Meal ideas without a working fridge

[peppermints]

Our fridge needs a new compressor. Luckily it's covered under warranty still, otherwise we'd be fridge shopping ASAP.

This obviously puts in a position where we're limited with what we can make since we 1) can't keep meat/dairy/etc in the fridge and 2) don't want to make things that will yield a lot of leftovers.

We're tired of takeout after two days.

What are some things we can make that will be convenient to do so not having a working fridge? I'm fine with going to the store and getting any meat or whatever right before we make it, but looking for ideas on things that are small in quantity.

Oh! And kid friendly foods are a bonus - have a 3.5 year old that's not a picky eater, but typically doesn't like things involving rice or noodles other than spaghetti.

The brand is LG if anyone is curious. We had someone out to diagnose it a few weeks ago and they deemed it was a faulty control board. So we paid to replace that (parts + labor), then this weekend everything stopped working. Lost everything in both the fridge and freezer. :( Now, they're saying that the compressor is likely what blew out the original control board.

 

[Septimus Prime]

Pasta and pasta sauce can work, if you don't make too much. Rice will work, as well, though it'll be harder to make anything to go with it. You can put soy sauce or furikake or pork sung on it, though.

Fresh veggies generally don't need to be refrigerated, either. Nor bread and butter.

 

[Deleted member 11157]

Buy a roasted chicken from Costco. Regular supermarkets sell them too. YOu can make wraps or fajitas with them.

 

[Borgnine]

Salted beef and turtles stored on their backs until it's time to eat them.

 

[Deleted member 10293]

Pasta

 

[laminated]

Make steamed rice. Learn to love spam.

Get an igloo dude. That way you can easily keep eggs or cold cuts chilled. Then you can have sandwiches. Although I heard it's not necessary to keep eggs cold, I don't know. Instant ramen and pasta are very good suggestions.

edit: you'd need to buy ice of course

 

[VenomousCoffee]

My power was off a week after Irma. Lived on dry oatmeal, canned fish, canned veggies, and peanut butter.

Have fun!

 

[Taurus Silver]

No fridge? No problem. You dont even need a stove for this.

 

[Toxicgonzo]

Do as the Hawaiians do and make some spam dishes

 

[Deleted member 2109]

Tuna, pasta, rice, chicken in a can(it's gross but not that gross), canned chili, beans, etc.

 

[oledome]

Buy a roasted chicken from Costco. Regular supermarkets sell them too. YOu can make wraps or fajitas with them.

Click to shrink...

I can second this, rotisserie chicken is a good option.

Other ideas:

• Tuna Sweetcorn baked potatoes with roasted vegetables
• Buy some UHT milk, no need for refrigeration, tastes different obviously
• Chorizo doesn't need to be in fridge: Chorizo Beans on Toast
• Pancakes with aforementioned UHT milk
• Pan fried potatoes or home made fries
• Fancy restaurants

 

[Applesauce]

An ice chest will let you keep some stuff cool enough, like lunch meat, sausage, hot dogs, and even burger meat. As well as your usual condiments. Think of it like a camping trip, except you're at home.

 

[Her Hero Is Gone]

How about Spaghetti Aglio e Olio? It's fast, easy, and all you need is the pasta, olive oil, garlic, pepper flakes and parmesan. You can also get some prepared sauces that can be kept on the shelf to have with pasta. Then supplement with a daily buy of fruit and vegetables.

I had my fridge stop cooling in August, so I know it's a pain in the butt. Luckily for me, my freezer section was still working so I still had decent options until the repair happened. I hope you have your fridge back in order soon.

 

[Hollywood Duo]

Baked potatoes, roasted eggplant, steamed broccoli. You can combine veggies with lots of pasta combinations. Canned beans can be made in to a soup along with vegetables. Buy some bouillon or broth to use/

 

[Lonewolf]

Canned stuff obviously. Powdered milk.

 

[chrisPjelly]

Crackers, ham, and cheese. PBJ. Oreos on the floor. You have so many options

 

[jeffrockz312]

Ramen.

 

[jmelons]

We're tired of takeout after two days.

Click to shrink...

I'd go with snacking on fruit (apples, oranges, grapes, etc.) then smaller, simple dishes for the meal. Maybe PB&J.

Honestly though, most food can last a day or two left on the stove top. When I make enchiladas, I leave the sauce in the pan for 2-3 days and it's fine. Shouldn't fear leaving it out.
Things I wouldn't mind leaving out (just toss in oven a day or two later):
Fajitas/BBQ/Grilled Meat
Pizza
Roasted chicken
Enchilada Sauce

You get the idea.

 

[Deleted member 17092]

Fresh fruit, pasta, canned goods, bread, pb&j, etc

 

[Mr_Black]

How can anyone get tired of takeout?!

 

[NoblesseOblige]

Peanut butter and banana sandwiches.