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Pork perfection with affordable lunch recipes for the new year

Chimichurri-pork-meatballs

With school and work back in full swing, you may be looking for fresh ideas for a home-packed lunch instead of the same old boring sandwich. Well, you’ve come to the right place! Starring budget-friendly, nutritious pork, these ideas are sure to enliven your and your family’s lunchtimes.

Easy pork bites

Buy pork belly and cut it into cubes or ready-cut pork goulash, marinate it for a couple of hours, and then cook it up for lunch the next day. (Or make extras for a quick dinner as well as lunch!) You can serve pork bites with whatever fresh ingredients you have at hand

Recipes to try:

Air-fried char siu pork belly bites

Sticky pork rasher cubes

Sticky pork belly bites

ALSO READ: Your handy guide to different pork cuts and the best ways to cook them

Pork meatballs

Meatballs are a delight the whole family will love and they’re super versatile. Mix pork mince with your choice of spices, egg and breadcrumbs, and then serve them in a roll, with pasta, or on mashed potato or sweet potato.

Recipes to try:

Chimichurri pork meatballs

Pork meatballs with melted cheese centres

‘Fancy’ sandwiches

Yes, yes, we know we said no boring sandwiches allowed – but these are anything but boring! Forgo your standard bread option for a crusty baguette, jaffle or taco for a tasty alternative.

Recipes to try:

Curry pork jaffles

Pork-and-veggie stir-fry with peanuts and crispy tacos

BBQ pulled pork tortillas

Image from Simply Seasonal cookbook by Ilse van der Merwe

Pork ‘on a stick’

Serving food on a stick just makes it easier to eat, whether it’s for a picnic or a school lunch. Plus you can add whatever ingredients you have at hand or serve with a fresh salad for a well-balanced, delicious meal.

Recipes to try:

Apricot pork kebabs

Pork, ginger and apricot koftas

NOW READ: Pork’s versatility allows for endless flavour combinations