Save your money: 13 restaurant-style meals without the cost

Photo of author

| Published:

Why go out when you can create restaurant-style meals right at home? These 13 recipes are your ticket to delicious, budget-friendly dining. They’re diverse, simple, and cater to a variety of tastes. So, grab your apron, explore these options, and get ready to elevate your home-cooking game!

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

Blackened Fish Tacos

Blackened fish tacos in taco holders.
Blackened Fish Tacos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These Blackened Fish Tacos are a flavor-packed delight. Tender pieces of fish are coated with a blend of spices, seared to perfection, and nestled in warm tortillas. Topped with fresh salsa and a drizzle of creamy sauce, they offer a restaurant-style experience right at home.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Fish Tacos

Beef Yakisoba

Beef yakisoba noodles with veggies and pickled ginger.
Beef Yakisoba. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Craving Japanese flavors? Beef Yakisoba is the answer. Tender strips of beef stir-fried with vegetables and yakisoba noodles, all coated in a savory sauce. It’s a quick, wallet-friendly way to enjoy the essence of an authentic Japanese stir-fry in your own kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Beef Yakisoba

Dan Dan Noodles

Dan dan noodles in a white bowl with chopsticks.
Dan Dan Noodles. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Dan Dan Noodles are a Chinese comfort food classic. These noodles are served in a spicy, nutty sauce with ground pork, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Skip the takeout and whip up this restaurant-style dish that won’t break the bank.
Get the Recipe: Dan Dan Noodles

Camarones al Mojo de Ajo

Shrimp stuffed into soft corn tortillas with lime wedges on the side.
Camarones al Mojo de Ajo. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Camarones al Mojo de Ajo, or “Garlic Butter Shrimp,” is a Mexican favorite. Plump shrimp are sautéed in a rich, garlicky sauce until they’re perfectly tender. This dish screams restaurant quality, and it’s a budget-friendly way to enjoy the flavors of Mexico at home.
Get the Recipe: Camarones al Mojo de Ajo

Hoisin Beef

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

Hoisin Beef is a Chinese stir-fry that’s big on flavor and easy on the wallet. Thinly sliced beef is cooked with colorful vegetables in a sweet and savory hoisin sauce. Served over steamed rice, it’s a quick, satisfying meal that captures the essence of Chinese cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Hoisin Beef

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.

Gochujang Noodles are a Korean-inspired dish that packs a punch. Chewy noodles are tossed in a spicy and slightly sweet gochujang sauce, and they’re ready in no time. This budget-friendly recipe brings the bold flavors of Korean cuisine to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Noodles

Kung Pao Chicken

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

Kung Pao Chicken is a beloved Chinese takeout favorite, and now you can make it at home without splurging. Tender chunks of chicken, peanuts, and veggies are coated in a tangy, slightly spicy sauce, delivering that restaurant-quality taste on a budget.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Shrimp Yakisoba

Shrimp yakisoba on a plate.
Shrimp Yakisoba. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Shrimp Yakisoba is a Japanese noodle stir-fry that’s quick, easy, and oh-so-satisfying. Succulent shrimp, crisp vegetables, and yakisoba noodles come together in a savory sauce. It’s a wallet-friendly way to enjoy the flavors of Japan without leaving your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Yakisoba

Mongolian Chicken

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

Mongolian Chicken is a Chinese-inspired dish that balances sweet and savory flavors. Tender chicken is stir-fried with green onions in a rich brown sauce. It’s an affordable way to enjoy the bold and hearty tastes of Mongolia without dining out.
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.

Pork Fried Rice is a classic Chinese dish that’s both wallet-friendly and delicious. Chunks of pork, scrambled eggs, and vegetables are stir-fried with rice in a savory sauce. With this recipe, you can whip up a satisfying meal that rivals your favorite takeout spot.
Get the Recipe: Pork Fried Rice

Gochujang Chicken

Gochujang chicken on a platter with fresh herbs.
Gochujang Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Gochujang Chicken is a Korean dish that’s full of zesty, spicy goodness. Chicken pieces are coated in a fiery gochujang sauce and grilled to perfection. Enjoy the flavors of Korea without breaking the bank with this affordable and easy-to-make recipe.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken

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 is a vegetarian take on a Chinese classic. Crispy tofu cubes are coated in a tangy sweet and sour sauce, accompanied by colorful bell peppers and pineapple. This affordable recipe lets you enjoy the flavors of the Orient without splurging.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Tofu

Szechuan Shrimp

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

Szechuan Shrimp is a fiery and flavorful Chinese dish that’s easy on your wallet. Plump shrimp are stir-fried in a spicy Szechuan sauce with a medley of vegetables. It’s a budget-friendly way to indulge in the bold and spicy flavors of Szechuan cuisine at home.
Get the Recipe: Szechuan Shrimp

Leave a Comment

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