Baon Magic! Creating Lunches that Last

Shared by Abby Tabladillo (@abbytabladillo) on Instagram

Hey, super moms! With back-to-school season just around the corner, it’s time to tackle lunch prep! 

We all want to whip up meals that keep our kiddos energized and excited, but let’s be real -- it’s not always a walk in the park! When it comes to packing that lunchbox, freshness is everything. Our little champs only get one shot at lunch during a super looong school day (and let’s face it, recess is way too short).  

Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with some fun and easy tips to keep your kid’s baon fresh and fabulous all day long. Let’s dive in and make lunchtime a blast.

Back to “Baon Basics”

Before we tackle the tasty recipes, go on a lunchtime adventure with your kiddo to find “The Perfect Lunchbox” that keeps food fresh for hours. This makes sure everything is delicious by lunchtime! 

Here are more baon tips to make lunchtime awesome: 

1.    Prep Like a Pro: Make lunchtime goodies the night before and store them right to keep everything fresh. If you’re whipping up multiple meals for the week, label and date them to keep track of freshness.

2.    Pack It Up Right Before: Timing is everything! Pack your kid’s lunch just before they head out the door for school. This minimizes the time the food spends at room temperature.

3.    Sauce Separately: No one likes a soggy sandwich. Keep sauces and dips separately inside a small container until it’s time to dig in.

4.    Fill with Fresh Fruits & Veggies: Whole fruits like bananas, apples, or carrots are lunchbox stars! They don’t need any chilling and stay crunchy all day long, making snack time colorful and nutritious.

5.    Storage Smarts: Teach your child the “Art of Lunch Storage”! They should tuck their lunch safely in their backpack, away from the sun and heat.

“The Fresh Factor”: Dishes that Stay Delicious

Alright, lunch squad! Now that you've got a cool lunchbox picked out, it’s time to pack it with deliciousness that stays fresh all day long. Aim for dishes that are dried or fried, with sauces neatly separated. But don't worry, you won’t have to compromise on flavor!

Let’s dive into some kid-approved favorites below:

1.    Longganisa Fried Rice: Ready for a flavor party? This delicious combo of savory pork sausage, garlic, onion, and tomatoes is packed with protein and carbs to keep kids fueled for the day. Cool it down after cooking and store in an airtight container to keep it fresh until lunchtime.

2.    Chicken Adobo: Can you say “yum”? This supreme chicken and pork adobo is the ultimate comfort food (for kids and adults alike). Slow cooked to tender perfection, it stays tasty for hours and retains freshness thanks to the vinegar marinade. 

3.    Lumpiang Sariwa: Roll into fun with fresh spring rolls! They’re colorful and fully customizable with exciting fillings like shrimp, chicken, and vibrant veggies – whichever your kid wants! Wrap each roll in plastic and pack in an airtight container. Don’t forget the dipping sauce to make this flavor fest extra fun!

4.    Fried Chicken Sandwich. A back-to-school classic that kids absolutely love! Picture this: crispy chicken smothered in a creamy sauce, topped with the crunch of fresh veggies, all in one delicious bite. To keep it lunchbox-friendly, pack the sauce in a small container (no one wants a soggy sandwich!). For the veggies, opt for shredded iceberg lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and zesty red onion rings, stored in a separate container for maximum freshness. Finally, choose a hearty whole-grain bun to hold everything together. The best part? Your kids will love playing “mini chefs” as they create their own mouthwatering masterpiece.

For fresh ideas and tasty recipes, check out our site packed with more baon inspiration.

Turn Baon into Bonding!

Get your kids excited about their baon by turning meal prep into a fun bonding experience! Let them pick delicious lunch options for the week, turning it into a mission to create the tastiest meals ever. Trust us, small choices can make them feel like they’re part of the process, and they’ll be extra eager to devour their meals come lunchtime. 

Imagine the joy on your kiddo’s face when they unwrap a lunch packed with love! By following these tips and recipes, you can create fresh meals that serve as a reminder of your affection, letting your child feel cherished with every bite. So let’s make lunchtime a joyous celebration of flavor and love!