Ever heard of the Bento Box Queen? That’s the title Sulhee Jessica Woo, a mom of three, has rightfully claimed after years of making stunning bento box lunch creations. But pretty motifs aren’t the only reason she puts so much effort into lunch. With a strong desire to expose her daughters to cuisines of the world and expand their palates, Woo, who has over 300,000 Instagram followers, now has a book to showcase her creative lunchtime solutions.
In Let’s Make Some Lunch, Woo explores the globe with inspired dishes and snacks including delicious Indian, Italian, Japanese, Filipino, Thai and Mexican recipes. As if adorably packed lunches weren’t fun enough, most recipes come with tongue-in-cheek musical pairings. My favourite would have to be “Bad Delicious” by Benny Blanco, BTS and Snoop Dogg paired with the recipe for Cream Cheese-stuffed French Toast Sticks.
In a word, this book is FUN! Even if you never execute these stunning lunches and well-rounded meals, you just might find yourself inspired to get a bit more creative when it comes to feeding your family.
Here are the recipes I tried. Anything hyperlinked means the publisher has graciously shared. Enjoy!
Breakfast-for-Lunch
Fluffy Rainbow Waffles, page 35
While I cannot see myself going to such efforts to make a waffle, I would be delighted if someone else made this for me. It’s just ridiculously fun! My advice? Save this recipe for March break, birthday parties or summer vacation! Get the recipe: Fluffy Rainbow Waffles
Twisted Bacon, page 41
To be honest, I had never thought of improving on bacon before. It’s already so good. But wrapping bacon around a skewer and then baking it creates such a lovely, shattery crunch that I think I may have to make bacon like this all the time.
Cream Cheese-Stuffed French Toast Sticks, page 72
You don’t need to be at a fancy brunch spot to have stuffed French toast! Save this recipe for Mother’s Day, holidays or whenever you need something a little extra. Yes, it is as good as you imagine.
Sandwiches, Wraps & Rolls
Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches with Pickle Chips, page 106
How could you possibly go wrong with Buffalo chicken? I have to say that this recipe was delicious. But the best part for me was the Pickle Chips. As in, pickles dredged in buttermilk, then seasoned flour, then fried. Deep-fried pickles at home are going on repeat over here. Get the recipe: Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches with Pickle Chips
Cucumber Veggie Rolls, page 115
As much as I love fun and elaborate recipes, I also crave simplicity. That’s why I loved how simple and impactful hollowing out cucumbers and stuffing them with thinly sliced veggies was. Woo suggests dipping them in peanut sauce, which I did and also recommend. But for a school lunch, perhaps making a seed butter dip would be better.
Crispy Salmon Rice Paper Bites, page 124
Enter a mega creative way of making a portable sandwich without using bread! So quick and wonderful, I loved how the rice paper wrapper got so crispy! The sushi dipping sauce was also so yummy! Get the recipe: Crispy Salmon Rice Paper Bites
Around The World
Spam Musubi Mac Salad and Pickled Mangoes, page 172
Iconic Hawaiian musubi is featured here, and of course, despite my doubts about using Spam I am now a convert. I can see why Woo is so steadfast in expanding her daughters’ palates. I really had reservations about Spam but I’m so glad I gave it a go.
Kimbap Rolls, page 183
This delicious Korean snack is broken down into easy steps. I couldn’t source burdock root in my small town, but was able to find all the other ingredients. I also did some research and found that pickled daikon can be a good substitute. So can mixing spinach with minced garlic and sesame oil.
Honey Walnut Shrimp, page 196
OK, this recipe intrigued me. Of course, I know sweet and savoury very well. But I just couldn’t get my head around the sweetness of sugar, honey and condensed milk with seafood. Unfortunately, even after making and trying it, I just can’t get behind it. This, I’m afraid, was just not for me. But maybe it will be for you!
Excerpted from Let's Make Some Lunch: Recipes Made with Love for Everyone: A Cookbook by Sulhee Jessica Woo. Copyright © 2024 by Sulhee Jessica Woo. Published by DK. Reproduced by arrangement with the Publisher. All rights reserved.
