Cheap But Gourmet! 12 Filipino Dishes That Taste Like Home for Under $12

 

1. Chicken Adobo

                                                                           

Ingredients: Chicken thighs, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns
Instructions: Marinate chicken in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and pepper. Brown in a pot, then simmer until tender.
Gourmet Tip: Add a splash of coconut milk and sear the chicken for a velvety, island-style twist that takes comfort to the next level.

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2. Bangus Sisig (Crispy Milkfish Flakes)

Ingredients: Boneless bangus (milkfish), onions, garlic, calamansi, soy sauce, chili, mayo
Instructions: Fry bangus until crispy, flake the meat, sauté with garlic, onions, chili, and soy sauce. Top with mayo and egg.
Gourmet Tip: Sauté shredded bangus with caramelized onions and finish with calamansi and mayo for a creamy, street-style flair.

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3. Tinola (Ginger Chicken Soup)

Ingredients: Chicken, ginger, garlic, onion, green papaya or chayote, spinach or malunggay, fish sauce
Instructions: Sauté aromatics, add chicken and cook until lightly browned. Pour in water, add vegetables, and simmer until tender.
Gourmet Tip: Add lemongrass and turmeric for an aromatic, healing broth that soothes from the inside out.

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4. Tofu Eggplant Sisig (Vegan Twist)

Ingredients: Firm tofu, eggplant, soy sauce, garlic, onions, calamansi, vegan mayo
Instructions: Fry tofu and eggplant separately. Sauté garlic and onions, then combine with tofu and eggplant. Add soy sauce, calamansi, and mayo.
Gourmet Tip: Top with crispy shallots and a drizzle of sesame oil for a bold, creamy texture and extra flair.

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5. Ginisang Munggo (Hearty Mung Bean Stew)

Ingredients: Mung beans, garlic, onions, tomatoes, spinach, fish sauce
Instructions: Boil mung beans until soft. Sauté garlic, onion, and tomatoes. Combine with beans and simmer with leafy greens.
Gourmet Tip: Stir in coconut milk and top with a boiled egg to transform this humble stew into a rich, soulful bowl of comfort.

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6. Filipino Bistek (Beef Steak with Onions)

Ingredients: Beef sirloin, soy sauce, calamansi, onions, garlic, pepper
Instructions: Marinate beef in soy sauce and calamansi. Sauté onions until caramelized. Sear beef, then simmer together briefly.
Gourmet Tip: Finish the pan sauce with butter and slow-cooked onions for a glossy, steakhouse-style upgrade.

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7. Pancit Bihon (Stir-Fried Rice Noodles)

Ingredients: Rice noodles, chicken or pork, garlic, onions, soy sauce, mixed veggies, calamansi
Instructions: Sauté meat and aromatics, then add veggies. Soak noodles and stir them into the pan until everything is cooked and coated.
Gourmet Tip: Top with calamansi, crushed chicharrón, and scallions for a vibrant, party-ready noodle dish.

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8. Chicken Inasal (Grilled Lemongrass Chicken)

Ingredients: Chicken quarters, vinegar, lemongrass, garlic, calamansi, annatto oil
Instructions: Marinate chicken overnight in the mixture. Grill while basting with leftover marinade until charred and cooked through.
Gourmet Tip: Use annatto oil while grilling and serve with garlic rice and pickled vegetables for an authentic Bacolod-style experience.

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9. Tortang Talong (Filipino Eggplant Omelette)

Ingredients: Eggplant, eggs, salt, pepper, cooking oil
Instructions: Grill or roast eggplant until soft, peel skin, flatten the flesh. Dip in beaten eggs and pan-fry until golden on both sides.
Gourmet Tip: Stuff with seasoned ground beef or cheese to turn this simple omelette into a hearty meal.

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10. Lumpiang Gulay (Crispy Veggie Rolls)

Ingredients: Spring roll wrappers, cabbage, carrots, green beans, garlic, soy sauce
Instructions: Sauté vegetables with garlic and soy sauce. Let cool, fill wrappers, roll tightly, and deep-fry until golden brown.
Gourmet Tip: Add tofu, sesame oil, and glass noodles to the filling for a satisfying, restaurant-quality bite.

