Even though I try to make it a point to try new recipes and new techniques, there’s nights where I just want to get something on the stove quickly so that I can take care of other errands. And in the past, I usually would just eat takeout (Rod Dee among my favorites), definitely not healthy by any means.
One thing I’ve been trying to be good about lately is keeping enough food in the fridge/freezer that if I don’t have anything specifically in mind to cook one night, I can quickly whip something together like some frozen veggies, chicken, and rice. Lately, I’ve been putting together noodle soups out of the various things I had lying around.
To be honest, I had my share of instant noodles back in college and have been abhorrent to the stuff since. But lately, I’ve been finding a good use for the noodles at least (and discarding the sauce packets!). I’ll open a can of broth, mix some spices in, add in whatever I have in the freezer, boil some bok choy, and there you go, my version of instant noodle soup!
I’ve tried a bunch of different ingredients that worked out pretty well : Roast pork (char siu), Cha lua, fish/pork/beef balls, fish cakes, and wontons. Something that also adds a little flavor is a sunny-side-up egg.