19 recipes that’ll make you ditch takeout for good

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Forget scrolling through food apps; with these 19 unbeatable recipes, you’re set to bring restaurant vibes to your own dining room. Packed with flavor and easy to handle on a busy weeknight, they’re basically a home-cook’s answer to endless takeout cravings. You’ll end up with all the taste and none of the waiting around for that late driver. Honestly, these dishes could have you questioning why you ever settled for takeout in the first place!

Low angle shot of szechuan shrimp in a wok.
Szechuan Shrimp. 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.

Sometimes you crave something that hits the spot with a bold flavor kick. When you’re ready to pack a punch in your dinner routine, Garlic Chili Oil Noodles are your ally. The simplicity of these noodles lies in their versatility, adding excitement to any weekday night. Spice lovers will find themselves bypassing the takeout menu for this fiery home-cooked favorite.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chili Oil Noodles

Chicken Pakora

Low angle shot of chicken pakora on a plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Pakora. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Those yearning for a snack that doubles as a meal need not look to the deep-fried offerings at the corner store. Chicken Pakora lures you in with its crisp exterior and tender, spicy inside. Ideal for gatherings or a family meal, these nuggets are a culinary trip without leaving your kitchen. Say goodbye to greasy bags and hello to homemade crunch that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pakora

Pork and Shrimp Wonton Soup

A bowl of wonton soup with shrimp in it.
Pork and Shrimp Wonton Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Imagine curling up with a comfort dish that’s equal parts soothing and fulfilling. Pork and Shrimp Wonton Soup comes ready as a hug in a bowl on those days when you seek warmth. It’s a wholesome alternative to the usual takeout soup, offering both heartiness and homemade goodness. Let this soup be the star of your next meal, and watch those local menus collect dust.
Get the Recipe: Pork and Shrimp Wonton Soup

Hoisin Beef

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

There’s an art to finding a balance between sweet and savory, and Hoisin Beef masters it effortlessly. This dish brings a richness that outshines your average takeaway, making it a firm favorite at the dinner table. The indulgence of savory beef and the tang of hoisin create a combination that’s hard to forget. Next time you think of ordering in, this dish might just convince you otherwise.
Get the Recipe: Hoisin Beef

Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein

A bowl of stir-fried noodles with beef, carrots, red bell peppers, and greens. Hand using chopsticks to pick up noodles.
Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Break out the Instant Pot and save yourself from another night of average noodles from the local joint. With Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein, you can weave together flavors that satisfy in a fraction of the time it takes to deliver. This dish isn’t just quick; it promises delicious leftovers that beat out anything from a box. No more waiting for the doorbell to ring — your next great meal is as close as your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein

Spicy Cucumber Salad

Overhead shot of spicy cucumber salad in a black bowl with a fancy serving spoon on the side.
Spicy Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

When you want something light yet bold in taste, consider the refreshing crunch that Spicy Cucumber Salad can offer. This zingy side dish has the power to perk up any meal with its cool spice. It’s a perfect companion for heavier dishes and a standout star when you need something quick and easy. Forget about soggy delivery salads; freshness just got a whole lot spicier.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

Creamy Udon Noodle Soup

A fork lifts noodles from a bowl of creamy soup, placed on a wooden surface. A small white cup and green garnish are visible in the background.
Creamy Udon Noodle Soup. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

For those who love their noodles swimming in rich, comforting broth, Creamy Udon Noodle Soup is like a warm embrace. It stands out as a substantial meal that ditches the standard fare for something far more special. The creamy texture invites you to slow down and enjoy each spoonful, while saving you the trip to your local noodle house. This bowl is bound to become a go-to on chilly evenings.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Udon Noodle Soup

Instant Pot Chicken Korma

Low angle shot of bowls of chicken korma.
Instant Pot Chicken Korma. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Bypass the wait time for decadent flavors with Instant Pot Chicken Korma. This dish is a wonder for those who adore layers of spice and tender chicken in a creamy sauce. It’s prepared quickly in the Instant Pot, delivering what would ordinarily take hours in just minutes. You’ll find the complex taste of traditional korma without the need to dial for delivery.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Korma

Prik Nam Pla

Overhead shot of Prik Nam Pla dipping sauce with limes and peanuts on the side.
Prik Nam Pla. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Brighten up your meal with the exciting kick that Prik Nam Pla brings to the table. It’s an essential condiment that transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary experiences. Whether drizzled over rice or used as dipping sauce, its flavor is unmatched by any store-bought bottle. Who knew a homemade touch could leave such an impression on your palate?
Get the Recipe: Prik Nam Pla

Coconut Curry Chicken Laksa

A bowl of spicy curry soup with chicken, noodles, chopped red chilies, and cilantro garnish, served on a textured white plate.
Coconut Curry Chicken Laksa. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

