17 Homemade Dishes That Beat Takeout Every Time

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Takeout might be tempting, but these homemade dishes prove it’s worth staying in. From bold noodle bowls to crispy fried favorites, these recipes deliver all the flavor without the delivery fee. They’re quick, satisfying, and guaranteed to impress even the biggest takeout fans. Get ready to skip the menu and grab your apron instead. These are the meals you’ll want to make again and again.

A close-up image of a cheesy enchilada topped with diced tomatoes and green onions, served with a side of salad and fries.
Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Garlic Chili Oil Noodles

A close-up of a hand using chopsticks to lift cooked noodles from a black pan. The noodles are mixed with vegetables and sauce. A small dish is visible in the background.
Garlic Chili Oil Noodles. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Noodles tossed in a bold garlic chili oil sauce deliver takeout-style flavor without the wait. The savory, spicy sauce is balanced by the crunch of sesame seeds, making this dish quick, satisfying, and perfect for any night.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chili Oil Noodles

Bombay Sandwiches

Bombay Sandwiches layered with potato, tomato, cucumbers, and an herb chutney sauce.
Bombay Sandwiches. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Buttered white bread is layered with chutney and a mix of cooked and raw vegetables, creating a flavorful vegetarian sandwich. This classic Indian street food is fresh, satisfying, and easy to make at home.
Get the Recipe: Bombay Sandwiches

Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Ground Pork

A fork lifts a tantalizing forkful of noodles mixed with sausage and vegetables from a black skillet. The dish appears to be creamy and richly seasoned, reminiscent of dan dan noodles, with visible bits of meat and greens intertwined with the noodles.
Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Ground Pork. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

These dan dan noodles bring the heat with Sichuan peppercorns, chili oil, and sesame paste. Ground pork adds richness, making this a bold, hearty dish that easily outshines takeout.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Ground Pork

Teriyaki Salmon Noodles

Stir-fried noodles with vegetables and chunks of salmon in a skillet, with a fork lifting a portion.
Teriyaki Salmon Noodles. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Sweet teriyaki-glazed salmon pairs with tender noodles in this homemade favorite. The sauce coats every bite, while the salmon adds protein and texture for a meal that beats any takeout option.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Salmon Noodles

Camarones a la Diabla

Shrimp in red chile sauce on a white plate with lime wedges and a fork in the background.
Camarones a la Diabla. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Plump shrimp are simmered in a fiery sauce made with dried chiles. This dish packs bold heat and flavor, proving that homemade can be just as exciting as your favorite takeout.
Get the Recipe: Camarones a la Diabla

Chicken Hot and Sour Soup

Two bowls of hot and sour soup.
Chicken Hot and Sour Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A tangy, spicy broth is filled with mushrooms, bamboo shoots, chicken, tofu, and ribbons of egg. This soup is hearty, nutritious, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect homemade alternative to takeout.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Hot and Sour Soup

Chilaquiles

Overhead shot of chilaquiles on a black plate with a fork and knife on the side.
Chilaquiles. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Crispy tortilla chips are topped with chorizo and red chili sauce for a simple, filling dish. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this homemade recipe is far more satisfying than ordering in.
Get the Recipe: Chilaquiles

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu

Air fried tofu on a white plate.
Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Crispy tofu cubes are tossed with chilies, garlic, and scallions for a flavorful dish. Easy to make in the air fryer, this tofu recipe brings bold flavors that rival any takeout menu.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu

Singapore Noodles

Rice noodles with meat and veggies on a white plate.
Singapore Noodles. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Curry-flavored rice noodles are stir-fried with Char Siu, prawns, and vegetables. This aromatic dish is quick to prepare and brings takeout-style flavors straight to your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Singapore Noodles

Chicken Karaage

Overhead shot of karaage chicken with noodles on the side.
Chicken Karaage. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Juicy, marinated chicken pieces are fried to golden perfection. With a crispy exterior and tender interior, this Japanese classic is a homemade favorite that outshines takeout.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Karaage

Gochujang Noodles

Low angle shot of gochujang noodles with greens, mushrooms, and cheese on a grey and white plate.
Gochujang Noodles. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chewy noodles are coated in a creamy, spicy gochujang sauce with tender greens and mushrooms. This dish offers bold flavors and satisfying textures that make staying in better than ordering out.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Noodles

Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas

Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These enchiladas feature flavorful chicken wrapped in tortillas and cooked in the air fryer. Quick, easy, and full of bold flavors, they’re a homemade alternative to your usual takeout favorites.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas

Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Fish tacos on a small baking sheet with limes.
Air Fryer Fish Tacos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Fresh fish is cooked in the air fryer and served in warm tortillas with crisp toppings. These tacos are easy to make at home and offer fresh, flavorful competition to any takeout option.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Beijing Noodles

A bowl of noodles with sauce, garnished with sliced cucumbers, carrots, and bean sprouts. Using chopsticks, someone is lifting a portion of noodles. The dish is served in a white bowl, set on a light-colored table with a textured napkin nearby.
Beijing Noodles. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Chewy noodles are coated in a savory bean paste sauce with pork and mushrooms, then topped with fresh cucumbers and carrots. This comforting dish delivers richness and texture that beats takeout every time.
Get the Recipe: Beijing Noodles

Thai Shrimp Curry

Overhead shot of a bowl of Thai shrimp curry over rice with silverware and lime wedges on the side.
Thai Shrimp Curry. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Shrimp are simmered in a coconut milk curry infused with aromatic spices. This quick, flavorful dish is an easy homemade option that outshines anything from the takeout menu.
Get the Recipe: Thai Shrimp Curry

Kung Pao Chicken Noodles

A skillet filled with stir-fried noodles and pieces of chicken being mixed with chopsticks.
Kung Pao Chicken Noodles. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Tender noodles and stir-fried chicken are tossed in a spicy Kung Pao sauce with vegetables. This dish delivers the classic heat and bold flavors of takeout, made fresh in your own kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken Noodles

Chicken Egg Foo Young

Chicken egg foo young on top of rice on a white plate.
Chicken Egg Foo Young. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

A savory omelet-style dish with juicy chicken and vegetables, Chicken Egg Foo Young is light yet filling. This homemade version is a simple, satisfying alternative to ordering in.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Foo Young

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