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11. Arroz Caldo (Filipino Rice Porridge)

Ingredients: Rice, chicken, garlic, ginger, onion, chicken broth, scallions, boiled egg
Instructions: Sauté garlic, ginger, and onion. Add chicken and rice. Pour in broth, simmer until thick and creamy. Garnish with toppings.
Gourmet Tip: Top with crispy garlic, scallions, and a soft egg for the ultimate comforting bowl that tastes like home.

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12. Ginataang Gulay (Veggies in Coconut Milk)

Ingredients: Coconut milk, squash, string beans, eggplant, garlic, onions, shrimp paste or tofu
Instructions: Sauté garlic and onions, add vegetables and coconut milk, and simmer until everything is tender and flavorful.
Gourmet Tip: Finish with shrimp or bagoong to bring out the rich, savory notes of the creamy coconut sauce.

✨ 12 Brazilian Dinners That Look 5-Star But Cost Less Than $12

 

Feijoada – Brazilian Black Bean Stew

Ingredients: Black beans, smoked sausage, onion, garlic, bay leaves, orange zest, salt, black pepper, white rice.
Instructions: Soak black beans overnight. In a large pot, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook until lightly browned. Add soaked beans, bay leaves, water, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until thick and deeply flavorful.
Gourmet Twist: Brighten the richness with freshly grated orange zest and serve alongside orange wedges and sautéed collard greens. Top with crispy bacon bits and a splash of olive oil before serving for a restaurant-worthy finish.

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🐟 Moqueca – Bahian Fish Stew

                                                                                       

Ingredients: White fish fillets (like tilapia or cod), coconut milk, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, garlic, lime juice, cilantro, salt, oil.
Instructions: In a deep pan, layer sliced onions, tomatoes, garlic, and bell peppers. Lay seasoned fish over the vegetables. Pour in coconut milk and lime juice, then bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes until the fish is tender.
Gourmet Twist: Add a drizzle of red palm oil or high-quality olive oil just before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with jasmine rice or farofa for an elevated tropical presentation.

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🥩 Picanha-Style Grilled Steak with Chimichurri

Ingredients: Sirloin cap or other affordable steak cut, garlic, parsley, vinegar, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper.
Instructions: Season steak with salt and pepper. Grill over medium-high heat until desired doneness is reached. Let rest before slicing against the grain. For chimichurri, blend parsley, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, and red pepper flakes.
Gourmet Twist: Marinate steak for a few hours in olive oil, garlic, and rosemary for a deeper flavor. Serve with roasted fingerling potatoes or a side of chimichurri-drizzled grilled vegetables to elevate the dish.

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🧀 Pão de Queijo – Brazilian Cheese Bread

Ingredients: Tapioca flour, eggs, milk, shredded mozzarella or cheddar, butter, salt.
Instructions: Heat milk and butter together in a saucepan. Pour over tapioca flour and stir to combine. Add eggs and shredded cheese, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Shape into small balls and bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes.
Gourmet Twist: Mix in a pinch of garlic powder or rosemary into the dough for an aromatic twist. Serve with a side of herbed cream cheese or garlic butter for dipping, perfect for a cozy appetizer board.

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🍗 Coxinha – Chicken Croquettes

Ingredients: Shredded chicken, cream cheese, onion, chicken broth, flour, butter, breadcrumbs, oil.
Instructions: Sauté onions until soft and mix with shredded chicken and cream cheese for the filling. In a pot, bring chicken broth and butter to a boil. Add flour and stir until dough forms. Let cool, then wrap small amounts of dough around filling. Shape into teardrops, coat in breadcrumbs, and fry until golden brown.
Gourmet Twist: Infuse the dough with chicken bouillon or a hint of garlic powder. Serve with homemade spicy mayo or chimichurri aioli to add an upscale flair.

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🍄 Brazilian Chicken Stroganoff

 

Ingredients: Chicken breast, mushrooms, onions, garlic, tomato paste, heavy cream or sour cream, butter, salt, rice.
Instructions: Sauté onions and garlic in butter. Add diced chicken and cook until browned. Stir in mushrooms and tomato paste. Simmer until the chicken is cooked through. Add cream, stir, and serve hot over rice.
Gourmet Twist: Add a splash of white wine and a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley and a few shavings of Parmesan for a polished finish.

