Minimalist cooking is more popular than ever. From viral TikTok recipes to Jamie Oliver’s latest cookbook, simple meals with just five ingredients are trending. The best part? They’re not only quick and easy but just as tasty as complex dishes.
Start With Pantry Staples
A delicious meal doesn’t require a long grocery list. Using pantry staples like pasta, rice, beans, or canned tomatoes can be a great starting point. These ingredients have long shelf lives, are budget-friendly, and can be combined in many ways.
For example, cook spaghetti with olive oil and garlic, then sprinkle on red pepper flakes and parmesan for a simple yet flavorful dish. Or mix black beans, rice, salsa, avocado, and cheese for a quick burrito bowl.
Amanda Luhn from Knoxville Backyard & Beyond swears by rice and beans. She says, “You can add almost any vegetable that’s about to go bad and make a stir-fry with soy sauce. Or turn it into a casserole with ground beef and cheese. Add chicken and mushroom sauce, and it’s a whole new dish.”
Choose Multi-Use Ingredients
The fewer ingredients you use, the more versatile they should be. For example, rotisserie chicken can be used in tacos, salads, or casseroles. Potatoes can be mashed, roasted, or turned into soup.
TikTok is full of five-ingredient recipe ideas. One popular video by @_terriesmith features a creamy ranch bowtie pasta made with chicken breasts, cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, ranch seasoning, and pasta. A quick search for “five-ingredient recipes” will give you plenty of inspiration.
Use Prepped and Packaged Items
Pre-cut vegetables, frozen fruits, and jarred sauces save time without sacrificing flavor. For instance, you can toss frozen stir-fry veggies with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and cooked shrimp for a fast, tasty meal.
Gena Lazcano from Ginger Casa always keeps noodles, pasta sauce, mozzarella, and ground beef on hand. “My three kids love this meal every time, so I know I can’t go wrong,” she says. These simple ingredients help create quick, satisfying meals with minimal effort.
Maximize Flavor With Fewer Ingredients
When you’re working with only five ingredients, bold flavors make a difference. Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver says in his cookbook 5 Ingredients Mediterranean: Simple Incredible Food, “Keep it simple. Focus on flavors and technique for quick, tasty meals.”
Spices, fresh herbs, and citrus can transform basic dishes. A squeeze of lemon, a dash of smoked paprika, or a splash of vinegar can add depth without extra ingredients.
Try One-Pan Meals
One-pan meals make cooking and cleanup easier. Just throw your ingredients onto a sheet pan and let the oven do the work. For example, roast pork chops with potatoes, carrots, and onions in olive oil for a simple but hearty dinner.
This method allows flavors to blend as they cook, making meals more delicious with less effort. Plus, you can swap ingredients based on what you have, making it perfect for busy nights.
Get Creative With Leftovers
Leftovers don’t have to be boring. Turn roasted veggies into a frittata with eggs and cheese or use leftover rice for fried rice with soy sauce, eggs, and peas.
Even two-ingredient salsa chicken can be repurposed into wraps, stir-fry, or sandwiches. Small tweaks can give old meals new life, saving time and reducing food waste.
5 Ingredients, No Stress
Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. With just five ingredients, you can make delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Add a simple three-ingredient fudge for dessert, and you’ll wonder why you ever needed more.
By using pantry staples, bold flavors, and a little creativity, dinner becomes easier, cheaper, and just as satisfying as any fancy meal.
