Quick and easy recipes

Since the start of the year, we have been experiencing way too many rainy, lazy days, which means we are not up for cooking anything too complicated. To minimise your effort in the kitchen, we’ve put together 9 delicious recipes that require only 9 ingredients or less! 

On top of shortening cooking time, you get to shorten your grocery list and finish getting everything in one trip. You’d be surprised at how many amazing dishes can be whipped up with so few ingredients.

1. Steamed Scallops with Glass Noodles

Standing strong at the top of the list is this simple yet delicious seafood platter. The scallops are the stars of this dish, and are easier to prepare than you might think. Simply defrost, give it a good rinse, and you’re good to go. 

This recipe calls for frozen half shelled scallops, which are more affordable than your fresh seafood. With a few simple steps, you’ll get an elegant and tasty combination of glass noodles and scallops, enhanced by a rich coat of garlic-infused oil and shaoxing wine.

P.S. If you would rather substitute scallops with another seafood, prawns and fish work well too! 

Recipe: https://themeatmen.sg/steamed-scallops-with-glass-noodles/ 

Preparation Time: 15 minutes. Serves 4. 

2. Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Smooth, buttery and perfectly seasoned, it’s almost impossible to resist eating these 8-ingredient mashed potatoes straight out from the pot.

The best part? You can serve it with everything. Literally. On the side of huge steaks dripping with garlic butter, buried under a mound of meatballs drowning in gravy, or with a simple oven-baked fish — you get the idea. There’s nothing that won’t go well with a stack of mashed potatoes. 

Recipe: https://youtube.com/shorts/WqM6aTDaP9w?feature=share 

Preparation Time: 1 hour. Serves 3-4. 

3. Pink Peppercorn Crusted Steak with Zucchini Puree

We tweaked the classic salt and pepper steak to include some Asian flavours by garnishing with peppercorns and using fish sauce as a marinade. You’ll be surprised at how the fish sauce magically brings out the sweetness of a fresh ribeye steak. 

Sink your teeth into a slab of juicy steak made with only 6 ingredients! This recipe makes use of common kitchen condiments, so all you need to shop for are some ribeye steaks, zucchini and yuzu kosho. 

If you’re ready for an atas upgrade to your meal, feel free to cook up our Oysters with Ginger Flower Mignonette Granita as an appetiser. It only requires 6 ingredients too!

Recipe: https://themeatmen.sg/pink-peppercorn-crusted-steak-with-zucchini-puree/ 

Preparation Time: 15 minutes. Serves 2. 

4. Gochugaru Elotes

 

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This classic Mexican street food — grilled corn on the cob, can be made even easier by tossing the corn into the air fryer. 

Sprinkled with a generous serving of Cotija cheese and Gochugaru, this crunchy and juicy corn makes the perfect snack. In every bite, you’ll get the savoury coating, the sweetness of the corn and the heat from the Gochugaru powder. 

I know this sounds corny, but for me, I really like corn! 

Recipe: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CiZRqH1By9f/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Preparation Time: 30 minutes. Serves 3-4. 

5. Muah Chee

We wouldn’t be surprised if this popular traditional snack is one of your favourites from childhood. 

With only 6 ingredients, it’s straightforward to make with a microwave! All you need are easy-to-get ingredients such as glutinous rice, tapioca flour, and water. Within the short span of 15 minutes, you’ll have a beautiful plate of homemade muah chee, coated generously with some ground roasted peanuts or black sesame. 

Stick a toothpick into that soft, chewy, and springy goodness, and your tastebuds will soon be in for a glorious treat!

Recipe: https://themeatmen.sg/muah-chee/ 

Preparation Time: 15 minutes. Serves 4. 

6. Air-Fryer Roasted Duck Leg

You don’t have to order expensive duck confit at a restaurant to get juicy and tender duck meat. In fact, you don’t even need many ingredients, or a lot of time. This air fryer roasted duck leg recipe takes only 15 minutes to prepare, and with simple ingredients you likely already have at home. 

Despite the easy prep, you’ll get the crispiness and tenderness of the duck, similar to something you might find at your favourite Roast Duck stall. 

Recipe: https://themeatmen.sg/air-fryer-roasted-duck-leg/ 

Preparation Time: 15 minutes. Serves 3-4. 

7. Taiwanese Three-Cup Chicken

This is one of those dishes that will wow your dinner guest. Taiwanese Three-Cup Chicken doesn’t only look good, but with this recipe, tastes amazing as well. 

Think perfectly marinated chicken cubes, with a steaming gravy that’s perfect for when the weather’s chilly. This recipe makes use of common ingredients like soy sauce, garlic and cornstarch, meaning you won’t have to run out to the grocery store to get anything special. 

Recipe: https://themeatmen.sg/three-cup-chicken-with-essence-of-chicken/ 

Preparation Time: 30 minutes. Serves 3-4. 

8. Handmade You Tiao

We absolutely love how versatile you tiao is. It can be paired with a warm and nourishing bowl of porridge, or simply enjoyed with an aromatic cup of hot coffee — either way, we’re sure it will be undeniably tasty. Who knew, this treat can actually be made from scratch with only 7 ingredients!

This simple recipe brings about a sense of nostalgia, and fills your stomach with warmth and comfort. In no time, you’ll be able to whip up an impressive basket of golden-brown you tiao. Just imagine taking a huge and satisfying bite of that glorious fluffy snack (dipped into some coffee if you’d like) — we’d say it’s the epitome of perfection. 

Recipe: https://themeatmen.sg/handmade-youtiao

Preparation Time: 45 minutes. Serves 8-10 pieces. 

9. Chow Mein

If you have noodles, veggies and a couple of different sauces in your pantry, then this Cantonese recipe is your quick fix to making a hearty meal without an additional grocery trip. It’s super easy as well, even for beginners, with just 7 simple steps. 

What I love about this dish is that it’s so versatile — you’re able to customise it by adding your favourite protein or toppings, or pair it with a side dish like air-fryer sweet and sour pork or chicken karaage. 

Recipe: https://themeatmen.sg/stir-fried-soy-sauce-noodles-chow-mein/

Preparation Time: 15 minutes. Serves 3-4. 

Recipes with less than 9 ingredients

If you’re looking to whip up a fuss-free meal that doesn’t require a long list of ingredients, these simple and straightforward recipes are perfect for you. With some practice and experimentation, you’ll be cooking up a feast in no time at all. 

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Some other recipes you might like: 

• Crispy Stuffed Lotus Root
• 3 Fusion Pastas – using Lao Gan Ma, Tom Yum and Miso 
• Recipes Under 30 Minutes 

P.S. We’ve got recipes for all your Singaporean and Asian favourites on our Youtube channel. Subscribe and share with your friends!

P.P.S. Can’t find a recipe you like? Drop us a comment or ping us on our socials. 

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