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Effortless Bento: 300 Japanese Box Lunch Recipes
Bento books have been some of the more accessible and popular genres coming out of Japan over the last few years, and
Bento Bonanza
is essentially the bento encyclopedia. Filled with hundreds of full-color photos and numerous recipes this is the essential box lunch book.
192 pages, Paperback
First published May 6, 2014
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217 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 4, 2016
This book has it all from color arrangements, portions, preparing in advance, storing, containers, seasoning and recipes. If you are looking to prepare bentos this is a complete guide, you can use to build your expertise.
What it didn't have was enough vegetarian options offered. I could turn any of the pork, chicken, beef recipes into veggie dishes easily enough but the author did not eve approach this as a option. I like to see "for vegetarian version...."
Over all I think tis is a great book that covered all the basics efficiently. I would gift it.
What it didn't have was enough vegetarian options offered. I could turn any of the pork, chicken, beef recipes into veggie dishes easily enough but the author did not eve approach this as a option. I like to see "for vegetarian version...."
Over all I think tis is a great book that covered all the basics efficiently. I would gift it.
August 18, 2014
Original review on my blog.
If you, like me, enjoy the idea of eating healthy and perhaps have a job that leaves you locked in your library (office) over lunch, and so your choices are :
1. pack a lunch, or
2. starve to death,
you will probably appreciate the beauty and charm of a book like this. It gives you the opportunity to not only brown bag it at lunch time, but also maybe not kill yourself from the unending monotony that is eating bologna sandwiches on the reg.
I have a couple of other bento books in my life, but what made me pick up this one and take it home, is that the entire book is laid out for lazy people. Absolutely every recipe gives you step-by-step instructions to make your food, divide it up in lots of portions, and the best place to keep it, how long it’s good for, and even how to pack it in your lunch! Does it need heating up first? The editors got your back! Can I put it in frozen? Totally already thought of it!
Most of my other lunchable books want me to take the time to cook and pack a lunch in the morning. You’re laughing right now, I can tell! Ain’t nobody got time for that. The fact that I can make all this food on a day off, and then parcel it out as needed is fantastic. It even gives you tips and tricks to ensure that you have a balanced and healthy meal that is not entirely composed of deep-fried chicken karaage (because who isn’t tempted sometimes?) and is even colour-coordinated and gorgeous. You can be the envy of the office, and you’ll be voted Most Stealable Lunch from the Office Fridge. Even the calorie count of each portion is meticulously calculated so you, too, can be an insane person and track your food in MyFitnessPal.
Of course, this is a translation of a Japanese book, so there is some assumed knowledge of ingredients and tools. Most shelf-stable ingredients are easily found at an Asian grocery store, but you might have harder luck finding shiso leaves or other random Japanese veg. Don’t be afraid to Google and substitute with what is local, fresh, and in-season, since this is really what Japanese food is all about.
If you like Japanese food, leftovers, and not going out for lunch everyday, this is the book for you!
If you, like me, enjoy the idea of eating healthy and perhaps have a job that leaves you locked in your library (office) over lunch, and so your choices are :
1. pack a lunch, or
2. starve to death,
you will probably appreciate the beauty and charm of a book like this. It gives you the opportunity to not only brown bag it at lunch time, but also maybe not kill yourself from the unending monotony that is eating bologna sandwiches on the reg.
I have a couple of other bento books in my life, but what made me pick up this one and take it home, is that the entire book is laid out for lazy people. Absolutely every recipe gives you step-by-step instructions to make your food, divide it up in lots of portions, and the best place to keep it, how long it’s good for, and even how to pack it in your lunch! Does it need heating up first? The editors got your back! Can I put it in frozen? Totally already thought of it!
