You asked for budget-friendly dinners and I’m so glad you did — I think it’s something we all need right now. This Pork Noodle Stir Fry is honestly so tasty and feels like a proper fakeaway at home. Pork mince is a great budget-friendly option — it’s usually cheaper than beef, but still packed with flavour. If you haven’t tried it before, give it a go… you’ll save a few quid and I think you’ll love it.
Food prices seem to be creeping up every week, so one of the best ways to cut costs is to shop your cupboards first, then plan your meals around what you already have. I always try to stick to a list when I head to the supermarket too — it really helps keep the spending under control.
Hopefully you already have some of the store cupboard essentials at home because that’s where the real savings happen!
This recipe is on regular rotation in our house because it’s:
- Quick
- Easy
- Nutritious
- Budget-friendly
It also gives 4 generous portions, making it perfect for busy family evenings.
It’s a brilliant recipe to teach teenagers too, especially if they’re heading off to college this year. Simple meals like this are great to have in their back pocket!
On Sunday evenings, I always try to have a root through the cupboards and freezer to see what we already have, then I plan recipes around that and only buy the bits we actually need. It saves money, reduces waste, and makes the week feel much more organised.
Why You’ll Love It
-Ready in under 30 minutes
-Feels like a takeaway without the takeaway price
Costs under €10 for a family of 4
-Great for using up bits already in the fridge and cupboards
-One pan means less washing up
-Teen and college-student friendly
Tips for Meal Planning & Shopping Your Kitchen
One of the easiest ways to save money on food is to use what you already have before heading to the shops. A little bit of planning can make a huge difference to your weekly shopping bill.
Start With Your Cupboards & Freezer
Before you write your shopping list, have a quick look through:
- Cupboards
- Fridge
- Freezer ( check out my free “What’s in my freezer” monthly stocktake, to help with this)
Plan Meals Around What You Already Have
Instead of picking recipes first and buying everything new, try planning meals around the ingredients already in your kitchen. It cuts waste and saves money instantly.
For example:
- Leftover veg = stir fry or soup
- Tortilla wraps = pizzas or quesadillas
- Rice or noodles = quick fakeaway dinners
- Frozen chicken or mince = curry, pasta or tacos
Stick to a Shopping List
Once you know what meals you’re making, write a list and try your best to stick to it. It helps avoid impulse buys that quickly add up.
Use One Ingredient in Multiple Meals
Buying ingredients that can work across a few dinners is a great money saver.
For example:
- Peppers for stir fry, pasta and fajitas
- Mince for noodles, tacos and burgers
- Carrots for lunches, soups and side dishes
Keep a Few Budget Staples In
These are great for quick, low-cost meals:
- Pasta
- Rice
- Noodles
- Tinned tomatoes
- Beans
- Frozen veg
- Stock cubes
- Soy sauce
- Cheese
Have a “Use It Up” Night
Once a week, try making dinner from whatever needs using up in the fridge. It’s amazing how many meals you can throw together without buying anything extra.
With a little meal planning and a good shop through the cupboards first, you can make simple ingredients go a long way. These are the kinds of meals we come back to again and again in our house because they’re easy, affordable and everyone enjoys them.
If you give this Pork Noodle Stir Fry a try, I’d love to see your version — don’t forget to tag @littleloucooks
Pork noodle stir fry
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 onion sliced or diced
- 2 fat garlic cloves grated
- 1 inch ginger grated * (from my freezer so it keeps)
- 100 g baby spinach washed –
- 1-2 carrots ribbons using a peeler
- 250 g dry fine egg noodles – or any noodles you like
- 500 g lean pork mince
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2-3 tbsp light soy sauce- 85c for the bottle
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- To serve: chilli oil / peanut rayu- @whitemausu
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the noodles as per the packet, strain and quickly run some cold water over them to stop them sticking, set to one side.
- While the noodles cook, in a hot pan add the oil and pork mince, use a wooden spoon to break it down and brown slightly this will take 3-4 minutes.
- Next add the onion and grate in the garlic and ginger. Cook on medium heat for 3-4 minutes
- Then add the carrot ribbons, spinach, sesame oil, dark and light soy sauce and honey. Stir until the spinach wilts, then stir through the cooked noodles warm for 3-4 minutes. Taste, adjust the seasoning if needed and serve.
- To spice it up add some chilli oil- this is my favourite peanut rayu.
