Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›Kawamoto Store›Small Bento Recipe

Small Bento Recipe

Inspired by Kawamoto Store
Time1h
Serves2

Make Small Bento Recipe in just 1h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Rice Base

Protein

Vegetables

Garnish

Method

Cook the Rice

  1. 1

    Rinse the Rice

    Place the Japanese short-grain rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch.

  2. 2

    Cook the Rice

    In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed.

  3. 3

    Season the Rice

    Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, then mix in rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until well combined.

Prepare the Protein

  1. 4

    Marinate the Chicken

    In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce and sesame oil. Add the chicken breast and marinate for at least 10 minutes.

  2. 5

    Grill the Chicken

    Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.

Prepare the Vegetables

  1. 6

    Slice the Cucumber

    Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise, then slice it into thin, half-moon pieces.

  2. 7

    Julienne the Carrot

    Peel the carrot and slice it into thin strips (julienne).

  3. 8

    Prepare the Edamame

    If using frozen edamame, cook according to package instructions until tender. Drain and set aside.

Assemble the Bento

  1. 9

    Layer the Rice

    In a bento box, start by adding a layer of seasoned rice as the base.

  2. 10

    Add Protein and Vegetables

    Arrange the grilled chicken slices, cucumber, carrot strips, and edamame on top of the rice.

  3. 11

    Garnish

    Cut the nori sheet into small strips and sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the bento box for garnish.

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