Work Lunches

Bánh Mì

Published

6 days ago

July 27, 2025

Bánh Mì Recipe – Authentic Vietnamese Pork Sandwich

Description: Learn how to make authentic Vietnamese Bánh Mì at home with flavorful marinated pork, tangy pickled veggies, and a crispy baguette. A perfect balance of savory, spicy, and fresh flavors!

Ingredients Table

Category	Ingredients	Quantity
Pork	Shallot, finely chopped	1 medium
	Garlic, finely chopped	4 cloves
	Granulated sugar	1/4 cup
	Fish sauce	1 1/2 Tbsp
	Neutral oil (canola or vegetable)	1 Tbsp
	Sesame oil	1 Tbsp
	Soy sauce	1 Tbsp
	Dried lemongrass	1 tsp
	Boneless pork shoulder, sliced 1/4″	1.5 lb
Pickled Vegetables	Carrot, grated	1 1/2 medium (8 oz)
	Daikon radish, grated	1/2 piece (8 oz)
	Granulated sugar (divided)	1/2 cup + 2 tsp
	Kosher salt	1 tsp
	White vinegar	1 cup
	Water	1 cup
Assembly	Mayonnaise (preferably Kewpie)	1/4 cup
	Vietnamese baguettes	4 small (or 2 French baguettes, split into 4)
	Cucumber, cut into spears	1 medium
	Jalapeño, sliced	1 small
	Fresh cilantro sprigs	12 sprigs
	Maggi seasoning or soy sauce	As needed

About the Ingredients

Pork shoulder: Rich and flavorful, perfect for broiling.
Shallot and garlic: Adds aromatic depth to the marinade.
Fish sauce & soy sauce: Provide umami and saltiness.
Dried lemongrass: Offers a citrusy, herbal fragrance.
Daikon and carrots: Essential for the pickled crunch.
Kewpie mayo: Richer than regular mayo, authentic taste.
Maggi seasoning: A must-have Vietnamese sandwich drizzle.

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the Pork

In a large bowl, whisk together shallot, garlic, sugar, fish sauce, oils, soy sauce, lemongrass, and black pepper.
Add pork strips and toss to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 12 hours.

2. Make Pickled Vegetables

Place grated carrot and daikon in a fine mesh strainer, sprinkle with 2 tsp sugar and 1 tsp salt. Massage for 2 minutes, then discard excess liquid.
In a small pot, heat vinegar, water, and remaining sugar until dissolved and steaming.
Pour the hot brine over the vegetables. Cover and let sit for at least 1 hour. (Can refrigerate up to 2 weeks.)

3. Cook the Pork

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place marinated pork on a wire rack over a lined baking tray.
Bake for 14–16 minutes until internal temperature reaches 150°F (65°C).
Broil for 5–7 minutes, flipping once, until charred and crispy on both sides.

4. Assemble the Bánh Mì

Split the baguettes lengthwise, leaving a hinge.
Spread 1 tbsp mayo on the bottom of each bread.
Add pork, pickled veggies, cucumber spears, jalapeño slices, and cilantro.
Drizzle with Maggi or soy sauce and serve immediately!

Nutrition Info (Approx. per serving)

Calories: 490 kcal
Protein: 26g
Fat: 23g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Sugar: 11g
Sodium: 890mg

Cooking Tips

If you don’t have Vietnamese baguettes, use small French baguettes with a crispy crust and light crumb.
Use pork belly instead of pork shoulder for a richer taste.
Add chicken liver pâté for a more traditional touch.
Always serve bánh mì fresh for the perfect crunchy-soft contrast.
Let the pickled vegetables sit overnight for deeper flavor.

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Work Lunches

Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

Published

6 days ago

July 27, 2025

Samriha Maher

Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Experience the perfect balance of comfort and elegance with this Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo recipe. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor — perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive meal for guests.

Ingredients Table

Ingredient	Quantity
Fettuccine	1 lb
Kosher Salt	As needed
Butter	3 Tbsp, divided
Shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails removed)	1 lb
Black Pepper	To taste
Garlic (minced)	2 cloves
All-purpose Flour	2 Tbsp
Heavy Cream	1 cup
Whole Milk	1/2 cup
Egg Yolk	1
Parmesan Cheese (grated)	1 cup + extra for garnish
Chopped Parsley	1 Tbsp, for garnish

About the Ingredients

This dish brings together simple yet rich ingredients. Shrimp provides a lean protein source, while butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese create a luscious Alfredo sauce. Fettuccine holds the sauce perfectly, and garlic adds a wonderful aroma. Parsley adds a fresh finishing touch.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Boil water in a large pot. Add salt and cook fettuccine until al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Set shrimp aside.
Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the same skillet. Sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes. Slowly stir in heavy cream and milk. Whisk in egg yolk.
Bring to a simmer and stir in Parmesan cheese. When sauce thickens, add cooked pasta and shrimp. Toss to combine.
If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Garnish with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition Info (Approx. per Serving)