Most of my other lunchable books want me to take the time to cook and pack a lunch in the morning. You’re laughing right now, I can tell! Ain’t nobody got time for that. The fact that I can make all this food on a day off, and then parcel it out as needed is fantastic. It even gives you tips and tricks to ensure that you have a balanced and healthy meal that is not entirely composed of deep-fried chicken karaage (because who isn’t tempted sometimes?) and is even colour-coordinated and gorgeous. You can be the envy of the office, and you’ll be voted Most Stealable Lunch from the Office Fridge. Even the calorie count of each portion is meticulously calculated so you, too, can be an insane person and track your food in MyFitnessPal.
Of course, this is a translation of a Japanese book, so there is some assumed knowledge of ingredients and tools. Most shelf-stable ingredients are easily found at an Asian grocery store, but you might have harder luck finding shiso leaves or other random Japanese veg. Don’t be afraid to Google and substitute with what is local, fresh, and in-season, since this is really what Japanese food is all about.
If you like Japanese food, leftovers, and not going out for lunch everyday, this is the book for you!
July 23, 2022
Visually pleasing, Well organized, Easy instructions, Informative techniques and preparation advice---Very beginner friendly.
One of the few books I would strongly recommend!
One of the few books I would strongly recommend!
March 16, 2019
I bought this book last December to help me make japanese bento at home. My workplace doesn't have a cafeteria, and lunch outside is expensive for my stipend anyway, so bringing my own lunch is a must.
I think the selling point of this book to me is that it shows how to prepare many meals ahead for the whole week on a day off instead of waking up early everyday to prepare things. It's more doable that way for me---I have been able to consistently make bento dishes for lunch since I bought the book (3 months). Also, the book has many colorful photos, so it helps visualize things better for me (such as how to arrange things into containers and bento boxes, etc.)
I think the book is almost right with the "effortless" title. I needed to buy a bunch of Japanese seasonings and sauces first (sake, mirin, soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, etc.) but then preparing dishes are easier, since the seasonings and sauces are common in almost all dishes in the book. The book is kind enough to always include an "A mixture" for preparing seasonings ahead, I just need to pour the mixture on the dish at the right time. That is "effortless" to me :)
I'm not a good cook anyway, but these simple recipes are doable for me and the results are really delicious. They remind me of the dishes I like when I was in Japan.
Some minus points of the book is that maybe it is translated from a Japanese book, so sometimes the instructed amount doesn't feel right---how big is one carrot? how big is one bell pepper? I needed to note down when I used too much and too little. Also, some ingredient names are strange, I needed to Google them and try to hunt them down in Asian markets. That's why I wish the book had photos of the ingredients.
I like this book, it helps me survive these busy days in grad school.
I think the selling point of this book to me is that it shows how to prepare many meals ahead for the whole week on a day off instead of waking up early everyday to prepare things. It's more doable that way for me---I have been able to consistently make bento dishes for lunch since I bought the book (3 months). Also, the book has many colorful photos, so it helps visualize things better for me (such as how to arrange things into containers and bento boxes, etc.)
I think the book is almost right with the "effortless" title. I needed to buy a bunch of Japanese seasonings and sauces first (sake, mirin, soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, etc.) but then preparing dishes are easier, since the seasonings and sauces are common in almost all dishes in the book. The book is kind enough to always include an "A mixture" for preparing seasonings ahead, I just need to pour the mixture on the dish at the right time. That is "effortless" to me :)
I'm not a good cook anyway, but these simple recipes are doable for me and the results are really delicious. They remind me of the dishes I like when I was in Japan.
Some minus points of the book is that maybe it is translated from a Japanese book, so sometimes the instructed amount doesn't feel right---how big is one carrot? how big is one bell pepper? I needed to note down when I used too much and too little. Also, some ingredient names are strange, I needed to Google them and try to hunt them down in Asian markets. That's why I wish the book had photos of the ingredients.
I like this book, it helps me survive these busy days in grad school.
September 7, 2019
If I could physically devour this book I would. Instead since I bought it I have found myself flicking through it on an almost daily basis. It’s inspiring. It’s a food prepper’s dream. So many EASY recipes that can be converted to low fodmap if you needed too.
