Chihiro’s Veggie Bento

Serves 4 · 35 min prep · 30 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 445 cal
• 22g protein
• 58g carbs
• 14g fat
• 7g fiber

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Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups short-grain white rice
• 2 cups water
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 14 oz firm tofu
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp mirin
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 large carrot
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup edamame pods
• 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
• 1 tbsp black sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup pickled ginger
• 2 nori sheets

Instructions

1. 1Rinse the rice in cool water until the water runs nearly clear, then cook with the measured water in a covered pot: bring to a boil, reduce to lowest heat, and steam 15 minutes; rest off heat 10 minutes more.
2. 2While rice cooks, press the tofu between towels under a light weight for 15 minutes to remove excess water, then cut into neat bite-size cubes.
3. 3Whisk soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil; toss the tofu cubes gently in the mixture and let them marinate 10 minutes.
4. 4Warm a nonstick skillet over medium heat and pan-sear the tofu 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and lightly crisp at the edges; set aside to cool.
5. 5Steam the broccoli florets and shelled edamame for 4 to 5 minutes until bright green and just tender; plunge into cold water to lock the color, then drain well.
6. 6Peel the carrot into long soft ribbons with a vegetable peeler. Toss the warm rice with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until glossy and fragrant, then fan it a little to cool.
7. 7Cut nori into thin strips or small shapes with clean scissors. Portion rice into four bento compartments or lunch boxes, packing it gently into a soft bed.
8. 8Arrange golden tofu cubes, broccoli, edamame, carrot ribbons, and purple cabbage in cheerful separate sections so each color has its own little garden plot.
9. 9Tuck a small nest of pickled ginger into a corner and sprinkle black sesame seeds over the rice like tiny night stars.
10. 10Finish with nori strips on top, close the lids, and chill if packing ahead; the bento keeps beautifully for a work or school midday meal that feels hand-packed with care.