Creating delicious homemade meals that rival or even surpass your favorite takeout dishes is easier than you might think. Whether you’re looking to save money, control your ingredients, or enjoy a healthier version of your go-to takeout, these ten recipes prove that cooking at home can be just as satisfying—if not more so.
1. Sesame Chicken
Sesame chicken is a popular dish for takeout, but you can make a healthier version at home. Start by putting small chicken pieces in a mix of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Then, coat them in cornstarch and fry until crispy. Combine soy sauce, honey, vinegar, and sesame oil for the sauce, and pour it over the chicken. Sprinkle with sesame seeds & serve over steamed rice. This homemade version is less greasy and packed with flavor.
2. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
This classic Chinese takeout dish can be whipped up in under 30 minutes at home. Sauté thinly sliced beef in a hot skillet until browned, then add garlic and ginger for extra flavor. Toss in fresh broccoli florets and stir-fry until tender-crisp. Finish with a savory sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce & a touch of sugar. Serve over a bed of rice for a complete meal quicker than delivery.
3. Margherita Pizza
While pizza delivery is tempting, a homemade Margherita pizza can be far more satisfying. Begin with a dough made from flour, yeast, water, and olive oil. Flatten it out and add crushed tomatoes, mozzarella slices, and basil leaves. Add olive oil on top & bake in a hot oven until the crust is golden & the cheese is bubbly. The result is a fresh, flavorful pizza that rivals your favorite pizzeria.
4. Chicken Pad Thai
Pad Thai is a popular Thai takeout dish, but making it home allows you to control the ingredients and customize it to your taste. Make the rice noodles as directed on the package and then leave them to the side. In a hot pan, scramble eggs, then add cooked chicken, garlic, and shallots. Toss the noodles and a sauce made from tamarind paste, fish sauce, and sugar. Finish with crushed peanuts, bean sprouts, and lime wedges for a delicious, authentic-tasting Pad Thai.
5. Spicy Tuna Sushi Rolls
Sushi might seem intimidating to make at home, but you can create restaurant-quality rolls with a few key ingredients. Start with sushi-grade tuna, chop it finely, and mix with a spicy mayo sauce made from mayonnaise, sriracha, and a touch of sesame oil. Spread sushi rice on a nori sheet, add the tuna mixture, and roll tightly. Slice into bite-sized pieces & serve with soy sauce and pickled ginger. The freshness and flavor will make you forget all about takeout.
6. Butter Chicken
Butter chicken is a creamy, flavorful Indian dish easily made at home. Soak chicken in a mix of yogurt, garlic, ginger, and spices. Then cook in a hot pan until brown. In the same pan, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger, then add tomato puree and cream to create a rich sauce. Put the chicken back in the pan and let it cook until done. Enjoy with naan or basmati rice for a tasty meal that is even better than takeout.
7. Pho
Vietnamese pho is a fragrant, comforting noodle soup that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. Start by simmering beef bones with onions, ginger, and spices like star anise and cinnamon to create a flavorful broth. Cook rice noodles separately, and slice thin pieces of beef. To serve, place the noodles in a bowl, top with raw beef slices, and pour the hot broth over everything to cook the meat. Garnish with fresh herbs, lime, and chili for a bowl of pho that beats any takeout.
8. Banh Mi Sandwiches
Banh mi is a Vietnamese sandwich that combines French influences with traditional Vietnamese flavors. Start by marinating pork in soy sauce, sugar, and garlic, then grill until caramelized. Slice a baguette and spread with mayonnaise and pâté, then add the grilled pork, pickled vegetables (like carrots and daikon), cucumber slices, cilantro, and fresh jalapeños. The combination of flavors and textures makes this sandwich a standout meal you can easily make at home.
9. Shrimp Tacos
Shrimp tacos are a fast and simple meal that can be better than takeout. Start by seasoning shrimp with chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder, then sauté in a hot pan until cooked through. Warm corn tortillas and fill with the shrimp, then top with a fresh slaw made from shredded cabbage, lime juice, and cilantro. Add a drizzle of spicy mayo or a squeeze of fresh lime, and you have a flavorful, fresh taco perfect for a weeknight dinner.
10. General Tso’s Chicken
This popular Chinese-American dish is known for its sweet and spicy sauce and is surprisingly easy to recreate at home. Begin by covering chicken pieces in cornstarch and frying them until they are crispy. In a separate pan, create the sauce by combining soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and chili paste. Toss the crispy chicken in the sauce until well-coated, and serve over rice. This homemade version is less greasy and allows you to control the level of spice and sweetness.
Conclusion
By making these homemade versions of your favorite takeout dishes, you gain control over ingredients, reduce unhealthy additives, and enjoy fresher, more flavorful meals. Not only do these recipes provide a healthier alternative, but they also bring the satisfaction of creating delicious, restaurant-quality dishes in your kitchen. Next time you crave takeout, try cooking instead!