanic-Inspired Bento Box:
Chicken or vegetarian fajitas with peppers and onions
Black bean salad with diced avocado and tomatoes
Salsa and tortilla chips with a side of guacamole
Grilled shrimp skewers with a side of Spanish rice
Fresh fruit salad with a side of flan
Breakfast Bento Box:
Hard-boiled eggs with a side of sliced tomatoes and avocado
Greek yogurt with mixed berries and granola
Breakfast burrito with scrambled eggs, cheese, and vegetables (peppers, onions)
Whole grain toast with peanut butter and banana slices
Fresh fruit salad with a side of mini muffins
Tips for Packing Bento Boxes
Here are some tips to help you as you purchase and pack your bento boxes:
Use the right container: Choosing the right container is important when packing a bento box. Look for containers that are leak-proof and can hold a variety of food items without mixing them together. Bento boxes come in different sizes, so choose one that suits your appetite and the type of meals you would regularly pack.
Keep food at the right temperature: Bento boxes traditionally are meant to be eaten at room temperature, but it's important to keep certain foods at the right temperature to prevent foodborne illnesses. Use insulated bags, ice packs, or thermos containers to keep cold foods cold. This is particularly important for foods like meat, dairy products, and salads with dressing.
Make use of dividers and cups: Dividers and cups are a great way to keep different food items separate in a bento box. Use dividers to separate foods that shouldn't touch each other (such as fruit and savory dishes), and use cups to hold dips, sauces, or smaller food items like nuts or berries.
Pack foods with different textures and flavors: Bento boxes are all about variety, so pack foods with different textures and flavors. For example, pair a crunchy vegetable with a soft grain or protein, or pack sweet and savory items together. This will make your meal more interesting and satisfying.
Don't forget the utensils: While bento boxes are convenient for eating on-the-go, don't forget to pack utensils to eat with. Consider using reusable utensils like chopsticks or a knife, fork and spoon set to reduce waste. You can also include a napkin or paper towel to clean up any spills or messes.
Conclusion
Bento boxes have many benefits from being able to separate your cold foods from your hot foods and your sauces and/or liquid condiments to prevent sogginess as well as being reusable for years, the versatility of meals from breakfast to dinner to dietary specific meals, portion control and calorie management, and cost-effective as they contain smaller portions of food. We hope we have encouraged you to try packing a bento box for your next on-the-go meal. If you do already pack your on-the-go meals or snacks in a bento box or start after reading this blog, let us know in the comments! We would love to hear your thoughts. In our next blog, next Thursday, we will be sharing five cheap pantry stable meals featuring ingredients exclusively from your pantry. Leave a comment for what you found the most helpful and Subscribe so you never miss a blog! Stay saucy!
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