Ditch the drive-thru: 45 dinners done before you can say “takeout”

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There’s a special kind of magic in crafting a meal that’s both quicker and tastier than anything a drive-thru window can offer. Bypassing the car line for your kitchen not only saves time but ensures a fresher, more flavorful experience.

On nights when hunger pangs strike hard and the clock seems to tick faster, the temptation of quick takeout looms large. But with these curated dishes in your repertoire, you can whip up a satisfying meal without second-guessing or reaching for that stack of takeout menus.

Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Beef bulgogi in a bowl with rice, cucumbers, cilantro and chopsticks.
Beef Bulgogi. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

No more waiting for Korean BBQ. These bowls come together faster than you’d imagine, with a savory punch.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Thai Fried Rice

A classic Thai staple that beats waiting for a takeout bag. Quick, flavorful, and sure to satisfy any craving.
Get the Recipe: Thai Fried Rice

Singapore Noodles

These vibrant noodles save you a trip to Singapore and the wait for your delivery app’s ding.
Get the Recipe: Singapore Noodles

Mongolian Chicken

Overhead shot of a bowl of mongolian chicken.
Mongolian Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Swap the takeout menu for this speedy, delectable dish that brings Mongolia’s finest to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Mongolian Chicken

Szechuan Shrimp

Why wait for a delivery driver? Get that spicy, garlicky kick in minutes with this quick dish.
Get the Recipe: Szechuan Shrimp

Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles

No need for a Thai restaurant reservation. Silky noodles and that iconic sauce make dinner a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles

Lamb Kofta Kebabs

Lamb kofta kebabs on a wooden board with  fresh herbs and vegetables.
Lamb Kofta Kebabs. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Middle Eastern flavors at lightning speed. Grilled to perfection, these kebabs redefine quick gourmet.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Kofta Kebabs

Chicken Hot and Sour Soup

Ditch the usual soup cans. This version brings a burst of flavors, warming your soul in no time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Hot and Sour Soup

Air Fryer Enchiladas

Who needs an oven? The air fryer delivers perfectly crisp edges and gooey centers in a fraction of the time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Enchiladas

Camarones al Mojo de Ajo

Camarones a la diabla on a white plate with lime wedges.
Camarones a la Diabla. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Shrimp, garlic, and a splash of lime: a trifecta that delivers restaurant-quality taste in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Camarones al Mojo de Ajo

Pork Fried Rice

Make this Chinese classic faster than your local spot can. It’s savory, hearty, and incredibly satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Pork Fried Rice

Blackened Fish Tacos

Dive into deep flavors without the deep wait. These tacos are quick, but they pack a taste punch.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Fish Tacos

Thai Chicken Satay

overhead shot of thai chicken satay on a black plate with peanut sauce on the side.
Thai Chicken Satay. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Forget the long marinades. This dish provides that rich, grilled flavor in record time.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Satay

Harissa Chicken

Spicy, tangy, and done in a flash. This dish transforms chicken from bland to bold.
Get the Recipe: Harissa Chicken

Fish Tacos

Ocean flavors without the ocean wait. Fresh fish, zesty toppings, and a meal done right.
Get the Recipe: Fish Tacos

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

stacked taquitos on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Crunchy, packed with flavor, and made without the long oven preheat. A treat ready in a snap.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Miso Glazed Salmon

Elevate your salmon game. Miso brings depth of flavor, and the speed will leave you impressed.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Salmon

Mochiko Chicken

Hawaii’s beloved chicken, faster than a luau. Sweet, slightly spicy, and undeniably tasty.
Get the Recipe: Mochiko Chicken

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Closeup of a chicken shawarma wrap.
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Middle Eastern flair without the fare. Quick, flavorful wraps that won’t keep you waiting.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Camarones a la Diabla

Shrimp takes a fiery turn. Spice lovers, this one’s for you – and it’s faster than you’d think.
Get the Recipe: Camarones a la Diabla

Cajun Shrimp and Grits

Southern comfort, minus the long simmer. Creamy, spicy, and downright delicious.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Shrimp and Grits

Kung Pao Chicken

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

No need to dial up your favorite spot. This dish delivers the classic flavors in a jiffy.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Tuna Pesto Pasta

Quick, fresh, and a guaranteed hit. The harmony of tuna and pesto gets dinner on the table in no time.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta

Panko Chicken Breast

Crispy on the outside, tender inside, and ready before you’re even hungry. A modern twist on a classic.
Get the Recipe: Panko Chicken Breast

Lemon Pepper Pork Chops

A picture of Lemon Pepper Pork Chops with rosemary garnish.
Lemon Pepper Pork Chops. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Tangy, spicy, and downright delicious. This pork dish turns up the flavor dial without turning up the wait.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Pork Chops

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Rich flavors without the rich time investment. Sun-dried tomatoes elevate chicken in mere minutes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Honey Butter Fried Chicken

Sweet meets savory in this speedy dish. Golden, flavorful chicken that’s a step above the rest.
Get the Recipe: Honey Butter Fried Chicken

Turkey Smash Burgers

A turkey smash burger on a wooden cutting board in front of subway tile.
Turkey Smash Burgers. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Juicy, fast, and better than any drive-thru. These burgers redefine the quick dinner game.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Smash Burgers

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Pasta, chicken, and that iconic buffalo kick. A hearty dish that won’t have you clock-watching.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Chicken Paprikash

Hungarian comfort food, minus the lengthy prep. Savory, creamy, and delightfully quick.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Chicken Scampi

A white plate with Chicken Scampi and green beans resting in the center.
Chicken Scampi. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Italian classics at lightning speed. This dish brings garlicky, buttery goodness without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Scampi

Thai Red Curry Chicken

The flavors of Thailand without the takeout wait. Rich, creamy, and made in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Thai Red Curry Chicken

Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Fresh fish in a flash. The zesty lemon butter sauce takes it over the top.
Get the Recipe: Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot with a spoon and garnishes on the side.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Italian comfort in record time. Hearty, rich, and perfect for any quick dinner craving.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Zucchini Parmesan Pasta Sauce

Pasta night, upgraded. This sauce blends zucchini and parmesan for a quick, delightful twist.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Zucchini Parmesan Pasta Sauce

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

One pan, countless flavors, and a meal done right. Quick, hearty, and incredibly satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Grilled Beef Finger Meat

Grilled Beef Finger Meat on a wooden cutting board.
Grilled Beef Finger Meat. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grill magic without the long marinating hours. Beef that’s tender, tasty, and timely.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Beef Finger Meat

Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Turkey’s answer to the quick burger craving. Juicy, flavorful, and ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs

A gourmet twist on a classic, and it’s faster than you’d believe. Bacon and hot dogs unite for a quick treat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs

Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables

Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus on a white plate.
Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Healthy, delicious, and made in a snap. This dish brings the ocean and garden to your table quickly.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables

Easy Cheesy Hamburger Pasta Pot or Casserole

Comfort food with a quickness. Cheesy, meaty, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Hamburger Pasta Pot or Casserole

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Tuscany meets time-saving. This dish delivers rich flavors without the long prep.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

Grilled Bruschetta Chicken on a white plate.
Grilled Bruschetta Chicken. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Italian flavors on fast forward. This chicken dish brings fresh, vibrant tastes to your table quickly.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

Chicken Tinga Tostadas

Mexico’s finest, made fast. Smoky, spicy chicken on a crisp tostada, ready in a flash.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga Tostadas

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