Description
A budget-friendly, kid-approved weeknight dinner that comes together in just 15 minutes. This bento-style bowl features fluffy rice, savory ham, creamy cheese, and fresh veggies with a tangy sesame-soy dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups long-grain white rice (dry)
- Water for cooking rice
- 12–16 slices deli ham (approx. 400g)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (approx. 200g)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 medium carrots, grated or julienned
- 3–4 stalks green onions, sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- Cook the rice in a rice cooker or pot with water according to package directions. While it cooks, prepare the vegetables.
- Dice the cucumber, halve the tomatoes, grate the carrots, and slice the green onions.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and honey to create the sauce.
- Fluff the cooked rice and place a scoop into each serving bowl.
- Spread a dollop of softened cream cheese on top of the rice in each bowl.
- Arrange the ham slices, cucumber, carrots, and tomatoes around the rice.
- Drizzle the sauce over the entire bowl.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve immediately.
Notes
Cook extra rice as it keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for easy spreading. Do not freeze this recipe as the texture of the cream cheese and vegetables will suffer. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 18
Keywords: bento bowl, ham and cheese, weeknight dinner, budget-friendly, kid-friendly, quick meals, meal prep, family dinner