Chinese cuisine offers a diverse and flavorful array of dishes that are perfect for lunch boxes, combining convenience with delicious taste.
Whether you prefer spicy, savory, sweet, or tangy flavors, Chinese lunch box recipes cater to every craving.
From classic stir-fries like Beef and Broccoli to comforting soups and tasty dumplings, these recipes are designed to hold up well throughout the day while delivering authentic Chinese flavors.
In this collection of 23+ Chinese lunch box recipes, you’ll find easy-to-make meals that are both satisfying and portable — ideal for busy weekdays or on-the-go lunches.
23+ Delicious Chinese Lunch Box Recipes to Try Today
With these 23+ Chinese lunch box recipes, preparing flavorful and nutritious midday meals has never been easier.
Each dish balances taste and convenience, ensuring your lunch is as exciting as it is satisfying.
Whether you’re packing for work, school, or a picnic, these recipes bring the vibrant tastes of Chinese cooking to your lunchbox, making every meal a delightful experience.
Kung Pao Chicken
Kung Pao Chicken is a classic Chinese stir-fry dish known for its bold flavors combining tender chicken, crunchy peanuts, and spicy chili peppers.
It’s a popular choice for lunch boxes because it stays delicious even when reheated and pairs well with rice or noodles.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast, diced
- Dried red chilies
- Peanuts
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, minced
- Soy sauce
- Hoisin sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Cornstarch
- Green onions
Instructions:
- Marinate chicken in soy sauce and cornstarch.
- Stir-fry dried chilies, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
- Add chicken and cook until browned.
- Mix in hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and peanuts; toss to coat.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before packing.
Kung Pao Chicken is a perfect lunch box option thanks to its balance of spicy, savory, and nutty flavors.
The texture contrast between tender chicken and crunchy peanuts makes every bite exciting, while the sauce ensures the dish remains moist and flavorful throughout the day.
Vegetable Fried Rice
Vegetable Fried Rice is a staple Chinese lunch box dish, offering a colorful mix of veggies and fragrant rice that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
It’s versatile and can be paired with proteins or enjoyed on its own for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients:
- Cooked jasmine rice (preferably chilled)
- Mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, bell peppers)
- Eggs
- Garlic, minced
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Green onions
Instructions:
- Scramble eggs in a hot wok or skillet and set aside.
- Stir-fry garlic and mixed vegetables until tender.
- Add cooked rice and soy sauce, tossing to combine.
- Stir in scrambled eggs and sesame oil.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before packing.
This Vegetable Fried Rice recipe is a perfect balance of flavors and textures for a lunch box.
It’s quick to prepare, filling, and keeps well without losing its taste or texture, making it ideal for busy weekdays or on-the-go meals.
Honey Garlic Pork
Honey Garlic Pork is a flavorful Chinese-inspired dish featuring tender pork pieces glazed in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.
It’s a lunch box favorite for its rich taste and ability to reheat well without drying out.
Ingredients:
- Pork tenderloin, sliced thin
- Garlic, minced
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Cornstarch
- Sesame oil
- Green onions
Instructions:
- Toss pork slices with cornstarch and stir-fry until cooked through.
- In the same pan, sauté garlic briefly before adding honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar.
- Return pork to the pan and toss to coat with the sauce.
- Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil and garnish with green onions before packing.
Honey Garlic Pork offers a wonderful blend of sweet and savory that makes for a satisfying lunch box meal.
The tender pork combined with the sticky glaze ensures every bite is flavorful, while its ease of reheating makes it a convenient and tasty choice.
Beef and Broccoli
Beef and Broccoli is a classic Chinese lunch box staple featuring tender slices of beef cooked with crisp broccoli florets in a savory soy-based sauce.
This dish balances protein and vegetables, making it both nutritious and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- Thinly sliced beef (such as flank or sirloin)
- Broccoli florets
- Garlic, minced
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Cornstarch
- Sesame oil
- Ginger, minced
Instructions:
- Marinate beef slices in soy sauce and cornstarch.
