Bento Box 3: Savory Strips Bento

Haha! Last bento box of the week! Another quick/easy/delicious for my wonderful roommate and me. Today was another one pan wonder: shredded chicken and cabbage stir fry and steamed bell pepper strips with sesame seeds. Again, I remind you: these two recipes, combined with 1 cup of brown rice, equals a filling meal for two people. Or one person over two meals. :)

Shredded Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry

1 chicken breast
2 handfuls shredded cabbage
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 large green onion, diced
2 tsp sesame oil

Boil water in a deep sided pan. Insert whole chicken breast into boiling water.

Chop green onions and place into a small bowl with soy sauce. Let sit. (If necessary, also shred cabbage. I bought mine pre-shredded from TJ's.)

When chicken is thoroughly cooked (took me about 8 minutes - make sure it really is cooked through) remove it to a plate and, using two forks, tear it into little shredded bits the way you always wanted to when you were a kid but couldn't get away with.

Pour the water out of the pan, replace it on the stove, lower to medium heat, and add the sesame oil.

Now add the chicken and cabbage. Stir for about 2 minutes. Add the soy sauce and green onions. Stir until well coated. Remove and serve. Easy peasy.

Steamed Bell Pepper Strips w/ Sesame Seeds

1 bell pepper
1 tbsp soy sauce
1/2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Cut bell pepper. Clean out seeds. Slice into thin slices. Steam. Toss with soy sauce and sesame seeds. The end.

[PS. Not quite the end - Previously, I have used my little steamer tray, inserted in a pot, to steam veggies, but I recently discovered this nifty little nuke tool from Progressive that lets you steam them in a little tray. It's small, handy, and dishwasher safe. Used it for this and it worked like a charm. :) ]
[PPS. Did you know steaming is much healthier than boiling? Boiling leeches out the nutrients from your vegetables! Which, for some folks (not me), is the only reason people eat vegetables! Ridiculous! Plus, steamed vegetables just taste better. Probably because your body is saying - yes. These have things I can use in them. Steam your veggies!]