Get Recipes from What's in Your Fridge
"Cook with what you have" is one of the most practically effective household uses of AI. You decide a menu with minimal extra shopping.
Basic Prompt
In the fridge I have [ingredient list]. Assume common seasonings are on hand. Give 3 dinner options I can make with this, with cook time and steps. If I must buy more, keep it minimal.
Tips for Mastery
- Add conditions like "kid-friendly" or "make-ahead OK"
- "3 patterns—Japanese/Western/Chinese with the same ingredients" to avoid boredom
- Name ingredients likely to be left over and ask for use-them-up recipes
- Have it produce a week at once and generate the shopping list too
Caution
- Food safety: follow heating/storage basics. Don't over-trust AI's storage durations
- Allergies: state family allergens up front and confirm every time
- Amounts and heating times are guides; adjust taste and doneness yourself
Make It Routine
Saving frequently used prompts as templates settles "what should I cook" each night in 30 seconds. Cooking-specific apps are covered in a later chapter.
