Budget-Friendly Quick Meals: Quick and Easy Noodle Dishes

When you are too tired to cook but do not have enough money to order food,

Are you sick of expensive, unhealthy takeout dinners, or are you having trouble finding time to make healthy meals in your busy life? You are not the only one! It can seem impossible to eat well on a budget and in a short time frame. For instance, you may find yourself standing in front of the pantry at 7 PM, wondering if cereal qualifies as dinner (it does, but let’s aim higher). But what if we told you that cheap, quick meals can be tasty and filling? This post will show you how to make tasty, quick, and easy noodle dishes that will not cost a lot of money or take a long time to make. This technique makes weeknight dinners possible for everyone who wants to save money.

How I Became a Noodle Champion (Because I Had To)

I know how hard it is to find good food on a budget because I am a food blogger who has tried many recipes to see how cheap and quick they are. I learned how to make every dollar last while still eating well in college. Let us just say I got very creative with ramen packets and whatever vegetables had not wilted in my mini-fridge.

I have gotten better at making tasty meals with few ingredients and easy methods over the years. I specialize in quick, filling meals that are great for people on a budget. I have made noodles in dorm room microwaves, in tiny apartments with only one working burner, and now in my home kitchen, which is a little better. In all of these situations, the recipes in this roundup work.

This list is based on extensive recipe testing and ingredient cost analysis, so you can trust that each dish is quick and cheap. I have compiled a list of pantry staples and fresh produce that offer versatility and affordability. You can trust this list. I have also figured out how much things will cost based on real grocery store prices, not prices in a made-up world where garlic costs pennies.

I checked all of the recipes shared here to make sure they are easy to follow, taste good, and are inexpensive. I focused on recipes that use ingredients that are simple to find and have clear instructions. You can do it too if I can do it while I am half asleep after a long day.

Your Noodle Toolkit: What You Actually Need

The main ingredients that do the work

Noodles (Ramen, Udon, Rice Vermicelli): These are the base for a lot of different dishes. Pick based on what you like and what kind of dish you are making. Ramen is quick and easy to eat, udon is thick and chewy, and rice vermicelli is light and gluten-free. When you can, buy in bulk. A package of ramen costs about $0.25, and a package of udon costs about $2 for enough for two meals.

Soy sauce and tamari are important for umami and flavor. This is the base for your flavor. Tamari is gluten-free and usually has a stronger flavor. It costs about $3 to $4 and lasts for months.

Garlic and ginger are the fragrant base for most savory noodle dishes. Fresh is great, but powdered works in a pinch when you do not have any money or forgot to go grocery shopping. I keep both on hand because things happen in real life.

Cabbage, carrots, and spinach: These are cheap ways to add nutrition, color, and bulk. You can easily change them to fit what you have or what you can find on sale. Cabbage is my favorite vegetable because a huge head costs only $2 and lasts forever.

Protein (Tofu, Eggs, Lentils): Makes it a full meal and gives it substance. Choose plant-based foods because they are cheap and can be used in many ways. A block of tofu usually costs less than $2, a dozen eggs cost about $3, and dried lentils are very cheap.

Things You Should Always Have in Your Pantry

• Vegetable Oil—for cooking and keeping things from sticking
• Sesame Oil—A little goes a long way for real taste
• Vinegar (Rice or Apple Cider): Makes things brighter and more balanced.
• Chili Flakes/Sriracha—For when you need some heat in your life
• Broth (vegetable or chicken)—When you want more flavor, broth is better than water for cooking noodles.

Unique Ingredients

Peanut butter is not just for sandwiches! It costs about $3 for a jar that will make several meals, and it makes great creamy sauces for noodles.

The 5 Noodle Dishes That Changed My Life

Recipe 1: Quick Soy Garlic Noodles

Why it is included: This is the simplest recipe ever; it uses only pantry staples and takes less than 10 minutes to make. It is a great base for adding any leftover veggies or protein, which makes it a true “budget-friendly quick meal: quick and easy noodle dishes” champion for busy college students or working people who need a quick dinner. I have made this at midnight so many times that I cannot count them all.

