Japanese cuisine holds a special place in my heart, and one of its most delightful offerings is the bento box. Inspired by this tradition, I decided to create my own version—a vegan bento box for lunch.
Contents
Vegan bento box recipe
A bento box is a single-portion take-out or home-packed meal that is often for lunch. A traditional bento box often includes:
- Condiments: Such as soy sauce or wasabi.
- Rice or Noodles: The staple base of the meal.
- Protein: fish, chicken, or tofu.
- Vegetables: Typically pickled or cooked varieties.
These ingredients are all beautifully arranged in a box with dividers. The thoughtful presentation and balance of flavors make it a joy to eat.

I will make the vegan bento box with mushrooms, vegetables, tofu, and rice. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the aesthetics and variety of a traditional bento while sticking to my plant-based diet today. The process of arranging an assortment of colorful, fresh vegetables, tofu, and rice into the compartments is both satisfying and nourishing.
Here’s how to make the Vegan Bento Box with Seasweed:

Vegan Bento Box
Ingredients
- 3.5 oz asparagus cut into bite-sized sections
- 4 fresh shiitake mushrooms
- 2 pieces of tofu thinly sliced, approximately 1/4 inch thick
- Skewers
- 4-5 green beans blanched and cut into halves or thirds
- 1/4 cup of boiled corn kernels
- 1 medium-sized bell pepper sliced into thin strips
- 1 cucumber sliced into thin strips
- 1/2 apple sliced into thin wedges
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 tablespoon dried seaweed
- 1 tablespoon roasted sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Make rice and mushrooms
- After cooking the rice, mix it with a tablespoon of dried seaweed and a tablespoon of roasted sesame seeds. This adds a delightful umami flavor and a pleasant crunch.
- Heat a small amount of olive oil in a pan, then stir-fry the asparagus and shiitake mushrooms.
- Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
TofuWrapped Vegetables
- Heat a bit of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the tofu slices on one side until they are golden brown, then remove from the pan and let them cool slightly.
- Place the fried tofu slices with the golden side facing down. Arrange green beans, corn, and 1/2 striped bell pepper on one end of each tofu slice.
- Roll the tofu slice around the vegetables, starting from the end with the vegetables.
- Secure each roll with a skewer to hold it in place.
MakeSauce for Tofu Wraps
- In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Brush this sauce mixture onto the outside of the tofu wraps.
- Grill the tofu wraps for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely caramelized.
Arrange the vegan bento box
- Arrange the bento box with the seaweed rice, asparagus, and mushroom stir-fry, tofu-wrapped vegetables, mixed vegetables (striped cucumber and the other half bell pepper), and apple slices.
Nutrition
Presentation plays a crucial role in the bento experience. Even simple arrangements can transform your meal into a feast for the eyes. Here are some quick tips I’ve learned:
- Use a variety of colors to make your bento visually appealing
- Arrange foods in an aesthetically pleasing manner, considering shape and size
- Include edible garnishes like sesame seeds or nori flakes for added visual interest
- Layer ingredients strategically to create depth and dimension in your bento box
Remember, we eat with our eyes first, so taking a moment to consider the presentation can elevate your vegan bento experience.
Bento box ideas
You can change the ingredients of the vegan bento box to meet your preference. But the bento box needs to meet your nutritional needs. Here are some recommendations:
1. Condiments:
- Teriyaki-glazed (for tofu steaks)
- Miso-ginger dressing
- Tahini-lemon sauce
- Spicy peanut sauce
- Balsamic dressing
- Wasabi-avocado mayo
- Sun-dried tomato sauce
2. Rice and Noodles:
Complex carbohydrates fuel our bodies:
- Brown rice onigiri rice balls
- Soba noodle salad
- Quinoa tabbouleh
- Wild rice and roasted vegetable medley
- Shirataki noodle salad
- Zucchini noodles with sun-dried tomato sauce
3. Protein:
- Teriyaki-glazed tofu steaks
- Lentil and vegetable stuffed bell peppers
- Quinoa-black bean burrito bowls
- Chickpea “tuna” salad sandwiches
- Marinated tempeh skewers
- Teriyaki tempeh strips
4. Vegetables:
Colorful vegetables contribute essential nutrients and visual appeal to your bento boxes. In my experience, a variety of textures and flavors enhances the overall enjoyment of the meal. Try these:
- Lentil and vegetable stuffed bell peppers
- Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts
- Tangy Asian cucumber salad
- Steamed edamame pods
- Pickled radishes and carrots
- Grilled asparagus spears
- Eggplant rollatini with spinach and almond ricotta
5. Fruits and Desserts
A touch of sweetness completes the vegan bento experience. Fruits and light desserts offer a refreshing finish to your meal. Some of my favorites include:
- Fresh berries and melon cubes
- Chia seed pudding with coconut flakes
- Homemade energy balls dates, nuts, and cocoa
- Sliced apples with almond butter dip
- Matcha-infused mochi