Japanese Cute Lunch Box – Fried Squid Bento Recipe
If you’re looking to add adorable Japanese-style bento lunches to your routine, this Fried Squid Bento recipe is the perfect way to impress!
This cute and delicious イカリング弁当 (Ika Ring Bento) features crispy fried squid rings, a soft and fluffy egg roll, and perfectly seasoned rice – making it a fun and flavorful meal for kids and adults alike.
With this easy-to-follow guide, you’ll master the art of crafting a kawaii bento box, complete with essential kitchen tools, affiliate links, and pro tips for a flawless experience.
Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!
Essential Kitchen Tools & Equipment
| Tools | Description | Check Out |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese Bento Box | Keeps your lunch fresh, organized, and stylish. Perfect for portioning your meal beautifully. | Check out these cute bento boxes |
| Rice Cooker | Ensures perfectly cooked rice with the right texture for a delicious bento. Saves time and effort. | Find top-rated rice cookers |
| Non-Stick Frying Pan | Essential for making tamagoyaki (Japanese egg roll) without sticking. Even heat distribution for perfect layers. | Shop quality frying pans here |
| Sharp Knife & Cutting Board | Helps in prepping squid, sausages, and veggies with precision for a visually appealing bento. | See recommended knife sets |
| Bento Accessories (Seaweed Cutter & Food Picks) | Adds fun and cute details to your bento, making it more appealing. | Browse cute bento tools |
| Tongs & Oil Thermometer | Ensures crispy, golden fried squid by maintaining the right oil temperature. | Get reliable kitchen tongs here |
Ingredients You’ll Need
🍚 Rice:
- 1 cup rice
- 1.5 cups water
🥚 Egg Roll (Tamagoyaki):
- 1 egg
- 15ml milk
- Cooking oil
- Sausage (for decoration)
🦑 Fried Squid Rings:
- 80g flour
- 70ml water
- 1 egg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Squid rings
- Bread crumbs
- Dried seaweed (for decoration)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Rice
- Rinse the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear.
- Add 1 cup of rice and 1.5 cups of water to a rice cooker and cook as per instructions.
- Once cooked, fluff with a rice paddle and let it cool slightly before packing into the bento box.
2. Make the Tamagoyaki (Japanese Egg Roll)
- Beat the egg with 15ml milk until smooth.
- Heat a non-stick frying pan with a bit of oil.
- Pour a thin layer of egg mixture, roll it up, then push it to one side.
- Repeat the process, layering and rolling until the egg is cooked.
- Slice into pieces and set aside.
3. Prepare the Fried Squid Rings
- Clean and slice the squid into rings.
- In a bowl, mix flour, water, egg, and salt to create a batter.
- Dip each squid ring into the batter, then coat with bread crumbs.
- Heat oil to 170°C (340°F) and fry the rings until golden and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels.
4. Assemble Your Bento Box
- Place the cooked rice neatly into one section of the bento box.
- Arrange the fried squid rings on another side.
- Add the tamagoyaki slices next to the rice.
- Cut seaweed into small eyes and decorate the squid to make it look cute!
- Use sausages, cherry tomatoes, and lettuce for added decoration.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Bento Box
1. Use a Rice Mold for a Fun Look
- Shape the rice into cute animals or characters for a fun, appealing bento.
2. Keep Your Bento Fresh
- Let all hot ingredients cool before sealing the box to avoid condensation and sogginess.
3. Double-Coat the Squid for Extra Crispiness
- If you love a crunchier texture, dip the squid rings in egg and breadcrumbs twice before frying.
4. Make-Ahead Prep
- Cook the rice and tamagoyaki the night before to save time in the morning!
Final Thoughts
This Japanese Fried Squid Bento is the perfect cute and delicious lunchbox that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Whether you’re packing it for work, school, or a picnic, this bento is guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone’s face. 🦑🍱
Try it out today and check out the recommended kitchen tools to elevate your bento-making skills! Happy cooking! 🎌
