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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    15 Homemade Takeout Dishes That Beat Delivery

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated June 24, 2026 · Published August 5, 2026 · Leave a Comment

    Busy weeknights can make it tough to whip up a homemade meal, but you can still recreate your favorite takeout dishes right in your kitchen. From savory stir-fries to comforting curries, these recipes are quick and easy, perfect for satisfying cravings without the hassle of ordering out. Enjoy the flavors you love while saving time and money!

    Thai Cashew Chicken

    Thai cashew chicken.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This homemade version of a classic takeout dish is packed with chicken and fresh vegetables, bringing authentic Thai flavors to your table. You can whip it up in just 35 minutes for a quick and satisfying meal.

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    Loaded Vegetable Ramen

    Vegetable Ramen with Spicy Miso Broth
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    Instant ramen can be transformed into something special with just a few extra ingredients. It's an easy way to make a quick meal feel a bit more exciting.

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    Air Fryer Dumplings

    A dumpling picked up with chop sticks.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    Air Fryer Dumplings make for a quick and delicious appetizer that you can whip up in just 10 minutes. With a nice crispy edge, they're perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce, and you can use any type of dumplings, pot stickers, or gyoza.

    Get the recipe

    Kimchi Fried Rice with Spam

    A plate of kimchi fried rice.
    Photo credit: Pups with Chopsticks.

    Kimchi fried rice is a simple and delicious meal that combines kimchi, spam, and rice, all topped with a fried egg. This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Spring Rolls

    Air Fryer Spring Rolls.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Frozen spring rolls can be cooked in your air fryer in less than 10 minutes, making them a great option for a fast meal. They come out crispy and delicious with just a little oil, and are ideal for dipping in your favorite sauce.

    Get the recipe

    Fast and Easy Cauliflower Fried Rice

    Fast and Easy Cauliflower Fried Rice
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This cauliflower rice dish offers a healthier twist on fried rice, making it low carb, paleo, and gluten-free. You can easily add your favorite vegetables for a quick and flexible meal during busy weeknights.

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    Larb Gai

    Larb gai.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Thai chicken salad is a great addition to your weekly meals. It's full of delicious flavors and has a nice crunch from the peanuts on top.

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    Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

    Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken.
    Photo credit: Dinner at the Zoo.

    Shredded chicken made with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and honey is a great way to bring some flavor to your weeknight dinners. Serve it over rice for an easy and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

    Get the recipe

    Salmon Tacos

    A salmon taco.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Salmon tacos are quick and easy to prepare. Just season and fry the salmon, then add a fresh Ginger Avocado Salsa for a healthy and tasty dinner in no time.

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    Smash Burgers

    Easy Smash Burger Recipe
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Smash burgers are a quick and tasty meal you can make any time, no grill needed. Just use ground beef and salt, and in about 15 minutes, you'll have crispy, buttery burgers cooked right on your stovetop.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

    Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Add Salt & Serve.

    This chicken is so tender, covered in creamy sauce, and full of peanut-y goodness . . . AND it's super easy with its five-ingredient sauce. Prep for this flavorful crockpot chicken with peanut butter and salsa is so quick-just mix the five sauce ingredients, pour over chicken, and cook in the slow cooker.

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    Massaman Chicken Curry

    A bowl of massaman chicken curry.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Massaman Chicken Curry is a simple one-pot dish that comes together in less than an hour with the help of store-bought curry paste. It's a creamy mix of coconut milk, chicken, potatoes, and peanuts, offering a nice balance of sweetness and mild spice.

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    Egg Roll in a Bowl

    Egg roll in a bowl.
    Photo Credit: Kitchen Fun With My Three Sons.

    Egg Roll in a Bowl combines ground beef, fresh vegetables, and soy sauce for a delicious meal. This one-pan dish is quick to make and packed with flavor, perfect for busy weeknights.

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    Black Bean Tacos with Feta Cheese & Pico de Gallo

    Vegetarian Tacos with Black Beans, Feta Cheese & Pico de Gallo
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    Vegetarian Tacos are filled with refried black beans and crumbled feta cheese, then topped with fresh pico de gallo. This easy dish is sure to satisfy your cravings and have you coming back for more!

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    Freezer Burritos with Beans, Rice, and Cheese

    Freezer Burritos with Beans, Rice, and Cheese
    Photo Credit: Bowl of Delicious.

    Making a batch of freezer burritos filled with beans, rice, and cheese is a great idea for busy weeknights. These easy-to-make burritos are perfect for a quick lunch and can be customized to fit your taste, whether you want them vegan or with added chicken.

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    More Recipe Roundups

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      21 Easy Weeknight Meals That Practically Cook Themselves
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      22 Delicious Beef Recipes That Cook Themselves While You Relax
    • A scoop of no baked ziti.
      21 Dump-and-Go Comfort Classics With Almost Zero Prep
    • Thai coconut skewers.
      23 Grilling Recipes That Will Make Your Summer Sizzle

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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