If you’re in the mood for a culinary treat, a Shokado Bento box will not disappoint as it will be full of premium Japanese delicacies – a kind of mini banquet served in a beautiful partitioned box. A range of different dishes go into making a bento of this type and here we will give you some ideas as to the kinds of Shokado Bento recipes used.
Ingredients of the highest quality are important in Japanese cooking generally, and in particular for a Shokado Bento box which is often likened to haute cuisine. Also important is the presentation of the dishes and the care that goes into preparing them. Considerable effort can go into creating a box like this as several recipes will be included and all take skill and time to make.
Shokado Bento Recipes – Tamagoyaki omelette
The Tamagoyaki omelette is a traditional dish which you will find in many quality bento boxes. It is relatively easy to prepare and always appetising, although it may require some practice to be able to roll layers of egg in a pan and keep rolling them until the thin layers solidify into one tasty piece of cooked egg. The result can be enjoyed on its own or sliced and placed on rice to make sushi. The finished omelette will be slightly sweet, thanks to the addition of mirin and a little sugar, balanced out by some soy and salt in the beaten egg. By adding small amounts of egg to the pan, cooking and rolling them together, you will eventually have a delightful Tamagoyaki omelette.
Pickles a Shokado Bento Staple
Pickles are a staple of bento, and the aubergine is very popular for pickling in Japanese cuisine. This type of pickle is not difficult to make, but you need to plan ahead as the aubergine needs time to marinate. For your pickling mix, combine one tablespoon of soy, two tablespoons of white sugar, and three tablespoons of rice vinegar. Stir this mixture and then add your sliced aubergine, allowing it to sit for a minimum of thirty minutes before adding it to your Shokado Bento box. Ideally, you would make this pickle several hours before, or even the preceding day to allow the flavours to develop. Sliced aubergine can also be glazed with miso, sprinkled with sesame seeds, and grilled for another delicious vegetable dish.
Japanese Tempura Bento
Even people who think they don’t like Japanese cuisine enjoy tempura. Seafood, vegetables or tofu coated in a light batter and fried to delicate crispiness are just delectable in a Shokado bento box. Prawns are especially popular when given the tempura treatment and also look elegant when prepared with skill. If you wanted to get really clever, you could also make a ponzu dipping sauce to accompany your tempura.
Pasta Salad Bento Box
Pasta salad is another popular element in a premium bento box and this goes well with tempura and tamagoyaki. After your pasta has been prepared in the usual way, it is the dressing that really delivers the punch of flavour that will get your taste buds tingling. To go with 100 grams of dry spaghetti, you will need half a tablespoon of lemon juice, one tablespoon of sesame oil, half a tablespoon of soy, and some shiso furikake seasoning. Combine all the dressing ingredients together well in a bowl before adding it to your cooked and cooled pasta and tossing it all together.
Kuri Chestnuts – Shokado Bento Box
The Japanese also enjoy chestnuts and the special Kuri variety is another flavoursome addition to any premium bento. As they are quite sweet, they make an ideal ending for a meal and can function as a dessert. The chestnuts need to be soaked – overnight is a good idea – then simmered for around 20 minutes with a little salt. They can be served whole or mashed. When mashed, they can be used as an ingredient in making cakes, and chestnuts also combine well with chocolate. Kuri chestnuts are also a Japanese symbol of autumn.
With these suggestions, you will be able to put together a satisfying gourmet experience that is healthy and makes use of some popular Japanese food traditions. Those lucky enough to receive a bento box containing these delicious goodies will no doubt be sure to say arigato.
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Bento Box Recipes
Why not try some of our Bento Box Recipes!
- What is a Shokado Bento Box?
- Easy Bento Recipes
- Homemade sushi recipes
- Yuzu Chicken and Sushi Bento Box
- Tonkatsu Bento
Read more about The history of the Bento Box