Open the fridge, list what you see, and get dinner sorted in 20 minutes. This prompt makes the AI act like a practical home cook. It uses what you have first, respects your diet, and gives clear steps and timings instead of fancy recipes you can't make.
Why it is trending
Using AI to cut food waste and plan quick meals is one of the most practical everyday uses people share, especially as grocery prices stay high. 'What can I cook with this?' is a top cooking search.
The master prompt
Copy it as it is, or change the parts in [BRACKETS] to make it yours.
Act as a practical home cook who hates food waste. I want dinner in about [20] minutes using mainly what I already have.
What's in my fridge and cupboard:
[LIST EVERYTHING YOU SEE, e.g. 2 eggs, half an onion, leftover rice, 1 tomato, some spinach, yogurt, chicken thigh, basic spices]
About me:
- People eating: [2]
- Diet or allergies: [e.g. halal, vegetarian, no nuts]
- Equipment: [stove, pan, microwave, no oven]
- Taste: [e.g. spicy, Pakistani/Indian flavours, light]
Step 1: Give me 3 dinner ideas I can make with what I have. For each: name, one-line description, time, and any 1–2 extra items I'd need to buy (or 'none').
Step 2: Wait for me to choose one, then give the full recipe:
- ingredient list with exact amounts from what I have;
- numbered steps with timings ("3 minutes", "until golden");
- a tip to make it taste restaurant-quality;
- how to store leftovers safely.
Rules: use the ingredients that spoil fastest first, keep it simple, no exotic ingredients, and tell me if any leftover looks unsafe to use (e.g. rice older than 1 day).
Short version (for apps with a character limit)
I have: [LIST INGREDIENTS]. Give me 3 dinner ideas I can cook in 20 minutes with only these (plus basic spices), then the full step-by-step recipe for the one I pick. Diet: [DIET]. Equipment: [STOVE/MICROWAVE].
Remix it: ready-made variations
Lunchbox for the week
Using these ingredients: [LIST], plan 5 simple packed lunches for the work week that reuse the same base ingredients, with a 30-minute Sunday prep plan and a shopping list for anything missing.
Kids' picky-eater version
My kids are [AGES] and picky. From these ingredients: [LIST], suggest 3 kid-friendly dinners that hide vegetables, take under 25 minutes and have a fun name, then the recipe for the one I choose.
Budget week planner
I have [BUDGET] for groceries this week for [N] people. Plan 7 dinners that share ingredients to reduce waste, list exactly what to buy with rough prices, and give a prep order for the week.
Tips for each AI model
| Model | What to do |
|---|---|
| ChatGPT | Take a photo of your open fridge and upload it with the prompt; ChatGPT can list the ingredients for you. |
| Gemini | Ask Gemini to 'show a quick video search for the hardest step' if you need to see a technique. |
| Claude | Ask Claude to scale the recipe or turn it into a printable card once you pick a dish. |
How to make it, step by step
- List your ingredients. Write down what you have, including leftovers and half-used items.
- Fill in your details. Add people, diet, equipment and taste in the brackets.
- Pick an idea. Choose one of the three dinners the AI suggests.
- Cook along. Follow the numbered steps; ask follow-up questions if a step is unclear.
Posting kit
A caption and hashtags you can use when you share your version.
Fridge looks empty? AI says dinner in 20 minutes. 🍳 #ChatGPT #recipes #leftovers #quickdinner #mealplanning #AItools #cookinghacks #foodwaste #Gemini #easyrecipes
Questions
Can I upload a photo of my fridge?
Yes. ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude can all read photos. Upload the picture and say 'use what you see in this photo' instead of typing the list.
Is it safe to use leftovers?
The prompt asks the AI to warn you about risky leftovers, but always follow basic food-safety rules: cooked rice and chicken are best within 1–2 days if kept cold.
Can it follow halal or vegetarian rules?
Yes. State your diet clearly in the brackets and the AI will plan around it.
