Missing your favourite takeout? Try these make-at-home recipes instead
Favourite fakeaways
Whether you've not had time to cook or fancy a special treat, there's just nothing like a takeaway dinner. We've trawled through our recipe archive to bring you incredible 'fakeout' recipes to make at home, so you might think twice about picking up the phone to order in. From chicken burgers and rice bowls to burritos and pizza, there's something for everyone.
Cheeseburger
Nothing beats a cheeseburger, whether you've opted for a popular chain creation or a more gourmet version. This homemade cheeseburger is a breeze to make and you can personalise it with whatever toppings and sauces you love. Crispy onions? Sure. Garlic sauce? Go for it.
Chicken and prawn pad Thai
When you just want a big bowl of comfort, pad Thai hits the spot and is a lot easier to make at home than you might think. A slight twist on the classic recipe, this dish incorporates fresh mint and coriander, and a sweet and salty sauce you'll want to eat by the spoonful.
Egg fried rice
No Friday night Chinese is imaginable without egg fried rice, and this satisfying side is even better when made at home. An excellent way of using up leftover rice, it's quick to whip up and tastes absolutely incredible with other dishes or just on its own.
Crispy chicken burger
This homemade version of a chicken burger is not only healthier than your takeaway favourite but also has bags of flavour. Use whatever toppings and sauces you love but the spicy sriracha and mayonnaise combo is great when paired with the tender buttermilk chicken and crispy, fresh lettuce.
Salmon noodle bowl
Noodle bowls have slowly but surely gained popularity and become a lunch staple for many. A fresh and satisfying meal, it’s something that can be thrown together very quickly. Adapt the recipe to whatever vegetables you have lingering in the fridge. You could pickle carrot or cucumber instead of radish and add a pile of steamed broccoli or edamame. Feel free to swap noodles for rice too.
Char siu pork
Char siu pork doesn't have to take hours to make. This shortcut stir-fry version of the popular Chinese dish is ready in less than 30 minutes and is still just as delicious. Serve with steamed jasmine rice.
Mushroom chow mein
This Sichuan mushroom chow mein is simple and packs a flavour punch. Better (and quicker) than any chow mein you could get delivered, this veggie version is ready in less than 15 minutes. If you want to make it meaty, add cooked chicken strips.
Chicken wings
An excellent recipe to make when you fancy a quick and comforting meal but can't order takeout, these chicken wings are perfectly spicy and sticky. Most of the cooking is done while the pan is simmering on the hob so you can make a few sides as the chicken cooks.
Prawn tacos
Tacos are a difficult thing to deliver in top-notch condition anyway so if your favourite Mexican joint is closed, there's no reason why you shouldn't make them at home. This recipe takes inspiration from a bloody mary cocktail, combining grown-up flavours of vodka, Tabasco and horseradish with mellow, sweet prawns.
Chicken tikka
If your local Indian takeway is closed, we guarantee this recipe will cure your craving. Marinated chunks (tikka simply means piece or chunk) of chicken are grilled on a skewer – use skin-on thighs as the meat will be more juicy. Serve with rice, naan, chutney and yogurt-based raita sauce, and you've got a proper feast.
Sweet and sour sauce
Making your own sweet and sour sauce takes less time than ordering and waiting for it to be delivered, and it tastes amazing. Follow this basic recipe and add your choice of protein like pork, chicken or prawns, and serve with steamed rice.
Summer rolls
Summer rolls are healthier than deep-fried spring rolls, perfect for warmer weather and, best of all, very easy to make at home. Traditionally made with shredded pork or prawns, these rolls are veggie but feel free to experiment with your fillings. Don't forget a dipping sauce on the side too.
Miso ramen
Very few things come close to a comforting bowl of ramen and it's super easy to make with a packet of instant ramen noodles. Use this recipe as a blueprint and play around with the toppings. Try sriracha or kimchi, experiment with mushrooms and any leftover cooked meat, and even coconut milk or peanut butter to find your ideal homemade bowl of ramen.
Duck pancakes with hoisin sauce
This build-your-own takeout classic is easy to make at home. Duck legs are marinated in a Chinese five spice, garlic granules and sea salt rub, cooked in the oven for an hour then shredded. Buy ready-made pancakes (these can be found in the fresh aisle of big supermarkets or from specialist Asian grocery stores) and hoisin sauce, and wrap the meat with cucumber matchsticks and sliced spring onion.
Slow-cooked smokehouse ribs
You don't always have to spend hours by the grill to indulge in fall-off-the bone smokehouse ribs or have a smoker at home. This easy recipe uses a slow cooker to achieve that low-and-slow texture and flavour at home with minimal effort.