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🥟 Pastel – Fried Meat or Cheese Pastries

Ingredients: Ground beef or shredded cheese, onions, garlic, pastry dough or flour tortillas, oil, salt, pepper.
Instructions: Brown ground beef with onions and garlic. Let cool. Fill pastry dough or tortillas with meat or cheese, seal edges with a fork, and fry until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Gourmet Twist: Brush pastry with egg wash for extra shine. Serve with guava jam, spicy ketchup, or chimichurri for a Brazilian street food experience with a gourmet touch.

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🍍 Grilled Pineapple Chicken

Ingredients: Chicken thighs, pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, oil, salt.
Instructions: Marinate chicken in a mixture of pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic, and brown sugar for at least one hour. Grill or bake at 400°F until fully cooked and slightly caramelized.
Gourmet Twist: Add chopped fresh mint or basil to the marinade and finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for a flavor-packed tropical finish.

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🥓 Farofa – Brazilian Bacon Breadcrumbs

Ingredients: Breadcrumbs, bacon, onion, butter, salt, pepper.
Instructions: Cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside. In the bacon fat, sauté chopped onions, then stir in butter and breadcrumbs. Toast until golden. Add bacon back in.
Gourmet Twist: Add diced boiled eggs, olives, or golden raisins for a festive and complex twist. Perfect as a crunchy topping for stews or grilled meats.

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🌭 Brazilian Hot Dogs (Cachorro Quente)

Ingredients: Hot dogs, buns, tomato sauce, canned corn, canned peas, potato sticks, ketchup, mayonnaise.
Instructions: Simmer hot dogs in tomato sauce mixed with corn and peas. Place in buns and top with potato sticks, ketchup, and mayo.
Gourmet Twist: Caramelize some onions and add a layer to the bun. Top with grated mozzarella and broil briefly for a melty, indulgent take on this street food classic.

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🍛 Brazilian Beef and Rice Bowl

                                                                                  

Ingredients: Ground beef, garlic, onion, cooked rice, carrots, peas, oil, salt, pepper.
Instructions: Sauté onions and garlic in oil. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in chopped carrots and peas, season to taste, and serve over warm rice.
Gourmet Twist: Top with a sunny-side-up egg, sliced avocado, and a drizzle of hot sauce or lime crema for a bold, modern bowl that feels like a hug in every bite.

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🍅 Brazilian-Style Baked Chicken with Rice and Tomato Salad

Ingredients: Bone-in chicken legs, garlic, paprika, white rice, fresh tomatoes, onion, vinegar, fresh herbs (like parsley or cilantro), olive oil, salt.
Instructions: Season chicken with garlic, paprika, and olive oil. Bake at 400°F for 45 minutes or until golden and crispy. Serve with cooked rice and a chilled tomato salad made with chopped tomatoes, onions, herbs, vinegar, and oil.
Gourmet Twist: Roast lemon or orange slices alongside the chicken for a fragrant citrus finish. Add diced avocado or feta cheese to the tomato salad for a refreshing contrast.

Caribbean Cooking on a Budget | 12 Irresistible Dishes Under $12

 

1. Jamaican Jerk Chicken with Coconut Rice

• Dollar Tree Finds: Jerk seasoning, coconut milk, white rice

• Gourmet Twist: Finish with lime juice and chopped scallions

• Ingredients: Chicken thighs, jerk seasoning, coconut milk, white rice, lime, scallions

• Instructions: Marinate chicken in jerk seasoning. Cook rice in coconut milk until fluffy. Grill or bake chicken and serve over rice. Garnish with lime juice and scallions.

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2. Trinidadian Doubles (Curried Chickpeas with Bara Bread)

• Dollar Tree Finds: Canned chickpeas, curry powder, flour, yeast, turmeric

• Gourmet Twist: Add tamarind chutney and cucumber chutney

• Ingredients: Chickpeas, curry powder, flour, yeast, turmeric, tamarind paste, cucumber, vinegar

• Instructions: Cook chickpeas in curry sauce. Mix dough using flour, turmeric, and yeast; let rise and fry as small rounds. Assemble with curried chickpeas and chutneys.

