A plant-based Japanese-style meal prep featuring crispy tofu glazed in homemade teriyaki sauce, served with rice, colorful veggies, and quick pickles.
14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp oil (for frying)
1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari)
2 tbsp mirin
1 tbsp rice vinegar or sake
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
2 cups cooked short-grain rice
1 cup steamed broccoli
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup blanched snow peas or edamame
1/4 cup quick-pickled radish or cucumber
Sesame seeds, green onions, or nori for garnish
Press tofu for 20–30 minutes, then cube and toss in cornstarch.
Mix soy sauce, mirin, vinegar, sugar, garlic, and ginger in a saucepan. Simmer until slightly thick.
Heat oil in a skillet and pan-fry tofu until golden. Add sauce and toss to coat.
Prepare rice and steam vegetables.
Assemble in a bento box: rice, tofu, veggies, and pickles. Garnish as desired.
Let cool before sealing for storage.
For extra crispiness, bake or air-fry tofu. Swap rice with brown or cauliflower rice for dietary preferences. Keeps 3–4 days refrigerated.