17 easy weeknight recipes that are way better than takeout

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Weeknights can feel like a race against time, but these 17 quick recipes make you wonder why takeout was ever the go-to option. With meals this easy to whip up, waiting for delivery seems like a wild inconvenience. Plus, you won’t be left wondering if they forgot your extra sauce or gave you someone else’s order. These recipes aren’t just fast, they’re the kind of meals that make you rethink what “easy dinner” really means.

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

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.

If you’re craving something with a bit of a kick, this dish is a perfect choice. Wrapped in a bold, spicy sauce, Camarones a la Diabla brings the heat to any dinner table. It’s quick to whip up on any hectic weeknight, offering a fiery alternative to the usual takeout. This dish proves that homemade can not only match restaurant quality but often surpass it, bringing vibrant flavors right to your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Camarones a la Diabla

Beef Bulgogi Bowls

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

Imagine enjoying a Korean restaurant favorite without leaving your home. Beef Bulgogi Bowls combine marinated beef with a variety of fresh toppings over warm rice. This dish balances sweet, savory, and fulfilling all in one bowl, and it’s just as fast as picking up takeout. By making this at home, you control the freshness and quality of ingredients, giving you a meal that’s both comforting and nutritious.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Szechuan Shrimp

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

For fans of Chinese cuisine, Szechuan Shrimp is a wonderful way to spice up dinner. This dish offers a generous spice level that’s balanced by a hint of sweetness. It’s faster to prepare than waiting for delivery, ensuring a hot and fresh meal. Opting for this homemade dish also gives you the satisfaction of crafting a meal that is both quick and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Szechuan Shrimp

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you’re in the mood for comfort food, a Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake can be the perfect antidote to a long day. This dish combines juicy chicken and silky spinach in a creamy sauce that bakes to perfection. It’s a great way to sneak some greens into your dinner in a way that everyone will love. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal that minimizes cleanup time – ideal for a stress-free evening.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Singapore Noodles

Rice noodles with meat and veggies on a white plate.
Singapore Noodles. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A stir-fry that brings the essence of Southeast Asian flavors to your dinner table, Singapore Noodles are a vibrant choice. This dish is packed with textures and tastes that clash wonderfully in every bite. It beats takeout on every level, from freshness to speed of preparation. Ideal for a quick meal, it enriches your dining experience with internationally inspired zing.
Get the Recipe: Singapore Noodles

Bombay Sandwiches

Bombay Sandwiches layered with potato, tomato, cucumbers, and an herb chutney sauce.
Bombay Sandwiches. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Bringing the streets of Mumbai to your kitchen, Bombay Sandwiches are a lively alternative to your regular sandwich. Stacked with layers of flavor, each bite offers a burst of spices and textures. They’re quick to assemble, making them perfect for a busy evening where time and taste are of the essence. This recipe adds an exotic touch to your weeknight menu rotation with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Bombay Sandwiches

Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema

Fish tacos with shredded cabbage and cilantro lime crema.
Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Tacos always bring the fun to dinner, and Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema are no exception. They blend the lightness of fish with the citrusy tang of cilantro lime crema, creating a taco that feels both fresh and indulgent. Ideal for a lively dinner, they assemble quickly and are sure to please everyone at the table. With this recipe, every bite is as exciting as dining out.
Get the Recipe: Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema

Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken

Stir-fried diced chicken with dried chilies and spring onions in a black skillet.
Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Thai flavors meet comfort food in Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken. This dish provides a wonderful twist on chicken by incorporating a spicy peanut butter sauce. It’s not only mouthwatering but also quick to put together, making it a standout dish on any busy night. Who needs takeout when you can bring international flavors to your home kitchen with such ease?
Get the Recipe: Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken

