Easy, Cheap and Quick Recipes for College Students Who Can’t Cook
Forget takeaways and instant noodles. Check out these quick and easy recipes to get you acquainted with cooking your own meals!
Updated 08 May 2019
Now that you’re in college and away from your mum’s nourishing home-cooked meals, you may start to neglect eating right. But at some point, you’ll realise that you can’t survive on takeaways or instant noodles alone.
While cooking your own meals is probably a healthier option and the best way to save some money, don’t despair if you have limited cooking skills.
We’re here to show you that you don’t have to be a MasterChef to have a good and tasty meal as a student. So forget about the heavy cookbooks and complicated recipes online as we’ve scoured the web and curated several foolproof recipes that you can whip up in no time!
#1. Wrap it up with tortilla wraps
Tortilla wraps are not only affordable and easily found in supermarkets, but they’re also easy to prepare and can be made with just about anything!
Start with some vegetables of your choice (lettuce, capsicums, tomatoes, etc.), add in some grilled meat or cold cuts and finally, top it off with your favourite sauces (mayo, tomato ketchup, chilli, etc.) before rolling it up for a quick and healthy bite!
Feel free to experiment and switch up the fillings to get a different meal each day. You can even use your mum’s leftover chicken curry — it’s that versatile!
Here are 2 recipes to kickstart your love affair with tortilla wraps:
PRO TIP
: Want to cut down on your carbs? Substitute tortilla wraps with lettuce or cabbage instead!
#2. Whip up an omelette
Who doesn’t love eggs? They’re not only perfect for any time of the day, but they’re also an affordable source of protein and easy to cook!
Instead of cooking a plain omelette seasoned with salt and pepper, why not throw in some caramelised onions and chicken cubes for a filling meal? Or add in some capsicums, long beans and carrots for a more wholesome omelette? With a versatile base such as an egg, the possibilities are endless!
Enjoy these fuss-free omelette recipes here:
PRO TIP
: Cut down the prep time by cooking your omelette in the microwave! Just make sure to use a microwave-safe container.
#3. Get a taste of home with some stir-fried food
Whether you’re out of state or overseas, you can always count on a good stir-fry dish to remind you of home.
After all, you can’t go wrong with tried and tested favourites such as fried rice or fried mee hoon, fresh off the wok! Toss in any leftover meat or vegetables and you’ll have a warm, satisfying meal. But don’t feel intimidated — with a little practice, even novice cooks will be whipping this up in no time.
PRO TIP
: Use a day-old rice to make fried rice to prevent it from becoming soggy. This is because freshly cooked rice contains more moisture and will make your fried rice sticky.
#4. Feast on bread
Bread is a staple in many countries, and it’s no wonder why.
You can enjoy your bread with spreads such as butter, jam or Nutella, or opt for something savoury and make a sandwich instead!
Here are 3 simple recipes for you to try:
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Explore Now >#5. Dig into some pasta
Pasta dishes may look fancy in restaurants, but they aren’t difficult to make!
All you need is the pasta of your choice (e.g. spaghetti) and ready-made pasta sauce. You can make your meal more filling and nutritious by adding mushrooms and protein such as prawns or chicken for a hearty meal! Make a large batch and freeze them for the following week.
Here are 2 recipes that take just 20 minutes to cook:
#6. Amp up your instant noodles
We all know that eating too much instant noodles is harmful to our health. But when you’re strapped for time (and money!), it’s hard to stay away from these 2-minute miracles that can curb the hunger pangs while you’re rushing off to study.
Here are 3 ways to upgrade this student staple into a satisfying meal:
- Cheesy instant noodles
- Peanut butter instant noodles
- Add meat and vegetables to your packet of instant noodles
#7. Indulge in dessert
If you’re on a tight budget, splurging on expensive Instagram-worthy desserts in hipster cafes is out of the question!
Here are some budget-friendly options that you can make without breaking the bank:
And there you have it! You don’t have to be a pro in the kitchen to enjoy a satisfying home-cooked meal. With some practice, you’ll be able to balance cooking your meals, juggle assignments and still sneak in that nap during stressful times, especially during exams. So do your body a favour and give these recipes a try — you won’t regret it!
Is the stress of studying taking a toll on your body? Don’t worry. Here are 7 brain foods to help you through your exam!
Anishkaa Rajasagaran
Enjoys hanging out with her dog while watching shows over human interaction.
