Easy Meal Prep Bento Recipes for the $3 Challenge

Ah, the joy of meal prep! It brings back memories of cozy Sundays spent in the kitchen, creating delightful dishes that make weekday lunches feel like a treat. Today, I’m excited to share some super easy and budget-friendly bento recipes that not only taste amazing but also won’t break the bank. Each bento box comes in at just $3, making it perfect for those looking to eat well without overspending.

Why You’ll Love Meal Prep Bento Recipes Ideas: 3 Dollar Bento Challenge

• Fast: You can have the main components prepped and packed in about 30 minutes.
• Easy: These recipes are straightforward, perfect for anyone, even if you’re just starting out in the kitchen.
• Giftable: Bento boxes make for a lovely homemade gift for friends and family, especially when they’re filled with deliciousness!
• Crowd-pleasing: From kids to adults, everyone enjoys the variety and flavors packed in these colorful boxes!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for each bento box:

Bento 1: Chicken Teriyaki

• 1 cup cooked rice – A great base to fill you up.
• 4 oz grilled chicken breast – Lean protein that keeps you satisfied.
• 1/2 cup steamed broccoli – A vibrant veggie that adds color and nutrition.
• 2 tbsp teriyaki sauce – Sweet and savory, it brings everything together.
• 1/4 cup sliced carrots – Crunchy and fresh!

Bento 2: Veggie Sushi Rolls

• 2 sheets of nori – This seaweed wrap is a sushi staple.
• 1 cup cooked sushi rice – Stickiness is key for rolling.
• 1/2 avocado, sliced – Creamy and rich, perfect for sushi.
• 1/4 cucumber, julienned – Freshness and crunch in every bite.
• Soy sauce for dipping – Essential for that umami kick.

Bento 3: Quinoa Salad

• 1 cup cooked quinoa – A protein-packed grain that’s very filling.
• 1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed – Adds protein and fiber.
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes – Juicy and fresh, they brighten the salad.
• 1/4 cup corn – Sweet and crunchy, a delightful addition.
• 1 tbsp lime juice – A zesty finish to brighten up the flavors.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Simple seasonings to enhance everything.

How to Make Meal Prep Bento Recipes Ideas: 3 Dollar Bento Challenge

Let’s dive into the preparation, shall we?

Bento 1: Chicken Teriyaki

1. Start by placing the cooked rice in one compartment of your bento box.
2. Add the grilled chicken breast right on top of the rice.
3. Arrange the steamed broccoli and sliced carrots in their own compartments.
4. Finally, drizzle the teriyaki sauce over the chicken to add that delicious flavor!

Bento 2: Veggie Sushi Rolls

1. Lay out one sheet of nori on a bamboo mat or clean surface.
2. Spread a thin layer of sushi rice over the nori, leaving a small border at the top.
3. Place the avocado and cucumber slices in the center of the rice.
4. Roll the nori tightly, and slice into bite-sized pieces.
5. Repeat with the second sheet of nori.
6. Serve with soy sauce for dipping – so yummy!

Bento 3: Quinoa Salad

1. In a bowl, mix together the cooked quinoa, black beans, diced tomatoes, and corn.
2. Drizzle the lime juice over the salad and season with salt and pepper.
3. Give it a good mix and transfer to a compartment in the bento box.

Substitutions & Additions

If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, here are some fun swaps and upgrades:

• For the Chicken Teriyaki, try tofu or shrimp for a different protein option.
• In the Veggie Sushi Rolls, add carrots or bell peppers for extra crunch.
• For the Quinoa Salad, toss in some chopped bell peppers or avocado for creaminess.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to ensure your bento boxes turn out perfectly:

• Don’t overcook your rice or quinoa; you want them fluffy, not mushy.
• Make sure to let your sushi rolls sit for a minute before slicing to help them hold together.
• Prep your ingredients in advance to save time during the week.

How to Store Meal Prep Bento Recipes Ideas: 3 Dollar Bento Challenge

To keep your bento boxes fresh:

• Store them in airtight containers in the fridge.
• These meals are best eaten within 3-4 days.
• Reheat the Chicken Teriyaki before eating, but enjoy the sushi rolls cold!

FAQs

Can I freeze these bento boxes? It’s best to avoid freezing sushi rolls, but you can freeze the Chicken Teriyaki and Quinoa Salad components for later use!

Can I change the ingredients based on my dietary needs? Absolutely! Feel free to swap proteins or veggies based on your preferences.

For more delicious recipes, check out my easy fruitcake recipe or classic chocolate chip cookies for treats you will love!

If you’re looking for more inspiration, don’t forget to follow my Pinterest account for more delicious ideas!

Delicious Meal Prep Bento Recipes: The $3 Bento Challenge

Ah, the joy of meal prep! It brings back memories of cozy Sundays spent in the kitchen, creating delightful dishes that make weekday lunches feel like a treat. Today, I'm excited to share some super easy and budget-friendly bento recipes that not only taste amazing but also won't break the bank. Each bento box comes in at just $3, making it perfect for those looking to eat well without overspending.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Bento, Lunch

Cuisine: American, Asian

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Bento 1: Chicken Teriyaki

• 1 cup cooked rice A great base to fill you up.
• 4 oz grilled chicken breast Lean protein that keeps you satisfied.
• 1/2 cup steamed broccoli A vibrant veggie that adds color and nutrition.
• 2 tbsp teriyaki sauce Sweet and savory, it brings everything together.
• 1/4 cup sliced carrots Crunchy and fresh!

Bento 2: Veggie Sushi Rolls

• 2 sheets nori This seaweed wrap is a sushi staple.
• 1 cup cooked sushi rice Stickiness is key for rolling.
• 1/2 avocado sliced Creamy and rich, perfect for sushi.
• 1/4 cucumber julienned Freshness and crunch in every bite.

Bento 3: Quinoa Salad

• 1 cup cooked quinoa A protein-packed grain that’s very filling.
• 1/2 cup canned black beans Adds protein and fiber.
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes Juicy and fresh, they brighten the salad.
• 1/4 cup corn Sweet and crunchy, a delightful addition.
• 1 tbsp lime juice A zesty finish to brighten up the flavors.

Seasonings

• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

 

1. Step 1: Start by placing the cooked rice in one compartment of your bento box.
2. Step 2: Add the grilled chicken breast right on top of the rice.
3. Step 3: Arrange the steamed broccoli and sliced carrots in their own compartments.
4. Step 4: Finally, drizzle the teriyaki sauce over the chicken to add that delicious flavor!
5. Step 5: Lay out one sheet of nori on a bamboo mat or clean surface.
6. Step 6: Spread a thin layer of sushi rice over the nori, leaving a small border at the top.
7. Step 7: Place the avocado and cucumber slices in the center of the rice.
8. Step 8: Roll the nori tightly, and slice into bite-sized pieces.
9. Step 9: In a bowl, mix together the cooked quinoa, black beans, diced tomatoes, and corn.
10. Step 10: Drizzle the lime juice over the salad and season with salt and pepper.
11. Step 11: Give it a good mix and transfer to a compartment in the bento box.

Notes

Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. These meals are best eaten within 3-4 days.