Takeout sounds great after a long day, but the price can add up fast. Cooking at home sometimes feels like too much, especially when tired and hungry. It helps when something tastes like a treat but doesn’t break the budget. Make these 21 Chinese recipes when I want takeout without the cost.
Egg Drop Soup
Warm and comforting, this dish is perfect for any day when you’re craving that classic taste from your favorite takeout spot. Egg Drop Soup is quick to prepare and brings a cozy vibe to your kitchen. With just a few simple steps, the rich flavors come together beautifully. It’s a nice way to enjoy something homemade without much effort. Give yourself a break from ordering for one night and make this instead.
Get the Recipe: Egg Drop Soup
Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken
This dish gives you those takeout vibes without leaving your house. Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken combines citrusy sharpness with tender chicken for a meal that hits the spot. A quick recipe that feels like restaurant-quality but costs way less. You’ll love the balance of freshness and simplicity as it all comes together. It’s a tasty alternative that’s worth a try.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken
Vegetable Stir Fry
Loaded with color with variety, this is an easy way to make a dish that feels just like what you’d order at a Chinese restaurant. Vegetable Stir Fry is perfect when you want something light but full of flavor. You can use whatever veggies you have on hand and whip it up in no time. It’s a great way to mix things up and avoid reaching for takeout menus. Pair it with your favorite side for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry
Cashew Chicken
This dish offers a great way to enjoy those restaurant style flavors without the hassle. Cashew Chicken brings tender pieces of chicken together with crunchy cashews for an enjoyable dish. It’s always a hit for a quick homemade takeout solution that feels indulgent. Throw it together on a busy night and you’ll still get that dining experience. Save your wallet and make something delicious at home.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken
Sweet and Sour Sauce
A little sweet, this staple gives you the perfect match for so many dishes you love ordering. Sweet and Sour Sauce is easy to whip up and adds a special touch to your meal. It’s great for dipping, drizzling, or tossing with your favorite ingredients. Once you realize how simple it is to prepare, you’ll want to skip buying it again. Use it to take dinner to the next level without calling for delivery.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Sauce
General Tso’s Chicken
Packed with bold flavors, this is a fan favorite that you can make at home without much effort. General Tso’s Chicken offers a mix of slight heat and sweetness with crispy chicken you’ll enjoy. It’s simpler than you think and feels just like the classic takeout option we’ve all ordered at least once. Skip the delivery charges and make something that tastes even better. When you need something a little indulgent, this is the recipe to go for.
Get the Recipe: General Tso’s Chicken
Fried Banana
Ever wondered how to make a sweet treat that’s simple and feels like the perfect ending to a takeout style meal, Fried Banana is crispy on the outside while soft and warm inside, making it a go to dessert option. It’s super quick to make and uses basic ingredients you probably already have. Perfect for days when you want a little sugar kick but don’t feel like ordering out. Try it once, and you’ll want it again anytime.
