Late night recipes
It is 11pm, you are hungry, and you do not want to wash a stack of pans. These late-night recipes are for exactly that moment: fried rice, upgraded ramen, toasties, quesadillas, eggs every which way and the odd mug cake. Each one takes 20 minutes or less and leans on things most kitchens already have, like eggs, bread, cheese, rice and noodles.
54 recipes, quickest first.
5 minGingerbread mug cake
5 minMolten chocolate mug cake
6 minPumpkin spice mug cake
8 minCheesy spinach omelette
8 minSmoked salmon scrambled eggs
8 minSticky toffee mug pudding
10 minCopycatCopycat Din Tai Fung spicy wontons
10 minEgg drop soup
10 minHomemade hot cocoa
10 minMovie theater popcorn
11 minBacon and egg English muffins
11 minPeanut butter banana quesadillas
12 minClassic grilled cheese
12 minCopycatCopycat Egg McMuffin
12 minStovetop kettle corn
12 minStovetop nacho cheese sauce
12 minThanksgiving leftover sandwich
13 minPepperoni pizza bagels
13 minPesto caprese grilled cheese
14 minClassic tuna melt
14 minCopycatCopycat Benihana hibachi fried rice
14 minMasala omelette
14 minUpgraded instant ramen with jammy egg
15 minChilaquiles rojos
15 minFrench bread pizza
15 minGarlic butter noodles
15 minHomemade mozzarella sticks
15 minKimchi fried rice with a fried egg
15 minTortilla margherita pizzas
15 minTurkey cranberry panini
16 minBlack bean and corn quesadillas
16 minBreakfast fried rice with bacon and egg
16 minMicrowave loaded baked potatoes
16 minPizza quesadillas
16 minReuben sandwiches
16 minSpam musubi
17 minBodega bacon, egg and cheese
17 minCroque monsieur
17 minSpaghetti aglio e olio
17 minThai basil chicken with fried egg
18 minChorizo, potato and egg breakfast tacos
18 minHuevos rotos with chorizo
18 minNew York street cart hot dogs
18 minSeattle cream cheese dogs
18 minStovetop mac and cheese
18 minTteokbokki
19 minBeef and bean burritos
19 minClassic BLT
19 minSmash burger tacos
20 minCacio e pepe
20 minClassic chicken quesadillas
20 minCopycatCopycat Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme
20 minQuick shakshuka
20 minSteak and cheese quesatacos
Scroll for something savory or sweet, then check the ingredients against what is in your fridge. Most recipes serve one or two and use a single pan or bowl, so cleanup is quick. If you often cook late, keep a few staples stocked, such as instant noodles, tortillas and frozen veg, and you will always have options.
Common questions
What is a quick meal to make late at night?
Eggs are the fastest option: scrambled on toast, a cheese omelette or fried eggs over leftover rice. Instant ramen with an egg and scallions, a grilled cheese, or a quesadilla with whatever is in the fridge all take about 10 minutes. Pick dishes that use one pan so you are not left with dishes at midnight.
How can I make instant ramen better?
Cook the noodles in a little less water for a richer broth, then stir in a soft-boiled or poached egg, sliced scallions and a spoonful of chili crisp or sesame oil. Frozen vegetables, leftover chicken, a slice of American cheese or a splash of soy sauce and peanut butter all add flavor and substance in minutes.
Can I use leftover rice for fried rice?
Yes, cold leftover rice is ideal because it has dried out slightly and fries without clumping. Break up the clumps with your hands first, use a hot pan with a little oil, and keep it moving. Cooked rice should go in the fridge within a couple of hours of cooking and be used within three to four days.