Top 10 Best Quick And Easy Lunch Recipes

So, what are some quick and easy lunch ideas? Look no further than Top 10’s Only, where you can find a list of the Top 10 Quick and Easy Lunch Recipes. We understand that sometimes you don’t have a lot of time or energy to put into making lunch, which is why we’ve curated a set of recipes that are both easy to make and delicious to eat. Whether you’re in the mood for something refreshing or more filling, our list has a variety of options that are perfect for a quick lunch break or an on-the-go meal. With our recipes, you can avoid settling for boring and uninspired lunches and instead whip up a delicious and satisfying meal in no time.

Top 10 Easy-To-Cook Lunch Recipes

Top 10’s Only offers a list of the top 10 quick and easy lunch recipes that can be prepared in less than 60 minutes (1 hour). The list includes a variety of options perfect for a quick lunch break or an on-the-go meal, whether you’re in the mood for something refreshing or more filling.

1. Lemon Rice

Looking for the best quick and easy lunch options? Try lemon rice! This popular South Indian dish is bursting with tangy, nutty, and savoury flavours and can be made in under an hour. It’s perfect for meal prepping, as it can be made using leftover rice. Plus, it stays fresh in the fridge for a few days and tastes great when reheated.

Preparation Time: 20 min.

Cooking Time: 5 min.

Serves: 4

Ingredients For Lemon Rice

• 4 cups: cooked rice 
• 2.5 cups: water
• salt as needed

• 3 tbsp: lemon juice
• 1 tsp: mustard seeds
• 1 tsp.: urad dal
• 3 nos: dried red chillies
• 3 nos: green chillies
• 20 curry leaves
• A pinch of asafoetida
• 1 tsp.: turmeric powder
• 2 tbsp.: cashew nuts
• 4 tbsp.: sesame oil
• salt as needed

How To Make Lemon Rice

• Fry cashews in 2 tbsp. sesame oil. Set aside. 
• Add 1 tbsp sesame oil to the pan, fry mustard seeds until they crackle, then add urad dal, chillies and curry leaves. 
• Switch off the flame.
• Add asafoetida and turmeric powder.
• Take the cooked rice and pour the mixture over it. 
• Add fried cashews, lemon juice, and salt.  
• Mix and cover for 4-5 minutes. 
• Garnish with chopped coriander when serving.

2. Paneer Fried Rice 

Paneer fried rice is a delicious and filling meal that can be made quickly and easily. This dish pairs tender cubes of paneer with stir-fried vegetables and fragrant seasonings, resulting in a satisfying and nutritious meal. Read on to learn how to make a quick and easy lunch with this tasty recipe.

Preparation Time: 5 min.

Cooking Time: 5 min.

Serves: 2

Ingredients For Paneer Fried Rice

• 1 cup: paneer
• 1 tsp.: ginger garlic paste
• 3/4 tsp.: kashmiri red chilli powder
• 3/4 tsp.: salt

• 2 tsp.: oil
• 2 tbsp.: oil
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1/2 onion
• 1/2 carrot
• 4 beans
• 1/4 green capsicum 
• 3 tbsp.: cabbage
• 1/4: red capsicum
• 4 tbsp.: spring onion
• 1 tsp.: chilli sauce
• 1 tbsp.: vinegar
• 1/2 tsp.: pepper powder
• 1 tbsp.: soy sauce
• 3 cups: cooked rice

How To Make Paneer Fried Rice

• In a bowl, mix small cubed paneer with ginger garlic paste, chilli powder, and salt. 
• Marinate for 20 minutes. Roast marinated paneer until golden brown. 
• In a wok, saute garlic, onion, and spring onion in oil. 
• Add chopped carrot, beans, and red and green capsicum, and stir-fry until cooked but crunchy. 
• Add shredded cabbage, chilli sauce, vinegar, soy sauce, salt, and pepper powder. 
• Mix in cooked rice and roasted paneer. 
• Stir-fry on high heat. 
• Serve hot. Enjoy!

