Emily Carter
Chicken teriyaki bento boxes are a popular meal option, especially in Japan, where they can be found at most bento shops. They typically consist of chicken glazed with teriyaki sauce, served on a bed of rice, with a variety of colourful side dishes and garnishes. The chicken is usually sliced into bite-sized pieces to be eaten with chopsticks, and the teriyaki sauce is either drizzled over the chicken or served on the side. Bento boxes are usually eaten at room temperature, so chicken breast is often preferred over chicken thigh as it remains tender when cooled.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Dish | Teriyaki Chicken |
| Rice | Japanese short-grain rice |
| Dumplings | Pan-fried |
| Salad | Cabbage, Carrot, Cucumber, Sugar Snap Peas, Potato, Kinpira Gobo, or Leafy Greens |
| Fruits | Apple, Orange, Strawberries |
| Garnishes | Sesame Seeds, Furikake, Umeboshi |
| Other Ingredients | Soy Sauce, Mirin, Ginger, Sugar, Sake, Potato Starch, Broccoli, Green Onion, Tomatoes |
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What You'll Learn
- Chicken: Chicken breast is ideal as it stays tender at room temperature
- Rice: Japanese short-grain rice complements the dish, but brown rice adds fibre
- Dumplings: Pan-fried dumplings are a quick, tasty addition to the bento box
- Vegetables: Colourful veggies like carrots, tomatoes, and sugar snap peas add nutrition
- Garnishes: Furikake seasoning, sesame seeds, and pickled plums add flavour and texture
Chicken: Chicken breast is ideal as it stays tender at room temperature
Chicken teriyaki bento boxes are typically eaten at room temperature. Chicken breast is ideal for this dish as it stays tender and does not become tough when served in this way. This is because breast meat is composed of long muscle fibres that can become tough as the meat cools. However, when you cut chicken breast "against the grain", you slice through these fibres, shortening them. As a result, the bite is more tender as shorter fibres are easier to chew.
Chicken thigh is the traditional choice for teriyaki as it is flavourful and juicy when warm. However, it tends to get tough as it cools, which is why chicken breast is a better option for bento boxes.
When preparing the chicken breast for the bento box, it is important to identify the grain by locating the direction in which the muscle fibres are aligned. Each chicken breast should have a line running through its centre. The chicken breast should then be sliced into 1.5-2 cm thick pieces so that it can be easily picked up with chopsticks.
In addition to chicken, teriyaki bento boxes typically contain rice. It is recommended to use sticky Japanese short-grain rice, which can be brown or white. The rice is packed into the bento box while it is still warm so that it is easier to shape, and then it is allowed to cool before adding the chicken and other ingredients.
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Rice: Japanese short-grain rice complements the dish, but brown rice adds fibre
Rice is an essential component of a chicken teriyaki bento box. Japanese short-grain rice is the traditional choice and complements the dish perfectly. It is sticky and slightly sweet, adding a delightful texture and flavour to the bento box. This type of rice is also commonly used in Japanese cuisine and is a staple food in the country.
When preparing the rice for the bento box, it is recommended to fill up to half of the box with cooked Japanese short-grain rice. It is important to let the rice cool down before adding other ingredients to ensure the other foods remain at the desired temperature. Packing the rice while it is still warm makes it easier to shape and mould into the box.
To cook the rice, it is suggested to rinse it under cold running water two to three times. Then, combine the rice with water in a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook. Alternatively, you can use a rice cooker, Instant Pot, or donabe to prepare the rice according to your preference or convenience.
While Japanese short-grain rice is the classic choice, you can also substitute it with brown rice to make the dish more nutritious and add fibre. Brown rice has a higher fibre content compared to white rice, making it a healthier option. It provides similar textures and flavours but with enhanced nutritional benefits.
The choice between Japanese short-grain rice and brown rice ultimately depends on personal preference and dietary needs. Both options complement the chicken teriyaki bento box well, providing a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Dumplings: Pan-fried dumplings are a quick, tasty addition to the bento box
Dumplings: A Quick, Tasty Addition to the Bento Box
Pan-fried dumplings are a delicious addition to a chicken teriyaki bento box. They are simple to make and can be prepared quickly while you cook the other components of your bento box.
