5 Easy and Affordable Recipes for Students Away from Home! – Eduloco Recipes

Looking for some easy and wallet-friendly recipes? You’re in the right place! At Eduloco, we understand the student life hustle, and that’s why we’ve curated these dishes for you. Perfect for those of us trying to cook up a storm without breaking the bank! 

Our recipes range from the delicious Teriyaki Chicken and Eggplant to the comforting 10-Minute Clear Chicken Soup. Each recipe is under RM 20 ($5 USD). Plus, they’re all designed for 1-2 portions, so you can adjust as needed. Let’s get cooking and fill those bellies!

1. Teriyaki Chicken and Eggplant

eggplant teriyaki stir fry

Image Source: Mikha Eats

Difficulty: 1/5
Budget: Just RM 8 (if you have some basics at home)

Ingredients:

  • 150g Chicken fillet/boneless
  • 100g Eggplant
  • 2 tsp Garlic
  • Sugar, Vinegar, Soy sauce (equal parts, preferably 1 tbsp each, can add more to taste)
  • 2 tbsp Corn starch

Cooking Steps:

  1. Heat some oil in a pan and fry the chicken until it turns golden. Set it aside.
  2. Using the same pan, stir-fry the eggplant until it becomes vibrant. Remove any excess oil.
  3. Sauté the minced garlic and then add back the chicken and eggplant.
  4. Pour in the sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens and coats the chicken and eggplant.

Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side of hot rice and enjoy the love-filled meal!

 

2. Turmeric Chicken Stir Fry (Malaysian Style!)

ayam kunyit

Image Source: Maggi

Difficulty: 2/5
Budget: Less than RM 15!

Ingredients:

  • 150g chicken fillet/boneless, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 80g carrots, thinly sliced
  • 80g long beans, cut into medium pieces
  • 50g thinly sliced onions
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp paprika powder
  • 3 tbsp corn starch
  • Salt, as needed
  • White pepper, as needed

Cooking Steps:

  1. Mix corn starch, salt, white pepper, and 1 tsp of turmeric powder.
  2. Coat the chicken with the starch mixture.
  3. Heat oil in a pan and fry the chicken until golden. Set it aside.
  4. Remove excess oil, then stir-fry the onions until soft/translucent. Add the long beans and carrots.
  5. Season with salt, 1 tsp of turmeric powder, 1 tsp of paprika powder, and a generous amount of white pepper, adjusting to taste.
  6. Once the carrots start to soften, add the chicken and stir until everything is well combined.

Serving Suggestion: Serve with hot rice and top it with sweet soy sauce or extra sambal for that extra kick! Enjoy your meal!

 

3. 10-Minute Clear Chicken Soup

chicken soup

Image Source: Pets Relaxed

Budget: Under RM 20 (and you can reuse the veggies!)
Difficulty: 2/5

Ingredients:

  • 100g boneless chicken
  • 50g carrot, thinly sliced
  • 50g cabbage, cut small
  • 3 stalks of baby corn, cut small
  • 50g macaroni noodles
  • 1 tomato, cubed
  • 2 garlic cloves, sliced
  • 3 small red onions, sliced
  • 1/2 tsp white pepper powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 chicken bouillon cube
  • A small piece of ginger, smashed (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Add a small amount of oil to a pot, then add the garlic, red onion, and ginger. Sauté until softened.
  2. Add the chicken and fry until it’s halfway cooked.
  3. Pour in 500-700ml of water and bring it to a boil. Add the carrots, baby corn, and chicken bouillon.
  4. Once it boils again, add the macaroni noodles (they take the longest to cook).
  5. Remove the chicken and shred it (optional, you can leave it cubed).
  6. If the liquid reduces, add more water. Then, add the salt, white pepper, cabbage, and tomatoes. Put the shredded chicken back.
  7. Wait until it boils and the cabbage becomes transparent. Taste test and enjoy!

Serving Suggestion: You can enjoy this soup on its own or pair it with some rice. Enjoy your meal!

 

4. Classic Tomato Egg Stir-Fry

tomsto egg stir fry

Image Source: Drive Me Hungry

Budget: Under RM 15
Difficulty: 2/5

Ingredients:

  • 3 medium-sized eggs
  • 2 medium-sized tomatoes, cut into wedges
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped spring onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Beat the eggs in a bowl and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the beaten eggs and let them set for a few seconds.
  4. Gently push and fold the eggs until they are softly scrambled. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
  5. In the same pan, add the tomato wedges and cook until they soften.
  6. Season the tomatoes with soy sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper.
  7. Add the scrambled eggs back into the pan and gently stir to combine with the tomatoes.

Serving Suggestion: Garnish with chopped spring onions if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice for a simple and satisfying meal!

5. Peanut Butter Noodles

peanut butter noodles

Image Source: Joyful Dumpling

Budget: Under RM 20
Difficulty: 2/5

Ingredients:

  • 200g noodles (any kind, spaghetti or udon too!)
  • 3 tablespoons peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar – can be sub to normal vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
  • Crushed peanuts and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey (or sugar), minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined.
  3. Toss the cooked noodles with the peanut butter sauce until evenly coated.
  4. Serve the noodles in a bowl and garnish with crushed peanuts and chopped green onions for added texture and flavor.
  5. Enjoy your tasty and satisfying Peanut Butter Noodles!

There you have it, friends! At Eduloco, we believe in making your cooking journey a breeze. Whether you’re studying hard or taking a break, our dishes will add some flavor to your day without costing a fortune. So, let’s get those aprons on, whip up these recipes, and enjoy some good food together. Happy cooking and happy eating!

Don’t forget to join the Eduloco Newsletter below to get MORE recipes, study abroad tips and tricks, lifestyle hacks, and even study motivation and templates!

How to Write a Convincing University Application Personal Statement (+ Free Template!)

Applying to universities can often feel like navigating a labyrinth with numerous challenges at every turn. The weight of crafting the perfect essay, capturing your essence, and distinguishing yourself from a pool of applicants can seem insurmountable. If you’re feeling the stress, know that you’re not alone in this journey.

Why the Personal Essay Matters:

Have you ever wondered why most universities place such emphasis on personal essays or study gap explanations in their applications? The personal essay is often a crucial component of college and university applications, serving as a window into the character and experiences of the applicant beyond their academic achievements. It allows institutions to gain a deeper understanding of the applicant’s personality, background, values, and aspirations. Admissions officers seek to comprehend the individual’s unique story, including the challenges they’ve overcome, their passions, and their personal growth.

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Effective Tips and Hacks:

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Crafting Your Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide:

  • Brainstorming Ideas: Reflect on pivotal moments and experiences that have shaped your academic and personal trajectory, jotting down key points that highlight your unique journey.
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Conclusion: Your Story, Your Voice, Your Essay:

As you navigate the intricacies of writing your university application essay, remember that it’s your unique voice and perspective that will set you apart. Embrace the opportunity to share your story authentically and confidently, knowing that each word you write brings you one step closer to the institution of your dreams.

Get set to begin your essay-writing journey! Explore our inclusive guide and complimentary template for expert advice and creative inspiration. Discover the key to composing a memorable university application essay and securing your spot at your desired institution. Click here to access the valuable resources and kick-start your writing process.