3. Garlic Sesame Noodles

Garlic Sesame Noodles are a delicious and flavorful dish that can be prepared in no time. Perfect for busy weekdays, this dish is a popular choice for easy and quick lunch box recipes. The combination of nutty sesame and garlicky flavours makes it a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Preparation Time: 10 min.

Cooking Time: 10 min.

Serves: 4

Ingredients For Garlic Sesame Noodles

• 1/4 cup: soy sauce
• 4 cloves of garlic minced
• 2 tbsp.: brown sugar
• 1 tbsp.: chilli-garlic sauce
• 1 tbsp.: toasted sesame oil
• 1 tbsp.: hoisin sauce
• 1 8 oz.: noodles
• 2 tsp.: vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper 
• 1 carrot 
• 1 broccoli

How To Make Garlic Sesame Noodles

• Cook the noodles until done. Rinse with cold water. 
• Mix soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, chilli-garlic sauce, sesame oil, and hoisin sauce in a bowl.
• Cook veggies in oil for 3 minutes. Add broccoli and cook for 2 more minutes. 
• Combine the noodles and sauce mixture. 
• Cook for 3 minutes until the sauce thickens. 
• Serve hot with the desired garnish.

4. Cream Cheese Pasta

Cream cheese pasta is a delicious and creamy dish that is perfect for lunch. Made with a rich and creamy sauce, this pasta is comfort food that is easy to make and satisfying to eat. It’s one of the many quick and easy healthy pasta recipes for lunch that you can enjoy without feeling guilty.

Preparation Time: 5 min.

Cooking Time: 15 min.

Serves: 2

Ingredients For Cream Cheese Pasta

• 200 gms: uncooked pasta
• water to cook pasta
• 3/4 cup: cream cheese
• 1/2 cup: chopped spinach 
• 1/2 cup: sweet corn
• 1/2 tsp.: minced garlic
• 1/2 tsp.: chilli flakes
• black pepper to taste
• salt to taste
• 1/2 tbsp.: olive oil

How To Make Cream Cheese Pasta

• Cook pasta al dente and reserve 2 cups of pasta water before draining. 
• Whisk the cream cheese and pasta water together until smooth. 
• In a pan, saute garlic, corn, chilli flakes, salt, pepper, and spinach.
• Add the cream cheese mixture and cook for 2 minutes until a smooth sauce forms.
• Toss in the cooked pasta and adjust the sauce’s consistency with more pasta water, cream, or milk. 
• Garnish with pepper and chilli flakes.
• Savour your cream cheese pasta!

5. Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

Teriyaki chicken stir fry is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a delicious sauce. This dish is one of those super quick and easy lunch ideas that can be made in just a few minutes, making it a great option for those on the go.

Preparation Time: 5 min.

Cooking Time: 15 min.

Serves: 2

Ingredients For Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

• 1 tbsp.: olive oil
• 1 onion
• 2 broccoli heads
• 1 green capsicum
• 1 cup snow peas
• 1 tbsp.: sesame oil
• 500 g: boneless chicken thigh fillets
• 2 tbsp.: mirin
• 1/4 cup: soy sauce
• 1/4 cup: light brown sugar
• 2 tbsp.: apple cider vinegar
• 2 tsp.: minced garlic
• 1 tsp.: corn flour with 2 tsp. water (only if necessary)
• 2 shallots sliced to garnish

How To Make Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

• Stir fry onion, broccoli, capsicum, and snow peas. 
• Season the chicken and stir fry until crisp. 
• Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, mirin, and garlic.  
• Add the sauces to the chicken and cook until thickened. 
• Serve over rice and garnish with shallots.  

(Optional: thicken the sauce with a cornflour mixture if needed.)

6. Stir-fried Masala Channa

Stir-fried Masala Channa is a spicy and flavorful vegetarian dish that can be whipped up in no time. This delicious Indian recipe made with chickpeas and aromatic spices is a perfect addition to your top 10 quick meals without meat list.

Preparation Time: 5 min.

Cooking Time: 25 min.

