Just because you’re a student and it’s a basic expectation that these will form a substantial part of your diet, doesn’t mean you have to be basic about it. Here are some ways to make your two dollar dinner taste like a million bucks.

Fancy Noods

  • 2 packets of instant noodles (Mi Goreng)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 egg
  • 1 spring onion (sliced)
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2cm piece of ginger
  • Sesame seeds to garnish
  • Chilli flakes to serve

Boil water over stove and place egg carefully in water. Boil for 6 minutes then place in cold water. Cook instant noodles according to directions on packet. Drain before adding flavour sachets. Add garlic, ginger and spring onions. Stir fry for three minutes before adding hoisin and soy sauce. De-shell egg and slice. Serve noodles with sliced egg, sesame seeds and chilli flakes to garnish.

Chow Mein

  • 1 packet of instant noodles
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 500g lean beef mince
  • 1 sliced onion
  • 3 cups of sliced cabbage
  • 4 cups of sliced mixed vegetables (Broccoli, Red Capsicum, Carrot)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 packet of Mince Chow Mein Recipe Base

Cook instant noodles according to directions on packet without adding flavour sachets, drain.

Heat oil in large pan or wok, add mince, stir fry for 2 minutes. Add vegetables, stir fry 2 minutes. Add combined water and Mince Chow Mein Recipe Base, bring to boil, stir through noodles. Serve.

Mi Goreng Toasties

  • 1 packet of instant noodles
  • Cheapest bread you can find from the closest dairy
  • Cheese of some description
  • 1 tbsp Butter

Cook instant noodles (Mi Goreng are king) according to directions on packet, drain.

Butter bread on one side. Place bread, buttered side down on hot sandwich press or hot pan.

Place noodles on top of bread, layer on some cheese and top with second piece of bread, buttered side up. Toast for 3 minutes (flip after 3 minutes of using a pan.)