Vegan Pickled Bento Box

15th January 2026

• vegan
• japanese-cuisine
• bento-box
• lunch
• pickled-vegetables
• Hiroshi

Introduction

Inspired by the traditional bento box, this vegan pickled bento dish blends the tangy, sweet, and savory flavors of pickled vegetables with hearty plant-based ingredients. Perfect for a lunch that's not only filling but also bursting with the vibrancy of Japanese cuisine, this recipe is designed to delight your senses and offer a nutritious meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup sushi rice
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 small daikon radish, julienned
• 1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar (for pickling)
• 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cut into small cubes
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 cup pickled ginger
• 2 sheets nori, cut into strips
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Start by preparing the sushi rice. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine the rinsed rice and 2 cups of water in a rice cooker and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Once the rice is cooked, mix in rice vinegar, sugar, and salt while it is still warm. Set aside to cool.
3. For the pickled vegetables, combine cucumber, carrot, and daikon radish in a medium bowl. Cover with seasoned rice vinegar and let sit for at least 30 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, marinate tofu cubes with soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil. Let marinate for 15 minutes, then pan-fry over medium heat until all sides are golden brown.
5. To assemble the bento box, place a layer of sushi rice at the bottom. Arrange the pickled vegetables, tofu, pickled ginger, and nori strips aesthetically over the rice. Sprinkle sesame seeds and garnish with cilantro leaves before serving.

Enjoy your vegan pickled bento box as a delightful midday meal or a light dinner. Its combination of flavors and textures is sure to bring a touch of Japanese culinary tradition to your table, all while keeping it fresh and plant-based.

Hiroshi

Additional Information

Nutritionfacts	Calories: 350, Fat: 7g, Carbohydrates: 60g, Protein: 12g
Preparation Time	1 hour
Allergy Information	Soy, Sesame, Gluten