Thrift Eating: Five Inexpensive Meals Perfect for Students
Quick, Easy, Healthy, and Affordable Recipes for Students
In the world of busy university life, finding time to cook nutritious meals can be a challenge. But fear not, as we've gathered a list of student-friendly recipes that are not only delicious but also budget-friendly and simple to prepare.
Healthy Teriyaki Chicken Lunch Bowls
Start your day with a protein-packed meal that's easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time. Thinly pounded chicken breasts are marinated in a mixture of brown sugar (or honey), soy sauce, water, garlic, and ginger, then cooked and served over cooked rice with green onions. This meal is high in protein and offers a balanced start to your day.
Loaded Baked Potato with Beans
For a quick and filling meal, try this dorm-friendly recipe. A microwaved russet potato is topped with heated canned beans (such as pinto or chili beans), shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions. This combination of carbs and protein makes for a nutritious meal that's perfect for those late-night study sessions.
Air Fryer Granola and High-Protein Yogurt Bowl
Mornings can be hectic, but with this recipe, you can have a nutritious and high-protein breakfast ready in no time. Homemade granola, made quickly in an air fryer, is served with yogurt for a filling and energizing start to your day.
Crispy Pork and Beef Noodle Stir Fry
This cheap and easy stir fry is perfect for meal prep and quick dinners. Pork, beef, and noodles are combined in a flavorful sauce, making for a filling and satisfying meal. Plus, it's freezer-friendly, so you can make it ahead of time and reheat when needed.
Cucumber California Roll Salad
Looking for something fresh and delicious? This simple recipe is perfect for you. With just a few ingredients like cucumber, red onion, surimi or smoked salmon, herb cream cheese, avocado, sesame seeds, and a container with a lid, you can enjoy a sushi-like salad without the rolling or effort.
Turkish Pasta
Inspired by Australian TikToker Anna Paul, this creamy and flavorful pasta recipe features crispy minced beef, a creamy garlic-yogurt sauce, and paprika butter. It's a quick, easy, and delicious meal that's sure to impress your friends.
Baked Oats Lava Cake
End your day on a sweet note with this fluffy, chocolatey, and nutritious dessert. Baked Oats Lava Cake has an amazing molten centre, making it the perfect treat for those with a sweet tooth.
In addition to these recipes, there are numerous resources available offering a wide range of easy student-friendly meals from breakfast through dinner and snacks, focusing on balanced nutrition and simple preparation. Cooking for oneself is not just a great way to save money, but also a way to eat healthier, enjoy more variety, and impress friends. So, why not give it a try? Your taste buds and wallet will thank you!
- For those interested in managing their personal finance and budgeting, cooking meals at home can be a smart financial decision, as it often proves to be more cost-effective compared to dining out or ordering takeout.
- Application of budgeting skills in the context of food-and-drink does not have to be restricted to grocery shopping; it can also extend to meal planning and cooking, ensuring delicious, healthy meals are prepared within one's means.
- By adopting a lifestyle that emphasizes cooking and proper nutrition, one not only nurtures their body with wholesome food but also fosters a greater understanding of personal-finance principles, as they learn to become resourceful and prudent with their money.
