Cooking for one person is really not as hard as it might seem. You can make the most out of simple ingredients, especially with easy recipes for one person on a budget. There is nothing like being equipped with some
easy recipes for one person. Learning how to cook for just yourself is the best way to try out new
food and
experiment with flavors as well – so do try out these easy single-person
cooking ideas for your next meal.
1. Chicken Broccoli Stir-Fry And Noodles
Picture Credit - www.bhg.com
When it comes to
healthy recipes for one person, you need not look further than a chicken and broccoli stir-fry. This meal has it all – carbs, meat, and vegetables in one go, and you don’t even need to make anything extra to go with it.
Ingredients :
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
6 ounces spaghetti or rice noodles
2 cups broccoli, diced
2 boneless and skinless chicken breasts, diced
1/4 cup green onions or scallions, chopped
1/2 tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 tablespoon minced ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Method :
Make the sauce by whisking together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Then set aside. Cook spaghetti or noodles according to packaging directions. Then add the broccoli to the pan during the final 3 minutes of boiling. Drain the water and set it aside.
Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium heat and cook the diced chicken stirring occasionally until cooked. Then add the garlic and ginger. Sauté until the chicken is lightly browned. Remove the pan from heat and let it cool for about 20 seconds to settle.
First, add the noodles and broccoli to the pan and then pour in the sauce. Place the skillet back on the stove and cook on medium heat. Toss the mixture until half the sauce is absorbed by the noodles. Stir in the green onions. Finally, sprinkle the sesame seeds over the dish.
2. Simple Baked Potatoes
When it comes to easy meals for one person, making something that can be both a great side or simple main meal is ideal. These baked potatoes are one of the simplest things to make that is very filling and could soon become one of your favorite meals.
Ingredients :
For baking the potatoes -
2 large russet potatoes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Vegetable oil to coat
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons cheddar cheese (or any other of your choice)
2 teaspoons chopped scallions
Method:
Preheat the oven to 350°. Using a fork, pierce each potato all over at least 10 times so that to allow for excess moisture to be released easily. In a bowl lightly coat the potatoes with oil. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack.
Bake for 1 hour, preferably until the potatoes can be easily pierced with a fork. Slice the potatoes from start to end without cutting all the way through. Let them cool to room temperature.
Sprinkle each potato with equal amounts of salt and pepper. Add a tablespoon of butter to each one and top off with a tablespoon of cheese.
Garnish each one with scallions.
Sources: www.thatskinnychickcanbake.com
3. Grilled Cheese and Mushroom Sandwiches
A grilled cheese sandwich is something you can easily learn how to cook in a few minutes. This nice variation has some mushrooms for extra flavor. However, you can get creative by adding bell pepper, tomatoes or smoked cured beef, or chicken too.
Ingredients :
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3/4 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium shallot, finely sliced
1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
2 ounces button mushrooms
1/2 teaspoon dried or fresh thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
2 slices cheddar cheese (or any other of your choice)
2 slices of thick bread
Method :
Melt the butter in the pan and add the brown sugar along with the shallots. Sauté until the shallots are browned (but not overcooked). Add the mushrooms and thyme. Sauté until mushrooms are browned - then add the salt and pepper. Place the cheese slices on one bread slice and add a small part to the mixture. Cover with the remaining slice.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet. Grill the sandwich on each side until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
4. Honey-Soy Chicken
This honey-soy chicken recipe is perfect when it comes to easy meals for one person - and it can be paired with sticky rice or fried rice. You can easily marinate the chicken and get on with your day by the time it will be ready for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients :
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 tablespoon ginger, minced
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 boneless and skinless chicken breasts, diced
Method :
In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients together for the marinade, excluding the chicken pieces. Combine the marinade with the chicken and leave it for a few hours or preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
Preheat the oven to 200°.
Line a baking tray or cooking sheet with foil and then place the chicken. Pour the marinade over the pieces.
Bake for 45 minutes or until the chicken is well-cooked.
Sources: www.tablefortwoblog.com
5. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Picture Credit - www.thehappierhomemaker.com
Ingredients :
6 ounces of any pasta of your choice
200 gm shrimp peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
1/2 teaspoon chili or red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
3 cloves garlic, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
Method :
Boil and prepare the pasta according to directions on the package. Combine shrimp, salt, pepper and set aside.
Over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet. Sauté garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, and keep on stirring frequently for 1 to 2 minutes.
Add the shrimp to the mixture - cook until pink and curled up. Stir in the pasta and serve.
You won’t have to worry about what to make for
dinner now – it’s much easier when you have ideas for
easy meals that won't break the bank. Try out these easy recipes the next time you plan to cook.