Serves: 3

Ingredients For Stir-fried Masala Channa

• 2 cups: cooked chickpeas 
• 1/2 tsp.: chilli powder
• 1 pinch: asafoetida
• 1 sprig: curry leaves
• 1 tsp.: ginger garlic paste
• 1 chopped green chilli 
• 1/2 tsp. mustard seeds
• 1/2 tsp.: jeera
• 1/2 tsp.: salt
• 1 tbsp.: oil
• 1/8 tsp.: turmeric powder
• 1 tsp.: garam masala

How To Make Stir-Fried Masala Channa

• Soak chana overnight, then cook with turmeric. 
• In a pan, heat oil, add mustard, jeera, chilli, curry leaves, and hing, then ginger garlic paste. 
• Add cooked channa, garam masala, salt, turmeric, and chilli powder. 
• Saute and evaporate any water. 
• Adjust spices and salt. 
• Transfer to a serving bowl, and serve with a sprinkle of lemon juice.

7. Baked Fish Masala

Baked Fish Masala is a delicious and healthy dish that can be easily prepared at home. With a blend of spices and herbs, it offers a delightful burst of flavour. It’s also one of the top 10 easy meals to cook at home that you can enjoy with family and friends.

Preparation Time: 15 min.

Cooking Time: 25 min.

Serves: 4

Ingredients For Baked Fish Masala

• 2 whole tilapia, gutted, scaled, and trimmed on both sides
• 2 tbsp.: garlic paste
• 1 tbsp.: ginger paste
• 2 tbsp.: coriander powder
• 1 1/2 tsp.: cumin powder
• 1 tsp.: turmeric powder
• 1 1/2 tsp.: kashmiri chilli powder
• 1/4 cup: lemon juice
• 4 tbsp.: oil
• Salt as required

How To Make Baked Fish Masala

• For the marination, combine spices, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and oil in a bowl. 
• Score a whole tilapia and apply the marinade. 
• Chill for 15 minutes or up to 24 hours. 
• Bake at 425 F for 20-25 minutes and broil for 3-4 minutes. 
• Serve hot with rice and chutney.
• Enjoy this delicious and healthy baked fish masala.

8. Tandoori Fish Tikka

Tandoori Fish Tikka is a popular North Indian dish where chunks of fish are marinated in yoghurt and spices before grilling or baking. This protein-packed, healthy, and flavorful dish is perfect for seafood lovers and a great addition to 10 fast and easy non-veg lunch recipes.

Preparation Time: 15 min.

Cooking Time: 25 min.

Serves: 4

Ingredients For Tandoori Fish Tikka

• 8 tilapia fish fillets, or any other fish of choice.
• 1 1/2 tsp.: Kashmiri red chilli powder
• 1/4 tsp.: black pepper powder
• 1 tsp.: coriander powder
• 1/4 tsp.: turmeric
• 1 1/2 tsp.: garam masala
• 1/2 tsp.: cumin powder
• 1 1/2 tsp.: ginger garlic paste 
• 4 tbsp.: hung curd
• 1 1/2 tbsp.: lemon juice
• 1 tbsp.: crushed kasuri methi
• 1/2 tsp.: salt
• 1 tbsp.: olive oil

How To Make Tandoori Fish Tikka

• Coat diced fish with a marinade of olive oil, spices, salt, and lemon juice, and rest for 15 minutes to an hour. 
• Bake in a preheated oven at 190 °C for 8-9 minutes, turn, and bake another 4-5 minutes. 
• Move to the top rack and broil for 2 minutes to char. 
• Serve with mint chutney.

9. Kathi Rolls

Kathi Rolls are a popular and flavorful lunch option in India, where a filling of spiced vegetables, eggs, or meat is wrapped in fresh or leftover chapatis. They are quick and easy to make and can be enjoyed at home or on the go, making them a perfect addition to your 10 easy lunch ideas.

Preparation Time: 25 min.

Cooking Time: 15 min.

