12 Food Recipes When You Have No Food

This post may contain paid and/or affiliate links. I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our Privacy Policy.

Are you tired of staring into your empty pantry, wondering what to make for dinner? Do you feel like you have no ingredients to work with, and the idea of going grocery shopping is daunting?

Fear not, because we have compiled a list of 12 easy recipes that you can make when you have no food in the house.

These recipes are perfect for those times when you need to get creative with what you have on hand.

Whether you have a can of tuna, a bag of rice, or a few eggs, we have recipes that will turn those ingredients into delicious meals.

From rice bowls to garlic soup, these recipes are simple, tasty, and perfect for any night of the week.

So, next time you’re feeling stuck in the kitchen, turn to our list of 12 easy recipes and get cooking!

In this article:

1. Eggless Pancakes

If you’re craving pancakes but don’t have any eggs on hand, don’t worry. You can still make delicious, fluffy pancakes without them.

There are several egg substitutes you can use to create the perfect texture and taste.

One option is to use a mixture of baking powder and vinegar or lemon juice.

Simply combine 1 tablespoon of baking powder with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes. Then add the mixture to your pancake batter.

Another option is to use applesauce or mashed bananas as a substitute for eggs.

These ingredients add natural sweetness and moisture to the pancakes, resulting in a delicious and healthy breakfast.

To make eggless pancakes, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.

Then add in your wet ingredients, such as milk, oil, and your chosen egg substitute. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.

Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and pour the batter onto the pan.

Cook until bubbles form on the surface of the pancake, then flip and cook for another minute or two. Serve with your favorite toppings, such as butter, syrup, or fresh fruit.

With these simple eggless pancake recipes, you can enjoy a delicious breakfast even when you’re out of eggs.

2. Canned Bean Salad

When you’re low on food, canned beans can be a lifesaver. Not only are they a great source of protein and fiber, but they also make a delicious base for a salad.

One of the best things about canned bean salad is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can use whatever canned beans you have on hand, and you can add in other ingredients to suit your taste.

To make a simple canned bean salad, start by draining and rinsing your canned beans.

Then, chop up some vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and cucumbers, and mix them together with the beans. You can also add in some fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for extra flavor.

For the dressing, you can make a simple vinaigrette using olive oil, vinegar, and Dijon mustard.

Or, you can mix together some lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil for a tangy dressing.

Once you’ve mixed everything together, let the salad sit in the fridge for at least an hour to let the flavors meld together.

Canned bean salad is a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal when you don’t have a lot of food on hand.

It’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and can be customized to your taste preferences.

3. Peanut Butter Cookies

When you’re craving something sweet, peanut butter cookies are a classic choice that are easy to make with just a few basic ingredients.

All you need is peanut butter, flour, sugar, egg, baking powder, and salt. If you don’t have butter, you can make peanut butter cookies without butter by using oil or milk instead.

To make peanut butter cookies, start by mixing together the peanut butter, sugar, and egg until smooth.

Then, add in the flour, baking powder, and salt and mix until well combined. Once the dough is formed, roll it into balls and flatten them with a fork before baking in the oven.

If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can try making no-bake peanut butter cookies with oats, honey, and coconut oil.

These cookies are a great snack that you can make ahead of time and store in the fridge for when you need a quick energy boost.

Overall, peanut butter cookies are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that you can enjoy even when you don’t have a lot of ingredients on hand.

Whether you prefer them baked or no-bake, there are plenty of recipes out there to satisfy your sweet tooth.

4. Instant Noodles Stir-Fry

When you’re low on groceries, instant noodles can be a lifesaver. While they’re not the healthiest option, they’re quick and easy to make. With a few additional ingredients, you can turn them into a delicious stir-fry.

To start, boil the instant ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

In a non-stick pan, stir-fry vegetables of your choice, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, and carrots. You can also add protein, such as diced chicken or shrimp.

Next, mix together a simple sauce of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar.

Pour the sauce over the stir-fried vegetables and add the cooked ramen noodles. Toss everything together until the sauce coats the noodles.

For an extra kick of flavor, you can add garlic, ginger, and chili flakes to the dish. Top with green onions or sesame seeds for a finishing touch.

Instant noodles stir-fry is a quick and easy meal that you can whip up when you’re low on groceries.

While it’s not the healthiest option, it’s a tasty and satisfying meal that you can customize to your liking.

5. Oatmeal with Jam

When you’re running low on groceries, oatmeal with jam can be a satisfying and filling breakfast option. It’s easy to make and requires only a few ingredients that you may already have in your pantry.

To start, cook your oatmeal according to the package instructions. You can use quick oats, rolled oats, or steel-cut oats depending on your preference.

Once the oatmeal is cooked, add a spoonful or two of your favorite jam and stir until well combined. The sweetness of the jam will add flavor to the oatmeal and make it more enjoyable to eat.

