15 Quick Chinese Lunch Box Recipes for Every Taste

Chinese cuisine offers a variety of flavors, textures, and ingredients that make lunch boxes exciting and satisfying.

These 15 Chinese lunch box recipes showcase tasty, balanced meals perfect for work, school, or on-the-go lunches.

From stir-fries and dumplings to rice bowls and noodle dishes, there’s a recipe for every taste and dietary need.

Easy to prepare, portable, and full of flavor, these recipes make lunchtime enjoyable and stress-free.

Discover how Chinese-inspired dishes can transform your lunch boxes into delicious, nutritious meals every day!

15 Quick Chinese Lunch Box Recipes for Every Taste

Exploring these 15 Chinese lunch box recipes shows that healthy and flavorful meals can be convenient and fun.

Each recipe balances protein, vegetables, and grains to create satisfying, well-rounded lunches.

From quick stir-fries to make-ahead noodle and rice dishes, these recipes suit busy lifestyles and picky eaters alike.

Incorporating Chinese flavors into your lunch routine makes meals more exciting and nutritious.

Elevate your midday meals with these 15 delicious and easy-to-make Chinese lunch box recipes!

Kung Pao Chicken Lunch Box

This classic Chinese dish is savory, spicy, and protein-rich.

Tender chicken is stir-fried with peanuts, bell peppers, and a flavorful Kung Pao sauce.

It is perfect for a filling lunch that can be enjoyed cold or reheated.

This dish is aromatic, colorful, and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• ¼ cup roasted peanuts

Instructions:

• Heat sesame oil in a wok and sauté garlic until fragrant.
• Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through.
• Mix in bell pepper and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes.
• Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and chili flakes.
• Toss with roasted peanuts and cook for another 2 minutes.
• Pack in a lunch box with steamed rice.

Kung Pao chicken is spicy, aromatic, and protein-packed.

It is perfect for a filling and flavorful lunch.

Every bite is tender, crunchy, and savory.

It combines vegetables, protein, and sauce for a balanced meal.

Mapo Tofu Lunch Box

This Sichuan-inspired dish is spicy, savory, and protein-rich.

Silken tofu is cooked with ground pork, garlic, and a fragrant chili bean sauce.

It is ideal for a hearty, satisfying lunch that pairs well with steamed rice.

This dish is aromatic, flavorful, and comforting.

Ingredients:

• 1 block silken tofu, cubed
• ½ lb ground pork
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp doubanjiang (chili bean paste)
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions:

• Heat sesame oil in a pan and sauté garlic until fragrant.
• Add ground pork and cook until browned.
• Stir in doubanjiang and soy sauce, cooking for 1–2 minutes.
• Gently add tofu cubes and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Sprinkle with chopped green onions before packing in a lunch box.

Mapo tofu is spicy, savory, and comforting.

It is perfect for a protein-rich, filling lunch.

Every bite is tender, flavorful, and aromatic.

It combines tofu, meat, and sauce for a classic Chinese taste.

Beef and Broccoli Lunch Box

This dish is savory, protein-rich, and nutritious.

Tender slices of beef are stir-fried with fresh broccoli in a garlic soy sauce.

It is perfect for a balanced lunch with a side of steamed rice.

This dish is aromatic, healthy, and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• ½ lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• ½ cup water

Instructions:

• Marinate beef slices with soy sauce and cornstarch for 10 minutes.
• Heat sesame oil in a wok and sauté garlic until fragrant.
• Add beef and cook until browned.
• Stir in broccoli and water, then cover and cook until tender.
• Add oyster sauce and toss to coat before packing in a lunch box.

Beef and broccoli is protein-rich, aromatic, and satisfying.

It is perfect for a nutritious and balanced lunch.

Every bite is tender, crisp, and flavorful.

It combines beef, vegetables, and sauce for a classic Chinese dish.

Sweet and Sour Chicken Lunch Box

This dish is tangy, savory, and protein-packed.

Crispy chicken pieces are coated in a sweet and sour sauce with pineapple and bell peppers.

It is ideal for a colorful, flavorful lunch that pairs well with steamed rice.

This dish is vibrant, satisfying, and aromatic.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup pineapple chunks
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp cornstarch

Instructions:

• Coat chicken cubes lightly in cornstarch.
• Pan-fry chicken until golden and crispy.
• In a separate pan, sauté garlic and bell pepper until tender.
• Mix ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar, then add to pan.
• Stir in chicken and pineapple, simmering until sauce thickens.
• Pack in a lunch box with steamed rice.

Sweet and sour chicken is tangy, savory, and protein-rich.

It is perfect for a vibrant and satisfying lunch.

Every bite is crispy, juicy, and flavorful.

It combines chicken, pineapple, and vegetables in a classic Chinese sauce.

Vegetable Fried Rice Lunch Box

This dish is light, nutritious, and satisfying.

