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Weekday Menu Inspiration: So what’s on the menu this week? w.c. 05.01.26

This week’s menu is a good one — it’s all about saving time and money without skimping on flavour. You’ll be using clever ingredient swaps between dishes, and there’s even one meal that makes two portions — perfect for those nights when you’re too busy (or just too tired) to cook. Simply heat it up and you’re good to go!

From cosy, classic delights, to an oriental time-saver, this week’s line-up has something for everyone. Each recipe can be easily adapted for different dietary needs — whether you’re vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free — while still delivering big on taste.

So what needs to be on your shopping list?

It’s really that simple this week for dinner! Nip down to your local supermarket for these few bits and you’ll be equipped for Monday through to Friday🗓️

I’m no chef, but I do love cooking – so here’s what I would do with these ingredients:

Homemade fish and chips🍟

Serves 2

1. Slice your potatoes into wedges and pop them in the air fryer with a little oil, salt and pepper.
2. Whilst cooking, put either your breaded fish fillet in the oven or wait until your wedges have 15minutes left and place your fresh fillet in a buttered pan.
3. Put your tin of mushy peas or frozen peas in a microwavable bowl ready to heat.
4. Fry for approximately 6-7minutes on both sides of the fillet over a medium heat (or for how long the packet directs).
5. Just before your fish is cooked, start your microwave.

And as easy as that – you’ve got a good, old-fashioned plate of fish and chips! And better yet… you’ll have enough ingredients to have it on another night of the week that you feel like it.

Mushroom Fajitas with Rice🍄‍🟫

Serves 1

1. Chop your mushrooms and some peppers into long strips.
2. Add them to a frying pan with a drizzle of oil and some garlic, letting everything soften and cook through.
3. Once the veg is tender, sprinkle over your fajita seasoning and mix well.
   • Top Tip: If you like things a bit saucier, stir in either passata or chopped tomatoes you have in the cupboard – it works a treat.
4. Cook half your packet of rice in the microwave while the veg finishes – and then dish everything up.

A full-on fajita fiesta, ready in no time at all.

Sweet and Sour Rice🫑

Serves 1

1. Chop your leftover mushrooms and peppers into long strips and slice your baby corn in half.
2. Add your veg to a frying pan with a drizzle of oil and let your veg soften and cook through.
3. Add the other half of your rice packet and your sweet’n’sour sauce to the pan.
4. Let everything cook through and then serve.
   • Top Tip: Looking to add some more to the dish? Treat yourself to some prawn crackers on the side – you won’t regret it!

Chicken and Mash🍗

This one’s an exciting one… It’s absolutely your choice on what kind of chicken you have. Whether you fancy a kiev, a breast with gravy, a pie… the options are endless.

Serves 1

1.  Peel your spuds and pop them into a pan of boiling water with a pinch of salt.
2. Either pop your pie, kiev or breast into the oven or air fryer,
   1. Top Tip: Don’t set the heat too high — the top can burn before the middle has fully cooked.
3. Add some peas to a microwave-safe bowl and (if opting for it) your gravy granules to a jug so everything’s ready to go.
4. Once the potatoes are soft, drain them and return them to the pan with a little butter and milk.
5. Start your peas cooking, then mash the potatoes until they’re perfectly smooth — or delightfully lumpy if that’s more your style!
6. Serve everything up, finishing by making your gravy so it’s piping hot, or raiding the cupboard for your favourite sauce.

With so many different pies or kiev flavours on supermarket shelves these days, you really can’t go wrong with a classic like this — especially as the weather turns colder.

✨And that’s a wrap on this week’s Weekday Menu Inspiration!