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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    22 Dinner Ideas That Will Make You Forget Takeout Exists

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on October 22, 2025, updated October 9, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    If you're tired of the same old dinner routine and want to impress your family or friends, these 22 fakeout dinners are just what you need. They mimic your favorite takeout dishes but are easy to make at home, saving you time and money. From delicious tacos to spicy stir-fries, these recipes will have everyone asking for seconds!

    Pad Woon Sen (Thai Glass Noodle Sti Fry)

    Pad Woon Sen (Thai Glass Noodle Sti Fry).
    Photo credit: Foodess.

    Pad Woon Sen is a flavorful Thai stir fry made with glass noodles, chicken, and fresh vegetables. This dish is sure to impress with its savory sauce and satisfying combination of ingredients.

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    Popcorn Chicken

    Popcorn chicken with a dipping sauce.
    Image credit: Sarah Cook.

    This popcorn chicken is crunchy and full of flavor, making it hard to stop at just one. It's the perfect dish for a cozy night in or a fun dinner with friends.

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    Shrimp Masala

    A bowl of shrimp masala curry.
    Photo credit: Piping Pot Curry.

    This curry features a flavorful Indian sauce made with onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and a blend of spices. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home, bringing the taste of India right to your table.

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    Vegetable Ramen

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

    This meal is all about transforming basic ramen noodles into something special with just a few extra ingredients. It's an easy way to enjoy a hearty dish that feels like a treat without the hassle of takeout.

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    Orange Chicken

    orange chicken with rice.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish brings the flavors of your favorite takeout right to your kitchen, combining sweetness and savoriness with a satisfying crunch. It's a delicious way to enjoy a classic meal without the need for delivery.

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    Homemade Hamburgers

    air fryer hamburger.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Homemade hamburgers are a great choice for dinner. With just some quality ground beef and a handful of spices, you can whip up a delicious meal in minutes.

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    Kung Pao Spaghetti

    Kung Pao Spaghetti.
    Photo credit: Spice Cravings.

    Kung Pao Spaghetti offers a fun take on your favorite Chinese takeout, mixing sweet and spicy flavors in a delicious way. This dish features pasta, chicken, and veggies all tossed in a homemade kung pao sauce, finished with peanuts and spring onions, making it a quick and easy meal for the whole family in just 30 minutes.

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    Fish Tacos

    Fish tacos.
    Image credit: Sarah Cook.

    These fish tacos are packed with flavor and topped with a fresh mango salsa. They're a fun and satisfying meal that will make you forget about takeout.

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    Chicken Tikka Kebab

    Chicken Tikka Kebab
    Photo Credit: Piping Pot Curry.

    This is a flavorful dish that's easy to make at home. The chicken is soaked in yogurt, lime juice, and spices before being grilled on skewers to perfection.

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    Thai Curry Fried Rice

    Thai curry fried rice.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish transforms leftover rice and fresh vegetables into a delicious meal that feels like takeout. It's a simple way to enjoy a satisfying dinner without the need for delivery.

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    Miso Mushroom Ramen

    a bowl of miso mushroom ramen.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A quick and delicious dashi broth comes together easily, making it the perfect base for a hearty meal. Adding in some flavorful mushrooms creates a satisfying dish that feels special without much effort.

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    Shrimp Curry

    Shrimp curry in a skillet.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    This Shrimp Curry is packed with flavor, featuring Thai red curry paste and creamy coconut milk. It comes together in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Beef Chow Fun

    beef chow fun.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Marinated beef and noodles come together for a tasty and filling meal that's simple to prepare. It's a great option for those nights when you want something comforting without the hassle.

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    Green Curry Spaghetti

    A bowl of fried spaghetti with green curry.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish mixes the familiar taste of green curry with spaghetti, creating a simple yet flavorful meal inspired by Bangkok. It's a great way to enjoy a unique twist on pasta without much fuss.

    Get the recipe

    Vietnamese Beef Noodle Salad

    Vietnamese Beef Noodle Salad.
    Photo credit: Delightful Plate.

    This Vietnamese beef noodle salad combines fresh herbs, flavorful beef, and a tangy lime fish sauce dressing. It's a simple dish that comes together in just 30 minutes and works great as either a main course or a side.

    Get the recipe.

    Spring Rolls

    a stack of spring rolls.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air frying frozen spring rolls is a quick and easy way to enjoy a tasty meal. These crispy bites are perfect for a satisfying dinner without the hassle of takeout.

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    Massaman Chicken Curry

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

    This dish is great for those evenings when you don't feel like making a big meal. Simply toss everything into one pot and let it simmer.

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    Shrimp Tacos

    Shrimp tacos.
    Image credit: Sarah Cook.

    Enjoy making your favorite tacos right in your kitchen with these easy recipes. They're designed to be quick and hassle-free, so you can skip the takeout menus.

    Get the recipe

    Pizza

    Pizza made with spelt pizza dough.
    Image credit: Katie Trant.

    Making pizza at home is simple and fun, especially if you have some dough stored in the freezer. You can easily whip up a delicious meal without the need for takeout.

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    Larb Gai

    Larb gai.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Thai chicken salad is full of delicious flavors and works well on its own or with some rice. It's perfect for a fast and satisfying meal.

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    Shrimp Mei Fun

    Shrimp mei fun.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This recipe lets you create a tasty shrimp and rice noodle dish right at home. It's a fast and simple meal that you can prepare in just a few minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Chicken Tacos

    Instant Pot Chicken Tacos.
    Photo Credit: Binky's Culinary Carnival.

    Instant Pot Chicken Tacos are a quick and simple dinner option for busy weeknights. You can use fresh or frozen chicken, making it easy to whip up a meal even after a long day.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Cheesy potatoes.
      25 Best Crockpot Recipes to Get You Out of Your Weeknight Rut
    • Marry me chicken pasta.
      26 Delicious Chicken Dinners That Won't Keep You in the Kitchen
    • Tater tot casserole.
      12 Set It and Forget It Ground Beef Recipes That Will Feed a Crowd
    • Taco pasta.
      15 Slow Cooker Recipes That Will Change Your Dinner Game Forever

    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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