Chashu Bento Box

A flavorful, Japanese-inspired meal featuring tender braised pork belly (chashu), a perfectly boiled egg, and aromatic rice topped with green onion—all packed into a simple and satisfying bento box.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Japanese flavors with a sweet-savory braising sauce.

• Perfectly tender chashu pork with caramelized edges.

• All-in-one meal that’s portable and great for meal prep.

• Customizable with your favorite starch or veggies.

• Makes an impressive and delicious lunch or dinner.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chashu:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 2 pounds pork belly

• 1 cup water

• ¾ cup soy sauce

• ¾ cup sake

• ¾ cup mirin

• ½ cup honey

• 1 bulb garlic, halved

• 2 ounces ginger, sliced

• 1 large leek, cleaned and cut into 3-inch pieces

For each bento box (serves 1):

• 1 cup warm cooked rice (or starch of your choice)

• 1 boiled egg, halved

• 1 green onion, thinly sliced or cut into strips, soaked in ice water

directions

1. Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over high heat. Add vegetable oil and place pork belly in the pot, skin side down. Sear each side until golden brown and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side.

2. While searing, combine water, soy sauce, sake, mirin, and honey in a bowl or measuring cup. Stir until honey dissolves.

3. Remove excess fat from the pot using paper towels. Flip pork belly so the fat side is facing up.

4. Add garlic, ginger, and leek to the pot. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture, stirring slightly to coat the pork.

5. Cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape. Bring to a hard boil over high heat for 20 minutes.

6. Reduce heat to medium and simmer uncovered for another 30 minutes.

7. While the pork simmers, prepare rice, boil eggs, and slice green onion.

8. Remove pork from the pot and allow it to cool slightly before slicing into bite-size pieces.

9. To assemble: Place warm rice in a bento box and spoon 3–4 tablespoons of the chashu braising sauce over the rice.

10. Add sliced pork belly on top, drizzle with a bit more sauce, and place the boiled egg halves in the corner. Garnish with drained green onion. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

• Servings: Makes 4 bento boxes

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 1 hour

• Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Swap the protein: Use chicken thighs or tofu instead of pork belly for a lighter or vegetarian option.

• Add vegetables: Include steamed bok choy, pickled radish, or sautéed spinach for added color and nutrition.

• Try different grains: Substitute rice with quinoa, soba noodles, or cauliflower rice.

• Spice it up: Add a sprinkle of shichimi togarashi (Japanese 7-spice) or a drizzle of chili oil.

• Make it eggless: Omit the boiled egg or substitute with seasoned tofu or avocado slices.

storage/reheating

• Refrigerator: Store assembled bento boxes (excluding green onion) in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze sliced chashu and extra sauce separately for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Microwave rice and pork until warm (about 2–3 minutes). Add green onion garnish after reheating for freshness.

• Boiled eggs: Best stored separately and added fresh when serving.

FAQs

Can I make the chashu ahead of time?

Yes, the chashu can be cooked and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well.

Do I need to use sake and mirin?

They provide authentic flavor, but you can substitute with equal parts white wine (for sake) and a mix of sugar and water (for mirin).

Can I make this dish spicy?

Absolutely. Add chili paste, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to the braising liquid or drizzle spicy sauce on top when serving.

What kind of rice is best for this bento?

Short-grain Japanese rice or sushi rice is ideal, but jasmine or brown rice also work well.

Is pork belly the only cut I can use?

No—pork shoulder or boneless ribs are good alternatives if you prefer less fat.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes. Use a larger pot and ensure the pork is well-covered with braising liquid.

How do I get the green onion to curl for garnish?

Soak thin strips in ice water for 10–15 minutes, then drain on paper towels.

What’s the best way to slice the chashu?

Let it cool slightly before slicing with a sharp knife for clean, even pieces.

Can I skip searing the pork belly?

Searing adds flavor and texture, but you can skip it for a softer, stew-like version.

How do I pack this for lunch?

Let everything cool slightly before packing. Store sauce separately if needed to avoid soggy rice.

Conclusion

The Chashu Bento Box is a beautifully balanced, restaurant-quality meal made right at home. With its tender slices of braised pork belly, richly flavored sauce, fluffy rice, and delicate egg, this bento is as satisfying as it is simple. Whether you’re prepping lunchboxes or enjoying a quiet dinner, this dish delivers hearty comfort with traditional Japanese flair.

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