35 Recipes That Made Takeout Totally Pointless
1. Crispy Orange Chicken
Recreate this Chinese-American favorite at home with tender chicken pieces coated in a tangy, sweet orange sauce. Serve over steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
2. Homemade Pizza Margherita
Master the art of making a perfect Neapolitan-style pizza with a crispy crust, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil leaves. Your kitchen will become your new favorite pizzeria.
3. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
This quick and easy stir-fry combines tender strips of beef with crisp broccoli in a savory sauce. It’s faster than delivery and tastes even better.
4. Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala
Indulge in the rich flavors of this popular Indian dish with tender chicken pieces in a creamy tomato-based sauce. Pair it with naan bread for an authentic experience.
5. Classic Cheeseburger
Create the perfect juicy burger topped with melted cheese, fresh vegetables, and your favorite condiments. It’s the ultimate American comfort food made right in your kitchen.
6. Pad Thai
Master this Thai street food favorite with rice noodles, shrimp or chicken, peanuts, and a tangy tamarind sauce. It’s easier to make than you might think!
7. Homemade Sushi Rolls
Learn the art of rolling your own sushi at home with fresh ingredients and your favorite fillings. It’s a fun activity and tastes incredibly fresh.
8. Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings
Enjoy crispy, spicy buffalo wings without the need for deep-frying. These oven-baked wings are just as delicious and much healthier.
9. Vegetable Lo Mein
Whip up this Chinese takeout classic with a variety of colorful vegetables and chewy noodles in a savory sauce. It’s a great way to use up leftover veggies.
10. Homemade Falafel
Create crispy, flavorful falafel balls using chickpeas and aromatic spices. Serve in pita bread with tahini sauce for a delicious Mediterranean meal.
11. Chicken Parmesan
Enjoy crispy breaded chicken topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. This Italian-American classic is surprisingly easy to make at home.
12. Beef and Bean Burritos
Wrap up seasoned ground beef, refried beans, cheese, and your favorite toppings in a warm tortilla. These homemade burritos are customizable and delicious.
13. General Tso’s Chicken
Create this popular Chinese-American dish with crispy chicken pieces tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce. It’s easier to make than you might think!
14. Homemade Gyros
Recreate the flavors of Greek street food with seasoned meat, fresh vegetables, and tzatziki sauce wrapped in warm pita bread. It’s a delicious handheld meal.
15. Shrimp Scampi
Toss succulent shrimp in a garlicky, buttery white wine sauce and serve over pasta. This Italian-American favorite is quick and impressive.
16. Homemade Pho
Simmer a fragrant broth and serve it with rice noodles, tender meat, and fresh herbs. This Vietnamese soup is comforting and customizable.
17. BBQ Pulled Pork
Slow-cook pork until it’s tender and shred it for sandwiches or tacos. This versatile dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping.
18. Vegetable Curry
Create a flavorful and aromatic curry with your choice of vegetables and spices. Serve over rice for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
19. Homemade Fish and Chips
Achieve crispy battered fish and perfectly fried chips in your own kitchen. This British classic is a crowd-pleaser and easier than you think.
20. Chicken Teriyaki
Grill or pan-fry chicken and glaze it with a homemade teriyaki sauce. Serve with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
21. Homemade Ramen
Craft a rich, flavorful broth and top it with noodles, soft-boiled eggs, and your choice of protein. This comforting bowl is perfect for chilly days.
22. Eggplant Parmesan
Layer crispy breaded eggplant slices with marinara sauce and cheese for a delicious vegetarian alternative to chicken parmesan.
23. Homemade Enchiladas
Roll seasoned meat or vegetables in tortillas, top with enchilada sauce and cheese, then bake until bubbly. It’s a crowd-pleasing Mexican favorite.
24. Sesame Chicken
Create crispy chicken pieces tossed in a sweet and savory sesame sauce. This Chinese-inspired dish is addictively delicious.
25. Homemade Calzones
Stuff pizza dough with your favorite toppings, fold, and bake for a portable pizza pocket. It’s like having your own personal pizzeria.
26. Chicken Shawarma
Marinate and grill seasoned chicken, then serve in pita bread with fresh vegetables and garlic sauce. This Middle Eastern street food is a flavor explosion.
27. Homemade Potstickers
Learn to fold and cook these delicious Chinese dumplings filled with pork and vegetables. They’re perfect as an appetizer or main course.
28. Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Toss spicy, succulent shrimp with pasta in a creamy Cajun-spiced sauce. It’s a restaurant-quality dish you can easily make at home.
29. Homemade Naan Bread
Create soft, pillowy naan bread in a skillet or on a grill. It’s the perfect accompaniment to curries or as a base for flatbread pizzas.
30. Sweet and Sour Pork
Recreate this Chinese takeout favorite with crispy pork pieces in a tangy sweet and sour sauce. Add pineapple and bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
31. Homemade Egg Rolls
Fill crispy wrappers with a savory mixture of vegetables and meat, then fry or bake for the perfect appetizer. They’re easier to make than you might think!
32. Chicken Alfredo
Create a creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce and toss it with pasta and grilled chicken. This Italian-American classic is pure comfort food.
33. Homemade Tacos al Pastor
Marinate and grill pork with pineapple for this Mexican street food favorite. Serve in warm tortillas with fresh toppings for a flavor explosion.
34. Vegetable Fried Rice
Transform leftover rice into a delicious meal with mixed vegetables and savory seasonings. It’s a quick and easy way to use up ingredients in your fridge.
35. Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Create crispy, juicy chicken nuggets that are healthier and tastier than fast food versions. They’re perfect for kids and adults alike!
With these 35 delicious recipes in your culinary arsenal, you’ll never need to rely on takeout again. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also have full control over the ingredients and flavors in your meals. So put down that takeout menu, grab your apron, and start cooking up some homemade magic in your kitchen!
Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.