Okonomiyaki

This savoury pancake makes a great starter for a small group or a hearty meal that serves one or two people. Look for okonomi sauce and bonito flakes at Asian supermarkets. If you can't find the more richly flavoured Japanese-style mayonnaise, substitute with regular mayo.

Classic Chili Sauce

Our retro version of this chili sauce, which first appeared in our November 1990 issue, called for canned tomatoes; here, we've used fresh instead for an intensified taste. To strike the perfect balance between sweet and spicy, you may want to add more sugar, depending on how sweet the tomatoes are.

Instant Cabbage Kimchi

This “instant” kimchi does not require fermentation and can be enjoyed immediately or within a few hours of making. Long cabbage or a thin napa cabbage is ideal for the quick salting process.

Slow Cooker Apple Spice Cake

As this cake bakes, it fills the air with the heavenly scent of spiced apples. The rich nutty flavour of brown butter icing transforms this everyday treat into a company-worthy dessert. Cost: $0.50/serving

Chicken Lo Mein

This one-dish meal has chicken, vegetables and starch all in one bowl. Dry Chinese wheat noodles are flat thin noodles available in Chinese grocery stores and some supermarkets. However, you can easily replace the noodles with linguine or fettuccini, cooking it for 8 to 10 minutes.

Stir-Fried Seafood Udon Noodles

For nights when you're low on time, udon noodles are a great ingredient to have on hand because there's no need to boil them in a saucepan; simply separate the noodles by hand, then add them directly to your stir-fry for a one-pan dinner that's ready in no time.

Pumpkin Crème Brûlée

From the first crunch of the crackle topping to the last bite of the creamy pumpkin custard, this sinfully pleasing dessert makes a splendid ending to a fall dinner.

Cabbage & Tofu Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce

Spicy Peanut Shrimp and Noodles

Skip the takeout line and whip up this Asian-inspired stir-fry at home, instead. It's the perfect dish for using up odds and ends that are kicking around in the fridge, so feel free to switch up the veggies or substitute the shrimp for sliced chicken breast on days when you're too busy to grocery shop.

Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

This aromatic curry starts with a practically prep-free sauce that gets its potent flavour from garam masala, a finely ground blend of cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, coriander, mace and cloves. To save time on prep, look for the ready-made mix in the spice aisle.