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3. Bahamian Cracked Fish Sandwiches

• Dollar Tree Finds: Cornmeal, flour, hot sauce, sandwich rolls, seasonings

• Gourmet Twist: Add pickled onions and homemade tartar sauce

• Ingredients: White fish fillets (tilapia or pollock), flour, cornmeal, seasonings, sandwich rolls, onion, vinegar, mayo, relish

• Instructions: Dredge fish in seasoned cornmeal and flour, then fry. Toast sandwich rolls, top fish with tartar sauce and quick-pickled onions.

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4. Caribbean Curry Chicken with Rice and Peas

• Dollar Tree Finds: Curry powder, coconut milk, canned kidney beans, garlic, onion, thyme

• Gourmet Twist: Add Scotch bonnet or habanero for bold island flavor

• Ingredients: Chicken legs, curry powder, garlic, onion, thyme, kidney beans, coconut milk, white rice

• Instructions: Brown seasoned chicken. Add curry powder, onion, and garlic. Simmer with water until tender. Cook rice with kidney beans and coconut milk.

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5. Haitian Epis-Marinated Chicken with Fried Plantains

• Dollar Tree Finds: Garlic, bell peppers, vinegar, herbs

• Gourmet Twist: Serve with spicy Haitian slaw (pikliz)

• Ingredients: Chicken quarters, bell peppers, garlic, onion, vinegar, parsley, plantains

• Instructions: Blend epis marinade. Coat chicken and bake. Peel and slice plantains, fry until golden. Serve with homemade pikliz (shredded cabbage, carrot, vinegar, chili).

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6. Puerto Rican Mofongo with Garlic Shrimp

• Dollar Tree Finds: Garlic, oil, pork rinds

• Gourmet Twist: Drizzle with garlic butter and sprinkle with parsley

• Ingredients: Plantains, garlic, pork rinds, shrimp, butter, parsley

• Instructions: Fry plantains. Mash with pork rinds and garlic. Sauté shrimp in garlic butter. Form mofongo into balls and top with shrimp.

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7. Cuban Black Beans & Yellow Rice with Fried Egg

• Dollar Tree Finds: Canned black beans, yellow rice mix, eggs

• Gourmet Twist: Add sliced avocado and red pepper flakes

• Ingredients: Black beans, yellow rice, eggs, avocado, red pepper flakes

• Instructions: Cook yellow rice. Warm beans with garlic and onion. Fry egg sunny-side-up. Serve over rice with beans, topped with avocado and pepper flakes.

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8. Coconut Curry Lentils with Sweet Potato

• Dollar Tree Finds: Lentils, coconut milk, curry powder, onion, garlic

• Gourmet Twist: Serve with naan and a lime wedge

• Ingredients: Lentils, coconut milk, curry powder, garlic, onion, sweet potato

• Instructions: Sauté aromatics. Add curry powder, diced sweet potato, lentils, and coconut milk. Simmer until lentils are soft. Serve with lime wedge.

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9. Dominican Pollo Guisado (Braised Chicken Stew)

• Dollar Tree Finds: Tomato sauce, peppers, sazon, onion

• Gourmet Twist: Add green olives and capers for saltiness

• Ingredients: Chicken drumsticks, tomato sauce, green bell peppers, sazon packet, onion, olives, capers

• Instructions: Brown chicken. Add onion, bell pepper, tomato sauce, and seasonings. Simmer with water until tender. Stir in olives and capers before serving.

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10. Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers with Island Slaw

• Dollar Tree Finds: Pineapple chunks, BBQ sauce, coleslaw mix

• Gourmet Twist: Grill the skewers and toss the slaw with honey-lime dressing

• Ingredients: Chicken breast, pineapple chunks, BBQ sauce, shredded coleslaw mix, honey, lime

• Instructions: Skewer chicken and pineapple. Grill or bake with BBQ glaze. Mix coleslaw with honey and lime juice. Serve together.

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11. Caribbean Beef Patties with Spiced Sweet Potato Wedges

• Dollar Tree Finds: Ground beef, onion, garlic, sweet potatoes, biscuit dough

• Gourmet Twist: Add allspice and hot pepper flakes

• Ingredients: Ground beef, onion, garlic, allspice, biscuit or pastry dough, sweet potatoes

• Instructions: Cook beef with seasonings. Fill dough with meat mixture and bake. Slice sweet potatoes, season, and roast until crisp-tender.

