28 Recipes That Save You Money and Taste Better Than Takeout
Tired of takeout draining your wallet and leaving you feeling less than satisfied? Craving those restaurant favorites but dreading the price tag? Then you’ve come to the right place! We’ve compiled 28 incredibly delicious recipes that not only taste better than takeout, but also significantly lighten the load on your bank account. Get ready to impress yourself (and your taste buds!) with these budget-friendly culinary masterpieces.
From classic Asian-inspired dishes to comforting Western favorites, we’ve got something for everyone. Each recipe is designed for ease and affordability, using readily available ingredients and simple techniques. So ditch the delivery apps, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to experience the joy of home-cooked goodness!
PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Recreate the magic of PF Chang’s at home with this easy and flavorful chicken lettuce wrap recipe. It’s packed with fresh herbs and a savory sauce that will have you saying goodbye to takeout forever!
Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe
This vibrant and tangy dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Crisp, juicy chicken coated in a sweet and spicy orange sauce – restaurant quality without the restaurant price!
Easy Lo Mein Recipe
Lo mein just got easier (and cheaper!). This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal, and you can easily customize it with your favorite veggies and proteins.
Baked Cream Cheese Wontons Recipe
These baked wontons are a delightful appetizer or snack. Crispy, creamy, and utterly addictive, they’re a fraction of the cost of ordering them in.
Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
The viral sensation that’s taking over TikTok? You can make it at home for a fraction of the cost! This creamy, spicy chicken dish is a must-try.
Sesame Chicken Potstickers Recipe
Homemade potstickers? Yes, please! This recipe is surprisingly easy and delivers a delicious, savory snack that’s far more satisfying (and affordable) than takeout.
Panda Express Sweet Fire Chicken Copycat Recipe
We’ve cracked the code to Panda Express’s SweetFire Chicken! This copycat recipe is spot-on and way cheaper than ordering in.
CPK’s Kung Pao Spaghetti Recipe
A unique twist on a classic! This Kung Pao Spaghetti recipe blends the best of Italian and Chinese cuisine for a truly unforgettable meal.
Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
A classic for a reason! This shrimp fried rice recipe is easy to make, customizable to your liking, and a budget-friendly alternative to ordering in.
Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
Crisp, refreshing, and packed with flavor, this Chinese chicken salad is perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner. It’s also surprisingly easy to make!
Thai Peanut Beef Recipe
This flavorful Thai Peanut Beef is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that will transport your taste buds to Thailand without breaking the bank.
Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
A healthier twist on a takeout favorite! This baked sweet and sour chicken is just as delicious, but significantly lower in fat and calories.
Homemade Hummus Recipe
Forget store-bought hummus! Making your own is incredibly easy, far cheaper, and allows you to control the ingredients and flavor.
Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread Recipe
Elevate your sandwiches with homemade whole wheat bread! It’s healthier and tastes so much better than store-bought, and it’s surprisingly simple to make.
Homemade Veggie Burger Recipe
Tired of bland veggie burgers? Make your own! This recipe is packed with flavor and texture, and you can customize it to your heart’s content.
No-Oven Pizza Recipe
Pizza night just got easier (and cheaper)! This no-oven pizza recipe uses a skillet for a crispy crust and requires minimal cleanup.
Quick Fish Cakes Recipe
These quick and easy fish cakes are perfect for a light and satisfying meal. They’re packed with flavor and are a budget-friendly alternative to other protein sources.
Yoghurt Chicken Curry Recipe
Creamy, flavorful, and budget-friendly, this yoghurt chicken curry is a comforting and delicious meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
Speedy Mackerel Spaghetti Recipe
This surprisingly simple spaghetti dish is quick to make, full of flavor, and a fantastic way to incorporate healthy fish into your diet.
Super-Easy Gnocchi Recipe
Homemade gnocchi is easier than you think! This recipe provides a delicious and affordable alternative to buying pre-made gnocchi.
50/50 Bolognese Recipe
A twist on a classic! This 50/50 Bolognese uses equal parts ground beef and lentils for a leaner, more budget-friendly, and still incredibly flavorful sauce.
Energy-Saving Chicken Roast Recipe
Roast chicken doesn’t have to be energy-intensive! This recipe offers tips and tricks for a delicious, juicy roast chicken that’s also kind to your energy bill.
Crispy Pork & Broccoli Noodles Recipe
This flavorful noodle dish is quick, easy, and surprisingly inexpensive. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s packed with protein and vegetables.
Microwave Chili Con Carne Recipe
Chili just got easier! This microwave chili con carne recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and requires minimal cleanup.
Scruffy Veg Lasagne Recipe
A hearty and comforting vegetarian lasagne that uses whatever vegetables you have on hand! It’s both budget-friendly and delicious.
Sweet Potato & Chickpea Curry Recipe
This vibrant and flavorful curry is packed with protein and nutrients, and it’s a delicious and affordable vegetarian option.
Mushroom Risotto Recipe
Creamy, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make, this mushroom risotto is a sophisticated yet budget-friendly meal that will impress your guests.
Air-Fryer Cauliflower Curry Recipe
This healthy and flavorful cauliflower curry is cooked to crispy perfection in an air fryer, saving time and energy.