Thai Fried Rice

Overhead shot of Thai fried rice in a white bowl with a skillet of fried rice on the side.
Thai Fried Rice. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Thai Fried Rice brings the aromatic and rich flavors of Thailand directly to your dining table. This dish is perfect for using up leftovers and still makes a meal feel special and flavorsome. It’s quicker than delivery, ensuring you enjoy a hot, fresh meal. Next time you’re thinking of ordering out, consider this quick and delicious alternative instead.
Get the Recipe: Thai Fried Rice

Mochiko Chicken

A hand holding a crispy piece of mochiko chicken.
Mochiko Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Hawaiian cuisine is celebrated in Mochiko Chicken, a dish known for its unique crust and tender juicy meat inside. It offers a wonderful change of pace from typical fried chicken recipes. Easy to prepare and fun to eat, it serves as a perfect meal that brings a touch of island flavor to your regular dinner rotation. This dish is sure to attract attention from family and guests alike.
Get the Recipe: Mochiko Chicken

Salmon and Asparagus Quiche

Salmon and asparagus quiche on a metal plate with parchment paper.
Salmon and Asparagus Quiche. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

If you’re looking for something that combines elegance and ease, Salmon and Asparagus Quiche might just be your next dinner star. This quiche melds the richness of salmon with the crisp freshness of asparagus. It’s equally suitable for a weeknight meal or a special brunch. Ready in less time than it takes to get delivery, this preparation puts a gourmet dinner within easy reach.
Get the Recipe: Salmon and Asparagus Quiche

Chicken Egg Foo Young

Chicken egg foo young on top of rice on a white plate.
Chicken Egg Foo Young. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

Chicken Egg Foo Young is an Asian-inspired omelette that makes a filling meal. It’s packed with flavors and can be whipped up faster than it takes to order from a Chinese restaurant. This dish will comfort and fill you up without the hassle of waiting for food to arrive. Enjoy crafting this classic at home and take pride in a deliciously quick Asian meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Foo Young

Air Fryer Fish Tacos

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

Revamping taco night is easy with Air Fryer Fish Tacos. This recipe uses the air fryer for a healthier version of the beloved dish, keeping things light and crispy. Quick to make and fun to assemble, these tacos are great for a family meal or a gather with friends. Enjoy a fresh take on tacos that’s straightforward and mess-free.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles

Overhead shot of a bowl of noodles with vegetables and thai peanut sauce.
Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles dish out a rich and creamy experience that rivals any noodle shop. This meal is a celebration of sweet and savory, perfect for a quick dinner solution. Not only is it faster than takeout, but it also brings the authentic taste of Thailand into your home. It’s a wonderful switch from the usual, infusing your mealtime with international flair.
Get the Recipe: Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles

Avocado Toast with Grated Egg

Avocado toast on a wooden cutting board.
Avocado Toast with Grated Egg. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

For those mornings when you need a quick yet fulfilling breakfast, Avocado Toast with Grated Egg is a wonderful choice. This simple but nutrient-rich dish pairs well with your morning coffee. It’s also versatile enough for lunch, providing a wholesome meal that comes together in minutes. Skip the cafe and enjoy this wonderful breakfast classic at home.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Toast with Grated Egg

Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas

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

Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas offer a tasty and time-saving way to satisfy your Mexican food cravings. Using an air fryer, this dish comes together with less oil and hassle than traditional methods. Quick enough for a weeknight meal, it’s also packed with flavors that are bold and fulfilling. This recipe brings convenience and taste together, proving homemade can outshine any takeout.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas

Stir Fried Hokkien Noodles

Stir-fried noodles with shrimp and beef in a pan with chopsticks.
Stir Fried Hokkien Noodles. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

Bringing the taste of Asian street food to your kitchen, Stir fried Hokkien Noodles are a treat to the senses. This dish is vibrant, full of flavors, and tosses together in less time than it takes for your local takeout to deliver. It’s an excellent way to enjoy a hearty and wonderful meal that’s packed with taste yet simple to make. Try this quick stir fry for an easy and fulfilling dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Stir Fried Hokkien Noodles

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