Get the Recipe: Fried Banana
Sesame Chicken
Slightly crisp with a touch of sweetness, this homemade dish feels like a restaurant favorite you’ve recreated at home. Sesame Chicken blends unique textures and flavors for a tasty experience. It’s the perfect recipe for when you want to skip takeout and still enjoy something familiar. Bring everything together in your kitchen and enjoy that comfort food vibe. Making it yourself is easier than dialing for delivery.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Chicken
Bang Bang Shrimp
A seafood dish works great when you want quick takeout flavors without the added cost. Bang Bang Shrimp pairs a flavorful sauce with tender shrimp for a simple but delicious option. You can have it on the table in no time while keeping your budget in check. It’s versatile enough for any meal or even as a special snack moment. Forget ordering and enjoy a homemade twist on a classic favorite.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp
Chicken Chow Mein
Rich flavors and soft noodles come together wonderfully in what could be your new favorite homemade recipe. Chicken Chow Mein is simple yet feels like a treat you’d grab from your favorite Chinese spot. You don’t need much time or effort to create this dish, making it great for any day of the week. Once you make it yourself, you might just forget about ordering it again. A warm plate of this hits just the right mood.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chow Mein
Tofu Fried Rice
This dish is perfect for nights when you want something easy and filling without ordering delivery. Tofu Fried Rice mixes wholesome ingredients into a dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. You get just the right balance of textures for something that feels homemade but special. Customize it how you’d like and enjoy every bite straight from your own kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice
Sweet and Sour Chicken
It’s the perfect mix of tangy and slightly sweet flavors that keeps you coming back for more. Sweet and Sour Chicken is all about those bold contrasts that make takeout so tempting. Cooking this up at home means you control everything flavors, freshness, and portions. Plus, it’s way simpler than you’d think to make it from scratch. Skip the hassle of ordering out and whip this up for a perfect dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Chicken
Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp
Crunchy, sweet, and slightly buttery, this dish is everything you want in a quick homemade treat. Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp gives you that restaurant-style feel without extra effort. Using an air fryer makes the process faster, with less oil and hassle. Perfect for when you’re craving something fancy but want to manage the cost. Make this on your own, and it’s fresh, delicious, and budget-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp
Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Straightforward flavors with that signature blend of sweet and slightly smoky goodness this recipe has it covered. Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe lets you enjoy that restaurant classic right at home. Everything about this feels like your favorite takeout, only fresher. Perfect for meal prepping and saving a ton compared to ordering out. It’s a quick winner for when you want something tasty without leaving the house.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Shrimp Toast
It’s the ideal comfort dish to make when skipping takeout. Shrimp Toast feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to whip up. Get ready for that crunchy bite you love, minus all the extra restaurant cost. Making it yourself means adjusting to your own flavor preferences with every batch. It’s simple, fast, and an excellent way to satisfy cravings.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Toast
Kung Pao Chicken
Enjoy a dinner that’s far cheaper than calling for delivery. A touch of heat, crunch, and bold flavors all come together in this simple dish. Kung Pao Chicken is something you can make easily without needing a chef-level skillset. It’s just as good as what you’d get at a takeout place, maybe even better because it’s homemade. You’ll love being able to tweak the spice levels for however much heat you want.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken
Sweet and Sour Pork
Great balance of sweetness and tartness makes this dish iconic when you’re missing Chinese takeout. Sweet and Sour Pork brings everything you love in those restaurant flavors right into your own kitchen. Making it at home lets you pick how bold the sauce is while keeping it fresh. It’s easy to master and a perfect way to save without skimping on taste. Forget the cost of ordering out it’s a no-brainer.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Pork
Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
Fresh, crisp broccoli paired with tender chicken makes for a healthy and quick meal any day. Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is all about simplicity with that familiar takeout feel. Creating it yourself cuts out the uncertainty of delivery while saving money. It’s incredibly easy to toss together whenever you need something fast but flavorful. You’ll skip the spend and appreciate how fresh it all tastes.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
Hot and Sour Soup
Perfect for when you’re skipping the restaurant costs. Thick, hearty, and full of classic flavors, it’s just what you need to recreate Chinese takeout at home. Hot and Sour Soup is delicious, simple, and doesn’t take long to pull off. Making it yourself lets you control every ingredient, so it’s tailored to your taste. It’s a fantastic way to warm up when you want something flavorful but quick.
Get the Recipe: Hot and Sour Soup
Easy Chow Mein
Chewy noodles and bold flavors make this dish unforgettable when you’re avoiding delivery costs. Easy Chow Mein is perfect to whip up in your kitchen using basic techniques. You’ll get that takeout-style taste but spend way less in comparison. Making it fresh means balancing everything exactly how you like it. It’s quick, fun, and something you’ll want to make regularly at home.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chow Mein
Orange Chicken
A delicious blend of citrusy sweetness and crispy chicken makes this a favorite takeout-style dish. Orange Chicken is surprisingly simple to recreate when you want those bold flavors. Cooking it at home means fresher ingredients and tailoring sweetness to your liking. Say goodbye to ordering out you can easily prepare this anytime you’re craving something familiar. It’s quick, fun, and saves you a few bucks.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken
