Tofu Teriyaki Bento Box (Quick Vegan Lunch Idea)

This quick and easy Tofu Teriyaki Bento Box is the perfect vegan lunch idea. With crispy tofu glazed in a homemade teriyaki sauce, served over fluffy furikake rice and paired with colorful, fresh veggies, it’s a well-balanced meal that’s ideal for meal prep or a healthy lunch on the go.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to make in under 40 minutes
• Completely vegan and packed with plant-based protein
• Balanced with grains, veggies, and protein
• Great for meal prep
• Customizable with your favorite vegetables

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the tofu teriyaki:

• 300 g firm tofu, pressed and cut into rectangles
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil (e.g., avocado oil)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons mirin
• 1 tablespoon sake (or water with a pinch of sugar)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

For the rice:

• 1 cup Japanese short-grain rice (uncooked)
• Furikake seasoning, to taste

For the sides:

• 1 Japanese or Persian cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon shichimi togarashi
• 1 cup sugar snap peas
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Directions

1. Cook rice: Rinse rice until water runs clear. Cook according to package instructions. Fluff and season with furikake.
2. Prepare tofu: Lightly press tofu and cut into rectangles. Coat evenly with cornstarch.
3. Pan-fry tofu: Heat oil in a pan. Fry tofu until golden and crispy on all sides. Set aside.
4. Make teriyaki sauce: In the same pan, add soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. Simmer briefly. Return tofu to the pan and coat in sauce.
5. Make cucumber salad: Toss sliced cucumber with rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and shichimi. Let marinate for a few minutes.
6. Blanch veggies: Boil sugar snap peas for 1–2 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.
7. Assemble bento boxes: Add rice to each bento box and top with tofu teriyaki and sesame seeds. Add cucumber salad, sugar snap peas, and cherry tomatoes to each box.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 2 bento boxes
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Use brown rice or quinoa for added fiber
• Replace sugar snaps with broccoli, edamame, or green beans
• Add pickled radish or seaweed salad for variety
• Drizzle with spicy mayo or sriracha for heat
• Swap tofu for tempeh or seitan if preferred

storage/reheating

• Storage: Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Reheat rice and tofu separately in a microwave if desired.
• Tip: Store cucumber salad separately to maintain crispness.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?

Yes, but homemade offers more control over flavor and sweetness.

How do I press tofu?

Wrap in a clean towel and place a heavy object on top for 15-20 minutes to remove moisture.

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, jasmine or basmati rice can be used, though Japanese short-grain is traditional.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it gluten-free.

Can I prepare this the night before?

Absolutely! It’s a great meal prep option. Just keep the cucumber salad separate until serving.

What is furikake and where can I find it?

Furikake is a Japanese rice seasoning made of seaweed, sesame seeds, and more. Find it in Asian grocery stores or online.

Can I air-fry the tofu?

Yes, air fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until crispy, then toss in teriyaki sauce.

How can I make it spicier?

Add chili flakes to the sauce or serve with sriracha or spicy mayo.

What can I substitute for mirin?

Use a mix of white wine or rice vinegar and a little sugar.

Do I need to marinate the tofu beforehand?

No, the sauce adds flavor during cooking, so no pre-marination is needed.

Conclusion

This Tofu Teriyaki Bento Box is a colorful, nutritious, and flavorful vegan meal that’s as fun to eat as it is to prepare. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or packing lunch on the go, this easy recipe delivers a delicious, balanced meal every time.

Print