I'm Biggie: avid cook, speedy lunch packer, mom & former expat fluent in Japanese. 
Need for speed: A mommy’s lunch manifesto
I’m a mom who packs lunch. What’s important to a mom? Nutrition and speed: I want to feed my family nutritious food, but spending a lot of time on every meal isn’t feasible. I strive to achieve balance between the two — losing this battle would either have me waking up hours before everyone else to cook lunch, or reaching for a Lunchable processed lunch (the face of the enemy, pictured above).
Spending an hour preparing a weekday lunch is only going to happen in my house if it’s a special occasion like a birthday or holiday — I spend my morning getting myself and a preschooler ready to go out. Although ornate lunches shaped like cartoon characters and whimsical shapes are artistic and intriguing, I know my limits. I would burn out if I tried to do that every day. For me it’s got to be sustainable over the long run, which is why I make speed bentos.
How did I arrive at this point? I lived in Japan as an expat for nine years and am fluent in Japanese, but didn’t pay much attention to the whole lunch-packing (”bento”) culture there until my husband was misdiagnosed with a food intolerance that ruled out restaurant meals. Back in San Francisco, I decided to send him to work with delicious lunches that would make him feel like he was eating better than his colleagues who were going out to eat. A trip to the local Japanese-language bookstore turned up bento cookbooks that I started studying, especially the creative packing tips and techniques that could be adapted to our normal diet. My husband has since been “undiagnosed” with the food intolerance, but then I found myself carting around a diaper bag stuffed full of little Tupperware containers for my toddler son (”Bug”), or leaving the playground early to go get lunch. Time to pull out those bento boxes again so we can spend more fun time out and about!
So now I’m learning to think on my feet when I look at the refrigerator in the morning. Where I used to see either uninspiring food or time-consuming meals, I can now see quick lunches taking shape. I have fast lunch items in the freezer and fridge, and speedy prep techniques at my fingertips. Let me tell you about some of the speed techniques I’ve picked up from reading Japanese packed lunch cookbooks.
Use your leftovers!
Don’t hesitate to pack food left over from dinner! Leftovers can be your weapons against boring lunches — maximize payout for the time you already put into dinner by making a little extra food. Granted, eating the same thing again can get boring, so look at your leftovers creatively and find ways to give them a makeover. Potato salad can become potato pancakes or faux Scotch eggs, leftover curry can become the base for a curry noodle dish or the stuffing for dumplings.
Pre-pack lunches when possible
If you find yourself with dinner leftovers, get a head start on the next day’s lunch by packing up some of the meal directly into your lunch container (Tupperware, Laptop Lunchbox, bento box, thermos, etc.) when cleaning up the evening meal. This way you have most of the next morning’s work done already, and lunch will be ready with only minimal preparation like cutting up some fruit.
Ready-made foods
You don’t have to make everything for lunch the same day. Make full use of frozen foods and canned foods to speed things up. Frozen vegetables can go into quick sautes or little frittatas, canned beans can become quick salads. Ready-made deli foods such as hummus or tabbouleh are quick lunch additions. Also, ready-made foods don’t have to be store-bought: many dishes can be made in advance, batch frozen in individual portions (spaghetti cups, unsauced pasta, sandwiches, rice balls), and either defrosted naturally or in the microwave. A well-stocked freezer can save the day on time-pressed mornings.
Pre-made sauces give fast flavor
Stock your pantry or refrigerator with a few flavorful sauces that can be added to simple sliced vegetables or sauteed protein/vegetables. These sauces (homemade or store-bought) can be varied to suit your family’s dietary preferences; think black bean sauce, barbeque sauce, teriyaki sauce, cooked salsas, curry sauces, noodle dipping sauce, vinaigrettes or Italian dressing, Korean barbeque sauce, etc.
Make full use of the microwave and toaster oven (or broiler)!
Japanese bento cookbooks often tout the time-saving technique of cooking multiple items simultaneously: in the microwave, toaster oven, frying pan, etc. This saves time and energy; the trick is to select foods that will cook well with the same method and to check doneness periodically (don’t assume all dishes will be done at the same time). Click on any of the photos below for full details.
Time-saving kitchen tools
Lastly, a couple of tools are particularly useful in speeding up lunch prep. A quick slicer (mini mandoline) makes short work of slicing vegetables and is easy to clean. A microwave mini steamer reduces cook time by 50%, quickly cooking vegetables or frozen dumplings.
