The most common question that we end up asking ourselves every single day is ‘What should I cook for lunch’. Never once do we end up with an answer that is healthy, delicious and yet easy to cook. We end up compromising on either one of the aspects which is taste, health or the convenience of the cooking. 

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, finding the perfect balance between a satisfying and quick lunch can be a culinary challenge. This is where the meal box comes into the picture —an ingenious solution that combines convenience with gourmet flavours. 

Today, we're exploring the top 5 best meal box recipes that promise to elevate your lunchtime experience.

1. Cheese and Bacon Turnovers

Ingredients

• 1 sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry
• 3 tbsp soft cheese
• 1 tsp mustard (optional)
• 6 rashers dry-cured smoked bacon
• 100g grated cheese
• 1 egg, beaten

How to cook

Step 1

Heat the oven to 180C fan/gas 6 or if using an air-fryer, heat to 180C for 4 mins. Spread the pastry on the sheet of baking parchment it comes with, and dice it into six cubes. Blend the soft cheese with the mustard, if using, and a good grinding of black pepper. Divide between the middles of the pastry squares, and smooth over in a diagonal line from one corner to the opposite side.

Step 2

Lay a bacon rasher over the soft cheese, then randomly put it over the cheese. Spread the two exposed corners of the pastry with a beaten egg, and fold over the top of the filling to join them together. Brush the tops with more egg, then slide the baking parchment onto a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 mins until the cheese has melted and the pastry is golden. Or, if using an air-fryer, put the turnovers in the air-fryer basket and cook for 10-12 mins until the cheese has melted and the pastry is golden. You may need to do this in two batches.

Step 3

Move to a cooling rack for 5-10 mins before serving warm. Will keep chilled in an airtight container for two to three days.

2. Falafel lunchbox

This one is for salad lovers! 

Ingredients

• 250g pouch cooked grains or lentils (we used red & white quinoa)

• handful of baby spinach

• ¼ cucumber, chopped

• handful of cherry tomatoes, halved

• 2 carrots, grated

• 1 pomegranate, seeds only
• 10 olives (optional)
• 12 falafel
• 4 tbsp hummus
• drizzle of olive oil (optional)
• ½ lemon, quartered

How to cook

Step 1

Divide the grains evenly among the lunchboxes. Layer each with vegetables, falafel, a spoonful of hummus, and a light drizzle of oil as per your taste preference. You can also add the ingredients to the sections of a bento-style lunchbox. Include a lemon in each box for squeezing just before enjoying your meal.

3. Healthy Salmon Pasta

Ingredients

• 350g penne

• 2 salmon steaks, about 175g/6oz each
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp pine nut
• 1 red pepper, deseeded and chopped
• 300g mushroom, sliced
• handful basil leaves

How to cook

Step 1: Cook the pasta as per the package instructions, tossing in the salmon for the last 6 minutes of cooking.

Step 2: In a pan, heat up the oil, and toast the pine nuts. Throw in the pepper, sauté until it softens, then add the mushrooms and a ladleful of pasta water.

Step 3: Once the pasta is done, set aside the salmon, drain the pasta, and fork the salmon into flakes. Mix it into the veggies along with the pasta and basil leaves. Season with pepper, give it a gentle toss, and it's ready to serve.

4. Prawn Fried Rice 

Ingredients

• 250g long-grain brown rice

• 150g frozen peas
• 100g mangetout
• 1½ tbsp rapeseed oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• thumb-sized piece of ginger, finely grated
• 150g raw king prawns
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 2 tsp sesame seeds
• 1 tbsp low-salt soy sauce
• ½ tbsp rice or white wine vinegar
• 4 spring onions, trimmed and sliced

How to cook

Step 1: Cook the rice following the package instructions. In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and briefly blanch the peas for 1 minute. Drain them and set aside with the rice.

Step 2: Meanwhile, heat some oil in a big non-stick pan or wok on medium heat. Sauté the onion for about 10 minutes until it turns golden brown. Add the garlic and ginger, giving it another minute. Toss in the blanched veggies, fry for 5 minutes, then add the prawns and fry for an additional 2 minutes. Mix in the rice, pushing everything to one side. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side of the pan, scramble them, and then fold everything together with sesame seeds, soy, and vinegar. Finish it off with spring onions scattered over the top.

5. Easy Banana Pancakes 

Ingredients

• 350g self-raising flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 2 very ripe bananas
• 2 medium eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 250ml whole milk
• butter, for frying
• To serve
• 2 just ripe bananas, sliced
• Maple syrup (optional)
• Dryfruits (optional)

How to cook

Step 1: 

Start by sifting the flour, baking powder, and a good pinch of salt into a big bowl. In another bowl, mash up those super-ripe bananas until they're smooth, then whisk in the eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Create a well in the middle of the dry stuff, pour in the wet mix, and quickly whisk it all together until you've got a smooth, silky batter.

Step 2: 

Grab a non-stick pan, melt a bit of butter over medium heat, and spoon in 2-3 tablespoons of the batter. Let it cook for a few minutes until you see those little bubbles popping up. Flip the pancake and give it another 1-2 minutes on the other side. Repeat until you've used up all the batter, and keep the pancakes warm in a low oven.

Step 3: 

Pile those golden beauties on plates and load them up with banana slices, a generous drizzle of maple syrup, and a handful of dried fruits if that's your jam.

In conclusion:

We have compiled five recipes from different categories so that your lunchbox isn’t dull and mundane. We do admit that some of these recipes may leave you chopping, cooking and cleaning in the kitchen, but we also have an alternative for that. Try Delicut’s gourmet meals that offer health, taste and convenience. Check out their monthly meal plans here. And for those who wish to cook a storm in the kitchen, try out these recipes and spice up your lunch box.

FAQs

1. Can you provide meal box recipes that are suitable for meal prepping and can be stored well?

Ideal for meal prepping, recipes like Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry and Chickpea Spinach Curry can be stored well, maintaining flavour and texture for a satisfying lunch throughout the week. Properly sealed containers help preserve freshness, and reheating instructions ensure a warm and tasty meal.

2. What are some meal box ideas that are budget-friendly without compromising on taste and nutrition?

Budget-friendly meal box ideas like Zesty Chickpea Salad, Veggie-Packed Pasta Salad, or Black Bean Quesadilla ensure economical yet delicious options that prioritize taste and nutrition without breaking the bank.

3. Are there meal box recipes that cater to specific dietary preferences, such as vegetarian, vegan, or low-carb options?

Catering to various dietary preferences, meal box recipes like Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl, Lentil and Vegetable Stir-Fry, or Cauliflower Rice Burrito Bowl offer vegetarian, vegan, and low-carb alternatives, satisfying diverse tastes and nutritional needs.

4. How can I ensure that my meal box recipes stay fresh and appetizing until lunchtime, especially without access to a refrigerator or microwave?

To maintain freshness without a refrigerator or microwave, opt for recipes like Caprese Sandwich or Mediterranean Quinoa Salad that are enjoyable at room temperature. Use insulated containers and ice packs to keep perishables cool, ensuring your meal box remains appetizing until lunchtime.

Read More :

Delicious and Dairy-Free Lunch Ideas for Every Palate

20 Filling Vegan Lunch Options for All Day Energy

20 Paleo Lunch Ideas for a Cozy and Grain Free Meal

25 Lunch Box Ideas Unlock Health Taste Combo

How to Make a Balanced Diet for Lunch for Better Lifestyle