17 takeout-inspired meals that are even better homemade

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Why settle for takeout when these 17 homemade meals bring all the excitement straight to your kitchen? Each dish packs in the comfort and taste you crave, without the wait, delivery fees, or mystery bags. These meals are easy to prep, way less greasy, and guaranteed not to get lost on the way to your door. Plus, you’re the chef, so go ahead and load up on the extras—no one’s charging you for it!

A fork lifts a tantalizing forkful of noodles mixed with sausage and vegetables from a black skillet. The dish appears to be creamy and richly seasoned, reminiscent of dan dan noodles, with visible bits of meat and greens intertwined with the noodles.
Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Ground Pork. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Udon Noodles with Thai Green Curry

A bowl of green curry noodles topped with shredded chicken, lime slices, red chili slices, and fresh cilantro. Chopsticks are lifting a portion of the noodles from the bowl. A soft background showcases another bowl and fresh herbs.
Udon Noodles with Thai Green Curry. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

If you’re in the mood for something that warms you up and packs a punch, Udon Noodles with Thai Green Curry might just be your next go-to dish. This dish brings some serious game to your dinner table with its combination of textures and flavors, making takeout seem like a thing of the past. It’s all about bringing that restaurant-quality meal home without having to step out.
Get the Recipe: Udon Noodles with Thai Green Curry

Quesabirria Tacos

Overhead shot of quesabirria tacos with lime wedges.
Quesabirria Tacos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

When talking about game-changers, Quesabirria Tacos have taken the world by storm, and for good reason. They’re a perfect mix of crispy and juicy, with each bite leaving you wanting more. Making them at home allows you to control the crispness and juiciness to your liking, setting a new standard for your taco nights. Gone are the days of settling for less when you can create magic right in your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Quesabirria Tacos

Singapore Rice Noodles

A plate of stir-fried vermicelli noodles mixed with vegetables, egg, and meat, being served with tongs on a white dish.
Singapore Rice Noodles. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Singapore Rice Noodles are a riot of colors and textures, offering something for everyone. This dish proves you don’t need to book a flight to enjoy authentic, bold flavors from across the globe. It’s a great pick for those evenings when you’re craving something a bit different but entirely delicious. Breaking the monotony of regular meals, this dish brings an international flair right to your dining table.
Get the Recipe: Singapore Rice 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.

For those who love a bit of garlic and a splash of lime, Camarones al Mojo de Ajo might just become your new favorite. This dish is a brilliant way to enjoy shrimp, highlighting its flavors without overpowering them. It’s surprisingly simple to whip up, making it an ideal choice for a quick yet impressive meal. Let’s be honest, who needs to go out for seafood when you can nail it at home?
Get the Recipe: Camarones al Mojo de Ajo

Chicken Enchiladas

Low angle shot of chicken enchiladas on a plate with salad.
Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish of Chicken Enchiladas fresh out of the oven. It’s about layering those flavors and textures to create a meal that feels like a hug in a dish. This version lets you tweak and adjust until you’ve got it just the way you like, making it a personalized feast. It’s all about bringing that cozy, homemade feel to a dish that’s often grabbed on the go.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchiladas

Camarones a la Diabla

Shrimp in red chile sauce on a white plate with lime wedges and a fork in the background.
Camarones a la Diabla. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Turn up the heat with Camarones a la Diabla, a dish that’s not afraid to show off its spicy side. It turns an ordinary seafood dinner into an extraordinary one, challenging your heat tolerance in the best way. Making this at home means you can adjust the spice level to cater to everyone at your table, which is always a win. It’s a thrilling experience for those who don’t mind breaking a little sweat.
Get the Recipe: Camarones a la Diabla

Beef Birria

low angle shot of shredded beef in a bowl with a fork.
Beef Birria. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Slow-cooked to perfection, Beef Birria is essentially comfort in a bowl. This dish embodies the idea of taking your time to get something just right, infusing every bite with depth and warmth. Opting to take on this dish at home allows for a personal touch that no restaurant can match. It’s about creating memories around the dinner table, not just meals.
Get the Recipe: Beef Birria

Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Fish tacos on a small baking sheet with limes.
Air Fryer Fish Tacos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Who said you can’t get the perfect crispy exterior and juicy interior at home? Air Fryer Fish Tacos prove that theory wrong every single time. Whip them up and forget about your local takeout spot; you won’t miss it. It’s all about getting that golden crunch without a huge mess in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Mongolian Beef Noodles

