Moving away for college means freedom from curfews, chores and parental watchdogs. But it also means leaving behind the sweet, sweet comforts of a home-cooked meal. For a lot of Asian Americans, the switch from Mom’s special noodles to cafeteria chow mein can be big letdown, so we’ve put together a few recipes that you can make in your dorm microwave or common area kitchen, as well as tips for keeping a well-stocked pantry in a tiny living space.

Armed with nothing more than a cutting board, a chopping knife, and one medium-large pan, you can whip up all of these delicious dishes from a few simple ingredients in a mere half hour. So strap on an apron, impress your friends, and enjoy!