Lunch Box: Make-Ahead Curry Pork Skewers with Vermicelli

A quick make-ahead lunch that uses Thai curry paste to pack big flavor into broiled pork skewers. [Photograph: Suzanne Lehrer]

Summer lunches always have me craving something spicy, something cold, or something with relatively few ingredients. This week's lunchbox just so happens to be a combination of all three. In summer, I tend to shop for less groceries—when tomatoes and corn are in season, who needs a multi-course meal?—meaning that my lunches are inspired by what's hanging around in the fridge.

I was craving a little pork satay, but decided to switch it up and use the last of my curry paste to create these quick skewers, broiled for about 3 minutes flat. A little bit of honey mixed in creates a caramelized crust, and lime zest adds some zip. I always keep vermicelli noodles in my pantry; they're ideal for leftovers, quick and easy to prepare, and soak up bold flavors well. I tossed in some especially spicy fresh radishes and a touch of sesame oil, and everything stayed fresh and flavorful until the next day.

About the Author: Suzanne Lehrer is a writer and recipe developer in New York and a recipe editor for Cooking Channel. When not curating her budding hot sauce collection, she puts her French Culinary Institute education to good use in kitchens all around town. Follow her recipes and cooking adventures at TheSuzChef.com and on twitter @the_suzchef.