Budget-Friendly 15-Minute Dinners

Budget-Friendly 15-Minute Dinners

Hello! Life might get so hectic at times that you don't have time to prepare a large supper. But fear not—instant noodles or takeout are not your only options! 

I'm going to present some easy and reasonably priced Malaysian-inspired dishes in this post that you can prepare in 15 minutes or less. 

These recipes are ideal for hectic days when you want to eat delicious, home-cooked meals without going over budget. Let's get started!


1. Fried Rice, or Nasi Goreng

This dish is incredibly simple, quick, and a terrific way to use up leftover rice.

Ingredients:

  • Eggs
  • Soy sauce
  • Leftover rice
  • Veggies (carrot, peas, or cabbage)
  • Garlic
  • Onion
  • Optional: chili paste

How to Produce It:

  1. Add the veggies to a pan with heated oil after the garlic and onion have been fragrantly sautéed.
  2. Add the remaining rice, chili paste (if using), and soy sauce, then stir.
  3. Add an egg, scramble it, and stir-fry everything.
  4. For a more filling lunch, add a fried egg on top!

2. Fried Noodles, or Mee Goreng

You can quickly prepare the tasty and satisfying noodle dish mee goreng.

Ingredients:

  • Yellow noodles (or instant noodles)
  • Garlic
  • Cabbage
  • Soy sauce
  • Chili sauce
  • Optional: tofu or shrimp

How to Produce It:

  1. In a pan, stir-fry the cabbage and garlic.
  2. Add the noodles, a little soy sauce, and chili sauce.
  3. If desired, add some shrimp or tofu.
  4. Stir-fry until thoroughly combined.
    Advice: For added taste, garnish with fried shallots and lime!

3. Roti John

A tasty and easy snack that can be quickly transformed into a meal is roti john.

Ingredients:

  • Bread rolls
  • Eggs
  • Minced beef or chicken
  • Onions
  • Mayonnaise
  • Ketchup

How to Produce It:

  1. Sauté the onions and minced beef.
  2. In another bowl, beat the eggs.
  3. Pour the eggs over the cooked beef mixture and simmer until set.
  4. Place the cooked mixture inside a bread roll spread with mayonnaise and ketchup.
  5. Make a sandwich out of it!
    Tip: A slice of cheese can also be added for added richness.

4. Easy Lemak Nasi

This traditional breakfast meal from Malaysia is incredibly delicious and easy to make.

Ingredients:

  • Store-bought sambal
  • Boiled eggs
  • Cucumber
  • Peanuts
  • Coconut rice (you may also use precooked rice)

How to Produce It:

  1. Warm the precooked rice with a little coconut milk.
  2. Serve the rice with sambal, boiled eggs, cucumber slices, and roasted peanuts.
    Tip: For variation, use chili paste or leftover curry sauce instead of sambal.

5. Laksa Soup, or Kari Laksa

Although laksa might take some time to prepare, this streamlined version will have you enjoying it in no time.

Ingredients:

  • Curry paste
  • Coconut milk
  • Tofu
  • Bean sprouts
  • Eggs
  • Chili
  • Instant laksa noodles

How to Produce It:

  1. Boil the noodles as directed on the package.
  2. In another pan, combine curry paste and coconut milk, then bring to a simmer.
  3. Add tofu, bean sprouts, and boiled egg to the broth.
  4. Serve the noodles with the curry broth on top.
    Advice: For added taste, garnish with fresh herbs like mint and cilantro.

6. Dhal (Lentils) with Vegetable Chapati

Chapati with dhal is a quick and simple, nourishing, and satisfying lunch.

Ingredients:

  • Lentils
  • Curry powder
  • Tomatoes
  • Garlic
  • Onion
  • Premade chapati or flatbread

How to Produce It:

  1. Cook lentils with chopped tomatoes, garlic, onion, and curry powder.
  2. Simmer until the curry thickens and the lentils are soft.
  3. Serve the dhal alongside the heated chapati.
    Tip: For added nourishment, mix in some spinach or other leafy greens with the dhal.

7. Chicken Rice, or Nasi Ayam

Especially if you use precooked chicken, this easy and delicious dish comes together quickly.

Ingredients:

  • Rice
  • Ginger
  • Garlic
  • Soy sauce
  • Cooked chicken
  • Cucumber

How to Produce It:

  1. Sauté ginger and garlic in a small amount of oil.
  2. Add the rice and simmer with water or chicken stock for flavor.
  3. Serve the rice alongside pieces of cucumber, soy sauce, and cooked chicken.
    Tip: Prepare a simple chili dipping sauce to accompany it.

In Conclusion

You have now discovered seven mouthwatering, economical, and flavorful Malaysian-inspired dishes. Anyone looking for a delicious dinner without investing a lot of time or money in the kitchen will love these recipes. 

Additionally, you may easily substitute components based on what you have available.So, enjoy preparing these easy Malaysian favorites, be creative, and have fun! If you have any more quick meal ideas, or which one you’ll try first, please let me know! 

I'll see you in the next post, and have fun cooking!

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