- Stir-fry garlic and ginger until fragrant.
- Add beef and cook until browned.
- Toss in broccoli and oyster sauce, cooking until broccoli is tender-crisp.
- Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil before packing.
Beef and Broccoli is a timeless lunch box favorite because it offers a great mix of flavors and textures.
The tender beef combined with crunchy broccoli and rich sauce keeps well for a tasty, balanced midday meal.
Sweet and Sour Chicken
Sweet and Sour Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish popular in Chinese cuisine.
Crispy chicken pieces are coated in a tangy sauce made with pineapple, vinegar, and ketchup, making it an exciting and colorful lunch box option.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Cornstarch
- Bell peppers, chopped
- Pineapple chunks
- Vinegar
- Ketchup
- Soy sauce
- Sugar
Instructions:
- Coat chicken pieces in cornstarch and fry until golden and crispy.
- In a pan, combine vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and sugar to make the sweet and sour sauce.
- Add bell peppers and pineapple chunks to the sauce and cook briefly.
- Toss in fried chicken pieces, coating them well with the sauce before packing.
This dish offers a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes, making it a lively and appetizing lunch box meal.
Its bright colors and crispy texture also add to its appeal when eaten later in the day.
Mapo Tofu
Mapo Tofu is a spicy and flavorful Sichuan dish made with soft tofu and ground pork in a rich chili and bean paste sauce.
It’s a comforting lunch box meal for those who enjoy bold and warming flavors.
Ingredients:
- Soft tofu, cubed
- Ground pork
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, minced
- Chili bean paste (doubanjiang)
- Soy sauce
- Chicken broth
- Green onions
- Cornstarch
Instructions:
- Brown ground pork with garlic and ginger in a hot pan.
- Add chili bean paste and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and soy sauce, then add tofu cubes gently.
- Simmer briefly, thickening the sauce with cornstarch slurry.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before packing.
Mapo Tofu brings a spicy, savory punch to your lunch box, making it a flavorful and satisfying meal.
The soft tofu soaks up the bold sauce, offering a perfect balance of heat and umami that tastes just as good when reheated.
Lemon Chicken
Lemon Chicken is a bright and zesty Chinese lunch box favorite featuring crispy chicken pieces coated in a tangy lemon sauce.
It’s refreshing, flavorful, and pairs wonderfully with steamed rice.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Cornstarch
- Lemon juice and zest
- Sugar
- Soy sauce
- Garlic, minced
- Chicken broth
- Green onions
Instructions:
- Coat chicken pieces in cornstarch and fry until golden and crispy.
- In a separate pan, combine lemon juice, zest, sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and chicken broth to make the sauce.
- Simmer the sauce until slightly thickened.
- Toss the fried chicken in the lemon sauce and garnish with green onions before packing.
Lemon Chicken offers a perfect balance of crispy texture and tangy flavor, making it a refreshing and satisfying lunch box meal that stays delicious even after reheating.
Char Siu Pork
Char Siu Pork is a popular Chinese BBQ pork dish with a sweet and savory glaze.
This tender, flavorful pork is ideal for lunch boxes and can be paired with rice or steamed buns.
Ingredients:
- Pork shoulder or tenderloin
- Hoisin sauce
- Soy sauce
- Honey
- Five-spice powder
- Garlic, minced
- Red food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
- Marinate pork in a mixture of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, five-spice powder, garlic, and red food coloring if using.
- Roast or grill the pork until cooked through and caramelized.
- Slice thinly and pack with rice or steamed buns.
Char Siu Pork delivers rich, sticky, and sweet flavors that make it a standout lunch box dish.
Its tender texture and glossy finish keep well, offering a tasty and satisfying meal anytime.
Dan Dan Noodles
Dan Dan Noodles are a spicy, savory Sichuan noodle dish tossed in a flavorful sesame and chili sauce with minced pork.
They are quick to prepare and perfect for a flavorful, filling lunch box meal.
