10 quick and tasty lunch options

Looking for lunch recipes that deliver big flavour with minimal effort? Here are 10 of the best lunch options that don’t need hours in the kitchen.

By Citro

When time is short and hunger hits hard, lunch needs to work even harder. These quick recipes are designed for busy days: easy to prepare, full of flavour and nutrition and perfect for eating at home or on the go. 

Think fresh, filling lunches that come together in minutes that you’ll want on repeat. No sad desk lunches here!

1. Cold sesame garlic noodles

Prep time: 15 minutes

Ready in a flash and bursting with bold, nutty, garlicky flavour, these sesame noodles are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for a light lunch, quick dinner or a make-ahead meal that tastes even better chilled.

Click for the sesame garlic noodles recipe

2. Cali roll bowl

Prep time: 20 minutes

All the flavours of your favourite sushi roll: no rolling skills required. This fresh, vibrant bowl is light, satisfying and perfect for an easy lunch that feels a little bit fancy.

Get the cali roll bowl recipe

3. Croque madam

Prep time: 20 minutes

Crispy, gooey, and utterly irresistible, this French-style grilled sandwich gets a golden fried egg on top for maximum indulgence. Great for a lunch that feels fancy without any fuss.

Make the croque madam recipe

4. Mid-week special: Korean rice bowls

Prep time: 25 minutes

Fluffy rice, savory beef and tangy pickled veggies come together in a Korean-inspired bowl that’s ready fast. Mix, match, and serve with your favourite toppings for a lunch that packs bold flavour with minimal fuss.

Click for the korean rice bowl recipe 

5. Bush tucker fish tacos

Prep time: 25 minutes

Fresh golden fish, charred baby corn and zesty lemon myrtle cream turn ordinary tacos into a flavour-packed celebration of native ingredients. Perfect for a quick lunch or even a laid-back dinner with friends.

Bush tucker fish tacos recipe here

6. Nachos

Prep time: 30 minutes

Layered, cheesy and packed with tender brisket, these nachos bring a flavour-packed fiesta to your table. Ideal for sharing, with creamy guacamole and optional smoky sour cream to wow your tastebuds.

Find the nachos recipe here 

7. Beef pad see ew

Prep time: 30 minutes

Tender beef and chewy rice noodles meet a rich sweet‑and‑salty sauce to make this Thai street-food favourite. A quick lunch with bold flavours that tastes way more impressive than the effort it takes.

Click for the beef pad see ew recipe

8. Fish curry

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Prep time: 35 minutes

Tender, firm fish simmered in a rich, aromatic curry makes this dish a true showstopper. Use the soft roti to soak up every drop of sauce.

Find the fish curry recipe here

9. Shakshuka

Prep time: 35 minutes

A vibrant, saucy tomato base with perfectly poached eggs makes this shakshuka a showstopper. Serve straight from the pan for a dish that’s hearty, healthy and packed with Middle Eastern flavours.

Make the shakshuka recipe

10. Mexican meatballs

Prep time: 40 minutes

This one takes a little longer than most, but it’s absolutely worth the effort. These traditional Mexican meatballs are warm, comforting and bursting with smoky chipotle spice. Make a big batch to freeze and reheat for lunch with pasta, rice or as part of a Mexican meatball sub.

Grab the mexican meatballs recipe
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^{Feature image: Citro}‍

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