Philly steak nachos
Combining two of our favourite foods – Philly cheesesteak and nachos – this dish is a winner. Brilliant to share during a film night at home, you'll want to make this recipe again and again. After all, you can't really go wrong with crunchy tortilla chips, rich cheese sauce, flash-fried strips of steak and spiky jalapeños.
Smoked bean and mushroom quesadilla
Quesadillas are the ultimate homemade fast food – they are wonderfully quick and easy to make using just a few ingredients. The basic idea behind the Mexican quesadilla is to stuff a cheesy filling between a couple of tortilla wraps and fry both sides in a pan. You can mix and match depending on what you have in the fridge and store cupboard but we love this combination of smoky beans and mushrooms.
Get the recipe for smoked bean and mushroom quesadillas here
Rice noodle salad bowl
A popular Vietnamese dish, these rice noodle bowls, or bún, are great for when you need a satisfying and delicious meal quickly. The dipping sauce will keep for up to two weeks, when refrigerated, so make a bigger batch to have on hand. Then simply boil noodles, and pull together any veg – think crispy lettuce, radishes, cucumber, carrots – and protein.
Jamaican jerk chicken
Capture the flavours of the Caribbean with this punchy marinade. You could substitute the whole chicken with breast fillets, thighs or drumsticks and cook it in the oven if you don't have a grill. It's a plate full of sunshine no matter how you make it.
Smoky black beans
If there's one thing that's great with Tex-Mex food, it's black beans. Earthy, salty and smoky, these beans always fit the bill, whether enjoyed with rice, wrapped in a burrito or fried in a quesadilla. This is a great recipe to have up your sleeve when you want to make your Mexican-inspired food shine.
Barbacoa tacos
A Mexican dish of slow-cooked spicy, tangy beef, barbacoa is shredded and often served in tacos. You can recreate this taqueria favourite with the help of your slow cooker, some tortillas, a dollop of sour cream and some salsa or guacamole.
Spicy chicken gyros
This easy-to-make Greek classic combines all the best things. Soft, lightly toasted pitta bread is packed with flavoursome chicken chunks, seasoned chopped tomatoes and a cooling tzatziki sauce. Bulk your gyros up with some shredded lettuce too.
Tofu massaman curry
With a rich and mild flavour, massaman curry is one of the most comforting things to eat. You could make this veggie version of a Thai favourite with chicken instead, if you prefer it to tofu. The recipe involves a lot of chopping but isn't overly complicated so you could turn it into a fun date-night-at-home activity instead of ordering in.
Three-cup chicken
This is a classic Taiwanese recipe that's brilliant for a quick and speedy supper when you'd rather spend time on things other than cooking. Spicy, sweet and sharp, it has bags of flavour. Serve with steamed rice.
Lasagne
You just can't go wrong with lasagne and its silky, creamy layers filled with a rich sauce. While it does take a lot longer to make rather than to order in, you can batch cook a larger lasagne and freeze portions to have on hand when you need a little comfort on a plate.
Jalapeño cheese toasties
Grilled cheese sandwiches are an undisputed American classic. Although your favourite grilled cheese truck or café is closed, this recipe with salty Parmesan, sharp Cheddar and spicy jalapeños will help with the cravings.
Fish and chips
Fish and chips is synonymous with Britain and a favourite takeaway choice. This winning recipe is a twist on the traditional with fragrant Indian spicing and chickpea flour in the fish batter.
Homemade pizza
If your favourite pizza place is closed, it's pretty easy to make a pie at home. Don't worry if you can't achieve the round shape – the more rustic, the better! You can batch cook the tomato sauce or used seasoned passata and try different toppings. For a shortcut version, buy ready-made pizza bases or dough from the supermarket.
Here's everything you need to know to make the perfect pizza at home
Burritos
Tasty burritos couldn't be easier to recreate at home. Pick your choice of meat (you could also use up leftovers), combine with salsa, black beans, corn and guacamole, pile into a tortilla wrap, top with cheese and fold. Grill in the oven, in a sandwich press or toast in a pan. It really is that easy.
American cheesecake
One of America's most popular desserts is cheesecake. Whether you like yours fresh or baked, it's easy to make. This recipe is based on a New York-style classic and topped with irresistible banana fritters and berries.
Chocolate brownies
Available to order everywhere, from fast food chains to restaurants, a chocolate brownie square is a pretty perfect bite at the end of a meal. Why not swap a dry delivery brownie for a warm and moist homemade treat? Once you've mastered the basics, try adding everything from nuts and peanut butter to caramel and berries.
Here's everything you need to know to make homemade brownies
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