Ingredients:
- Thin wheat noodles
- Ground pork
- Garlic, minced
- Chili oil
- Sesame paste or tahini
- Soy sauce
- Sichuan peppercorns (optional)
- Green onions
Instructions:
- Cook noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
- Sauté ground pork with garlic until browned.
- Mix chili oil, sesame paste, soy sauce, and Sichuan peppercorns to make the sauce.
- Toss noodles with the sauce and top with cooked pork and chopped green onions before packing.
Dan Dan Noodles bring bold, spicy, and nutty flavors to your lunch box.
The combination of tender noodles and flavorful sauce creates a satisfying and aromatic meal that’s perfect for spice lovers.
Sweet and Sour Pork
Sweet and Sour Pork is a beloved Chinese lunch box classic featuring crispy pork bites coated in a tangy, colorful sauce made with pineapple, bell peppers, and vinegar.
This dish is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that stay vibrant even after reheating.
Ingredients:
- Pork shoulder or tenderloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Cornstarch
- Pineapple chunks
- Bell peppers, chopped
- Vinegar
- Ketchup
- Soy sauce
- Sugar
Instructions:
- Coat pork pieces in cornstarch and deep-fry until golden and crispy.
- In a pan, combine vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and sugar to make the sauce.
- Add pineapple and bell peppers to the sauce and cook briefly.
- Toss pork pieces in the sauce to coat evenly before packing.
Sweet and Sour Pork is a colorful and flavorful dish that adds excitement to your lunch box.
Its crispy texture and balanced sauce make it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
General Tso’s Chicken
General Tso’s Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish featuring crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet, spicy, and tangy sauce.
It’s a satisfying and flavorful lunch box option that pairs well with rice or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Cornstarch
- Garlic and ginger, minced
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Sugar
- Chili flakes or sauce
- Green onions
Instructions:
- Coat chicken pieces in cornstarch and fry until crispy.
- Sauté garlic and ginger, then add soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and chili flakes to make the sauce.
- Toss fried chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before packing.
General Tso’s Chicken offers a delightful combination of crispy texture and bold flavors.
Its sweet and spicy glaze makes it a flavorful lunch that keeps well and satisfies cravings.
Egg Fried Rice
Egg Fried Rice is a simple yet delicious Chinese lunch box staple made with fluffy rice, scrambled eggs, and fragrant seasonings.
It’s quick to prepare and versatile, pairing well with many main dishes or enjoyed on its own.
Ingredients:
- Cooked jasmine rice (preferably chilled)
- Eggs
- Garlic, minced
- Green onions
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Scramble eggs in a hot pan and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and green onions in vegetable oil.
- Add cooked rice and soy sauce, stirring to combine.
- Mix scrambled eggs back in and drizzle with sesame oil before packing.
Egg Fried Rice is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that adds a savory, satisfying base to any lunch box.
Its simple flavors and fluffy texture make it a beloved choice for quick, tasty meals.
Mongolian Beef
Mongolian Beef is a flavorful Chinese-inspired dish featuring tender strips of beef cooked in a savory and slightly sweet soy-based sauce with garlic and ginger.
It’s an excellent lunch box option that pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients:
- Thinly sliced beef (such as flank steak)
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, minced
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Cornstarch
- Green onions
- Vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Toss beef slices with cornstarch and fry until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and ginger in oil until fragrant.
- Add soy sauce and brown sugar to create a sauce, simmer briefly.
- Return beef to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before packing.
Mongolian Beef offers a delightful combination of tender meat and a rich, flavorful sauce.
It’s perfect for a satisfying lunch that maintains its taste and texture even after reheating.
Hot and Sour Soup
Hot and Sour Soup is a classic Chinese soup known for its spicy, tangy flavors and hearty ingredients like tofu, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots.
It’s a warming and comforting lunch box choice, especially when paired with rice or noodles.
