13 Chinese takeout classics you can make faster than delivery

Photo of author

| Published:

Craving Chinese takeout but don’t want to wait for delivery or overspend? We’ve got you covered! These Chinese takeout classics bring you budget-friendly and quick recipes to recreate your favorite takeout dishes at home. Say goodbye to waiting and hello to delicious, wallet-friendly meals that you can whip up faster than your delivery guy can arrive.

Shrimp lo mein in a skillet with chopped green onions in a white bowl on the side.
Shrimp Lo Mein. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Spicy Udon Noodle Stir Fry

Spicy udon noodle stir fry in a bowl with chopsticks.
Spicy Udon Noodle Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This spicy udon noodle stir fry is a quick, delicious alternative to takeout. Made in under 30 minutes, it boasts a ginger-garlic sriracha sauce, doughy udon noodles, and ground beef, offering a rich umami flavor. It’s a simple, satisfying meal that rivals any takeout dish, both in taste and convenience.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Udon Noodle Stir Fry

Kung Pao Chickpeas

Kung pao chickpea dish in a bowl with rice and skillet off to the left.
Kung Pao Chickpeas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Kung Pao chickpeas offer a vegan twist on a classic Chinese dish. The sauce perfectly recreates the bold flavors of the original, making this a great alternative for those looking for plant-based options. It’s an easy, cost-effective way to enjoy your favorite takeout meal with a simple protein swap, all from the comfort of your home.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chickpeas

Sweet & Sour Tofu

Sweet and sour tofu in a bowl with rice and chopsticks on the side.
Sweet & Sour Tofu. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This sweet and sour tofu recipe brings a classic Chinese takeout dish to your kitchen in under 30 minutes. The crispy tofu and sticky sauce mimic the traditional dish, offering a vegetarian-friendly meal that’s quick and easy. It’s a perfect choice for a homemade meal that’s both economical and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Sour Tofu

Honey Orange Sesame Chicken

Honey orange chicken with sesame seeds and green beans in a white bowl.
Honey Orange Sesame Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Honey orange sesame chicken is a quick, easy, and healthy alternative to takeout. This dish is perfect for a homemade meal, offering sticky, sweet flavors that you can enjoy in just minutes. It’s a great way to save time and money while still getting that takeout taste you crave.
Get the Recipe: Honey Orange Sesame Chicken

Gochujang Chicken

Chinese gochujang chicken in a skillet on a table with black kitchen towel wrapped around the handle.
Gochujang Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Gochujang chicken is the perfect quick dinner option, taking only 30 minutes to prepare. This dish features a sticky, spicy, and sweet sauce reminiscent of your favorite takeout. Serve it over white rice for a complete meal that’s faster and more affordable than ordering in. It’s an excellent choice for a last-minute dinner with flavors that impress.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken

Sweet & Spicy Pork Ramen Stir Fry

Pork ramen stir fry in a blue cast iron skillet with chop sticks.
Sweet & Spicy Pork Ramen Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Enjoy a sweet and spicy pork ramen stir fry in just 20 minutes. Packed with vegetables, this dish is a healthier, homemade alternative to takeout. It’s easy, quick, and offers a balance of flavors that surpasses your usual takeout experience. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and budget-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Pork Ramen Stir Fry

General Tso Shrimp

Homemade general tso shrimp with broccoli and rice in a bowl with chopsticks.
General Tso Shrimp. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

General Tso shrimp is a quick, 10-minute meal that’s a fantastic takeout copycat. Made in one skillet, it features a sweet and slightly spicy sticky sauce. This dish is a great way to enjoy your favorite takeout flavors at home, faster and cheaper than delivery. It’s perfect for those nights when you crave something quick and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: General Tso Shrimp

Shrimp Lo Mein

Shrimp lo mein in a skillet with chopped green onions in a white bowl on the side.
Shrimp Lo Mein. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Recreate the classic shrimp lo mein at home in just 20 minutes. This dish includes Chinese egg noodles, juicy shrimp, and vegetables, all tossed in a restaurant-quality sauce. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a beloved takeout dish, saving both time and money, while still satisfying your craving for a delicious noodle meal.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Lo Mein

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey garlic chicken in a bowl served over rice.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Slow cooker honey garlic chicken offers a healthier, homemade alternative to takeout. It features a sticky, sweet sauce and tender pieces of chicken with pineapple. This dish is not only easy to make in your slow cooker but also saves time and money compared to ordering out. It’s a family-friendly meal that brings the takeout experience to your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken

Low angle shot of a bowl of kung pao chicken.
Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Kung Pao chicken, a takeout favorite, can be easily recreated at home. This dish combines tender chicken, crunchy peanuts, a salty-sweet sauce, and a hint of spice. It’s a great way to enjoy a beloved Chinese dish faster and more affordably than ordering out, perfect for a delicious homemade dinner.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs

Homemade Chinese spare ribs with broccoli and rice on a white plate.
Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These boneless spare ribs are a homemade twist on a takeout classic. They’re sticky, sweet, and have crispy edges with that signature deep red color. Make them at home to enjoy a quicker, budget-friendly version of your favorite dish. They capture the essence of traditional Chinese flavors and are surprisingly easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs

Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Fried chicken pieces in orange sauce garnished with sesame seeds in a black bowl with chopsticks and a green and white napkin.
Air Fryer Orange Chicken. Photo credit: all Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Orange Chicken is a healthier take on a popular Chinese dish. It’s crunchy outside, tender inside, and tossed in a sweet-savory orange sauce. This easy air fryer version is a crowd-pleaser and saves time and money compared to takeout. It’s ideal for a quick, flavorful meal that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Beef and broccoli stir fry served with white rice on a white plate.
Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Try this shaved beef and broccoli stir fry for a rapid and delicious homemade take on a takeout staple. The thinly sliced beef cooks quickly, and the crave-worthy sauce rivals any restaurant’s version. It’s an ideal choice for a fast, satisfying meal that’s more economical and just as tasty as ordering in.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.