Rising food prices has made it harder and harder to eat delicious meals that won’t break the bank. A quick search for budget meal recipes online usually results in recipes from Western websites with recipes like baked beans or lentils. While we don’t mind eating beans for a day or two, we still wanted to create a list of budget meal recipes Pinoys will surely love. We have one recipe for different types of dishes such as rice, ulam, soups, vegetables, snacks and sandwiches. We made sure that dishes are easy to make and require minimal cleanup. All meals require the use of only one pot or pan and we even have recipes that you can cook in a microwave. These recipes are perfect for college students as well as busy people with very little time, space, and resources to cook.

Fried Rice

Resto-Style Yang Chow Rice

This restaurant-style fried rice takes only 30 minutes to make and is a filling meal on its own. Full of good-for-you vegetables, this fried rice recipe makes use of Knorr Liquid Seasoning for that deep umami flavors on a budget. Eat it on its own or fry up a side of luncheon meat or leftover chicken for a more filling meal.

Ulam

Pininyahang Pork Giniling

You can’t beat a classic when it comes to delicious ulam that’s quick, easy, and delicious. This pininyahang gulay is an easy recipe for college students because while it’s good as is, you can change it up in so many ways. Add tomato sauce and chili, and eat it as a taco or brown the pineapples before cooking for a sweet smoky taste. This recipe is so versatile that it’s good to have in your weekly menu of budget meals.

Budget Vegetable Dish

Adobong Kangkong

Kangkong grows everywhere and is an affordable vegetable that’s highly nutritious too. It also absorbs flavor really well so this is a perfect dish to make when you want something quick and delicious but don’t have time to whip up an elaborate meal. With its meaty taste all thanks to Knorr Chicken Cube, adobong kangkong may be on the top of our list of budget recipes that pinoys love.

Budget Sandwich

Creamy Chicken Sandwich

This no-cook sandwich is perfect for college students. While the recipe uses boiled chicken breasts, you can use leftover chicken from your fridge instead. Made with Lady’s Choice Real Mayonnaise, this simple 5-minute recipe is low on effort but big on flavor.

Soup

Tokwa Arroz Caldo

There’s nothing more comforting than arroz caldo. Despite how delicious this meal is, it’s an affordable meal that involves very little hands-on cooking. Perfect for those days when you want something delicious but don’t have time, you can make this meal in the same pot or cook in a rice cooker with the congee function. Top it with the recommended tofu or whatever you feel like during that day – eggs, siomai, or even crusty bread. The choice is up to you!

Snack

Easy Onigiri

This is an easy recipe for college students who have very little time or budget to prepare snacks. It’s a delicious way to use up any leftover tuna or meats in your fridge.

Easy Microwavable Meals

Not everyone has access to a stovetop where they can cook meals. For some, they only have a microwave that they use to heat up meals that they buy. But did you know that you can make some pretty tasty and hearty meals using only a microwave? Here are some easy microwave recipes for college students and busy people.

Mac and Cheese

This mac and cheese is good for two people and is a quick microwave meal that’s budget friendly too. Here’s how to make it:

Step 1: Add 150 grams of macaroni and 750ml boiling water in a bowl that fits your microwave. Cook for 2 minutes on high. Stir and repeat two more times for a total of 6 minutes in the microwave. Drain the pasta and put it back in the same bowl.

Step 2: Measure ¾ cup of milk and add 1 tbsp cornstarch. Mix well until all the cornstarch dissolves into the mix. Pour this over the pasta.

Step 3: Add to the bowl 1 tsp mustard and 90 grams of your choice of cheese. Stir well and place the bowl back into the microwave. Cook on high for 5 minutes and then top with 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese. Cook once again for 2 minutes.

There you have it – a delicious mac and cheese made entirely in the microwave.

This hack is useful not just for those who only own a microwave but for those looking to save time as well. To make this, crack two eggs in a bowl and add a splash of milk alongside your salt and pepper seasoning. Cook in the microwave 15 seconds at a time, making sure to mix the eggs well after each interval. Continue this cycle 2 more times for a total of 45 seconds or until you reach your desired doneness for your scrambled egg. Add on top of toast and garnish with tomatoes and you have yourself a delicious meal.

Tip: To make this into a Filipino microwave meal, serve the scrambled egg with some rice and bottled tuyo for a classic hearty breakfast.

Chocolate mug cake

You can still have dessert even when you’re on a budget and only have a microwave. This easy mug cake is delicious and satisfying. To make, get a mug and mix 2 tbsp all purpose flour, 2 tbsp cocoa powder, 2 tbsp sugar, pinch of salt, ¼ tsp baking powder, 1 tbsp oil, 3 tbsp milk or water, 2 tbsp chocolate chips. Once mixed well, microwave for 40 seconds to one minute depending on how gooey you want the center to be. Feel free to top off with more chocolate chips or even peanut butter for a delicious yet affordable treat.

This list of recipes shows us that it’s possible to eat well even with a budget and limited equipment (even if it’s just a microwave!). Save these recipes and make sure to add them to your file of budget meal recipes pinoys are sure to love.