Cross-posted to The Daily Tiffin family and lifestyle blog, where I will be contributing to the Tiffin Tuesday column every other week. Lunch in a Box is nominated for Best Food Blog in the Blogger’s Choice Awards. If you’d like to cast your vote for speedy lunch packing, click here (you can vote for multiple blogs in the same category).
RELATED POSTS:
- Choosing the right size bento box
- Packed lunch food safety
- How to pack a bento lunch and fill gaps
- Biggie’s list of top speed tips, tutorials and equipment reviews
April 23rd, 2007 | Categories: parenthacks, tips, tutorial or how to | 
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April 24th, 2007 at 2:30 pm
This made me remember once when I was in a grocery store with a coworker. She picked up a box of Lunchables and announced, “These should be called, ‘I’m a Bad Mother!’” Wasn’t very nice, I guess, but it seemed true to me–I would never, if at all possible, send my kid (if I had one) out with nothing but crackers and old lunchmeat as a meal…
Also, just wanted to let you know that your blog has been inspiring me to pack better, bento-style lunches for myself and my husband (no kids to bento-ize yet). Thanks for all the great ideas!
April 24th, 2007 at 6:48 pm
Thanks for the kind words! Like a lot of people, I’m somewhat horrified by Lunchables and have started asking older kids why they like them. Evidently in some circles they’re quite the status symbol, and kids enjoy the do-it-yourself food assembly aspect to them (play with your food). So I figure I can duplicate the DIY aspect in some meals later on without resorting to Lunchables. Just watch, though, wouldn’t it be ironic if Bug becomes one of those kids who begs for a Lunchable instead of a bento! :-0
April 25th, 2007 at 1:39 am
congrats on the articles! *n_n*
April 25th, 2007 at 7:14 pm
Thanks jzabelle! I’m excited to be on board there and write for an international parenting audience in addition to the bento community.
April 26th, 2007 at 12:52 am
it will be great!
maybe you should write your own book! *n_n*
April 28th, 2007 at 12:34 pm
I know I’ve probably said this a thousand times already, but your posts are truly inspiring! I especially enjoyed this one, being a nutrition-freak and student with lack of time. Ever since I started to take use of your tips lately, I’ve finally broken the time-problem barrier and gotten around to making some bentos!
April 29th, 2007 at 12:30 pm
Thanks amvn! Good for you on getting over the time hurdle and packing yourself some bentos! They really don’t *have* to take a long time to make (only if you *want* to and have the time).
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:37 am
Oh, I am so happy to have found you (by following a series of links originating at The Lactivist. Right now I make six or so kid lunches a week and four or so husband lunches. In the Fall it will go up to 11 kid lunches a week. Thank you!
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:37 pm
Welcome, 3under3! I hope some of the info and tips (from both me and other readers) will be helpful to you!
June 2nd, 2007 at 8:38 am
I’ve found you through the lactivist as well, and man, I’m practically vibrating in my seat with excitement, waiting for my first bento set to arrive!
I can’t wait. I’ve got an 18 month old, and getting her to eat a large variety of foods is very, very important to me… and I’m undertaking the herculean task of taking control of my health, by eating less and more sensibly, and bento is the perfect vehicle for that!
I’m a very poor mother, so this is a huge splurge for me, but I think it will be so worth it. This journal is SUCH a huge inspiration… I think I’m going to start getting very, very creative from now on. We’re awful about not eating leftovers (I just threw away an ENTIRE pot roast!), and I think bentos will be great for breaking that habit!
June 2nd, 2007 at 11:39 pm
Thanks, pernwebgoddess! Bug really seems to get a kick out of his small bento meals. We just give him whatever we eat, but make it easy/appealing for him to eat (cutting things small, giving him little picks, forks, and sauce containers, character bento boxes that he recognizes, etc.). I find myself being more frugal with food, packing away tiny amounts of leftovers that I used to eat up or throw away, and then actually USING those little leftovers in bentos instead of letting them rot in the fridge. Sometimes just a few tablespoons of leftovers is just the right amount to round out a packed lunch!