Cooked rice is stir-fried with mixed vegetables, garlic, and soy sauce for a quick and flavorful lunch.

It is perfect for a vegetarian, filling, and balanced meal.

This dish is aromatic, colorful, and wholesome.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat sesame oil in a pan and sauté garlic until fragrant.
• Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry until tender.
• Add cooked rice and toss to combine.
• Drizzle with soy sauce and season with salt and pepper.
• Garnish with chopped green onions before packing in a lunch box.

Vegetable fried rice is light, nutritious, and satisfying.

It is perfect for a quick, protein-rich, and balanced lunch.

Every bite is colorful, aromatic, and flavorful.

It combines rice and fresh vegetables in a simple Chinese classic.

Orange Chicken Lunch Box

This dish is sweet, tangy, and protein-packed.

Crispy chicken pieces are coated in a fragrant orange sauce with garlic and ginger.

It is perfect for a flavorful and satisfying lunch that pairs well with steamed rice.

This dish is vibrant, aromatic, and filling.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
• 1 orange, juiced
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp sesame oil

Instructions:

• Coat chicken cubes lightly with cornstarch.
• Pan-fry chicken until golden and crispy.
• In a separate pan, combine orange juice, zest, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce.
• Simmer sauce until slightly thickened.
• Toss fried chicken in the sauce until well coated.
• Pack in a lunch box with steamed rice.

Orange chicken is sweet, tangy, and protein-rich.

It is perfect for a flavorful and satisfying lunch.

Every bite is crispy, juicy, and aromatic.

It combines chicken and orange sauce for a classic Chinese flavor.

Szechuan Beef Lunch Box

This dish is spicy, savory, and protein-packed.

Thinly sliced beef is stir-fried with Szechuan sauce, bell peppers, and onions for a bold and flavorful lunch.

It is ideal for those who enjoy a bit of heat with their meal.

This dish is aromatic, colorful, and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• ½ lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp chili paste
• 1 tsp sesame oil

Instructions:

• Heat sesame oil in a pan and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
• Add beef slices and cook until browned.
• Stir in bell pepper and onion and cook for 2–3 minutes.
• Add soy sauce and chili paste, tossing to coat evenly.
• Pack in a lunch box with steamed rice or noodles.

Szechuan beef is spicy, aromatic, and protein-rich.

It is perfect for a bold and satisfying lunch.

Every bite is tender, flavorful, and slightly spicy.

It combines beef, vegetables, and sauce for a traditional Chinese dish.

Honey Garlic Chicken Lunch Box

This dish is sweet, savory, and protein-rich.

Chicken pieces are stir-fried in a honey garlic sauce with bell peppers and green onions for a quick lunch.

It is ideal for a balanced, flavorful, and satisfying meal.

This dish is aromatic, colorful, and filling.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tsp sesame oil

Instructions:

• Heat sesame oil in a pan and sauté garlic until fragrant.
• Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through.
• Stir in bell pepper and cook for 2 minutes.
• Add honey and soy sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
• Garnish with chopped green onions before packing in a lunch box.

Honey garlic chicken is sweet, savory, and protein-packed.

It is perfect for a quick, satisfying, and flavorful lunch.

Every bite is tender, aromatic, and delicious.

It combines chicken, vegetables, and sauce for a balanced meal.

Shrimp and Vegetable Stir-Fry Lunch Box

This dish is light, savory, and protein-rich.

Tender shrimp are stir-fried with broccoli, carrots, and snow peas in a garlic soy sauce for a healthy lunch.

It is ideal for a low-fat, nutritious, and filling meal.

This dish is aromatic, colorful, and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• ½ cup carrots, sliced
• ½ cup snow peas
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat sesame oil in a pan and sauté garlic until fragrant.
• Add shrimp and cook until pink and tender.
• Stir in broccoli, carrots, and snow peas, cooking for 3–4 minutes.
• Add soy sauce and season with salt and pepper.
• Pack in a lunch box with steamed rice or noodles.

Shrimp and vegetable stir-fry is light, nutritious, and protein-rich.

It is perfect for a healthy, satisfying, and flavorful lunch.

Every bite is tender, aromatic, and colorful.

It combines shrimp and fresh vegetables for a balanced Chinese meal.

General Tso’s Chicken Lunch Box

This dish is spicy, sweet, and protein-packed.

Crispy chicken pieces are coated in a sweet and slightly spicy General Tso’s sauce with steamed broccoli.

It is ideal for a flavorful, filling, and classic Chinese lunch.

This dish is aromatic, colorful, and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp sesame oil

Instructions:

• Coat chicken cubes lightly in cornstarch.
• Pan-fry chicken until golden and crispy.
• In a separate pan, sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
• Add broccoli, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar, cooking until broccoli is tender.
• Toss fried chicken in sauce and mix well.
• Pack in a lunch box with steamed rice.

