Vegetarian Bento Box with Teriyaki Tofu and Pickled Vegetables

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

A colorful Japanese-inspired bento box featuring pan-seared teriyaki tofu, quick pickled vegetables, and steamed rice for a balanced lunch. This Japanese-inspired meal-prep recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 30 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 450 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Japanese cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp mirin, and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves, then simmer for 3 minutes until slightly thickened to make teriyaki sauce.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 8 oz pressed and cubed firm tofu and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
  3. Step 3: Pour half of the warm teriyaki sauce over the tofu in the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, turning tofu to coat evenly and caramelize.
  4. Step 4: In a bowl, mix 3 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt until sugar dissolves. Add 1/2 julienned cucumber and 1 small julienned carrot, tossing to coat. Let sit for 10 minutes for quick pickling.
  5. Step 5: Assemble bento box with 1 cup steamed white rice topped with 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds and 1 tbsp sliced green onion, the teriyaki tofu, and pickled vegetables on the side. Drizzle remaining teriyaki sauce over tofu if desired.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Vegetarian 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 Vegetarian 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 Vegetarian 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 Vegetarian 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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