June 9th, 2007 at 7:49 am
Thanks for the tips. I’m a student and I simply can’t afford eating out anymore. I always hated normal lunchboxes and sandwiches; my mom had such trouble trying to get me to eat anything when I was little.
Now I can do my own lunch quickly and in a way I’m actually going to find appetizing.
My friends are going to be so jealous. Thanks!
June 9th, 2007 at 9:40 am
Welcome, Jess! Seize control of your lunches!! (and maybe tell your friends about the website if they’re jealous?)
July 15th, 2007 at 5:41 pm
Hi — found you via ParentHacks and I LOVE your ideas! I did Lunchables for a few short months but had to stop for the combined shame of lousy food, poor value, and ecological terrorism. Until I could get my son to eat the school lunch (where he’s more likely to eat veggies because the other kids do it), I made “Momables,” which I guess now I could say were Bento-inspired. But your recipes and combinations are incredible. I’ll definitely be back!
July 15th, 2007 at 11:41 pm
@14 from JT:
Ha ha, “Momables” — I like it! Thank you for the kind comment, and please feel free to ask any questions you might have even on old entries (I keep up with them).
September 12th, 2007 at 9:38 pm
Great website! I found you while looking for bento boxes. My favorite way to pack lunches was the 3 section rectangular box by Ziplock, but alas, they are no longer made. I am down to my last one and it is showing its age.
My daughter calls her lunches “Momables” too! The DIY thing–and being able to share and trade food–is a big deal in elementary school.
I have not read the entire site, but my comments/questions are about reheating. I have read that it’s not a good idea to microwave in plastic. Your thoughts? Also, our school has no fridge or microwave, so lunches have to be packed with an ice pack and eaten cold. Is there a way to keep rice moist this way?
Thanks!
November 13th, 2007 at 5:36 pm
Thank you for this site. I feel inspired. I have been resorting to prepackaged foods for months now. Time to get a bento box or two and give my family something tasty.
Love it.
November 13th, 2007 at 7:59 pm
@17 from Kangomom: Thanks, Kangomom! I find that the process of making a bento lunch kind of prompts me into better eating habits than if I were to scrounge and throw things into a bag. Hope you have fun with your bento box (or substitute)!
November 17th, 2007 at 9:23 am
Love your site! So glad I found it. Quick question - does your preschooler & husband heat their food during lunch? Or do they eat it at room temp? I’m having trouble of coming up with foods that can be eaten at room temp and still taste good, and I see your pics of spaghetti and I dont’ think my child wouldn’t eat spaghetti at room temp, and his preschool will not heat anything for them. Thanks =)
November 18th, 2007 at 9:36 am
@19 from Jen: We generally aren’t near a microwave during lunch, so no heating and lunches are eaten room temp unless I used some kind of thermal food jar, thermal lunch jar, etc. You might be interested in my longer post on hot vs. cold lunches.
November 20th, 2007 at 6:58 am
[…] herbs etc. Read also their speed bento primers: Make-ahead lunch tips from Japanese magazine Need for speed: A mommy’s lunch manifesto Johbisai or Joubisai: Building up a bento making […]
November 25th, 2007 at 4:42 pm
Hi there…Man i love reading your blog, interesting posts ! it was a great Sunday . Sasha Cohen
January 16th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
[…] Blogger “Biggie” makes bento boxes for her preschooler, “Bug.” Read her Need for speed: A mommy’s lunch manifesto. I’m very inspired by this wonderful blog, though I’m not sure how much bento box […]
February 4th, 2008 at 11:00 am
biggie, i dont think i’ve ever told you that your websitie is so helpful! one of the most helpful bento blogs i’ve ever read. i’ve gone through *all* of your posts and used many of your ideas.
thanks so much!
February 4th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
@24 from vampyra1: Wow, thanks vampyra1! That’s so sweet of you, you just made my day.
February 15th, 2008 at 6:12 am
I was told about your web site so I investigated and what a great find. I found a nice size bento box at a Chinese Market and I asked my husband if he would like me to start packing him a lunch like you do for your family. He said he was tired of paying $6.00 a day for lunch. Last night when he came home he handed me his empty box and thanked me for helping him save money(a family trip we are planning in 2009) and figured he has saved $30.00 a week and $90.00 to date. What a great and healthy way to save money. We did some figuring and we should be able to save $120.00 a month X 12=$1,440.00 in a year. Boy those little luches that are a couple of bucks here and their add up. We still splurge and eat out as a family (of 6) but the savings for my husbands lunch was a real eye opener. Thank you so much for sharing all that you have learned. You have really helped my family in our goal of saving for our family trip. Thank you so much
February 15th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
@26 from mom8360: Thanks for the breakdown of how much money you’re saving by packing bentos! It definitely adds up, and I think it feels a little more special packing things bento-style than cramming things into a brown bag.
