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Quick 10-Minute Bento Box Lunch with Mini Protein Bites

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A quick and easy bento box lunch featuring flavorful mini protein bites paired with fresh veggies, perfect for a satisfying meal in under 10 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup cooked chicken breast, finely chopped or shredded (or cooked tofu for a vegetarian option)
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (use gluten-free tamari if needed)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon finely grated ginger
  • Crisp cucumber slices (about 1/2 cup)
  • Cherry tomatoes (1/2 cup)
  • Baby carrots or sliced bell peppers (1/2 cup)
  • A small handful of edamame (steamed and shelled)
  • Optional dipping sauce: soy sauce, a splash of rice vinegar, and a pinch of chili flakes

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup finely chopped cooked chicken breast, 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 beaten large egg, 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Add ginger if using. Mix gently but thoroughly until well combined (about 3 minutes).
  2. Shape the mixture into bite-sized balls, roughly 1 inch in diameter, using hands or a small cookie scoop. You should get about 12-15 mini bites. Adjust consistency with more breadcrumbs or a splash of water/egg if needed.
  3. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a teaspoon of oil. Place the mini bites in the pan with space between them. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, about 8 minutes total.
  4. While the bites cook, slice cucumbers, halve cherry tomatoes, and prepare baby carrots or bell peppers. Arrange these in your bento box compartments along with steamed edamame.
  5. Once the protein bites are cooked and slightly cooled, place them alongside the prepared veggies in the bento box. Add a small container of dipping sauce if desired. Close the lid and your lunch is ready.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking the bites to keep them crispy. Prepare veggies ahead to save time. Leftover bites reheat well in toaster oven or air fryer for crispness. For vegan option, use tofu and flax egg. Baking option: bake at 375°F for 15-18 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: bento box, quick lunch, mini protein bites, healthy recipe, easy lunch, gluten-free option, vegetarian option, meal prep

Find it online: https://morselora.com/quick-10-minute-bento-box-lunch-with-mini-protein-bites-easy-healthy-recipe/