5 Recipes You Can Make for Less Than RM10

5 Recipes You Can Make for Less Than RM10

Trying to save money until your next paycheck but still want a filling, home-cooked meal? The good news is, cooking on a budget doesn’t mean you have to give up flavor or creativity!

These five dishes, which all cost less than RM10 to prepare, are my favorites. For those on a low budget, with busy schedules, or who want to save a little additional money, these recipes are perfect for you. Now, let's get started!

5 Recipes You Can Make for Less Than RM10

1. Egg and Vegetable Fried Rice (RM6)

Fried rice is an evergreen dish! It's quick, filling, and can be made in countless ways.

Things You'll Need:

• Two cups of rice, cooked (RM2)
• Two eggs (RM2)
• One cup of mixed veggies (RM2)
• Oil and soy sauce are pantry essentials.

How to Make It:

1. In a pan with a bit of oil, scramble the eggs.
2. Stir-fry the mixed vegetables for two to three minutes after adding them.
3. Add the cooked rice, soy sauce, and stir to combine.
4. Enjoy it while hot!

2. Easy Aglio e Olio Spaghetti (RM9)

This Italian classic is proof that you can create a delicious meal with basic ingredients!

Things You'll Need:

• 250g of spaghetti costs RM4.
• Three minced garlic cloves (RM1)
• Two teaspoons of olive oil, a common pantry item
• One teaspoon of RM1 chili flakes
• Parsley is optional (RM3).

How to Make It:

1. Drain the pasta after cooking it as directed on the packet.
2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet and cook the garlic until aromatic.
3. Toss in the spaghetti, add the chili flakes, and stir until coated.
4. Serve right away after garnishing with parsley.

3. Tofu and Vegetable Stir-Fry (RM8)

A quick, nutritious, high-protein recipe that goes well with rice.

Things You'll Need:

• One block of tofu (RM4)
• One cup of mixed veggies (RM2)
• Garlic and soy sauce are cupboard essentials.
• One teaspoon of RM2 cornstarch

How to Make It:

1. Cut the tofu into cubes and cook in a pan until golden. Set it aside.
2. Stir-fry your veggies and garlic in the same pan.
3. To create a light sauce, combine cornstarch, water, and soy sauce; then, pour the mixture into the pan.
4. Reintroduce the tofu, combine all ingredients, and serve.

4. Curry with Chicken and Potatoes (RM10)

Comfort food that is luxurious without breaking the bank.

Things You'll Need:

• 250g of chicken (RM6)
• Two potatoes (RM2)
• Coconut milk and curry powder (RM2 total)
• Onions and garlic are pantry essentials.

How to Make It:

1. In oil, sauté the onion and garlic until aromatic.
2. Cook the chicken until it starts to become a little browned.
3. Add the coconut milk, potatoes, and curry powder and stir.
4. Simmer until the curry thickens and the potatoes are soft. Serve over rice.

5. Eggplant Sambal (RM7)

A smoky, spicy dish that's perfect for sambal lovers.

Things You'll Need:

• RM4 for two medium eggplants
• Two tablespoons of RM3 sambal paste
• Sugar and oil are pantry essentials.

How to Make It:

1. After slicing, pan-fry the eggplants until they are golden and tender.
2. To temper the heat, sauté the sambal paste in the same pan with a pinch of sugar.
3. Toss in the eggplants and stir until well coated, then serve with rice.

Advice for Budget-Friendly Cooking

Stock Up on Essentials for Your Pantry: Rice, spaghetti, tinned tomatoes, and soy sauce are inexpensive yet useful items.
Buy Seasonally: When fresh produce is in season, it's always less expensive.
Utilize Leftovers: Make soup out of roasted vegetables or fried rice out of yesterday's rice.

What Recipe Are You Going to Try First?

Please share your thoughts with me! Tell me which of these dishes you're most eager to prepare in the comments section below. Alternatively, share your favorite low-cost dish with me; I'm constantly looking for new ideas!