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Japanese Bento Box for School Lunch

Japanese Mini Bento Box

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Looking for a creative, kid-friendly lunch idea? This fun Japanese Mini Bento Box recipe is perfect for picky eaters! It's packed with flavor, protein, and colorful veggies, and it's so easy to assemble. Learn how to make cute rice ball characters and pack a lunch that your kids will be excited to show off.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: lunch
Cuisine: Asian-fusion
Calories: 85
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup cooked sushi rice cooled
  • 2 sheets nori seaweed
  • 1/2 cup steamed edamame shelled
  • 8 cherry tomatoes
  • 6 mini chicken meatballs store-bought or homemade
  • 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
  • 1 small cucumber
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Equipment

  • Bento box or compartmented lunch container
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Rice paddle or spoon
  • Small sharp knife
  • cutting board

Method
 

  1. Using slightly wet hands, shape cooled sushi rice into 2 small triangular balls
  2. Cut nori sheets into small shapes (circles for eyes, strips for mouths) using kitchen scissors
  3. Press nori shapes onto rice balls to create faces
  4. Slice cucumber into rounds
  5. Arrange rice balls, edamame, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and meatballs in separate bento compartments
  6. Pack teriyaki sauce in small dipping container
  7. Sprinkle sesame seeds over rice balls

Nutrition

Calories: 85kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 18gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 650mgPotassium: 422mgFiber: 4gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 925IUVitamin C: 33mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Rice balls can be made the night before and refrigerated. Substitute turkey meatballs for lower sodium option. For nut allergies: ensure teriyaki sauce is nut-free. Cultural fact: "Kyaraben" means character bento in Japanese!

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