Lunch Ideas with Rice for Work: Nutritious, Filling, and Versatile

Rice is a versatile ingredient that forms the base of many satisfying lunches. These rice-based recipes are perfect for work, offering a combination of flavours, textures, and nutrients.

8 Easy Rice Lunch Ideas

• Chicken fried rice
• Vegetable rice bowl
• Rice and bean burrito
• Sushi rice bowl
• Teriyaki salmon rice box
• Egg fried rice
• Coconut rice with curry
• Stuffed bell peppers with rice

Recipe 1: Chicken Fried Rice

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably chilled)
• 1 cup cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 egg
• 1 clove garlic (minced)

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a large pan and sauté the garlic for 1 minute.
2. Add the mixed vegetables and cook for 2–3 minutes.
3. Push the vegetables to one side, crack the egg into the pan, and scramble it.
4. Stir in the cooked rice, chicken, and soy sauce. Mix well and heat through.
5. Pack into a container for a flavourful work lunch.

Recipe 2: Vegetable Rice Bowl

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1/2 cup steamed broccoli
• 1/4 cup grated carrots
• 1/4 cup sliced bell peppers

Instructions:

1. Place brown rice in a container.
2. Top with broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers.
3. Drizzle with soy sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
4. Pack and enjoy a fresh, healthy lunch.

Recipe 3: Rice and Bean Burrito

Ingredients:

• 1 large tortilla
• 1/2 cup cooked rice
• 1/4 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1/4 cup salsa
• 1 tablespoon shredded cheese

Instructions:

1. Warm the tortilla in a pan.
2. Layer rice, black beans, salsa, and cheese in the centre.
3. Roll tightly and wrap in foil for a portable lunch.

Recipe 4: Sushi Rice Bowl

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked sushi rice
• 1/2 avocado (sliced)
• 1/4 cup cucumber slices
• 4 pieces of smoked salmon
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Place the sushi rice in a bowl or container.
2. Top with avocado slices, cucumber, and smoked salmon.
3. Drizzle with soy sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
4. Pack for lunch or enjoy immediately.

Recipe 5: Teriyaki Salmon Rice Box

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 salmon fillet (grilled with teriyaki sauce)
• 1/2 cup steamed broccoli
• 1/4 cup carrot ribbons

Instructions:

1. Place rice in a container and top with grilled salmon.
2. Add steamed broccoli and carrot ribbons on the side.
3. Drizzle extra teriyaki sauce if desired.

Recipe 6: Egg Fried Rice

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice (chilled)
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a pan and cook the mixed vegetables for 2–3 minutes.
2. Push the vegetables aside, crack in the eggs, and scramble them.
3. Add the cooked rice and soy sauce, mixing well. Heat through.
4. Pack into a container for a simple, satisfying lunch.

Recipe 7: Coconut Rice with Curry

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked jasmine rice
• 1/4 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable curry (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon chopped coriander

Instructions:

1. Mix the cooked rice with coconut milk and heat gently.
2. Top the rice with vegetable curry.
3. Sprinkle with chopped coriander and pack into a lunch container.

Recipe 8: Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice

Ingredients:

• 2 large bell peppers (halved and seeded)
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1/2 cup black beans
• 1/4 cup corn kernels
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese

Instructions:

1. Mix rice, beans, and corn in a bowl.
2. Spoon the mixture into the bell pepper halves.
3. Top with shredded cheese and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15–20 minutes.
4. Pack into a container for a nutritious work lunch.

Tips for Packing Rice Lunches

• Cool Rice: Allow rice to cool before packing to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Keep Warm: Use an insulated container to maintain temperature for hot rice dishes.
• Mix Textures: Add toppings like nuts, seeds, or fresh herbs for variety.

You can purchase Deer & Oak kitchenware though our website at deerandoak.co.uk or through Amazon UK at amazon.co.uk