Ramadan this year teaches us to be more mindful of our spending and to focus more on our ibadah. If you’re looking for ideas to create iftar dishes while on a budget, you’ve come to the right place. Since trips to the grocery store are few and far between during this social distancing period, we’ve created dishes that you can prepare with basic ingredients that you probably already have in the fridge. Hop on!

This one-pan dish is super simple to make! If you don’t have bok choy, don’t worry as you can replace it with other leafy greens such as spinach or kailan. You can also add sliced carrots, mushrooms or baby corn if you wish!

You’ll need:

200g boneless chicken breast

Bok choy

2 tbsp cooking oil

1-inch piece of ginger, peeled and sliced

Marinade:

1/2 tbsp soy sauce

1/2 tbsp cornstarch

Sauce:

1/2 tbsp oyster sauce

2 tbsp water

1/4 tsp sesame oil

3 dashes white pepper

1/2 tsp sugar

Method:

This one will bring back childhood memories! You can omit the chilis if you don’t want it to be spicy.

You’ll need:

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 shallot, minced

1 handful anchovies

1 piece potato, sliced thinly

2 whole red chili, minced

2 whole green chili, minced

1 tbsp cooking oil

Salt to taste

Method:

Do note that some types of anchovies are already very salty, so you may want to season with salt only after adding the anchovies.

This can be included in your weekly rotation. Takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook, plus it uses ingredients that are already in your pantry! You can also add other vegetables such as cauliflower and carrots.

You’ll need:

200g boneless chicken breast, cut into strips

French bean or long bean, cut into 2-inch strips

1 tsp turmeric powder

2 tsp oyster sauce

2 tbsp oil

1/2 onion, sliced

1 whole red chili, deseeded and cut into thick strips

3 tbsp water

1/2 tsp sugar

Salt to taste

Method:

An easy and delicious vegetable dish? Yes, please!

You’ll need:

1 large head of broccoli, cut into small pieces

8 shiitake mushrooms, sliced

Half a carrot, sliced thinly

1 garlic clove, minced

1-inch ginger, sliced thinly

Half a medium-sized red onion, chopped

2 tbsp oil

Dash of sesame oil

1 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce

2 tsp cornstarch, dissolved in some water

Salt and white pepper to taste

Method:

Here’s one for the fish lovers. Steaming is one of the best ways to cook fish as it retains the sweetness. It’s also healthier!

You’ll need:

1 medium-sized fish such as sea bass, flounder, halibut, or snapper

6 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp toasted sesame oil

4 tbsp fresh ginger, thinly sliced

2 tsp sugar

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp white pepper (or freshly ground black pepper)

Garnish:

1/4 cup freshly chopped coriander leaves

4 stalks thinly sliced green onions

Method:

These recipes are so easy that even a novice cook can ace it. We hope you’re staying safe and healthy. Selamat berbuka puasa!