What you need:

• 8 ounces of noodles of your choice, like ramen, spaghetti, or something else
• 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
• 4 cloves of garlic, chopped (or 1 teaspoon of garlic powder)
• 1 tablespoon of oil from vegetables
• Two green onions, cut into pieces
• Red pepper flakes to taste
• 1 tsp of sugar (optional, to balance the salt)

How to do it:
Follow the package directions to cook the noodles, then drain them and set them aside. Heat vegetable oil in the same pot (one less dish to wash!) over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, or until it smells good. Be careful not to let it burn. Put the cooked noodles back in the pot with the soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Mix everything together for one to two minutes. Add green onions and pepper flakes on top.

Tip: This is your canvas. Put a fried egg on top, some frozen peas, and some leftover rotisserie chicken. Everything works.

Price per serving: About $0.75 to $1.25

Recipe 2: Peanut Noodles with Quick Veggies

Why it is included: This dish is a colorful and filling choice for vegetarians and vegans. It shows how easy it is to make a creamy, tasty sauce with cheap peanut butter. It is a great way to use up different kinds of vegetables, making sure that there is little waste and a lot of flavor. This is the true meaning of “budget-friendly quick meals: quick and easy noodle dishes.”

What you need:

• 8 ounces of spaghetti or rice noodles
• 3 tablespoons of peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon of sriracha (or more if you are feeling brave)
• 2 cups of mixed vegetables, like bell peppers, carrots, and cabbage, or whatever you have on hand.
• 2 cloves of garlic, chopped up
• Water to make the sauce thinner
• Optional: crushed peanuts for the top

How to do it:
Follow the instructions on the package to cook the noodles. In a bowl, mix together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sriracha while the food is cooking. Add water one tablespoon at a time until the mixture is thick enough to pour. It should look like thick cream.

In a big pan or wok, stir-fry the vegetables with garlic for 3 to 4 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender. Add the drained noodles and peanut sauce, and stir everything together for two minutes, or until everything is well coated. The heat will help the sauce cover everything nicely.

The truth is that my sauce is sometimes too thick and sometimes too thin. Just add more water or peanut butter to make it work. There is no noodle police.

Cost per serving: About $1.50 to $2.00

Recipe 3: Kimchi Noodles with a Kick in 15 Minutes

Why it is included: This adds a nice kick and fermented flavor to a simple noodle dish using cheap kimchi. It is very easy to make and tastes great, so it is a great choice for a weeknight dinner winner when you want bold flavors without a lot of work.

What you need:

• 8 oz of ramen noodles (fresh, dried, or instant; throw away the flavor packet)
• 1 cup of kimchi, roughly cut up
• 2 tablespoons of kimchi juice from the jar
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
• Two eggs
• 1 tsp of sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• For decoration, use green onions and sesame seeds

How to do it:
Follow the package directions to cook the noodles, then drain them. Put vegetable oil in a big pan and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the kimchi and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes, or until it starts to smell good and get soft. Put in the cooked noodles, kimchi juice, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Toss for 2 minutes.

Move the noodles to one side and break the eggs right into the pan. First, scramble them, and then mix everything together. Add sesame seeds and green onions to the top.

Tip for saving money: A jar of kimchi costs $5 to $7 and can be used for more than one meal. Do not worry about the price; it is worth it, and it will not go bad.

Price per serving: About $1.75 to $2.25

Recipe 4: Simple Tofu and Broccoli Udon Stir-Fry

Why it is included: This meal has a lot of different foods in it, like cheap tofu and hearty broccoli, so you get protein and greens in one pan. This recipe shows you how to make a full, healthy, and budget-friendly quick meal: a quick and easy noodle dish with very little cooking time and ingredients that are easy to find.