For those who chase the flavor of coconut and spice, Coconut Curry Chicken Laksa awaits. This dish is a combination of flavors guaranteed to overshadow any takeout you’ve had before. It’s creamy, it’s spicy, and it’s packed with the warmth of homemade curry. One bowl and it may secure a permanent spot in your weeknight rotation.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Chicken Laksa

Thai Red Curry Sauce

Overhead shot of a bowl of thai red curry sauce with a cilantro leaf on top.
Thai Red Curry Sauce. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Swap the plastic containers for a homemade dish that’ll make you a curry believer. Thai Red Curry Sauce drapes your meal in a rich, vibrant coat of authentic flavor. Designed to pair with whatever you’re craving, this sauce upgrades simple ingredients to a restaurant-worthy plate. With this in your culinary arsenal, who needs takeout menus cluttering up the drawer?
Get the Recipe: Thai Red Curry Sauce

Hakka Noodles Stir-Fry with Crunchy Veggies

A bowl of stir-fried noodles with colorful vegetables like red and green bell peppers, garnished with spring onions. Chopsticks are lifting a portion of the noodles. A garlic bulb is visible in the background.
Hakka Noodles Stir-Fry with Crunchy Veggies. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

If you need a speedy meal that doesn’t skimp on the crunch, Hakka Noodles Stir-Fry with Crunchy Veggies steps up to the plate. It’s a colorful melange of texture and taste that goes from pan to plate faster than you can choose a movie to stream. Savory, fulfilling, and packed with plants, this dish is a stir-fry sensation. Neglect those app-based food delivery options for something superior from your own stove.
Get the Recipe: Hakka Noodles Stir-Fry with Crunchy Veggies

Mongolian Pork

Close-up of a dish featuring sliced beef with red chilies, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions. Chopsticks rest on top.
Mongolian Pork. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Venture beyond boring BBQ and partake in the savory world of Mongolian Pork. This meal is not the usual stuff but a flavorful treat that’s seasoned just right. Tender bits of pork coated in a sauce that clings to every bite means no going back to uninspired fast food. Once this dish hits your regular meal plan, there’s no looking back.
Get the Recipe: Mongolian Pork

Pad Kee Mao with Chicken

A bowl of pad kee mao with chicken shot from above.
Pad Kee Mao with Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Ever wonder what a little bit of heat and a lot of flavor do to a dish? They make Pad Kee Mao with Chicken a serious contender for your new favorite meal. This spicy noodle dish throws caution to the wind with its bold taste that offers a change of pace. It’ll be hard to justify a run to the quick eatery when this fiery plate awaits at home.
Get the Recipe: Pad Kee Mao with Chicken

Vietnamese Peanut Sauce

A bowl of Vietnamese peanut sauce with an edible flower and fresh rolls on the side.
Vietnamese Peanut Sauce. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Transform your meals with a splash of something nutty and rich. Vietnamese Peanut Sauce takes any dish from simple to stunning with just a drizzle. It’s the kind of addition that promotes your home dining experience, making each bite memorable. Who knew that ditching takeout could be as simple as finding the perfect sauce?
Get the Recipe: Vietnamese Peanut Sauce

Sesame Noodles with Beef

A bowl of ribbon noodles with sliced beef, topped with chopped green onions, and a pair of chopsticks.
Sesame Noodles with Beef. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Craving something nutty and nourishing? Sesame Noodles with Beef serves up just that. This noodle dish champions the savory blend of beef and sesame, a duo hard to find in your typical noodle box. Once you’ve had a taste, the local noodle house might just lose your number.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Noodles with Beef

Szechuan Shrimp

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

Bold spice enthusiasts, look no further than Szechuan Shrimp for your next culinary adventure. It’s a dish that delivers the heat and promises a more vibrant plate than your average takeout. Juicy shrimp and fiery flavors ensure your homemade meal tastes better than anything from a plastic container. When you yearn for something spicy and speedy, this dish will have you sorted in no time.
Get the Recipe: Szechuan Shrimp

Dry Fried Green Beans

Low angle shot of a plate of dry fried green beans.
Dry Fried Green Beans. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

There’s beauty in simplicity, and Dry Fried Green Beans capture this perfectly. They’re snappy, they’re spicy, and they’ll make you think twice about those takeout sides. This simple dish pairs well with almost anything, and it might just steal the show. You’ll be amazed how something so straightforward can be so fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Dry Fried Green Beans

Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu

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

Turn to Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu for a guilt-free indulgence that’ll have you waving farewell to deep-fried temptations. It’s crunchy, it’s flavorful, and it’s made in the comfort of your kitchen. This dish is a testament to the wonders of air-frying, giving you that takeout texture without the oiliness. When health meets convenience, it’s a match made in kitchen gadget heaven.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Tofu

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