Recipes

15-Minute Dinner Ideas

When dinner needs to be quick but still satisfying, these recipes make weeknight cooking easier. From creamy peanut-coated chickpeas and fresh egg wraps to umami-rich noodles and crispy salmon patties, each dish is packed with flavour and comes together in 15 minutes or less.

1. Chickpea & Peanut Sauté

A quick, protein-rich sauté of chickpeas and colourful vegetables tossed in a creamy, nutty peanut sauce. The combination of soy, lime and chilli adds a delicious sweet-savoury kick to this easy weeknight meal.

Prep time: 10 mins | Cook time: 15 mins

Ingredients

For the sauté:

  • 2 cans (about 800 g total) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1–2 tbsp oil
  • 1 medium onion, sliced or chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1–2 cups mixed vegetables
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-inch piece ginger, grated

For the peanut sauce:

  • 3–4 tbsp natural peanut butter
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1–2 tsp red chilli flakes
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 3–4 tbsp water

For topping:

  • Chopped roasted peanuts
  • Sesame seeds
  • Fresh coriander leaves

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Method

  1. Make the sauce: Whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, chilli flakes, sesame oil and water in a small bowl until smooth and pourable. Add a little more water if needed.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Cook the vegetables: Add the onion and bell pepper and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes. Add the remaining vegetables and cook for 4–5 minutes until crisp-tender.
  4. Add the chickpeas: Stir in the drained chickpeas and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden. Pat the chickpeas dry beforehand for better browning.
  5. Add the sauce: Pour the peanut sauce over the chickpeas and vegetables. Toss well and cook for 2–3 minutes over medium-low heat until the sauce thickens and coats everything.
  6. Serve: Garnish with roasted peanuts, sesame seeds and fresh coriander. Serve hot.

2. Egg & Avocado Wrap

Creamy avocado, soft scrambled eggs and fresh vegetables come together in a wholesome wrap that is quick enough for busy evenings. A squeeze of lime and a touch of chilli add freshness and just the right amount of heat.

Prep time: 5–7 mins | Cook time: 5 mins

Ingredients

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 ripe avocado, pitted and mashed or sliced
  • 2 large tortillas
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
  • Handful of fresh spinach
  • 1–2 tbsp fresh coriander or parsley, chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • ½ tsp chilli flakes
  • 1–2 tsp lime juice
  • 1–2 tsp oil

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Method

  1. Prepare the avocado: Mash the avocado in a bowl. Add lime juice, a pinch of salt and pepper and chilli flakes. Mix well and set aside.
  2. Cook the eggs: Heat oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Whisk the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour into the pan and gently scramble for 2–3 minutes until just set and still soft.
  3. Warm the tortillas: Heat the tortillas in the same pan for a few seconds or microwave for 10–15 seconds until warm and pliable.
  4. Assemble the wraps: Place a tortilla on a flat surface. Spread the mashed avocado in the centre and top with scrambled eggs, spinach, cherry tomatoes, red onion and fresh coriander.
  5. Roll: Fold the bottom edge over the filling, fold in the sides and roll tightly from the bottom. Slice diagonally and serve.

3. Miso Butter Noodles

Silky noodles coated in a rich miso-butter sauce make this a comforting dinner with minimal effort. Garlic, soy sauce and a touch of honey balance the savoury depth of miso for a bowl that comes together in minutes.

Prep time: 5 mins | Cook time: 10–12 mins | Serves: 2–3

Ingredients

  • 200–250 g noodles
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2–3 tbsp white miso paste
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced or grated
  • 1–2 tsp honey
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • ¾–1 cup reserved noodle cooking water

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Method

  1. Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve at least 1 cup of the cooking water before draining.
  2. Make the butter base: Melt the butter in a large pan or wok over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, without letting it brown.
  3. Add the miso: Stir in the miso paste until mostly dissolved. Add soy sauce, honey and a splash of the reserved cooking water. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  4. Adjust the sauce: Gradually add ½–¾ cup cooking water while stirring until the sauce becomes silky and smooth. Add more water if needed.
  5. Combine: Add the drained noodles to the pan and toss well until every strand is coated. Cook for another 1–2 minutes over low heat.
  6. Serve: Serve immediately while hot. Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds, spring onions or chilli flakes if desired.

4. Canned Salmon Patties

These golden salmon patties turn pantry staples into a satisfying dinner in no time. Tender salmon, breadcrumbs, egg and zesty seasonings come together into crisp-edged patties that pair well with a fresh salad, vegetables or a simple dip.

Prep time: 10 mins | Cook time: 10–15 mins

Ingredients

  • 2 cans (400–425 g total) pink or red canned salmon, drained
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼–½ cup finely chopped onion
  • 1–2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1–2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
  • ½ tsp minced garlic
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 2–3 tbsp oil

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Method

  1. Prepare the salmon: Drain the canned salmon thoroughly and transfer it to a large bowl. Flake it gently with a fork. Remove any visible bones or skin if preferred.
  2. Mix the ingredients: Add the beaten egg, breadcrumbs, onion, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, garlic, salt and pepper. Mix gently until well combined. Avoid overmixing.
  3. Shape the patties: Divide the mixture into 8–10 portions and shape each into a patty about ½-inch thick. Chill for 10 minutes if time allows to help them hold their shape.
  4. Pan-fry: Heat the oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the patties without overcrowding the pan. Cook for 3–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crisp.
  5. Drain & serve: Transfer the patties to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. Serve hot with a fresh salad, vegetables or your favourite dipping sauce.

 

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