If you want to add some extra texture and nutrition to your oatmeal, you can also mix in some nuts, seeds, or fresh fruit.

Chopped almonds, flax seeds, or sliced bananas are all great options that pair well with oatmeal and jam.

Oatmeal with jam is not only a delicious breakfast option, but it’s also a healthy one.

Oatmeal is rich in fiber and protein, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied throughout the morning.

Jam, on the other hand, provides a source of natural sugar and antioxidants that can help boost your energy levels and support your immune system.

6. Rice and Frozen Veggie Stir-Fry

When you’re running low on fresh produce, frozen veggies can be a lifesaver. They’re just as nutritious as fresh veggies, and they can be stored in your freezer for months.

One of the easiest ways to use frozen veggies is to make a stir-fry.

To make a rice and frozen veggie stir-fry, you’ll need some cooked rice, oil, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and your favorite frozen veggies.

Heat some oil in a pan or wok, and add minced garlic and ginger. Then, add your frozen veggies and cook for a few minutes until they’re heated through.

Add the cooked rice and stir until it’s warm. Finally, add a dash of soy sauce and any other seasonings you like.

You can use any type of frozen veggies you like for this stir-fry.

Some good options include mixed stir-fry veggies, broccoli, carrots, snap peas, and bell peppers. You can also add some protein to your stir-fry, such as tofu, chicken, or shrimp.

This rice and frozen veggie stir-fry is a quick and easy meal that you can make with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and freezer.

It’s also a great way to get in some extra veggies and fiber. Give it a try the next time you’re low on fresh produce!

7. Tuna Salad with Mayo

When you’re low on groceries, canned tuna can be a lifesaver. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including tuna salad.

A classic tuna salad recipe usually calls for mayonnaise, but what if you don’t have any? Don’t worry, you can still make a delicious tuna salad without mayo.

To make a tuna salad without mayo, you can replace it with Greek yogurt or avocado.

Greek yogurt is a healthier option that adds a tangy flavor and creamy texture to the salad. Avocado, on the other hand, adds a rich and buttery flavor to the salad.

Both options are great alternatives to mayo and can be used in the same way.

To make a simple tuna salad with mayo, all you need is canned tuna, mayonnaise, and a few other ingredients like celery, onion, and lemon juice.

Simply mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and you’re done. You can serve the tuna salad on a bed of lettuce, between two slices of bread, or with crackers.

If you want to add some extra flavor to your tuna salad, you can try adding different herbs and spices like dill, parsley, or paprika.

You can also add some chopped nuts or dried fruits for a crunchy and sweet texture.

8. Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese

When you have no food, it’s important to make the most out of what you do have. One classic meal that can be made with just a few staple ingredients is tomato soup with grilled cheese.

To make the soup, you’ll need canned tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, sugar, and salt.

Roast the tomatoes in the oven until they are broken down and caramelized. Then, blend the ingredients until smooth and serve.

For the grilled cheese, all you need is bread and cheese. Butter the bread and add cheese in the middle. Toast it in a pan until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.

This meal is easy to make and can be enjoyed any time of day.

It’s also a great way to use up ingredients you may already have in your pantry. So the next time you’re low on groceries, consider making tomato soup with grilled cheese for a satisfying and comforting meal.

9. Microwave Mug Cake

When you’re craving something sweet but have no baked goods on hand, a microwave mug cake can be a lifesaver.

These single-serving cakes are quick and easy to make, and you can customize them to your liking with different flavors and toppings.

To make a microwave mug cake, you’ll need a microwave-safe mug, some basic ingredients like flour, sugar, and baking powder, and a few minutes of your time.

Simply mix the ingredients together in the mug, microwave for a minute or two, and voila! You have a warm, delicious cake that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

There are countless variations of microwave mug cakes out there, from classic chocolate to fruity flavors like lemon and strawberry.

Some recipes even use healthier ingredients like quinoa flour and almond milk for a guilt-free treat.

While microwave mug cakes may not be as fancy as a full-size cake, they’re a great option for when you need a quick and easy dessert fix.

So next time you’re craving something sweet, give a microwave mug cake a try and see how delicious they can be!

10. Chickpea Curry

If you’re looking for a filling and flavorful meal, chickpea curry is a great option. This dish is easy to make and requires only a few ingredients that you may already have in your pantry.

To make chickpea curry, you’ll need chickpeas, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a mix of spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric.

You can customize the recipe to your liking by adding other vegetables such as potatoes or spinach.

Start by sautéing the onions and garlic in a pan until they’re translucent. Then, add the spices to the pan and stir for a minute until fragrant.

Next, add the chickpeas and tomatoes and let everything simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the flavors meld together.

Once the curry is done, you can serve it with rice, naan bread, or any other side dish you prefer.

