5 Easy Lunch Recipes When It’s Too Hot To Cook!

It's warm warm warm right now, and it's only going to get hotter for the next few weeks.

Standing in front of a stove whipping up hot pasta, or baking/roasting something sounds like an absolute nightmare, plus who wants to eat something that is piping hot with its 30+ degrees outside!

That's why I've listed some of my favourite recipes that are my go-to when it's just too hot to cook.

Disclaimer: I'm an absolute shit cook, so these recipes are pretty fool-proof!

1. Lettuce Wraps 

It's a fridge to table in 15 minutes and doesn't require any heat to be prepped, and as the cherry on top, it's pretty healthy too! 

Ingredients: 

  1. Your choice of protein (chicken, tofu, plant-based alternative)

  2. Sliced or Mashed Avocado

  3. Sliced White Onion

  4. Cherry Tomatoes

  5. Lemon juice

  6. Shredded Cheese

  7. Whatever sauce/dressing you have in the fridge

Method:

  1. Gently separate your lettuce leaves, you dont want them ripping and ruining your life right?

  2. Shred or slice your choice of protein. Honestly, I just go down the classic Aussie mum route and get some roast chicken Woolies/coles and shred it for this recipe.

  3. Cut your veggies - you can either dice or slice them depending on how big your bites are.

  4. Dump it all in a lettuce wrap, sprinkle some cheese and your choice of dressing (I recommend sriracha sauce 100%)

  5. Stuff your face... trust me, it's a lot more filling than it may sound and the cold crispy lettuce will help you cool down too.

2. Acai Bowls 

Acai bowls are so much more than an aesthetic it is the boss of all smoothie bowls! I think my favourite Acai bowls have to include peanut butter, strawberries and some granola - the combo is chefs kiss! Also, low key if you can't find Acai berries/smoothie mix you can even make the same thing with the mixed frozen berries pack you get at the shops - it's still as yummy! 

Ingredients:

  1. Fresh or frozen strawberries, blueberries and bananas

  2. Blended Acai berries (You can find it frozen or powder form)

  3. A giant tablespoon of peanut butter

  4. 1/4 cup granola or oats

Method

  1. Blend your acai berries and pour it into the bowl

  2. Cut up your fruit and it to the bowl

  3. Top with peanut butter and granola

  4. take a picture because "aesthetic"

  5. Enjoy!

3. Rice Paper Rolls 

You will be shocked how easy these are to make, say bye-bye to donating all your money to Roll'd! The ingredients can literally be any veggies and protein you can find in your fridge, but this is my preferred list of ingredients if you're keen to mix it up.

Ingredients: 

  1. Rice paper (You'll probably get some at any Asian grocery store near you)

  2. Basil

  3. Sliced Cucumber

  4. Shredded Carrot

  5. Sliced Avocado

  6. Your choice of seasoning

Method: 

Just watch this tik-tok and learn from the expert...

4. Crunchy Chilli Oil Soba Noodles with Avocado 

Nothing feels the soul like a good bowl of noodles, and this recipe is as hearty but summer-friendly and leaves you cool and happy! Soba noodles taste absolutely delicious cold and don't need much additional flavour to be served as a bomb dish. However, adding a yummy chilli oil and so avos really elevates the goodness that is soba noodles.

Ingredients: 

  1. 270g soba noodles

  2. 2-3 tablespoons of crunchy chilli oil

  3. 1-2 teaspoons of chilli oil

  4. 1 tablespoon of finely chopped chives

  5. ½-1 avocado, sliced, per serve

Method: 

1. Cook soba noodles according to packet instructions. Wash them under cold water or dunk in some ice water to stop the noodles from overcooking and help it cool down. 

2. Strain and return to the pot (a splash of cooking liquid going in is good).

2. Add the crunchy chilli oil and chives. Give the saucepan a swirl for them to lightly mix.

3. Transfer the noodles onto a plate with ½-1 avocado, sliced, per serve. Sprinkle over another 1-2 teaspoons of chilli oil and enjoy!

You can also skip the part where you cool the noodles and have them warm if you want - tastes just as good!

5.Korean Steamed Eggs

Okay this is a warm dish, but its the best when you have nothing in your fridge except eggs. It's healthy, filling and doesn't need any additional dishes to make it feel like a full meal. That's why I added this to the list, I love love love how fluffy and yummy this always turns out! 

Ingredients:

  1. Eggs

  2. Water

  3. Sesame Oil

  4. Green Onions

  5. Salt

Method: 

Don't listen to me, listen to Tik-Tok's favourite Korean mum on how to whip up these steamed eggs.

Ceebs to cook? Well, this month you can get free delivery from Deliveroo and free doughnuts from Krispy Kreme!

Food & DrinkAashka Vaidyarecipes, Editor's Picks