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12. Island Corn Fritters with Spicy Mango Dipping Sauce

• Dollar Tree Finds: Canned corn, flour, egg, mango preserves, hot sauce

• Gourmet Twist: Add lime zest and cilantro to the batter

• Ingredients: Canned corn, flour, egg, mango preserves, hot sauce, cilantro, lime

• Instructions: Mix corn, egg, flour, and seasonings. Fry spoonfuls in oil. Mix mango preserves with hot sauce and lime juice for dip.

Australian Fine Dining for Families | 12 Meals Under $12 with Dollar Tree Finds

 

1. Aussie Meat Pie with Herb Gravy

Dollar Tree Finds: Pie crust, frozen veggies, brown gravy mix
Gourmet Twist: Add fresh rosemary and a splash of red wine reduction.
Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables

• 1 pack brown gravy mix

• 1 pre-made pie crust (top and bottom)

• 1 tsp rosemary

• 1/4 cup red wine (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain excess fat.

3. Stir in veggies and gravy (prepared per packet).

4. Add rosemary and red wine; simmer 5 minutes.

5. Fill pie crust with mixture, cover with top crust, crimp, and vent.

6. Bake 25–30 minutes until golden.

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2. Grilled Barramundi with Lemon Butter Sauce

Dollar Tree Finds: Frozen fish fillets (swai or tilapia), lemon juice
Gourmet Twist: Serve with garlic sautéed spinach and smoked sea salt.
Ingredients:

• 2 fish fillets

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season fish with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

2. Grill or pan-fry 4–5 minutes per side.

3. Melt butter and stir in lemon juice.

4. Pour over fish and serve warm.

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3. Chicken Parmigiana Aussie Style

Dollar Tree Finds: Chicken, breadcrumbs, tomato sauce, cheese, bacon bits
Gourmet Twist: Top with fresh parsley and cracked pepper and broil.
Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

• 1 cup tomato sauce

• 1 cup shredded cheese

• 2 tbsp bacon bits

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Bread chicken and bake or pan-fry until golden.

3. Top with sauce, cheese, and bacon bits.

4. Broil 3–4 minutes until bubbly and browned.

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4. Grilled Aussie Steak with Garlic Potato Wedges and Chimichurri

Dollar Tree Finds: Beef, potatoes, garlic powder, parsley flakes
Gourmet Twist: Make chimichurri with fresh herbs, olive oil, and vinegar.
Ingredients:

• 2 beef steaks

• 2 large potatoes

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper

• 1/4 cup parsley

• 2 tbsp vinegar

• 1 clove garlic

Instructions:

1. Cut potatoes into wedges, toss with oil, garlic powder, salt, and bake at 400°F for 30 mins.

2. Grill steak to preference; rest before slicing.

3. Blend parsley, garlic, vinegar, and oil for chimichurri.

4. Serve steak with wedges and chimichurri.

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5. Aussie-Style Grilled Lamb Meatballs with Mint Yogurt

Dollar Tree Finds: Ground beef, plain yogurt, herbs/spices
Gourmet Twist: Add chopped mint, lemon zest, and garlic to the yogurt.
Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground lamb or beef

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp coriander

• Salt and pepper

• 1 cup plain yogurt

• 1 tbsp chopped mint

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• 1 garlic clove, minced

Instructions:

1. Mix meat with spices, form meatballs.

2. Grill or bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.

3. Combine yogurt with mint, lemon zest, and garlic.

4. Serve meatballs with chilled yogurt sauce.

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6. Baked Macadamia-Crusted Chicken Tenders

Dollar Tree Finds: Chicken, breadcrumbs, nut snack mix
Gourmet Twist: Mix nuts with parmesan and paprika for crunch.
Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/2 cup crushed nut mix

• 2 tbsp grated parmesan

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Mix breadcrumbs, nuts, parmesan, and paprika.