What you need:

• 8 ounces of udon noodles, either fresh or frozen
• 1 block (14 oz) of firm tofu, cut into cubes and pressed
• 2 cups of broccoli florets, either fresh or frozen
• 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce for vegetarians)
• 1 tsp of sesame oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, chopped up
• 1 teaspoon of grated or minced ginger
• 2 tablespoons of oil from vegetables
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp of water

How to do it:
Follow the instructions on the package to cook the udon. In the meantime, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook them for 5 to 6 minutes, turning them every so often, until they are golden brown. Take them out and set them aside. Do not worry if they are not perfectly crispy.

Add the rest of the oil, garlic, and ginger to the same pan. For 30 seconds, cook. If you are using frozen broccoli, add an extra minute and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes. Put in the cooked noodles, tofu, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Put everything in a bowl and mix it all together.

Add the cornstarch mixture and stir for one minute, or until everything is shiny and a little thicker.

Real talk: Pressing tofu is the best way to do it, but if you forget (like I do), just pat it dry with paper towels, and it will still taste good.

Price per serving: About $2.00 to $2.75

Recipe 5: Ramen from the pantry with a twist

Why it is included: This turns instant ramen into a gourmet meal with just a few simple pantry items, like an egg, spinach, and a splash of sesame oil. This is the best hack for cheap and quick meals: quick and easy noodle dishes. It shows that you do not need fancy ingredients or a lot of time to make tasty meals. I make this when I really cannot be an adult anymore.

What you need:

• One package of instant ramen (any flavor)
• One egg
• A handful of fresh or frozen spinach
• 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon of soy sauce
• Sliced green onion
• Optional: sriracha or chili oil
• You can add frozen corn, leftover protein, or mushrooms if you want.

How to do it:
Boil water and then add the ramen noodles. Use only half of the flavor packet because the whole packet is too salty. Prepare food for 2 to 3 minutes. Add spinach at the last minute to wilt it. Put the egg in the pot and let it poach for 1 to 2 minutes without stirring.

Gently move everything to a bowl. Put in sesame oil, soy sauce, and any other toppings you want. When you break the egg yolk, it will make the broth creamy.

This changed my life: By adding an egg and some greens to $0.50 ramen, you can make a real meal that does not make you feel bad.

Price per serving: About $0.75 to $1.50

Quick Comparison: Find the Right Noodle for You

Your burning noodle questions have been answered.

Q1: What kinds of noodles are best for quick and cheap meals?

If you want quick and cheap meals, ramen noodles, rice vermicelli, and udon are all great options. They cook quickly and do not cost a lot, so they are great for college students and people who want to save money on food. For even bigger savings, look for bulk packs. I buy the big multipacks at Asian grocery stores, where they are often half the price of regular supermarkets.

Q2: Is it okay to use different vegetables in these cheap and quick meals, like noodle dishes that are quick and easy to make?

Of course! These quick and easy noodle dishes that are easy on the wallet can be changed in many ways. You can use any vegetables you have on hand or that are on sale, like bell peppers, mushrooms, snap peas, or corn. This helps you stay within your food budget. Frozen vegetables are great because they are already cut up, do not go bad, and are usually cheaper than fresh ones.

How do I store leftover noodle dishes, and can I make them ahead of time?**

You can keep leftover quick and cheap noodle dishes in an airtight container in the fridge for two to three days. Some noodles can be made ahead of time, but they might soak up too much sauce and get mushy, so it is usually best to cook them fresh or make the parts separately. When I reheat them, I have found that adding a little water helps bring them back to life.

Q4: Why are my noodles sticking together? What am I doing wrong when I make quick and cheap meals like noodle dishes?

It is common for noodles to stick together, and it happens to everyone. Make sure the pot is big enough and has a lot of boiling water. Stir it often for the first few minutes. Rinsing cooked noodles with cold water, especially rice noodles, can also keep them from sticking together. This is a great tip for quick and cheap meals. A little bit of oil also helps.

Q5: Are these quick and cheap noodle dishes good for a high-protein diet?