This dish is not only delicious but also packed with protein and fiber, making it a healthy and satisfying meal.

11. Potato Wedges with Ketchup

When you’re craving crispy, salty, satisfying comfort food, few things hit the spot like potato wedges with ketchup. Luckily, this classic snack is easy to make at home, even if you don’t have a lot of ingredients on hand.

To start, preheat your oven to 400°F.

Scrub a few potatoes clean and slice them into eighths lengthwise. You don’t need to peel the potatoes, but you can if you prefer.

Toss the potato wedges in melted butter or olive oil, and season them with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Arrange the wedges on a large, greased baking sheet, and bake them for 30-40 minutes. Make sure to flip them over halfway through.

Do this until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Serve the potato wedges hot with ketchup, or any other dipping sauce you like, such as ranch, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard.

You can also experiment with different seasonings, such as paprika, cumin, or rosemary, to add extra flavor and depth to your potato wedges.

With this simple recipe, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying snack or side dish anytime, even when you’re low on groceries or inspiration.

12. Pasta with Olive Oil and Garlic

When you’re low on groceries, pasta with olive oil and garlic is a simple yet satisfying meal that can be made with just a few pantry staples. This classic Italian dish is known as “spaghetti aglio e olio” and it only requires spaghetti noodles, olive oil, garlic, and salt.

To make this dish, start by boiling the spaghetti noodles in salted water until they are al dente.

While the pasta is cooking, heat up some olive oil in a pan and add minced garlic. Cook the garlic until it is fragrant and slightly golden, then remove the pan from the heat.

Once the pasta is cooked, reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water and drain the noodles.

Add the noodles to the pan with the garlic and olive oil, and toss until the pasta is coated evenly. If the pasta seems dry, add some of the reserved pasta water to create a sauce.

You can also add other ingredients to this dish to make it more flavorful. For example, you can add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or chopped parsley for a fresh herb flavor. Parmesan cheese or lemon juice can also be added for extra tanginess.

Understanding Your Pantry

Identifying Essentials

Before you start cooking with what you have in your pantry, it’s important to identify the essentials that should always be stocked up. These are the items that have a longer shelf life and can be used in a variety of recipes.

Some common pantry essentials include:

• Rice
• Pasta
• Canned beans and vegetables
• Flour
• Sugar
• Salt
• Cooking oil
• Spices and herbs

By keeping these essentials in your pantry, you’ll always have a base to work with when creating meals. You can also build upon these essentials by adding ingredients that you use frequently.

Maximizing Shelf Life

To make the most out of your pantry essentials, you need to know how to maximize their shelf life. Here are some tips to help you do just that:

• Store dry goods in airtight containers to prevent moisture and pests from getting in.
• Keep spices and herbs in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Rotate your stock by using the older items first and restocking with fresh items.
• Check expiration dates regularly and discard any items that are past their prime.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your pantry essentials last as long as possible, saving you money and reducing food waste.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some simple meals to prepare with minimal ingredients?

When you have limited ingredients, it’s important to focus on meals that are easy to make and require minimal prep time.

Some simple meal options include eggless pancakes, canned bean salad, and instant noodles stir-fry. These dishes are quick and easy to prepare, and require only a few basic ingredients that you may already have in your pantry.

How can I make a healthy meal with whatever is left in my pantry?

Making a healthy meal with limited ingredients may seem challenging, but it’s definitely possible.

Focus on using whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh vegetables to create a balanced meal.

One option is to make a quinoa bowl with canned beans and fresh vegetables. Another option is to make oatmeal with jam and fresh berries for a nutritious breakfast.

What are some creative recipes for when the fridge is almost empty?

When your fridge is almost empty, it’s time to get creative with what you have on hand.

Peanut butter cookies are a great option that can be made with just a few ingredients, including peanut butter, sugar, and flour. Another creative option is to make a frittata with leftover vegetables and cheese.

How can I cook a satisfying dinner with very few groceries?

Cooking a satisfying dinner with limited groceries is all about being resourceful.

One option is to make a simple pasta dish with canned tomatoes and fresh herbs. Another option is to make a stir-fry with leftover vegetables and rice. These dishes are filling and satisfying, and require only a few basic ingredients.

What are budget-friendly meals for when money is tight?

When money is tight, it’s important to focus on meals that are budget-friendly and use inexpensive ingredients.

One option is to make a lentil soup with canned tomatoes and fresh vegetables. Another option is to make a simple rice and bean bowl with canned beans and fresh vegetables. These meals are nutritious and filling, and won’t break the bank.

What vegetarian dishes can I make using staple pantry items?

Many vegetarian dishes can be made using staple pantry items. One option is to make a simple lentil curry. You can use canned tomatoes and fresh vegetables for this. Another option is to make a vegetable stir-fry with rice and canned beans. These dishes are easy to make and packed with flavor, making them a great option for vegetarians.