March 6th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
hey there! i adore your site. i have to admit i am one of those “bad mothers” who gave their child lunchables :/ i felt guilty doing it but i grew up with it, and it became a sick chain reaction, i suppose. due to lack of time and lack of being educated on nutrition i grabbed those dreadful boxes. it got to the point where i reached out looking for a solution and alas i found your site! anyways, the concept of making food cute and organized to tempt better eating has really opened my eyes, and my sons! i was so envious of how well your son eats, i have become determined to try and get my son to eat better. he is really against greens, most other vegetables or anything that isnt a hot dog etc. heh! i am sure its because of the terrible feeding pattern he had been shown, ugh. since lurking your site for the past 2 weeks i bought some bentos, lots of new foods (i never usually tried anything new), a bento cook book, and accessories. i have been trying different receipes and techniques that you have on your site and they really have been working well for us! we have been eating better and i even feel better!! i am sure my son does too. it really makes me feel good to try a reciepe and give it to my son and know hes eating healthy and getting the right serving sizes. thank you for sharing your knowledge, i really enjoy all you have to say. i am pretty sure bentos will be in my household for a long time.
March 31st, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Your initial reason for packing bento is very similar to mine. A few months ago I was diagnosed with food allergies. (barley, yeast, onion, green bean and rice) It is sad how much food I have had to cut out of my diet. I can’t eat out anymore. No premade soups or breads. No more sushi for me which was my favorite food. I have had to completely change my diet and bring all my lunches with me. I make just about everything from scratch so I started researching and found out about bento. It has completely changed my outlook on things. Reading your blogs really helps a lot too! It helps to keep me motivated.
April 9th, 2008 at 4:28 am
I just wanted to add one of my favorite speed-tips:
If you want bacon in anything (chicken dishes, burgers, fried rice, eggs, salads, etc), Costco and Sam’s Club sell wonderful big resealable bags of pre-cooked real bacon pieces. I keep one in the freezer, where the pieces keep for a good long time, and just pull out a handful whenever I need them.
No mess, no fuss, no cooking time, no grease, and no extra chemicals, artificial flavors, gluten, or preservatives (other than what is in plain bacon)!
April 9th, 2008 at 9:49 am
@28 from newtobento: I’m so glad your son is accepting of new foods when presented bento-style! Kids are so funny — I’m happy when we’re able to gently guide them into good habits.
April 9th, 2008 at 9:50 am
@29 from Courtney: Your eating predicament sounds severe; I’m so glad you stumbled across bentos! I look at them as being one way to really spoil yourself from a food standpoint, in the face of all sorts of discouragement about what you can’t eat. Enjoy!
April 9th, 2008 at 9:51 am
@30 from Alison: Frozen pre-cooked bacon sounds like a good idea! No reason you couldn’t make your own, too, if that’s more up your alley.
April 9th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Courtney,
I have a really good recipe for a quick focaccia-type bread that does not need yeast or rice flour (and I guess you could use wheat, right?)–let me know if you would like it. There are also a lot of good Passover recipes that do not use any leavening at all.
You might want to check out http://www.glutenfreeforum.com (am I allowed to post that here?), as there are many people there who have multiple food allergies (and lots of recipes!), though it sounds like gluten isn’t a problem for you. (Or is it? Maybe I missed something.)
Biggie: I don’t think the bacon was actually MEANT to be frozen–I just chucked it in the freezer for convenience. It’s shelf-stable until opened, then requires refrigeration. Since Costco sells it in a big bag (20-oz–it’s made by Hormel), I think it actually comes out cheaper than buying your own bacon, cooking it, and then freezing it, unless you buy bacon in bulk.
April 16th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
[…] Need for speed: A mommy’s lunch manifesto | Lunch in a Box: Building a Better Bento i am apparently a sucker for food packing porn (tags: cooking family parenting bento) […]