My son has flat out refused sandwiches, I’m hoping to fill his lunchbox and him up with all these tasty treats instead.
My son has flat out refused sandwiches, I’m hoping to fill his lunchbox and him up with all these tasty treats instead.
October 13, 2019
Hands down one of my bento staples and most frequently recommend book resource to people new to bento. The recommendations for how long to keep something in the fridge or freezer are awesome and the pairing suggestions are great! My only complaint is how much stuff is fried. I don't care much for fried foods but it's (thankfully) not the majority of the foods so avoiding it is easy!
November 6, 2022
this bento book focuses less on fancy shapes and cutting/decorating. what i especially liked about this book but was the idea to make and freeze small portions - which would allow for much easier meal prep in the future and variety. not sure that I am ready for this level of prep - but lots of great recipes and ideas.
April 12, 2023
My favorite Bento cookbook I own.
A lot of recipes, which you can combine to make a great bento, but also a lot of helpful basics about how to pack a bento, how to store food, etc.
If you want to start making bentos, this is the book you should turn to for your first steps. You'll find everything you need and people who have been making bentos for some time will also find new recipes and ideas.
A lot of recipes, which you can combine to make a great bento, but also a lot of helpful basics about how to pack a bento, how to store food, etc.
If you want to start making bentos, this is the book you should turn to for your first steps. You'll find everything you need and people who have been making bentos for some time will also find new recipes and ideas.
June 24, 2018
Great introductory book with clear step-by-step instructions and excellent visuals. Plenty of tips to make it easy for the lunch-maker on the go. It even gives some box/menu ideas.
September 22, 2018
Everything in this recipe book looks so delicious. I wanted to eat it all on the spot.
June 22, 2022
Great breakdown of separate items, and how you can make them ahead to use as you assemble bento boxes. One of the only bento recipe books I have seen do that.
March 31, 2023
Not that effortless but great recipes if you can find the ingredients.
June 4, 2023
Easy Quick Japanese recipes that include freezing methods and expirations.
July 3, 2023
Lots of good ideas and tips.
July 26, 2025
Love it! such great set up
March 29, 2026
informative
November 28, 2014
This cook book features full color photos and detailed step-by-step instructions on how to plan a bento lunch, prepare the food, and pack it. Some of the recipes call for ingredients that are not as readily available in some parts of the United States, so that could be a problem, but most should be okay for people to find. The recipes all sound delicious. I haven't tried any yet, but plan to soon. I will update my review after trying some of the recipes, but as of right now, this looks like a wonderful book.
February 22, 2017
The recipes are amazing, it's written well. The pictures are both helpful and attractive -- I loved this recipe book! Must buy...or just constantly checking out from the library!! :)
January 29, 2015
Effortless Bento, No-fuss Bento, Do-it-in-your-sleep Bento. Much like most things in life, good things are not effortless. (Children are good, but it's not effortless to raise them.) I love the idea of bento for lunch. But it's not effortless. And these recipes are not inspiring.
January 16, 2016
The easiest description is a short course in Japanese food handling and meal planning. All the lunches (or light dinners) rely on planned overs or refridgerated sides to make it easy to put a meal together quickly. Comprehensive and well photographed.
April 16, 2017
My bento bible!
Great tips on how to pack, store and freeze different food.
I also love the reference pictures and easy-to-follow recipes!
Great tips on how to pack, store and freeze different food.
I also love the reference pictures and easy-to-follow recipes!
December 3, 2015
Resepnya mudah diikuti, sangat bervariasi, mempermudah rencana untuk membuat bekal, simpel, namun nyaman di perut. Kesimpulannya, cukup dua kata: buku sakti.
February 26, 2016
Loved it! The recipes are easy and I've learned a lot about food safety and easy ways to make fresh lunches every day.
November 16, 2017
This book provides recipes and suggestions to create Bento boxes.
November 7, 2014
Interesting.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews