Here in Beijing, a delicious lunch has never been more convenient. Plenty of waimai (food delivery) mobile applications deliver food straight to our doorsteps. Many students, myself included, rely on waimai’s diverse selection of lunch choices. However, waimai meals not only tend to be fatty and processed, but require an abundance of single-use plastic. Waimai culture has negative effects, on both the environment and us.
What are the healthier, less wasteful alternatives? Going to a restaurant? Spending tremendous amounts of effort and time to cook? Waimai doesn’t have to be our only option if we are looking for convenience. In fact, embracing the traditional ritual of preparing and bringing a lunchbox to school can be simple, healthy, and affordable. Here are four recipes that take just as little effort as placing a waimai order.
Chef’s Salad
Pair this salad with some fruit on the side, a bag of crackers, and some water for a light, well-balanced meal! You can also get creative with the meat! Ham, beef, chicken, pork, tofu, or anything that can survive until lunchtime without a refrigerator will work just fine. Cook chicken with some salt, pepper, and paprika for a little spicy kick. You can also use tinfoil cupcake tins to put toppings in. This can reduce leakage from the tomatoes which could make your salad soggy.
Ingredients
• 2-3 cups mixed salad leaves
• 1/2 cup diced ham
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese of choice
• 2 tablespoons dressing of choice
Instructions
1. Chop up salad leaves so that they are bite-sized and fill your lunch box, but leave room for toppings.
2. Lay a sheet of tinfoil/parchment on top of the salad greens
3. Arrange the cheese, ham, and tomatoes onto the layer of tinfoil/parchment.
Baguette Pizza
The only machine required for this recipe is a microwave oven. The pizza is easily customizable and can be paired with a juice box and additional veggies, like cucumber, for a meal any young child will enjoy! Feel free to use different sauces and toppings! Try a pesto sauce with mozzarella and chicken for something a little fancier, or tomato sauce, cheese, and pepperoni for the classic pizza taste.
Ingredients
• 1/4 Baguette
• 1-2 tablespoons of tomato sauce
• 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup of vegetables (we suggest a mixture of tomato, onion, and bell peppers)
• 1 teaspoon softened butter
Instructions
1. Cut the 1/4 baguette in half, spread with butter and bake in a microwave oven for 2-5 minutes, or until the edges are slightly toasted
2. Take the baguette out, and spread the tomato sauce evenly onto the slices
3. Add the shredded cheese to both slices
4. Add toppings, making sure that the toppings are evenly dispersed
5. Bake for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted
6. Wait for the baguette pizza to cool before packing into lunchbox
7. If possible, reheat once at school
Chicken Caesar Wrap
A simple recipe that can fill you up for the rest of the day! We recommend pairing with some water and fruit for classy and classic lunch. Make sure to add Caesar salad toppings, such as bacon, Parmesan cheese, and croutons to spice things up. You can also hold the wrap together using a toothpick, but just remember to take it out before eating.
Ingredients
• 1 flour tortilla
• 2 cups romaine lettuce
• 1 cup chicken
• 2 tablespoons Caesar dressing
• Salt and pepper
• Oil
Instructions
1. Season chicken with salt and pepper, and bake in the oven until cooked through
2. Cut cooked chicken into strips and leave to cool
3. Combine the romaine lettuce and Caesar dressing and place on tortilla
4. Add the chicken, roll up your tortilla, and cut in half
BLT
This classic BLT is easy to make and also tastes great. Pair with a box of chocolate milk for something on the go! Remember that not everyone loves mayo, so feel free to swap that out for a sauce of your choice. Pro tip: Make sure that the tomato doesn’t touch the bread so that you don’t end up with soggy sandwiches.
Ingredients
• 2-4 slices of bacon
• 2-4 slices of tomato
• 2-4 lettuce leaves
• 2 pieces of bread
• 1-2 teaspoons mayonnaise (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the bacon until completely crispy, and pat excess oil away using kitchen paper towel
2. Spread mayo on the pieces of bread
3. Place bacon, lettuce, and tomato on both sides of the sandwich
4. Close the sandwich carefully
5. Cut in half and place in lunchbox
This article appeared in the beijingkids July-August 2019 Teen Takeover issue
Photos: Uni You, Prisscilla Baxter Photography Studio
