13 homemade dishes that beat takeout

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Why settle for delivery when homemade meals can be even better? Whip up dishes at home that outshine any takeout menu. With simple home cooking, mealtime can be more than just eating; it becomes an experience to enjoy. Homemade gives you control over what ends up on your plate, from the quality to the portion size. Plus, there’s something special about sitting down to a meal made with your own two hands.

Pork fried rice in a blue and white striped bowl.
Pork Fried Rice. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Hoisin Beef

A white bowl with rice and hoisin ground beef and chopsticks on the side.
Hoisin Beef. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Home-cooked Hoisin Beef offers a rich and tangy flavor that takeout can’t match. It’s the type of meal that makes you rethink ordering in. Think of a cozy night in with a dinner that has layers of flavor. This beef dish is great for those who love a delicious, hearty meal. Enjoy it with family, and everyone will be asking for seconds. You might find yourself saying goodbye to takeout and hello to home cooking.
Get the Recipe: Hoisin Beef

Szechuan Shrimp

Low angle shot of szechuan shrimp in a wok.
Szechuan Shrimp. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Restaurants can’t compete with homemade Szechuan Shrimp that’s both spicy and delicious. Cooked right, the shrimp are tender, and the flavors combine beautifully. Turn your dinner into a special occasion without leaving your home. Friends and family will think you’ve turned into a gourmet chef. This dish is a game-changer, making weeknight meals something to look forward to. Don’t be surprised if this becomes a new favorite at your table.
Get the Recipe: Szechuan Shrimp

Char Siu

Sliced char siu pork with lettuce leaves.
Char Siu. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Make your own Char Siu and you’ll wonder why you ever ordered it out. It’s easy to create that tangy, slightly sweet taste. Perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself. Home cooking allows you to control the flavors exactly how you like them. Once you try making it yourself, takeout just won’t compare. This dish adds a special touch to any meal occasion.
Get the Recipe: Char Siu

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.

Making Air Fryer Orange Chicken at home gives you a crispy, flavorful dinner without ordering in. The air fryer makes it easy to get that perfect texture. It’s both fun and rewarding to perfect it yourself. No corners are cut, and you get to enjoy a healthier version. Your family will love it, and it easily becomes a household favorite. Eating in never tasted so good.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Har Gow

4 har gow shrimp dumplings in a bamboo steamer basket.
Har Gow. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Making Har Gow at home is definitely worth your time. These shrimp dumplings are delicate and delicious. Perfect for a homemade dim sum experience. Impress your friends with your dumpling skills. Enjoying them fresh out of the steamer is a treat. Way better than waiting for your usual takeout order.
Get the Recipe: Har Gow

Chicken Potstickers

Overhead shot of chicken potstickers with chile paste on plates.
Chicken Potstickers. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Nothing says comfort food like making Chicken Potstickers from scratch. They’re surprisingly simple yet so rewarding. You get to enjoy them fresh and hot, straight from the pan. Homemade means you can fill them exactly to your liking. This dish brings a comforting and delicious vibe to any meal. Share them with friends, and they’ll wonder when you turned into a chef.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Potstickers

Air Fryer Wontons

Air fryer wontons on a plate with dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Wontons. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Try Air Fryer Wontons for a healthier twist on a beloved snack. Cooking them in an air fryer makes them crispy without heavy oil. You can enjoy them regret-free and even more frequently. It’s an excellent way to bring a takeout classic into your home. Perfect for appetizers or just a snack. You’ll love how easy and fun they are to make.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Wontons

Crystal Dumplings

Low angle shot of dumplings with a steamer basket in the background.
Crystal Dumplings. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Homemade Crystal Dumplings bring a unique touch to your kitchen. These see-through treats are both fun to make and enjoy. Perfect for a special dinner or just a treat for yourself. When you make them at home, you appreciate the delicate texture and taste even more. It’s like bringing a piece of a dim sum restaurant into your home. Impress everyone with this elegant dish.
Get the Recipe: Crystal Dumplings

Fried Pork and Shrimp Wontons

Fried wontons on a black plate with dipping sauce.
Fried Pork and Shrimp Wontons. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Making Fried Pork and Shrimp Wontons at home is totally worth it. Each bite is crispy and filled with flavorful goodness. Skip the delivery fee and customize the fillings to your preference. Serving these at a party would wow your guests. They’re a perfect starter for any meal. Homemade truly brings out the best in this dish.
Get the Recipe: Fried Pork and Shrimp Wontons

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.

Cooking your own Chicken Egg Foo Young changes the game for home dinners. It’s filling, flavorful, and you can make it just how you like. A go-to for busy nights when you crave something special. You control the quality, and it always turns out fresh. This transforms your regular dinners into something memorable. Make it once, and you’ll be hooked.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Foo Young

Sweet and Sour Tofu

Low angle shot of a bowl of sweet and sour tofu.
Sweet and Sour Tofu. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Sweet and Sour Tofu at home is a game-changer for plant-based meals. It’s flavorful and perfect for mixing up your routine. Making it yourself ensures it’s fresh and exactly how you prefer it. A great dish to share, and it proves that tofu can be delicious. Skip the takeout menu and enjoy a homemade version. This dish is both hearty and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Tofu

Mongolian Chicken

Two bowls of chicken curry with spices and rice.
Mongolian Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Homemade Mongolian Chicken can be better than your favorite takeout spot. The flavors are rich, and it’s hearty enough for any appetite. The homemade version gives you control over every element. A special dinner that fits any night of the week. Gather around the table for this crowd-pleaser. One taste, and you won’t want the takeout version anymore.
Get the Recipe: Mongolian Chicken

Pork Fried Rice

Pork fried rice in a blue and white striped bowl.
Pork Fried Rice. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Cooking your own Pork Fried Rice really boosts a simple meal. It’s quick, delicious, and perfect for using up leftovers. Great for a quick dinner that feels special. Making it at home gives you control over each ingredient. It’s a versatile dish, ideal for any occasion. No need to wait for delivery to enjoy this favorite.
Get the Recipe: Pork Fried Rice

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