Preparing a delicious and nutritious meal for your family can be challenging, especially when you're short on time and trying to stick to a budget. However, with a little planning and creativity, you can create affordable family meals that are both satisfying and budget-friendly. One such recipe is our flavourful San Choy Bau, a traditional Chinese dish that is simple to make and bursting with flavour.
Served in lettuce cups, San Choy Bau is known for its bold flavours and contrasting textures, making it a popular choice for a yummy meal that kids will love.
Serves 4 | Prep 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp peanut oil (pantry staple)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ($0.25)
- 1 tsp ginger powder (pantry staple)
- 500 g (1 packet) lean pork or chicken mince ($6.50)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (pantry staple)
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce ($4 per bottle)
- 2 shallots, finely sliced ($3.50)
- Juice of half a lime ($1.25)
- Half a carrot, finely cubed* ($0.30)
- 80 g (½ cup) peas, fresh or frozen ($0.30)
- Handful green beans, cut into small pieces ($2)
- Half a red capsicum, finely chopped ($1)
- 12 large lettuce leaves ($2)
- Handful fresh coriander, roughly chopped ($1)
Method
- Heat peanut oil in a wok over high heat. Add garlic cloves and mince, and stir-fry for a few minutes until meat starts to change colour.
- Add ginger powder, soy sauce, and oyster sauce, and stir to combine.
- Add shallots, lime juice, carrot, peas, green beans, and capsicum, and stir-fry for a few minutes until heated through.
- Spoon mixture into lettuce leaves, sprinkle with fresh coriander, then enjoy served in your favourite We Might Be Tiny Stickie Plate.
Notes: This is a great recipe for using up any veggies you have in your fridge. We like to add a range of colours, but anything goes!
This San Choy Bau recipe is not only delicious but also affordable, coming in at under $20 for a family of four. It's a great way to enjoy a flavorful and nutritious meal without breaking the bank. Give it a try and impress your family with this budget-friendly dish!
How to prepare San Choy Bau for an easy midweek meal
To make this San Choy Bau recipe in bulk for an easy midweek meal, simply double or triple the ingredients and follow the same cooking instructions. Once the dish is prepared, portion it into individual servings and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator or freezer.
When you're ready to enjoy a quick and easy meal, simply reheat the desired portion in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
This bulk cooking method not only saves time during the week but also ensures that you have a delicious and nutritious meal ready to go whenever you need it.
Tips and tricks to help you create budget-friendly meals
- Plan Your Meals: Planning your meals in advance can help you make the most of your ingredients and avoid unnecessary purchases. Take inventory of what you already have in your pantry and fridge, and plan your meals around those items. This can help reduce food waste and save you money.
- Buy in Bulk: Buying staple ingredients like rice, beans, pasta, and spices in bulk can help you save money in the long run. These items have a long shelf life and can be used in a variety of dishes, making them great pantry staples for budget-friendly cooking.
- Use Seasonal Produce: Seasonal fruits and vegetables are often more affordable and flavorful than their out-of-season counterparts. Shop for produce that is in season and plan your meals around those ingredients to save money.
- Cook in Bulk and Freeze: Cooking in bulk and freezing leftovers can save you time and money. Prepare large batches of meals and freeze them in individual portions for quick and easy meals later on. This can also help you avoid the temptation of ordering takeout on busy nights.
- Get Creative with Leftovers: Don't let leftovers go to waste! Use leftover ingredients to create new meals. For example, leftover chicken can be used in salads, sandwiches, or pasta dishes, while leftover vegetables can be added to soups, stews, or stir-fries.
Note: Prices are indicative of current Australian supermarket prices as at May 2024.
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