A close-up of a fork holding a bite of pasta with ground meat, green onions, and sauce. The pasta is wrapped around the fork tines, displaying the dish's ingredients and textures in detail, with a blurred background featuring more of the meal.
Mongolian Beef Noodles. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Mongolian Beef Noodles offer that perfect balance between sweet and savory, making it a crowd-pleaser. This dish brings a touch of elegance to weeknight dinners without all the fuss. It’s proof that you can mix it up and keep it simple at the same time. Who knew recreating your favorite takeout could be this easy and rewarding?
Get the Recipe: Mongolian Beef Noodles

Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas

Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

The thought of making enchiladas at home might seem daunting, but Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas switch up the script. This method offers a unique twist that’s not only easy but also cuts down on the greasy feel some versions carry. You end up with a dish that’s got a perfect balance of crisp and tender. Who needs takeout when you can nail it at home like a pro?
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas

Quick Stir-Fry Beef Yakisoba

A close-up of a bowl of stir-fried noodles with vegetables and slices of meat, garnished with sesame seeds. A hand is using chopsticks to pick up the noodles. Other bowls and a cutting board are partially visible in the background.
Quick Stir-Fry Beef Yakisoba. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

If you’re in the mood for something quick yet utterly satisfying, Quick Stir-Fry Beef Yakisoba has got you covered. Forget about calling in your noodle fix, because making it at home brings a whole new level of freshness. It comes together faster than delivery could ever arrive at your door. Plus, you get to say you made it yourself – how cool is that?
Get the Recipe: Quick Stir-Fry Beef Yakisoba

Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani

Overhead shot of a platter of shrimp biryani.
Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

When craving something exotic, you don’t have to look further than your own kitchen, especially with Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani at your fingertips. It packs a punch of flavors that would usually require hours to develop. This one pot wonder is the ideal solution for a hectic day when time is of the essence. You won’t believe you made this at home until you’ve tried it.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani

Salpicon de Res

Low angle shot of mini tostadas with salpicon de res or shredded beef salad on top.
Salpicon de Res. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Who knew that something as simple as shredded beef could transform your dinner game? That’s exactly what Salpicon de Res does, thanks to its rich combinations. You can say goodbye to those endless waits at your favorite Mexican spot. Serve this, and watch it become the talk of the table in no time.
Get the Recipe: Salpicon de Res

Instant Pot Spare Ribs

Low angle, closeup shot of spare ribs with hoisin glaze.
Instant Pot Spare Ribs. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

If fall-off-the-bone ribs are your thing, then Instant Pot Spare Ribs will be right up your alley. This method turns what would typically be an hours-long endeavor into a quick and easy affair. It’s about making those weekend meals feel like an event, even if you’re short on time. These ribs promise to be a regular request from your dinner crowd.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spare Ribs

Air Fryer Carnitas

Low angle shot of 3 carnitas tacos on a white plate with lime wedges.
Air Fryer Carnitas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Everybody loves a good carnitas, but Air Fryer Carnitas are in a league of their own. They’re all about that perfect balance of crispy and tender without the hassle of traditional methods. You might just find yourself making these every week. No need to run to the nearest taco joint when you’ve mastered this at home.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carnitas

Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Ground Pork

A fork lifts a tantalizing forkful of noodles mixed with sausage and vegetables from a black skillet. The dish appears to be creamy and richly seasoned, reminiscent of dan dan noodles, with visible bits of meat and greens intertwined with the noodles.
Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Ground Pork. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Ground Pork are for those who love their meals with a bit of a kick. This dish is all about contrast: hot and cool, tender and crunchy. It brings an adventurous spirit to the table, turning dinner into an experience. Perfect for when you want something a little out of the ordinary but entirely enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Ground Pork

Miso Glazed Salmon

Miso glazed salmon on a plate with rice and spinach.
Miso Glazed Salmon. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Lastly, Miso Glazed Salmon offers a perfect option for anyone looking for something on the lighter side without sacrificing depth of taste. This dish combines simplicity with elegance, allowing the natural flavors of the salmon to shine through. It’s a great way to break the monotony of the usual weeknight dinner. Plus, it shows you can keep it classy without complicating things.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Salmon

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