Rice Box: Types and Different Recipe

A rice box is a convenient and versatile food container that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is a simple concept – a box filled with rice and other ingredients – but the possibilities are endless. In this article, we will explore the origins of the rice box, its various forms, and some of the most popular recipes and variations.

Origins of the Rice Box

The rice box, or “bao fan” in Mandarin, has its roots in Chinese cuisine. It is believed to have originated in the southern province of Guangdong, where it was a popular meal for labourers and farmers who needed a filling and convenient lunch. The original rice box consisted of steamed white rice topped with simple ingredients, such as meat, vegetables, and soy sauce.

As Chinese immigrants settled in other parts of the world, they brought their food traditions. In the United States, Chinese restaurants began offering rice boxes as a takeout option in the 1950s and 1960s. They were especially popular among college students and young professionals who wanted a quick and affordable meal.

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Over time, the rice box evolved to include various ingredients and flavours. Today, it is enjoyed in Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and other Asian cuisines. It has even made its way into fusion cuisine, with chefs experimenting with non-traditional ingredients and flavour combinations.

Types of Rice Boxes

There are many rice boxes with unique flavour profiles and ingredients. Here are some of the most popular varieties:

1. Chinese-style Rice Box: This is the most traditional version of the rice box, consisting of steamed white rice topped with a protein (such as pork, chicken, or beef) and vegetables (such as broccoli or bok choy). It is often served with soy sauce-based gravy and pickled vegetables.
2. Japanese-style Rice Box: The rice box is known as a “bento” and is typically served cold in Japan. It usually includes rice, vegetables, and some type of protein, such as teriyaki chicken or grilled fish. It may include pickled vegetables, a hard-boiled egg, or a small salad.
3. Korean-style Rice Box: The Korean version of the rice box, known as a “dosirak,” is similar to the Japanese bento but with a Korean twist. It typically includes rice, kimchi (spicy fermented vegetables), and a protein such as bulgogi (marinated beef) or dak galbi (spicy chicken). It may also include a small soup or side dish.
4. Vietnamese-style Rice Box: The Vietnamese rice box, known as a “com tam,” typically includes broken rice (shorter and thicker than regular rice), grilled pork or chicken, and pickled vegetables. It is often served with a fried egg on top and a side of fish sauce.
5. Fusion-style Rice Box: In recent years, chefs have experimented with non-traditional ingredients and flavour combinations in their rice boxes. For example, a fusion-style rice box might include ingredients like avocado, quinoa, or sriracha sauce.

Popular Rice Box Recipes

Here are some popular rice box recipes from different cuisines:

Chinese-style Rice Box Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• One tablespoon of vegetable oil
• One small onion, chopped
• Two cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• One tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• Salt

Directions:

1. Cook the rice according to package instructions and set aside.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
4. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned on all sides.
5. Add the broccoli and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender.
6. Whisk the soy sauce, cornstarch, and chicken broth in a small bowl.
7. Pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables and stir to coat.
8. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
9. Serve the chicken and vegetable mixture over the cooked rice.

Japanese-style Rice Box Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• One small carrot, peeled and grated
• One small cucumber, sliced
• One small avocado, sliced
• One small can of tuna drained.
• One tablespoon of soy sauce
• One tablespoon of rice vinegar
• Salt

Directions:

1. Cook the rice according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and rice vinegar.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the grated carrot and sliced cucumber.
4. Divide the cooked rice among four small containers.
5. Top each container with the carrot and cucumber mixture, sliced avocado, and canned tuna.
6. Drizzle the soy sauce mixture over each container.
7. Add salt to taste.

Korean-style Rice Box Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• One small carrot, peeled and grated
• One small cucumber, sliced
• One small can of tuna drained.
• One tablespoon of soy sauce
• One tablespoon of rice vinegar
• Salt

Directions:

1. Cook the rice according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and rice vinegar.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the grated carrot and sliced cucumber.
4. Divide the cooked rice among four small containers.
5. Top each container with the carrot and cucumber mixture, sliced avocado, and canned tuna.
6. Drizzle the soy sauce mixture over each container.
7. Add salt to taste.

Vietnamese-style Rice Box Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup uncooked broken rice
• One small carrot, peeled and grated
• One small cucumber, sliced
• One small can of tuna drained.
• One tablespoon of soy sauce
• One tablespoon of rice vinegar
• Salt

Directions:

1. Cook the broken rice according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and rice vinegar.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the grated carrot and sliced cucumber.
4. Divide the cooked rice among four small containers.
5. Top each container with the grilled pork or chicken, the carrot and cucumber mixture, and pickled vegetables.
6. Drizzle fish sauce over each container.
7. Serve with a fried egg on top.

Fusion-style Rice Box Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup uncooked quinoa
• One small avocado, sliced
• One small red pepper, sliced
• One small can of black beans drained and rinsed.
• One tablespoon of sriracha sauce
• Salt

Directions:

1. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, mix the sliced avocado and red pepper.
3. Divide the cooked quinoa into four small containers.
4. Top each container with the avocado, red pepper mixture, and black beans.
5. Drizzle sriracha sauce over each container.
6. Add salt to taste.

The rice box is a versatile and convenient meal with roots in Chinese cuisine but has since spread to other Asian cuisines and beyond. With endless variations and flavour combinations, the rice box has something to offer everyone. Whether you prefer a traditional Chinese-style rice box or a fusion-style rice box with non-traditional ingredients, the rice box is a delicious and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or even as a snack.