Ingredients:
- Tofu, cubed
- Mushrooms, sliced
- Bamboo shoots, sliced
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Chili paste or flakes
- Cornstarch
- Egg
- Green onions
Instructions:
- Bring broth to a boil and add mushrooms, tofu, and bamboo shoots.
- Season with soy sauce, vinegar, and chili paste.
- Thicken soup with cornstarch slurry.
- Slowly drizzle beaten egg into the soup to create ribbons.
- Garnish with green onions before packing.
This soup is a perfect balance of spicy and tangy flavors, providing warmth and nutrition.
It holds up well for lunch and is a satisfying choice for those who love bold, comforting soups.
Sesame Chicken
Sesame Chicken is a popular Chinese dish featuring crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory sauce topped with toasted sesame seeds.
It’s a lunch box favorite due to its delicious flavor and satisfying crunch.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Cornstarch
- Soy sauce
- Honey
- Rice vinegar
- Garlic, minced
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions
Instructions:
- Coat chicken pieces in cornstarch and fry until crispy.
- In a pan, mix soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic to make the sauce.
- Toss fried chicken in the sauce until well coated.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top before packing.
Sesame Chicken combines a crispy texture with a sticky, flavorful glaze, making it an irresistible lunch box meal.
The nutty sesame seeds add a delightful crunch and aroma to every bite.
Orange Chicken
Orange Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish featuring crispy chicken pieces tossed in a tangy and sweet orange-flavored sauce.
It’s a vibrant and delicious lunch box option that pairs well with steamed rice or vegetables.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Cornstarch
- Orange juice and zest
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Sugar or honey
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, minced
- Red chili flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Coat chicken pieces in cornstarch and fry until golden and crispy.
- In a saucepan, combine orange juice, zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, and ginger to make the sauce.
- Simmer the sauce until it thickens slightly.
- Toss fried chicken in the sauce, adding chili flakes if you like a bit of heat, then pack.
Orange Chicken offers a bright, sweet, and tangy flavor profile that makes your lunch exciting and refreshing.
The crispy chicken coated with zesty sauce makes it a tasty choice for any midday meal.
Chinese BBQ Pork Buns
Chinese BBQ Pork Buns, or Char Siu Bao, are soft steamed buns filled with sweet and savory barbecued pork.
These buns are perfect for lunch boxes because they’re easy to eat and delicious both warm and at room temperature.
Ingredients:
- Char Siu pork (Chinese BBQ pork), diced
- Steamed bun dough (can use pre-made bao buns)
- Hoisin sauce
- Soy sauce
- Sugar
- Oyster sauce
- Garlic, minced
- Cornstarch
Instructions:
- Mix diced char siu pork with hoisin sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and garlic, cooking briefly to form a filling.
- Stuff the filling into bao dough and steam until buns are soft and fluffy.
- Pack buns in a lunch container once cooled slightly.
These BBQ pork buns provide a delightful combination of sweet, savory pork wrapped in pillowy soft dough, making them a satisfying and convenient lunch box treat.
Sichuan Chicken
Sichuan Chicken is a spicy, flavorful dish made with tender chicken pieces stir-fried with chili peppers, garlic, and Sichuan peppercorns.
It’s a bold and aromatic lunch box choice for those who enjoy heat and complex flavors.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast or thigh, diced
- Dried red chilies
- Sichuan peppercorns
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, minced
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Sugar
- Green onions
Instructions:
- Stir-fry chicken until cooked through and lightly browned.
- Add dried chilies, Sichuan peppercorns, garlic, and ginger; cook until fragrant.
- Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a pinch of sugar to balance flavors.
- Garnish with green onions before packing.
Sichuan Chicken delivers a spicy, numbing heat characteristic of Sichuan cuisine, making it an exciting and flavorful lunch box meal that awakens your taste buds.
Sesame Beef Stir-Fry
Sesame Beef Stir-Fry is a quick and delicious Chinese lunch box dish featuring tender beef strips cooked with a savory sesame sauce and crisp vegetables.
