This section contains recipes for main okazu, the star of your bento box. Usually the main is some kind of protein, but you'll also find some carb-and-protein combination recipes too. There are vegetarian and omnivore choices for you here! The recipes here are particularly well suited to bentos.

To fill out your bento box, see the sides and space fillers section.

For foods that can be made in advance and stocked, in the freezer, refrigerator or pantry, see the johbisai (staples) section.

There are also a lot more Japanese recipes on our sister site, Just Hungry.