15 “Fakeout Takeout” Recipes That Beat Delivery
Crab Cream Cheese Wontons
Crunchy, golden-brown wonton wrappers hold a luscious filling of sweet crab meat blended with silky cream cheese and scallions. A quick dip in hot oil turns each pocket shatter-crispy while keeping the center molten and savory. They taste exactly like the restaurant version yet cost a fraction of the price. Pair them with sweet-and-sour or soy-ginger sauce and watch the platter disappear in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Crab Cream Cheese Wontons
Honey Walnut Shrimp
Juicy shrimp are lightly battered, fried until crisp, and then cloaked in a creamy honey-mayo glaze that’s both sweet and tangy. Caramelized candied walnuts add crunch and a hint of toasted richness to every bite. The dish looks restaurant-elegant yet comes together in one pan in under 30 minutes. Serve over jasmine rice for a weeknight splurge that rivals your favorite takeout joint.
Get the Recipe: Honey Walnut Shrimp
Pizza Burgers
These burgers combine the juicy satisfaction of a beef patty with all the cheesy, saucy goodness of a slice of pizza. Italian-seasoned meat is seared and topped with zesty marinara, gooey mozzarella, and pepperoni before finishing under the broiler. The result is a handheld mash-up that thrills kids and adults alike. Pile on fresh basil or banana peppers for a custom pizzeria touch.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Burgers
Chinese Imperial Palace General Tso Chicken
Bite-sized chicken pieces are fried until crackling crisp, then tossed in a glossy sauce that balances sweet, tangy, and spicy notes with effortless grace. Garlic, ginger, and dried chilies perfume every morsel, while rice vinegar keeps the richness in check. The whole dish is ready in about 35 minutes—faster than delivery to most doorsteps. Serve with steamed broccoli for the full takeout experience at home.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Imperial Palace General Tso Chicken
Instant Pot Pulled Chicken
The pressure cooker transforms boneless chicken into succulent shreds infused with smoky spices and a touch of sweetness in just 30 minutes. A splash of secret pantry ingredients deepens the flavor, making the meat taste like it simmered all afternoon. Pile it onto buns, salads, or tacos for a versatile protein that meal-preps like a dream. One batch will power several easy dinners throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pulled Chicken
Sheet Pan Beef and Broccoli
Thin slices of steak and vibrant broccoli florets roast together under a sticky soy-garlic glaze that caramelizes as it cooks. The high oven heat delivers wok-style sear without standing over a stove, and the entire meal happens on one pan. Dinner is ready in about 25 minutes, and cleanup is a single sheet of foil. Serve over rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter take on the classic takeout combo.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Beef and Broccoli
String Bean Chicken Recipe: Better Than Takeout!
Juicy chicken breast pieces and crisp green beans flash-stir-fry in a garlicky soy sauce that clings to every bite. A touch of oyster sauce and ginger provides depth, while sesame seeds add subtle nuttiness. The dish delivers Panda-style flavor with fresher veggies and far less oil. Serve over steamed rice and bask in the compliments about your “restaurant” dinner.
Get the Recipe: String Bean Chicken Recipe: Better Than Takeout!
Authentic Shrimp Fried Rice (Better Than Takeout!)
Cold day-old rice is wok-fried with plump shrimp, mixed vegetables, and fluffy scrambled eggs for true Chinese-restaurant flavor. High heat gives the grains a slight smoky char known as wok hei, something home cooks seldom achieve. A drizzle of soy and a dash of white pepper finish the dish in under 20 minutes. It’s proof that leftovers and a hot pan can create magic.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Shrimp Fried Rice (Better Than Takeout!)
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
A handful of pantry staples—soy sauce, honey, garlic, and pineapple juice—transform chicken thighs into sticky-sweet perfection right in the slow cooker. As the meat cooks low and slow, it soaks up the sauce until fork-tender. Serve over rice with steamed veggies and drizzle extra glaze on top for a healthier spin on your favorite takeout. Leftovers are even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs
Thin strips of pork marinate in hoisin, soy, and Chinese five-spice before roasting to sticky, crimson perfection. Broiling at the end caramelizes the edges, giving you that authentic BBQ glaze without a grill. The ribs come out tender, sweet, and slightly smoky—exactly like your go-to takeout order. Slice and serve with steamed rice and broccoli for the full combo-plate experience.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs
Ground Beef Chow Mein
Budget-friendly ground beef sautés with cabbage, carrots, and chow-mein noodles in a savory soy-hoisin sauce. The entire skillet cooks in under 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy families. A sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds adds freshness and crunch at the table. It’s comfort food that stretches a pound of meat into a filling, flavorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Chow Mein
Stovetop Pineapple Pork Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin medallions sear to juicy perfection, then simmer in a sticky pineapple-soy glaze that hits every sweet, spicy, and tangy note. The stovetop method keeps the meat moist while caramelizing the sauce into a glossy coating. Serve it over rice to catch every drop of that irresistible glaze. It’s a tropical twist on takeout that’s ready in about 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Stovetop Pineapple Pork Tenderloin
Chicken Lo Mein
Soft lo mein noodles tangle with tender chicken strips and colorful veggies in a garlicky soy-ginger sauce. The entire stir-fry is done in 30 minutes, making it faster and fresher than delivery. Customize the vegetables based on what’s in your fridge and dinner never looks the same twice. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and dig in while it’s piping hot.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lo Mein
Easy General Tso Shrimp Stir Fry
Borrowing the classic sweet-heat sauce from General Tso’s chicken, this quick stir-fry swaps in succulent shrimp for a lighter twist. The prawns cook in minutes, soaking up the glossy glaze while staying perfectly tender. Add steamed broccoli or snap peas for color and crunch, then serve over rice or noodles. You’ll satisfy your takeout craving in less time than the delivery driver needs to find parking.
Get the Recipe: Easy General Tso Shrimp Stir Fry
Crispy Honey Sesame Chicken (Easy Takeout Recipe)
Lightly battered chicken pieces fry until golden, then get lacquered in a sticky honey-soy glaze sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds. The crunch on the outside gives way to juicy meat inside, capturing that perfect takeout texture. Because the sauce uses pantry staples, you can whip this up whenever the craving strikes. Serve with steamed rice and broccoli for a complete dinner that dazzles without draining your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Honey Sesame Chicken (Easy Takeout Recipe)
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