The surprising ingredient behind dozens of budget-friendly meals: 'So good, quick and easy'

If you're ever searching for a quick, easy, and budget-friendly idea to break the monotony of your regular meals, the $10 Meals Australia Budget Cooking Community on Facebook is an absolute goldmine. One recent post about mi goreng noodles has sparked a flurry of creative and tasty suggestions, proving that delicious meals don't have to break the bank.

A group member kicked things off with a simple question: "Does anyone have any recipes they make with these mi goreng 2-minute noodles?" She thought the noodles would make a great base for ramen, and the community quickly responded with a flood of ideas. At just $3.95 for a noodle 5 pack, you can't afford not to try them!

Tasty twists on a classic

"My daughter makes it as is, then adds diced cucumber, spring onion, and a fried egg. Her afternoon staple," one member shared.

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Another suggested, "I also add shredded carrot and sliced up marinated chicken breast with dried fried onions/shallots or chilli oil on top too! This one is yummy!" The simplicity of these additions makes for a quick and nutritious meal, perfect for busy days.

Another popular suggestion was to elevate the noodles with kransky and vegetables. "I add cheese kransky, mushrooms, onions, and a fried egg. Omg so yum," raved the enthusiastic cook.

Hearty and creative ideas

For those looking for a heartier option, someone else had a tasty suggestion: "Add some sliced steak to it. We make this as a meal and it's so good." The group member said this meaty addition transforms the noodles into a satisfying and more filling dish.

A particularly creative chef shared their recipe for spicy creamy bacon noodles which was a hit with the community.

"I make spicy creamy bacon noodles with them—bacon, spring onions, garlic, add cooked noodles, some cream, and parmesan. It's really good, like a cheat's carbonara!" This rich and indulgent take on mi goreng was popular with those craving a little bit of comfort food.

Another fantastic idea was to make a veggie and dumpling soup. "Make them up, add in some steamed veggies, a fried egg, and put in some BBQ pork dumplings. Kids love it!" Several others agreed with this twist, with many saying they also use the noodles to make dumpling soup for their families.

Other suggestions included adding shredded roast chicken with stir-fry veg or Woolworths slow-cooked pork in char siu sauce or pork belly. One member even suggested trying sizzle steak as an accompaniment. For a creative twist, some cooks recommended making spring rolls or rice paper rolls with the noodles as filling or mixing them into an omelette.

Another member shared their gourmet take: "I cook these and have roast duck on top," adding a touch of luxury to the humble noodles.

"Any protein goes with it well," someone else summed up, "just experiment with it, most of the time it works extremely well!"

Noodle muffins and more

However, one of the most popular suggestions was turning mi goreng noodles into muffins. One excited group member wrote, "I made mi goreng noodle muffins and they are awesome!"

This simple recipe combines the noodles with eggs, cheese, and optional ingredients like ham or bacon and various veggies and herbs.

"Perfect lunch box fillers!" someone else wrote, while another added, "So good, quick and easy!"

"Noodle muffins are amazing!"

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As one group member summed up, "So many different things to do!" With over three hundred comments on the post, it's clear that the humble mi goreng noodle is a versatile base for countless cheap and cheerful meals.

Whether you're adding fresh veggies, experimenting with meats, or turning them into creative dishes like noodle muffins or soup, there's clearly no shortage of ways to enjoy mi goreng.

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