Asian Fusion Bento Box with Teriyaki Tofu and Pickled Vegetables

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A colorful bento box filled with pan-seared teriyaki tofu, steamed edamame, and quick pickled cucumbers and carrots, perfect for a balanced lunch. This Asian Fusion-inspired meal-prep recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 35 minutes, pairs firm tofu, soy sauce, mirin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Asian Fusion cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp mirin, and 1 tbsp brown sugar until sugar dissolves; set teriyaki sauce aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 14 oz pressed and cubed firm tofu and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
  3. Step 3: Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the tofu in the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes, turning tofu to coat evenly and allow sauce to thicken slightly.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, steam 1 cup edamame pods in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain.
  5. Step 5: For pickled vegetables, combine 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt in a bowl; add 1/2 sliced cucumber and 1/2 julienned carrot, tossing to coat and letting sit for 10 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Assemble the bento box by placing teriyaki tofu cubes, steamed edamame, and pickled cucumber and carrot. Garnish tofu with 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 sliced green onions before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Asian Fusion Bento Box with Teriyaki Tofu and Pickled Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Asian Fusion Bento Box with Teriyaki Tofu and Pickled Vegetables?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep firm tofu from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Asian Fusion Bento Box with Teriyaki Tofu and Pickled Vegetables?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Asian Fusion Bento Box with Teriyaki Tofu and Pickled Vegetables for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Asian Fusion Bento Box with Teriyaki Tofu and Pickled Vegetables vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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