Today’s easy bento box features Trader Joe’s Vegetable Bird’s Nests — fully cooked and frozen “nests” of julienned vegetables coated in tempura batter and deep-fried. They resemble Japanese kakiage, a type of tempura made with a variety of vegetables. These nests can be reheated to light, crispy perfection in the oven or air fryer — perfect for a busy morning. They also come with a soy-based dipping sauce.
Easy Tempura Donburi with Trader Joe’s Vegetable Bird’s Nests
TJ’s Vegetable Bird’s Nests are delicious on their own with the included dipping sauce, but you can take them to the next level by simmering them briefly in the sauce with an egg, then serving over steamed rice. A tasty vegetable tendon (Tempura Donburi/Rice Bowl) with egg is ready in about 15 minutes — assuming your rice is already cooked.
Normally, we prepare a soy sauce–based simmering or dipping sauce for Tendon, but this time I simply used the sauce packet with a tablespoon of water to save time. The result didn’t disappoint!
Adding an egg is optional but highly recommended — it adds protein, a creamy texture, and rich flavor. Green onions bring freshness, color, and an extra layer of flavor.
Bento Box Ideas for Adults
Bento box lunches aren’t just for school children — they’re also great for work. Eating out every day may not be realistic for many people. With rising food prices, finding affordable dine-in or take-out options has become a daily challenge. Some might work night shifts or simply not have time to leave the office.
If you’re lucky enough to have a microwave in your office break room, you can explore more bento options that can be heated and enjoyed hot.
For reheatable bentos, pack your meal in a glass food storage container. Just open the lid, microwave for a few minutes, and enjoy a hot, satisfying meal!
More Bento Ideas
- Easy Bento Box Ideas: Trader Joe’s Shumai Bento
- Onigiri Bento Lunch Recipe
- Nori Bento Recipe
- Demon Slayer (Sukiyaki) Bento Recipe
- Teriyaki Chicken Bento Recipe
Tempura Rice Bowl Bento
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 13 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Easy Bento box lunch featuring Trader Joe's Vegetable Bird's Nests
Instructions
Air fry or bake the frozen tempura bird's nests according to the instruction on the package (8 minutes for air-fry). Chop the green onion. Beat the egg in a small bowl.
In a small pan, mix one packet of the tempura dipping sauce (included in the package) with water and bring to a boil. Add the heated tempura in the sauce and pour the egg. Top with chopped green onions, turn off the heat, and close the lid. Let sit for a minute.
Pack the steamed rice in a glass food container (or a bento box) and top with the tempura mixture. Let cool and close the lid.
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Japanese
Keyword: bento, donburi, rice bowl, tempura
English (US) · 