Grilled cheese sandwich: This classic sandwich is easy to make and can be customized with different types of cheese and bread. You can also add tomato, bacon, or avocado for extra flavor.
Pasta with tomato sauce: Boil pasta, then toss it with a jar of tomato sauce and some grated cheese. You can also add meat, vegetables, or herbs to the sauce for more flavor.
Quesadillas: Fill a tortilla with cheese, chicken, vegetables, or any other ingredients you have on hand, then heat it in a pan until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
Scrambled eggs: Beat some eggs in a bowl, then cook them in a pan with butter or oil. You can add cheese, vegetables, or ham for more flavor.
Stir-fry: Heat some oil in a pan, then add chopped vegetables, meat, and soy sauce. Cook until everything is heated through and serve over rice.
Sandwiches: Make a sandwich with deli meat, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayo or mustard. You can also use peanut butter and jelly or other spreads.
Salad: Chop up some lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and any other vegetables you have on hand, then top with cheese, croutons, and dressing.
Tacos: Fill a tortilla with meat, beans, cheese, lettuce, and salsa. You can also use fish, shrimp, or vegetables for a vegetarian option.
Remember, don’t be afraid to get creative and use what you have in your pantry and fridge. Cooking can be fun and rewarding, even when you’re feeling desperate.
Kung Pao Chicken: This is a spicy, stir-fried chicken dish that originated in the Sichuan province of China. It typically includes diced chicken breast, peanuts, vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini, and a sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and chili paste. The dish is often garnished with sliced scallions and served over steamed rice.
Egg Fried Rice: Egg fried rice is a classic Chinese dish that’s quick and easy to make. To prepare it, first cook some rice and let it cool. Then, scramble some eggs in a wok or large frying pan and set them aside. Next, stir-fry some diced vegetables like onions, carrots, and peas in the same wok or pan, and then add the cooked rice and eggs back in. Season with soy sauce and salt to taste, and you’re done!
Mapo Tofu: Mapo Tofu is a spicy and flavorful Sichuan dish that combines soft tofu with ground pork and a spicy sauce made from doubanjiang (fermented broad bean paste), chili oil, and Sichuan peppercorns. It’s typically served over steamed rice and garnished with chopped scallions and chili flakes.
Dumplings: Dumplings are a popular Chinese food that can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as pork, shrimp, vegetables, or a combination of these. The filling is typically seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, and other spices, and then wrapped in a thin dough made from flour and water. The dumplings can be boiled, steamed, or fried, and are often served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil.
Hot and Sour Soup: Hot and sour soup is a savory and spicy soup that’s commonly served in Chinese restaurants. It’s made with chicken or vegetable broth, mushrooms, tofu, bamboo shoots, and a variety of spices like ginger, garlic, and white pepper. The soup is thickened with cornstarch and rice vinegar is added for a sour flavor. It’s often garnished with sliced scallions and cilantro.