One-Pot Satisfaction! 20 Budget-Friendly One-Pot Meals to Save Your Weekdays

Table of Contents

1. Reasons Why One-Pot Meals Are Effective for "Saving × Time-Saving"

2. 5 Golden Rules to Increase Success Rate

3. 20 One-Pot Meals from Around the World

4. Life Hacks for Cost Reduction and Nutrition Boost

5. Summary: Start Your Monthly One-Pot Plan Tomorrow

1. Reasons Why One-Pot Meals Are Effective for "Saving × Time-Saving"

• Reduce Utility and Water Costs: Since it only requires heat until boiling and then insulation, gas and electricity costs are about 30% less than typical stir-fried dishes.

• Reduction in Dishwashing: Only a pot (or rice cooker) is needed. Compared to an average dinner, the amount of dishwashing detergent used is less than half.

• Less Food Waste: The rice absorbs moisture and locks in the flavors of vegetables and meat, eliminating the need for extra broth or seasonings.

2. 5 Golden Rules to Increase Success Rate

1. Rice to Water Ratio is 1:1.1 (1:1.05 for pre-washed rice).

2. **Create a "Flavor Base" with Oil and Aromatic Vegetables** and lightly fry the rice to coat it.

3. Layer Proteins: Arrange in the order of rice→aromatics→meat/fish→vegetables to promote steam circulation.

4. Be Patient with the Final 10 Minutes of "Steaming": Opening the lid here can cause dryness.

5. Determine Flavor Right After Heating: Adjust saltiness and acidity after steaming to avoid mistakes.

3. 20 One-Pot Meals from Around the World

*Estimates based on average supermarket prices in the Tokyo metropolitan area as of July 2025.
**Cost assumes use of half-price sale items.

Cooking Tips Extract

• Jerk Rice: Spices can be substituted with chili powder + cinnamon + allspice.

• Khichdi: Use a 1:1 ratio of rice to mung beans and enhance with turmeric for increased antioxidant power.

• Kamameshi: Marinate the chicken in soy sauce and sake, lightly sear the surface before cooking to enhance aroma.

4. Life Hacks for Cost Reduction and Nutrition Boost

1. Chicken Breast + Skin for "Half Food Cost & Collagen": Cook with the skin to utilize the fat.

2. Recycle Vegetable Peels and Cores: Chop moisture-rich daikon leaves or broccoli stems and add in the last 5 minutes.

3. 10% Mixed Grains Blend: Adds dietary fiber and minerals while enhancing texture.

4. Utilize Residual Heat of Electric Cookers: Save about 2000 yen annually compared to gas by using the keep-warm mode for 15 minutes.

5. Freeze in Portions ⇒ Microwave and Steam: Freeze flat in single servings → 600 W for 2 minutes + 1 minute with lid to restore freshly cooked state.

5. Summary: Start Your Monthly One-Pot Plan Tomorrow

• STEP 1: Try #1 to #5 this week and check your preferred seasoning tendencies.

• STEP 2: