14 Homemade Recipes Better Than Your Favorite Takeout Dishes

Takeout is delicious, but there’s something special about enjoying a homemade meal that’s just as tasty and satisfying. Whether you crave crispy fried chicken, savory stir fry, or creamy pasta, these homemade recipes are better than any takeout dish. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of cooking these dishes in your own kitchen.

Crispy Chicken Tenders

If you love crispy chicken tenders, this homemade version will beat any takeout! Begin by seasoning chicken breast strips with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Then, dredge the chicken in flour, dip it in a beaten egg mixture, and coat it with breadcrumbs mixed with Italian herbs and Parmesan cheese. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet and fry the chicken strips until golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, like honey mustard or ranch. This homemade crispy chicken tender recipe is not only a healthier alternative but also a tastier one compared to fast food versions!

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Craving takeout sweet and sour chicken? This homemade version is bursting with flavor and much healthier! Start by cutting chicken into bite-sized pieces and seasoning them with salt and pepper. Coat the chicken in a mixture of cornstarch and flour, then fry in hot oil until golden and crispy. For the sauce, combine vinegar, ketchup, sugar, and soy sauce in a pan, then simmer until it thickens slightly. Toss the crispy chicken in the sauce until each piece is coated in the sweet, tangy glaze. Serve with a side of steamed rice or veggies for a complete meal that’s better than takeout.

Beef and Brocoli Stir-fry

A classic takeout favorite, beef and broccoli stir-fry is easy to make at home and even more delicious! Begin by thinly slicing beef into strips and marinating it in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a bit of cornstarch. In a hot skillet or wok, stir-fry the beef until browned and tender, then remove and set aside. In the same pan, stir-fry broccoli florets until they are just tender but still crisp. Add the beef back into the pan, then pour over a sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a little sugar. Stir everything together and cook for another minute or two, allowing the sauce to thicken. Serve over steamed white or brown rice for an easy, satisfying dinner.

General Tso’s Chicken

General Tso’s chicken is a sweet and spicy dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Start by cutting chicken into bite-sized pieces and tossing them in a mixture of cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Fry the chicken in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. Meanwhile, prepare the sauce by combining soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, ginger, garlic, and a touch of red pepper flakes for heat. Once the chicken is done, toss it in the sauce until each piece is coated in the sweet and spicy glaze. Serve with a side of steamed rice and enjoy a takeout favorite that’s even better homemade!

Egg Fried Rice

Egg fried rice is a quick and flavorful dish that can be made in just a few steps. Start by cooking rice and letting it cool, or use leftover rice for the best texture. In a hot skillet or wok, scramble a couple of eggs, then remove them from the pan. Next, stir-fry onions, garlic, and vegetables of your choice, like peas, carrots, and bell peppers. Add the cold rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps, and stir-fry until it’s hot. Toss in the scrambled eggs, then season with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This fried rice is perfect as a side dish or a main course!

Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken fried rice is a delicious and filling dish that’s easy to make at home. Begin by cooking chicken breast and cutting it into small cubes. In a wok or large skillet, heat some oil and cook the chicken until browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same pan, scramble some eggs, then add in chopped onions, peas, and carrots. Once the vegetables are tender, add in your cooked rice, breaking apart any clumps. Toss everything together, then add the cooked chicken back into the pan. Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of pepper for a quick, satisfying meal.

Pad Thai

For a fresh, flavorful dish, homemade Pad Thai is a winner. Start by cooking rice noodles according to the package directions, then set aside. In a hot pan, scramble eggs and set them aside as well. Next, stir-fry shrimp, chicken, or tofu with garlic and bean sprouts until they’re cooked through. Toss the noodles into the pan, then mix in a sauce made of tamarind paste, fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice. Add the scrambled eggs and top the dish with crushed peanuts, cilantro, and lime wedges. This homemade Pad Thai is tangy, savory, and sweet—better than anything you’d get at a restaurant.

Creamy Chicken Alfredo

Creamy Chicken Alfredo is a comforting pasta dish that’s easy to make at home. Begin by seasoning chicken breast with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then sear it in a hot pan until golden brown. Set the chicken aside and use the same pan to create a creamy sauce. Add butter, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Slice the chicken and add it back into the pan with the sauce, then toss in cooked fettuccine pasta. Mix everything together until well coated, and finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan and freshly cracked pepper for a dish that’s rich, creamy, and better than any takeout.

Spring Rolls

For a healthy and delicious appetizer, homemade spring rolls are a fantastic choice. Begin by soaking rice paper in warm water until soft, then lay them flat. Fill each rice paper with shredded lettuce, carrots, cucumber, and cooked shrimp or chicken, then drizzle a bit of hoisin sauce or peanut butter sauce for extra flavor. Carefully roll up the spring rolls, folding in the sides as you go. Serve with a side of homemade dipping sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a little chili paste for an authentic and satisfying meal. These spring rolls are a light and fresh alternative to deep-fried options.

Mongolian Beef

If you’re a fan of Mongolian beef, this homemade version will quickly become a favorite. Start by thinly slicing beef and marinating it with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry the beef in a hot pan until browned and set it aside. In the same pan, cook sliced onions and green onions until tender, then add a sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, and hoisin sauce. Add the beef back into the pan, tossing it in the sauce until well coated. Serve over steamed rice for a sweet and savory dish that beats takeout any day.

Egg Rolls

Making egg rolls at home is easier than you might think and a great way to enjoy a crispy, savory snack. Begin by preparing a filling with ground pork, chopped cabbage, carrots, and onions, sautéing everything with garlic and ginger until soft and fragrant. Season the mixture with soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Once the filling cools, spoon it into egg roll wrappers and roll them up tightly. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot, then fry the egg rolls until golden brown and crispy. Serve with sweet and sour sauce or soy sauce for dipping.

Shrimp Lo Mein

For a lighter, yet just as delicious, takeout option, homemade shrimp lo mein is the way to go. Cook your lo mein noodles according to the package instructions, then set aside. In a large pan or wok, sauté shrimp with garlic and ginger until they’re pink and cooked through. Add sliced bell peppers, carrots, and mushrooms, stir-frying them until they soften. Toss in the cooked noodles and add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a dash of sesame oil for flavor. Stir-fry everything together for a couple of minutes to heat through. Garnish with green onions and serve immediately for a meal that’s full of flavor.

Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao chicken is a deliciously spicy, savory stir-fry that’s easy to make at home. Begin by cutting chicken into bite-sized pieces and marinating them in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Stir-fry the chicken in a hot pan until it’s cooked through, then remove and set aside. In the same pan, sauté garlic, ginger, and dried red chilies for extra heat. Add peanuts, bell peppers, and onions, and stir-fry for a couple of minutes. Toss the chicken back into the pan and pour in a flavorful sauce made from soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, and a bit of sesame oil. Serve over steamed rice for a perfect, spicy meal.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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