General Tso’s chicken is sweet, spicy, and protein-rich.

It is perfect for a bold, flavorful, and satisfying lunch.

Every bite is crispy, tender, and aromatic.

It combines chicken, sauce, and vegetables for a classic Chinese flavor.

Mongolian Beef Lunch Box

This dish is savory, slightly sweet, and protein-rich.

Thin slices of beef are stir-fried with green onions and a rich soy-ginger sauce.

It is perfect for a flavorful, filling lunch that pairs beautifully with steamed rice.

This dish is aromatic, colorful, and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• ½ lb beef flank steak, thinly sliced
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp cornstarch

Instructions:

• Marinate beef slices in soy sauce and cornstarch for 10 minutes.
• Heat sesame oil in a wok and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
• Add beef and cook until browned.
• Toss in green onions and hoisin sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
• Pack in a lunch box with steamed rice.

Mongolian beef is savory, slightly sweet, and protein-rich.

It is perfect for a satisfying, flavorful, and filling lunch.

Every bite is tender, aromatic, and delicious.

It combines beef, sauce, and vegetables for a balanced meal.

Honey Walnut Shrimp Lunch Box

This dish is sweet, crunchy, and protein-packed.

Crispy shrimp are coated in a creamy honey sauce and topped with candied walnuts.

It is perfect for a special lunch that is both indulgent and satisfying.

This dish is aromatic, colorful, and delicious.

Ingredients:

• ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ¼ cup walnuts, candied
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp sesame oil

Instructions:

• Coat shrimp lightly with cornstarch and pan-fry until golden.
• In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, honey, and lemon juice.
• Toss fried shrimp in the honey sauce.
• Sprinkle candied walnuts on top.
• Pack in a lunch box with steamed rice or vegetables.

Honey walnut shrimp is sweet, crunchy, and protein-rich.

It is perfect for a special, satisfying, and flavorful lunch.

Every bite is crispy, creamy, and aromatic.

It combines shrimp, honey sauce, and walnuts for a unique flavor.

Chicken Chow Mein Lunch Box

This dish is savory, aromatic, and protein-rich.

Stir-fried noodles are combined with chicken, vegetables, and a flavorful soy-based sauce.

It is perfect for a filling, convenient, and classic Chinese lunch.

This dish is colorful, aromatic, and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked chow mein noodles
• ½ lb chicken breast, sliced
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, cabbage, bell pepper)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp oyster sauce

Instructions:

• Heat sesame oil in a wok and sauté garlic until fragrant.
• Add chicken and cook until browned.
• Stir in vegetables and cook until tender.
• Add noodles, soy sauce, and oyster sauce, tossing to coat.
• Pack in a lunch box for a complete meal.

Chicken chow mein is savory, protein-rich, and satisfying.

It is perfect for a filling, flavorful, and easy lunch.

Every bite is tender, aromatic, and delicious.

It combines noodles, chicken, and vegetables for a balanced meal.

Egg Fried Rice Lunch Box

This dish is simple, savory, and protein-rich.

Cooked rice is stir-fried with eggs, green peas, carrots, and soy sauce for a classic Chinese lunch.

It is perfect for a quick, satisfying, and versatile meal.

This dish is colorful, aromatic, and comforting.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 eggs, beaten
• ½ cup peas
• ½ cup carrots, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil

Instructions:

• Heat sesame oil in a pan and sauté garlic until fragrant.
• Push garlic to the side and scramble eggs until just cooked.
• Add cooked rice, peas, and carrots, stirring to combine.
• Add soy sauce and toss until well mixed.
• Pack in a lunch box for a quick meal.

Egg fried rice is simple, savory, and protein-rich.

It is perfect for a quick, satisfying, and nutritious lunch.

Every bite is fluffy, aromatic, and flavorful.

It combines eggs, vegetables, and rice for a classic dish.

Sweet and Sour Pork Lunch Box

This dish is tangy, sweet, and protein-packed.

Crispy pork pieces are cooked with pineapple, bell peppers, and a tangy sweet and sour sauce.

It is perfect for a flavorful and filling lunch that can be reheated easily.

This dish is vibrant, aromatic, and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• ½ lb pork tenderloin, cubed
• ½ cup pineapple chunks
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp cornstarch

Instructions:

• Coat pork cubes lightly in cornstarch and pan-fry until golden.
• Sauté garlic in a pan until fragrant, then add bell peppers and pineapple.
• Mix ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar, and pour over the pork and vegetables.
• Simmer until sauce thickens.
• Pack in a lunch box with steamed rice.

Sweet and sour pork is tangy, sweet, and protein-rich.

It is perfect for a vibrant, flavorful, and satisfying lunch.

Every bite is crispy, juicy, and aromatic.

It combines pork, vegetables, and sweet sauce for a classic Chinese flavor.