Ingredients
The ingredients for the dumpling filling are basic and easy to source. You will need:
- Cabbage
- Mushrooms
- Pork mince (with a fat content of at least 20%)
- Chives
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Soy sauce
- Chinese black vinegar or Chinkiang vinegar
- Sugar
- Sesame oil
- Salt
Preparation
Start by preparing the cabbage. Finely chop it and place it in a bowl with salt. Toss it with your fingers and set it aside for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, squeeze out the excess liquid from the cabbage using your hands.
Next, prepare the filling. Place the cabbage, mushrooms, pork mince, chives, and ginger in a bowl. You can also add a little oil to the filling mixture if your pork mince is on the lean side. Mix the ingredients with your hands until they are well combined.
Now it's time to wrap the dumplings. Take a dumpling wrapper and place it on the palm of your non-dominant hand. Dip your finger in water and run it along half the edge of the wrapper. Place a heaped tablespoon of the filling in the centre. Fold the wrapper over and pleat to seal. Alternatively, you can simply press the edges together without pleats. The dumpling should be curved slightly. Place the finished dumpling on a tray and cover it with cling wrap or a wet tea towel. Repeat this process until you have used up all your filling and wrappers.
Cooking
Heat a non-stick frying pan to medium-high heat and add a little oil. Place the dumplings in the pan, making sure they are not too close together, and add about half a cup of water. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for about 5-6 minutes. After this, remove the lid and continue cooking until the water evaporates and the dumplings are golden and crispy on the underside.
Serving
These pan-fried dumplings go perfectly with a quick, punchy sauce. Combine minced garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sugar, Chinese black vinegar, and sesame oil. Mix well, and add some fragrant Sichuan-style chilli oil for an extra kick. Top your dumplings with diced chives, white sesame seeds, and serve with the sauce on the side for dipping.
Your dumplings are now ready to be added to your chicken teriyaki bento box!
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Vegetables: Colourful veggies like carrots, tomatoes, and sugar snap peas add nutrition
Colourful veggies like carrots, tomatoes, and sugar snap peas not only make great garnishes but also add nutrition to your chicken teriyaki bento box. You can also add leafy greens like lettuce, cabbage, kale, and chicory. These vegetables not only add a pop of colour but also help keep each dish separate in the bento box.
Tomatoes, especially cherry tomatoes, are a popular choice for chicken teriyaki bento boxes. They add a bright colour and can be used as a side dish or garnish. If you're feeling creative, you can even cut the carrots into flower shapes to add a whimsical touch to your bento box.
Sugar snap peas provide a satisfying crunch and are a great way to add some fresh, crisp texture to your bento box. They are usually served raw, providing a refreshing contrast to the other cooked items in the box.
Carrots, in addition to their nutritional value, can be cut and arranged in decorative ways, adding a playful touch to your meal. If you're packing a bento box for a child, consider cutting the carrots into fun shapes or arranging them to resemble flowers, as mentioned earlier. This can make the meal more appealing and encourage healthier eating habits.
In addition to these colourful veggies, you can also include other vegetables like steamed broccoli florets, green peppers, or even cucumber salad. These vegetables not only add variety to your bento box but also contribute to a well-balanced and nutritious meal.
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Garnishes: Furikake seasoning, sesame seeds, and pickled plums add flavour and texture
When it comes to garnishes, furikake seasoning, sesame seeds, and pickled plums are all excellent choices to elevate the flavour and texture of a chicken teriyaki bento box dumpling meal.
Furikake is a traditional Japanese rice seasoning made from a blend of dried and ground fish, sesame seeds, seaweed, salt, and sugar. It adds a savoury and umami flavour to the rice, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. Sesame seeds, when sprinkled on top of the chicken teriyaki, contribute a nutty aroma and a crunchy texture, creating a delightful contrast to the tender chicken and sticky rice.
Pickled plums, or umeboshi, are another classic Japanese condiment. They offer a tangy, sour, and slightly salty taste, providing a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce. Pickled plums are also known for their health benefits, believed to aid digestion and boost immunity.
The combination of these garnishes not only enhances the flavour profile of the dish but also adds nutritional value and textural variety, making the chicken teriyaki bento box dumpling a truly delectable and well-rounded culinary experience.
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Frequently asked questions
A chicken teriyaki bento box dumpling typically contains stewed chicken dumplings with carrots, dumplings, rice, and edamame beans.
The chicken used in this dish is typically skinless, boneless chicken breast or thigh meat.
Some side dishes that go well with this dish include cabbage salad, baby tomatoes, Dashimaki Tamago, Simmered Shredded Kelp, and various colorful fresh vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, carrots, and sugar snap peas.
