A Few of My Favorite Dishes for One

I often find myself making dishes for one. I’m not really much of a gourmet cook, I’d rather throw something together that’s quick and easy. Here are some dishes that worked for me over the years.

Black Pepper Stir-Fry 

I found this stir-fry infographic a while back and tried most combinations; many are great, but I especially like the black pepper mix. I usually make it with chicken, broccoli, and mushrooms over rice.

Frittata 

Frittatas are fun to make, like a quiche without the crust. I use seasonal ingredients, or whatever leftovers are in the fridge, some of my favorite fillings are caramelized shallots, herbs, and goat cheese. 

Ramen 

Miso-based broths are my quick, go-to foundation for a bowl of homemade ramen. I can’t remember how it started, but the broth recipe evolved over the years into 4 cups of water, 4 tablespoons of miso paste, a strip of kombu (or 2 teaspoons of dashi granules), and depending on whether you like my level of spiciness, 1 to 2 teaspoons of chili paste. As for the fixings, it’s really up to your preference, but I’ve made it with various ingredients from lobster to silken tofu, a soft-boiled egg, plus vegetables like corn, mushrooms, etc. I also cook the noodles separately, rather than altogether in the pot, and then garnish with dried seaweed and a dash of roasted sesame oil.

Quinoa Salad 

This quinoa salad from chef Yotam Ottolenghi is simple and fresh. I normally don’t buy radishes, so I always enjoy recipes that push me out of my comfort zone.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

I really love this no-fuss dish. I don’t have any specific recipe, I usually just toss some skinless, boneless chicken thighs, chicken stock, and a can of fire-roasted tomatoes in the slow-cooker. When ready, I garnish with queso fresco, avocado, lime wedges, and crushed up tortilla chips. 

These are a few of my favorite dishes for one. What are yours? I’m always looking for new ideas.