re: Food Hacks

If you like Asian noodle dishes, I have a quick and easy dinner I make often when the wife has other plans in the evening (she doesn't care for the dish).  I start with a skillet and some sesame oil.  I sauté veggies in the oil with some garlic.  I like some sliced mushrooms, a couple brussel sprouts sliced in half, some sugar peas, some chopped green onions and I'll throw a handful of spinach in at the end after I cut the heat off.  If I have them, I'll throw a few shrimp in too.

Next in a pot I bring ~2 cups of chicken or veggie broth to a low boil.  Then I take a pack of instant ramen (yes the cheap stuff) and throw the seasoning packet away.  I put the block of noodles in the broth (don't break them up) and then dump the skillet into the pot.  If there isn't enough liquid to cover the noodle block, add some water or more broth if you prefer.  Add a generous dollop of ginger paste and soy sauce to taste and cut the heat back to simmer.  Let it cook until the noodles are soft and will spread apart.  Usually only 2-3 minutes.

Dump it all in a bowl and grab your chopsticks.  I keep boiled eggs on hand most of the time so I slice one in half and put it on top most times.  A soft boiled egg is even better and a poached egg is my favorite.  But those take an extra pot and extra time so I usually just use a hard-boiled one for convenience.  Season to taste.  I like it a little spicy so I add some cayenne pepper.