These 11 takeout copycats taste even better than the real thing

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If you love takeout but not the expense or the wait, mastering these copycat recipes is the perfect solution. From sticky sweet ribs to spicy noodle stir-fries, each dish replicates the flavors of your favorite takeout meals but with an extra touch that often makes them even better. By cooking these at home, you not only save money but also have the freedom to tweak each recipe to your liking.

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.

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 Chinese boneless spare ribs are a knockout choice for a takeout-style meal right at home. They come out sticky, sweet, with crispy edges and that signature deep red color. Cooking them at home not only saves money but often tastes better than what you’d get from a restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs

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 are the perfect solution for anyone wanting a plant-based meal with all the flavor of traditional takeout. The bold sauce perfectly coats the chickpeas, making this dish a great alternative that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chickpeas

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.

Quick and satisfying, this shaved beef and broccoli stir fry comes together fast with a sauce that’ll make you forget about takeout. It’s great for a last-minute dinner and uses ingredients that kick the flavor up a notch.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Beef & Broccoli 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.

Why order out when you can whip up General Tso shrimp at home in just 10 minutes? This dish matches the restaurant’s sweet and slightly spicy sauce perfectly, making it a great pick for a quick and impressive meal.
Get the Recipe: General Tso Shrimp

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.

Sweet and sour tofu is here to impress, with crispy tofu and a sticky sauce that mimics classic takeout favorites. It’s a fantastic vegetarian option that comes together in under 30 minutes—simple, quick, and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Sour Tofu

Korean Sweet Potato Glass Noodles

Korean Sweet Potato Glass Noodles. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Enjoy the simplicity and flavor of Korean sweet potato glass noodles. Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish features stir-fried veggies and beef in a sweet and savory sauce. It’s a straightforward dish that’s big on flavor and perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Korean Sweet Potato Glass Noodles

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.

Bring the heat with this spicy udon noodle stir fry, a quick meal that packs a punch and gets dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes. It mixes doughy udon noodles with ground beef in a savory ginger-garlic sriracha sauce, proving you can beat takeout at its own game.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Udon Noodle Stir Fry

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.

This shrimp lo mein ticks all the boxes for a fast, flavorful meal that skips the takeout menu. Tossed with Chinese egg noodles, plump shrimp, and fresh vegetables in a sauce that screams restaurant quality, it’s a clear winner for both ease and taste.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Lo Mein

Tofu Fried Rice

Tofu Fried Rice. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Tofu fried rice is your go-to for a flavorful, easy meal that brings the essence of takeout to your dinner table. It’s not just good, it’s great for using up whatever veggies you have, making it not only tasty but also practical.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice

Kung Pao Shrimp

Kung Pao Shrimp. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This Kung Pao shrimp is a fast and flavorful staple that beats any takeout. Ready in minutes, it combines spicy shrimp with crunchy nuts and veggies, all topped with a savory sauce. Easy, quick, and delicious, it’s perfect over steamed rice.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Shrimp

Hot & Sour Egg Drop Soup

A bowl of soup with an egg on top.
Hot & Sour Egg Drop Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Combine the best of both worlds with this hot and sour egg drop soup. It’s hearty, packed with flavor, and comes together quickly. A smart choice for anyone who loves a good, comforting bowl of soup without the hassle of ordering out.
Get the Recipe: Hot & Sour Egg Drop Soup

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