Check out some great Japanese recipes for summer that are perfect for bringing to a picnic or packing in your bento box.

Summer is the season for picnics and eating outdoors. There is nothing better than packing a picnic and gathering some friends to enjoy the beautiful, warm summer weather. But you need to be strategic about what kind of food to bring to make sure that it’s outdoor friendly. Here are some top picks for tasty and easy food to prepare, pack up in your bento box and bring to your next picnic.

Japanese Jumbo Chicken Wings


Chicken wings are a classic favorite, and with this unique recipe, you will be sure to have a tasty hit at the picnic. By simply mixing water, salt and kombu (a common form of seaweed often used in Japanese cooking), you can create a simple brine for the wings which keeps them moist when you grill them. Either cook them in advance and or grill them on grill them on the BBQ at the picnic.

Onigiri 3 Ways


Onigiri (or rice balls) are the perfect on-the-go snack. This snack is rice crafted into a cylindrical or triangular shape, then filled with some form of protein and finished with a nori wrap. You can prepare three different kinds of onigiri — salmon, tuna salad, and pork. You just make the rice, fill each with your choice of protein and wrap it in the nori for a tasty treat for your next outdoor activity. With the sticky rice, they are ideal for taking to-go, and a classic Japanese item for the bento box.

Japanese-Style Chicken Meatballs


This Japanese twist on the classic meatball is the perfect way to round out your picnic. By combining all of the traditional Japanese condiments, it creates a flavorful meatball that is the ideal complement to other snacks. Simply craft the meatballs, then saute them in a delicious sauce to create the perfect finish. They are simple and even gluten-free.With these three unique and easy recipes, it’s easy to take your Japanese style picnic up a notch. The recipes are simple enough for anyone to try and the perfect addition to a bento box for easy outdoor snacking or sharing with others at a picnic.

With these three unique and easy recipes, it’s easy to take your Japanese style picnic up a notch. The recipes are simple enough for anyone to try. They also are the perfect addition to a bento box for easy outdoor snacking or sharing with others at a picnic.