A lot of these cheap and quick meals, like noodle dishes, can easily be made more filling by adding protein. You can make them more filling and better for different diets by adding more tofu, edamame, lentils, or a fried egg. If you are really trying to get enough protein, double the eggs or tofu. It will not cost much more.

Q6: How can you make these cheap, quick meals, like quick and easy noodle dishes, taste even better without spending more money?

To make your budget-friendly quick meals: quick and easy noodle dishes taste better without spending more money; use aromatics like garlic, ginger, and green onions. Adding a little vinegar or sugar can also make the flavors taste better. For a little brightness, do not forget to add a squeeze of lemon or lime. The secret is to stack these simple, cheap ingredients on top of each other to make depth.

Q7: Can I make these quick and cheap noodle dishes gluten-free?

Yes, a lot of these quick and easy noodle dishes that are easy on the wallet can be made without gluten. If you want to eat gluten-free ramen or udon, just choose rice noodles or certified gluten-free ramen or udon. Also, make sure to switch out your soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute. Always read the labels on the ingredients. Rice noodles do not have gluten in them, and they are often just as cheap as wheat noodles.

🎁 Improve Your Noodle Skills

Changes and Personalizations

Protein Swaps: These recipes are great because they can be changed. You can eat cooked chicken (leftover rotisserie chicken works well), shrimp (buy frozen and thaw what you need), tempeh, or chickpeas. Each one has a different texture and taste.

Veggie Boost: For sweetness, add bell peppers; for umami, add mushrooms; for crunch, add bok choy; and for protein, add edamame. You can probably put anything that is on sale or about to go bad in your fridge into noodles.

Changes to the Sauce: To balance the salty and spicy flavors, add a little honey or maple syrup. You can add heat with sriracha or gochujang, a Korean chili paste that lasts forever in a jar. Add lime juice or rice vinegar to everything to make it brighter.

Tips for Preparing Meals

**Chop up all the vegetables ahead of time and put them in containers that will not let air in. On Sunday, spend half an hour cutting up carrots, cabbage, peppers, and green onions. Put things in different containers and take what you need during the week.

Prepare sauces ahead of time and store them in the fridge. I put a lot of peanut sauce and garlic-soy sauce in mason jars. They last for a week and make cooking on weeknights even faster.

**If you are making the parts ahead of time, cook the noodles just until they are al dente, then mix them together just before serving. When you add the hot sauce or stir-fry, they will be done cooking.

Hacks That Really Work to Save Money

Buy noodles and other basic foods in bulk. Asian grocery stores usually have much better prices than regular grocery stores. A pack of ten ramen noodles might cost $3 instead of $5 or more at a regular store.

Use frozen vegetables when fresh ones are too expensive. Frozen broccoli, spinach, peas, and mixed vegetables are just as good for you as fresh ones, are often cheaper, and will not go bad in your fridge.

Make bigger batches and save some for later. Make twice as much sauce and freeze half of it. Make more noodles than you need and use them the next day in fried rice or another noodle dish.

Use leftovers from other meals in a new way. That chicken you roasted on Sunday? On Tuesday, shred it and put it in noodles. Do you have any leftover steamed vegetables? Great addition to noodles. Everything is used.

🎬 You Are Now a Noodle Expert (Sort Of)

These budget-friendly quick meals, quick and easy noodle dishes, show that you can eat well on a budget without giving up flavor or time. You now have a great collection of quick, easy, and very tasty noodle recipes that will fill you up and keep your wallet happy.

Which of these quick and cheap meals, like noodle dishes, will you try first? Please tell us about your favorite variations in the comments! Did you add something you did not expect that turned out great? Did you have to make a change that worked better than the first one? Please tell us about it.

Check out our post “One-Pan Wonders for Busy Weeknights” for more quick and easy meal ideas. You can also join our community of budget-conscious home cooks who are showing that good food does not have to cost a lot or take all evening.

**Keep in mind that the best noodle dish is the one you make yourself. Do not worry about getting everything right the first time. Just start cooking and make changes as you go. These recipes are not set in stone. Now go out and noodle!