The Japanese know how to do a packed lunch. Bento begins from childhood, where mothers all around Japan make adorable boxes of food for their children to bring as a school lunch. But for the rest of us who aren’t as lucky, packing a visually appealing bento can be difficult. After all, where do you start?
Well I’ve got just the guide for you: this is what I’ve learnt about how to pack a bento!
How to pack a Bento!
Ingredients
Carbs (e.g.)
- Rice
- Bread
- Pasta
Protein (e.g.)
- Salmon
- Nuts
- Egg
- Pork
- Chicken
- Beef
- Tofu
Fruit and Veg (e.g.)
- Blueberries
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Pickled Plums
- Pickled Cabbage
Instructions
- Find a box/container that you like. Ideally it should have a watertight/airtight seal (to prevent unnecessary messes in your bag), and just large enough to fit your food portions.
- Here are the magic ratios for packing most bentos: 1/2 carbs, 1/4 protein, 1/4 fruit and veg. Of course, these can be moved around according to preference, but it's a good starting point!
- Start to think tetris: one of the beautiful things about a nicely packed bento box is the separation. Every component has its place, and every place is deliberate. Try it, it's very zen!
- Pack your favourite foods into your bento.
- Bring it somewhere nice.
- Enjoy eating it! (Very important XD)
Notes
But wait, there’s more! Simply make this recipe, take a photo and post it to Everten’s Recipe of the Week on their Facebook page for your chance to win a $1,000 Wusthorf prize pack! You can find more details about the competition on Everten’s website. Remember to tag @TeaForTammi or Wusthof Australia on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, and we’ll share our favourites! We’ll also be Periscoping and sharing a recipe every week, so don’t worry if you’ve arrived here fashionably late to the party. Simply join us 6:30pm (Sydney time) every Wednesday for more delicious food, and follow @TeaForTammi to get notified when we go live!