Egg Fried Rice

The greatest leftover hack in culinary history. Day-old rice (free if you made too much yesterday), four eggs ($1.20), soy sauce, sesame oil, frozen peas and carrots ($1.00), and a couple of green onions. Total cost: under $4 — that's 50% cheaper than the average cost of the other meals on this list. The secret is screaming-hot oil and not touching the rice for 60 seconds so it gets that smoky wok hei char. Uncle Roger would approve. It takes 10 minutes from fridge to plate, and kids who "don't like vegetables" will eat it without complaint because the veggies are hiding. A single serving at a Chinese takeout costs $8, making this 80% cheaper than the takeout version.