3. Dip chicken in egg, then coat with crumb mixture.

4. Bake 20–25 minutes until golden and cooked through.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  

   7. Aussie Beetroot Burger with Fried Egg                                                                                                                                                

   

   
   

   Dollar Tree Finds: Canned beets, frozen burgers, eggs, buns
   Gourmet Twist: Toast the bun with butter and add garlic aioli for a rich, savory finish.
   Ingredients:

   • 2 frozen beef burgers

   • 2 hamburger buns

   • 2 eggs

   • 1/2 cup canned sliced beets

   • Salt and pepper to taste

   Instructions:

   1. Grill or pan-fry burgers until cooked through.

   2. In a separate pan, fry eggs sunny side up.

   3. Toast buns with butter.

   4. Assemble burgers with beet slices and fried egg on top.

   5. Serve with a side of fries or salad.

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   8. Sausage Rolls with Puff Pastry                                                                                                                                                                                 

   

   
   

   Dollar Tree Finds: Sausage, crescent dough
   Gourmet Twist: Brush with egg wash and top with sesame seeds and smoked paprika.
   Ingredients:

   • 1 tube crescent dough or puff pastry

   • 1/2 lb ground sausage

   • 1 egg (for wash)

   • 1 tsp smoked paprika

   • Optional: sesame seeds

   Instructions:

   1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

   2. Roll out dough, add sausage down the center, and roll to seal.

   3. Slice into small rolls, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with paprika and seeds.

   4. Bake 20–25 minutes until golden brown.

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   9. Veggie and Cheese Jaffle (Toasted Sandwich)                                                                                                                                          

   

   
   

   Dollar Tree Finds: Bread, cheese, frozen spinach, onions
   Gourmet Twist: Use caramelized onions and herb butter for extra richness.
   Ingredients:

   • 4 slices sandwich bread

   • 1 cup shredded cheese

   • 1/2 cup thawed spinach

   • 1/4 cup sautéed onions

   • Butter or margarine

   Instructions:

   1. Spread butter on outer sides of bread.

   2. Fill inside with cheese, spinach, and onions.

   3. Toast in a skillet or sandwich press until golden and melted.

   4. Slice and serve warm.

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   10. Prawn (Shrimp) and Avocado Rice Bowl                                                                                                                                                      

   

   
   

   Dollar Tree Finds: Frozen shrimp, rice, avocado (if available)
   Gourmet Twist: Drizzle with soy-honey glaze and sprinkle with sesame seeds and lime zest.
   Ingredients:

   • 1 cup cooked rice

   • 1/2 lb cooked shrimp

   • 1 avocado, sliced

   • 2 tbsp soy sauce

   • 1 tbsp honey

   • 1/2 tsp sesame seeds

   • Lime zest for garnish

   Instructions:

   1. Sauté shrimp with a soy-honey glaze until warm and sticky.

   2. Add shrimp, avocado, and lime zest over warm rice.

   3. Top with sesame seeds and serve.

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   11. Aussie BBQ Chicken Skewers with Pineapple Glaze                                                                                                                                              

   

   
   
   
   

   Dollar Tree Finds: Chicken, canned pineapple, BBQ sauce
   Gourmet Twist: Add chili flake and serve over herbed couscous.
   Ingredients:

   • 1 lb chicken breast, cubed

   • 1/2 cup canned pineapple chunks

   • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce

   • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

   • Wooden skewers (optional)

   Instructions:

   1. Mix BBQ sauce with pineapple juice and chili flakes.

   2. Thread chicken and pineapple onto skewers.

   3. Grill or bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, basting with glaze.

   4. Serve with couscous or rice.

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   12. Creamy Chicken & Leek Pie with Puff Pastry Top                                                                                                                                            

   

   
   

   Dollar Tree Finds: Canned chicken, cream of chicken soup, mixed veggies, crescent dough
   Gourmet Twist: Sauté fresh leeks with butter and thyme; add milk or white wine for depth.
   Ingredients:

   • 1 can chicken

   • 1 can cream of chicken soup

   • 1/2 cup frozen mixed vegetables

   • 1 leek, sliced and sautéed

   • 1 sheet crescent dough or puff pastry

   • 2 tbsp milk or white wine

   Instructions:

   1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

   2. In a pan, mix chicken, veggies, soup, sautéed leek, and milk or wine.

   3. Pour into a baking dish and top with pastry.

   4. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.