It’s packed with flavor and easy to reheat.
Ingredients:
- Thinly sliced beef
- Broccoli florets
- Bell peppers, sliced
- Garlic, minced
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Honey
- Sesame seeds
Instructions:
- Stir-fry beef strips until browned and set aside.
- Cook garlic, broccoli, and bell peppers until tender-crisp.
- Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey to create the sauce.
- Return beef to the pan, toss with sauce and vegetables.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds before packing.
This stir-fry offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors with a satisfying crunch from the vegetables, making it a nutritious and tasty lunch box meal.
Chicken Lo Mein
Chicken Lo Mein is a classic Chinese noodle dish with tender chicken, mixed vegetables, and a flavorful soy-based sauce.
It’s a filling and easy-to-eat lunch box favorite.
Ingredients:
- Egg noodles or lo mein noodles
- Chicken breast, sliced
- Carrots, julienned
- Snap peas
- Green onions
- Garlic, minced
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Sesame oil
Instructions:
- Cook noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
- Stir-fry chicken until cooked through.
- Add garlic, carrots, and snap peas; cook until tender.
- Toss in noodles, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
- Garnish with green onions before packing.
Chicken Lo Mein combines tender noodles and savory chicken with crunchy vegetables for a balanced, delicious lunch that holds up well throughout the day.
Eggplant with Garlic Sauce
Eggplant with Garlic Sauce is a flavorful vegetarian Chinese dish featuring tender eggplant pieces coated in a spicy, garlicky sauce.
It’s a great lunch box option for a meatless meal packed with bold flavors.
Ingredients:
- Eggplant, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Garlic, minced
- Soy sauce
- Chili paste
- Rice vinegar
- Sugar
- Cornstarch
- Green onions
Instructions:
- Stir-fry eggplant until soft and lightly browned.
- Mix soy sauce, chili paste, vinegar, sugar, and cornstarch slurry to make the sauce.
- Pour sauce over eggplant and cook until thickened.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before packing.
This dish offers a wonderful combination of tender eggplant and spicy garlic sauce, perfect for a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian lunch.
General Tso’s Tofu
General Tso’s Tofu is a vegetarian twist on the classic Chinese favorite, featuring crispy tofu cubes coated in a sweet and spicy sauce.
It’s a perfect lunch box option for those craving bold flavors without meat.
Ingredients:
- Firm tofu, cubed
- Cornstarch
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Hoisin sauce
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, minced
- Red chili flakes
Instructions:
- Toss tofu cubes in cornstarch and fry until crispy.
- In a pan, sauté garlic and ginger, then add soy sauce, vinegar, hoisin sauce, and chili flakes to make the sauce.
- Toss tofu in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Pack with steamed rice or veggies.
This dish delivers the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, making it a satisfying and flavorful vegetarian lunch that keeps well throughout the day.
Beef and Snow Peas
Beef and Snow Peas is a quick and healthy Chinese stir-fry featuring tender beef strips paired with crisp snow peas in a savory garlic sauce.
It’s a great lunch box meal that combines protein and veggies in a flavorful way.
Ingredients:
- Thinly sliced beef
- Snow peas
- Garlic, minced
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Sesame oil
- Cornstarch
Instructions:
- Marinate beef with soy sauce and cornstarch.
- Stir-fry beef until browned and set aside.
- Stir-fry garlic and snow peas until crisp-tender.
- Return beef to the pan, add oyster sauce and sesame oil, and toss everything together.
- Pack with rice or noodles.
This dish offers a delightful texture contrast and rich flavors, making it a wholesome and delicious lunch box option.
Conclusion
Exploring these 23+ Chinese lunch box recipes gives you a chance to enjoy a world of bold flavors and varied textures in a convenient format. These dishes not only satisfy your hunger but also offer a glimpse into the rich culinary traditions of China. By incorporating these recipes into your routine, you’ll elevate your lunchtime with authentic, delicious, and easy-to-pack meals that keep you energized throughout the day.
