Salmon with Lentils

A bento box is a great way to try a bunch of delicious Japanese dishes all at once, and this version is both easy and accessible for the home cook.
Directions for: Chicken Teriyaki Bento Box

Ingredients

Sushi Rice

2 cups (500 mL) Japanese short grain rice

2 cups (630 mL) water

Chicken Teriyaki

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

2 Tbsp (30 mL) soy sauce

2 Tbsp (30 mL) hoisin sauce

1 tsp (5 mL) honey

1 Tbsp (15 mL) mirin

1 Tbsp (15 mL) rice wine vinegar

1 clove garlic, minced

Fried Green Beans and Enoki Mushrooms with Miso Dressing

2 Tbsp (30 mL) golden miso

1 Tbsp (15 mL) rice wine vinegar

1 Tbsp (15 mL) soy sauce

1 tsp (5 mL) honey

1 Tbsp (15 mL) vegetable oil

lb(s) (230 g) green beans, blanched

lb(s) 230 g) Enoki mushrooms

2 Tbsp (30 mL) sesame seeds

Directions

Sushi Rice

1. In a stainless steel bowl, wash the rice. Fill the bowl 3 times until all the white starch from the rice washes off and the water looks clear again.

2. Drain all excess water and reserve the rice for cooking.

3. Bring the rice to a simmer with 2 1/3 cup (550 mL) of water with the lid on.

4. Simmer and stir the rice, turn the heat to low while keeping the lid on.

5. Check at 5 minutes. Once the water is absorbed, stir the rice one more time and remove lid.

Chicken Teriyaki

1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and marinate for at least 30 minutes to overnight before grilling.

Fried Green Beans and Enoki Mushrooms with Miso Dressing

1. In a bowl, mix the miso, vinegar, soy sauce and honey. Set aside.

2. In a saut pan on medium heat, add the vegetable oil and saut the beans and mushrooms for about 5 minutes or until mushrooms are slightly wilted.

3. Remove the pan from the heat and add about 2-3 Tbsp (20-45 mL) of dressing to the beans and mushrooms.

4. A bento box is complete with a simple salad and some fresh fruit. For my Asian inspired salad, I use the following ingredients: butter/gem lettuce, shaved red radishes, shiso, coriander, sliced scallions.

5. The salad could also contain any of your favourite vegetables; it is particularly delicious with avocado. Dress the salad with a splash of seasoned rice wine vinegar and a little bit of olive oil.

Tips and Substitutions

A rice cooker is an incredibly fool proof way to cook sushi rice like this!

See more: Asian, Chicken, Japanese, Legumes, Main, Mushrooms, Rice/Grain