Serves: 4

Ingredients For Kathi Rolls

• 4 chapatis 
• 1 medium onion
• 2 medium tomatoes 
• 1 medium green capsicum
• 1/2 tsp.: red chilli powder
• 1 tsp.: turmeric powder 
• 1/4 tsp.: garam masala powder
• 2 tbsp.: ginger-garlic paste
• 3 tbsp.: tomato puree
• 1 cup: paneer
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 cup: yoghurt
• 2 tbsp.: coriander and mint chutney
• Fresh mint leaves, onion rings, and chaat masala

How To Make Kathi Rolls

• Heat oil and sauté onions and capsicum. 
• Add tomatoes, ginger-garlic paste, and spices. 
• Then add in paneer, salt, and tomato puree, and cook. 
• Place a chapati on a worktop, spread yoghurt chutney, add the filling, and roll tightly. 
• Garnish with mint leaves, onion rings, and chaat masala. Cut into halves and serve.
• Enjoy your quick and delicious kathi rolls!

10. Mushroom Pulao

Mushroom pulao is a delicious and flavorful Indian rice dish that is easy to make and perfect for a quick lunch. With its combination of aromatic spices and tender mushrooms, it has rightfully earned its place in the top 10 lunch recipes.

Preparation Time: 10 min.

Cooking Time: 20 min.

Serves: 4

Ingredients For Mushroom Pulao

• 1 cup: basmati rice
• 200 gms.: button mushrooms
• 2 onions
• 1 tbsp.: vegetable oil
• 1/2 tbsp.: garam masala powder
• 1/2 tsp.: turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp.: kashmiri red chilli powder
• 1/2 tsp.: jeera
• 1 mace
• 2 bay leaves 
• 4 cloves 
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• salt to taste

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How To Make Mushroom Pulao

• Soak basmati rice for 20 minutes.
•  Heat a pan; add oil and jeera.
•  Saute bay leaf, mace, cloves, and cinnamon, then add onions and sliced mushrooms. 
• Add turmeric, garam masala, red chilli powder, drained rice, and salt. 
• Transfer the contents to a pressure cooker with 1.5 cups of water and cook for 3-4 whistles. 
• Serve hot!

When you’re strapped for time and need some ideas for a quick and easy lunch, turn to the experts at Top 10’s Only. Our list of the top 10 lunch ideas that can be cooked in under an hour is sure to provide you with a range of delicious and nutritious options. Whether you’re in the mood for something light or hearty, our list has you covered. So don’t waste your precious time or energy; refer back to our list and enjoy a satisfying meal during your next lunch break.

Check out our Top 10 Quick and Easy Breakfast Recipes for more easy-to-prepare recipes!

Frequently Asked Questions About Quick And Easy Lunch Recipes

1. Which food is better for lunch?

When it comes to lunch, the best food option will depend on your personal preferences, dietary needs, and lifestyle. However, choosing quick and easy lunch recipes that are balanced and nutritious can help you stay energised and focused throughout the day.

2. What can I cook in one hour?

In one hour, you can cook a wide variety of meals, from simple dishes to more complex recipes. However, if you’re looking for something that’s quick and easy to make, there are plenty of options that can be prepared in under an hour, including many delicious and nutritious lunch recipes.

3. What are some good ideas for lunch?

Good ideas for lunch are those that are easy and quick to prepare, yet also tasty and satisfying. Whether you’re at home or on the go, having a few go-to recipes or meal ideas in mind can make all the difference when it comes to enjoying a delicious and nutritious lunch.

4. Which food is good for lunch in India?

Indian cuisine offers a diverse range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes that are great for lunch. These dishes are often packed with nutritious ingredients and bursting with flavour. Many of them can be prepared quickly and easily, making them perfect for those looking for quick and easy lunch recipes.

5. What’s a healthy lunch meal?

A healthy lunch meal should provide balanced nutrition with a mix of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. It should also contain plenty of vitamins and minerals to support overall health. You can prepare a healthy lunch without spending a lot of time or energy with the help of quick and simple lunch recipes. Try out the recipes listed in the Top 10 Best And Healthy 1 Hour Recipes For The Weekend if you’re looking for healthy dishes!