Calories: 650 kcal
Protein: 35g
Fat: 38g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Sugar: 3g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 680mg

Cooking Tips

Don’t overcook the pasta – Check 3–4 minutes before the recommended time for a perfect al dente texture.
Watch your shrimp – Shrimp cooks very fast. Remove as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
Save shrimp juices – Don’t wipe out the pan; the shrimp’s leftover juices enhance the sauce flavor.
Adjust sauce texture – Add a bit of pasta water to achieve a silky sauce that coats the noodles evenly.

Work Lunches

Pizzadillas

Published

6 days ago

July 27, 2025

Samriha Maher

Pizzadillas Recipe: Pizza Quesadillas for the Ultimate Snack

Craving pizza but love quesadillas? Try these delicious Pizzadillas—a crispy, cheesy fusion of both! Perfect as a quick snack, kid-friendly meal, or appetizer, this recipe is endlessly customizable and takes less than 15 minutes to make.

Ingredients Table

Ingredient	Quantity	Description
Extra-virgin olive oil	1 Tbsp	For crisping the tortillas
Flour tortillas	2 medium	Use burrito-sized for best results
Pizza sauce	1/3 cup + extra for topping	Store-bought or homemade
Garlic	2 cloves, minced	Adds a burst of flavor
Shredded mozzarella	1 cup	Melts beautifully inside and on top
Freshly grated Parmesan	1/2 cup	Adds a sharp, nutty flavor
Pepperoni slices	1/3 cup	Classic topping; customize as desired
Italian seasoning	1/4 tsp	For that authentic pizza flavor
Fresh parsley	For garnish	Optional, for color and freshness

How to Make Pizzadillas – Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the broiler: Set your oven to broil. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Assemble the base layer: Place one tortilla in the skillet. Spread half of the pizza sauce, garlic, mozzarella, Parmesan, and pepperoni on top. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
Top with second tortilla: Place the second tortilla on top and cook until the bottom is golden and the cheese is melty.
Flip the pizzadilla: Use a large plate to invert the pizzadilla, then slide it back into the skillet cooked-side up.
Add toppings: Spread remaining pizza sauce, cheese, and pepperoni on top. Sprinkle Italian seasoning again.
Broil to finish: Place the skillet under the broiler and cook for 2 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the pepperoni is crispy.
Garnish and serve: Top with chopped parsley and slice into wedges. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 450
Fat: 28g
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 950mg

Tips & Variations

Make it vegetarian: Skip the pepperoni and add mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers.
Cheese swap: Use cheddar, provolone, or dairy-free options if needed.
Mini versions: Use smaller tortillas for a bite-sized appetizer spread.
No broiler? You can finish cooking the top side on the stovetop with a lid to melt the cheese.

Work Lunches

Burger Bowls

Published

6 days ago

July 27, 2025

Samriha Maher

Delicious Burger Bowls Recipe – A Low-Carb Cheeseburger Alternative

Enjoy all the flavors of your favorite cheeseburger—without the bun! This burger bowl recipe is a low-carb, high-protein dinner idea that’s easy to make and full of flavor. It’s perfect for keto, gluten-free, or just healthier eating.

Ingredients for Burger Bowls

Ingredient	Quantity
Frozen French fries	14 oz.
Kosher salt	To taste
Mayonnaise	1/4 cup
Ketchup	3 tablespoons
Sweet pickle relish	1 tablespoon
Yellow mustard	1 tablespoon
Canola oil	1 tablespoon
Lean ground beef	1 pound
Cajun seasoning	1 1/2 teaspoons
Shredded cheddar cheese	3 oz. (about 1 cup)
Chopped romaine lettuce	8 cups
Cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)	4 slices
Cherry tomatoes, quartered	1 cup (about 5 oz.)
Red onion, thinly sliced	1 small (about 1 cup)
Dill pickle slices, quartered	1/2 cup
White sesame seeds	To garnish

What’s Inside Your Burger Bowl?

This recipe includes lean beef, crisp romaine, cheddar cheese, and your favorite burger toppings—without the bun. You can easily customize the ingredients:

Swap ground beef for turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat.
Use your favorite cheese—Swiss, blue cheese, or classic American.
Add extras like sautéed mushrooms, jalapeños, or avocado slices.
Go bun-less but not flavorless—fries and creamy burger sauce add balance.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Fries

Preheat oven and cook frozen fries according to package directions. Sprinkle lightly with salt after baking.

Step 2: Make the Special Burger Sauce

In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, and mustard. Stir until smooth. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, Cajun seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon (about 6 minutes).