I ate so many instant noodle meals as a university student — back then I had no idea I could make my own, wholesome version in minutes! Thin dry rice vermicelli rehydrates quickly in hot water, so just place them dry in a heatproof container, add a delicious miso paste and ginger soup base, plus raw veggies (you can use any veggie as long as it’s sliced thin or grated). When you’re ready to eat, it’s just like the original — pour boiling hot water over, wait a few minutes and then slurp down your warm instant noodle soup.
Makes 1 portion.
Refrigerator life: up to 3 days as long as the noodles have not yet been rehydrated.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 nest (2-2 1/2 oz.) dry rice vermicelli
- a handful of salad greens, like arugula, watercress, or baby spinach
- 1/2 small carrot, grated
- a small piece of red cabbage, cut into thin slices
- 1 tbsp. brown rice miso paste
- 1 tbsp. toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp. tamari
- 3/4-inch piece fresh ginger, washed but not peeled, finely grated straight into your bento
- fresh chili, sliced, or chili flakes, to taste
- fresh cilantro, to taste, optional
- a slice of lime, to serve, optional
Use a leak-proof box, or a repurposed jar with a lid for this bento. Push your half-nest of noodles (break a whole, dry nest of noodles in half over your sink, as pieces will fly everywhere), into your container together with the rest of the ingredients. No need to arrange neatly for this bento! Close tightly and pack your container in a bento bag or furoshiki with a fork or chopsticks.
To serve, remove the lime slice, if using, pour boiling water over to submerge the ingredients, close the lid, leave for 5 minutes or a little more, then open, squeeze the lime over and eat.
Tips:
- Meal prep a few Busy Days Instant Noodle Bentos and keep ready to go in the refrigerator. Less perishable veggies like carrot, cabbage, and broccoli are best used for this, salad greens and herbs can be added on the day.
- Cubed firm tofu or cooked beans are both great added to your bento as a protein boost.
Also from Bento Power:
Reprinted with permission from Bento Power: Brilliantly Balanced Lunchbox Recipes by Sara Kiyo Popowa and published by Kyle Books, 2018.
