You know those nights where you grab takeout and you’re expecting a really good meal, you’re happy with the convenience, and then it’s just bad?
For whatever reason, the restaurant did your order dirty and they wasted your money.
Maybe they had a new cook or they were understaffed. But with whatever was going on, all your expectations for a tasty dinner are gone.
It’s just you and a really bad takeout box of linguini.
And that’s where better than takeout recipes come in. They actually satisfy your cravings and are predictably good because well… the recipe is solid and you’re the cook.
So if you want a good dinner that’s not a plate of disappointment, then definitely give some of these better-than takeout recipes a try this week.
1. Sweet & Sour Pork
Sweet and sour pork has been one of my favorite Chinese dishes since I was a kid, so I will always be down for trying this at-home version.
Why This Recipe Works for You:
This homemade version has that wonderful crispy chicken goodness that’s been marinating for 4 hours, and it serves 10 people! That means if it’s just you and one other, or a whole family, you’ll definitely have more than one dinner.
Skip the take-out, this recipe is your answer.
GET THE RECIPE2. Quesabirria Tacos
I haven’t tried birria tacos yet (I keep meaning to), but I would not be opposed to trying the quesadilla version of them. It looks so cheesy and good!
The tortillas are dipped in a beef consommรฉ, and fried on a hot skillet to give you some amazing flavors. Honestly, there’s no need to order take-out anymore when you have recipes like this.
Why This Recipe Works for You:
On top of that, it serves six, so you can either make it for your family… or have it all to yourself. Both options are equally valid.
GET THE RECIPE3. Homemade Egg Rolls
Crispy fried egg rolls will always be ridiculously satisfying, and now you don’t have to rush off to a Chinese restaurant to get that craving met.
Why This Recipe Works for You:
It serves 12! 12 people! So you’re basically getting extra meals out of this one recipe. And that means you can have some satisfying crunchy egg rolls at work the next day, or just enjoy them from home.
On top of that, the mixture isn’t super complex, so there’s no stress when making them. It’s honestly perfect for those busy weeknights and when you’re craving something better than takeout.
GET THE RECIPE4. Bang Bang Shrimp
I’ve never had bang bang shrimp before, but this copycat recipe looks ridiculously satisfying and tasty! I can just imagine how crunchy and flavorful this dinner would be.
Why This Recipe Works for You:
The author has an easy trick for making the shrimp extra crispy, it’s gluten-free, easy, and it serves 6. So if you want your Bonefish Grill copycat that you can make in your own kitchen, then this recipe has got you covered.
GET THE RECIPE5. Easy Korean Beef Noodles
I love Korean food, the ingredients and flavors are so good! And these noodles look delicious; I’d be more than happy to try this recipe!
Why This Recipe Works for You:
It’s done in 30 minutes, it serves four, and she shares options for different ingredients in case you want to save money or time. Definitely one of the best budget-friendly takeout recipes.
GET THE RECIPE6. Cashew Chicken
Cashew chicken has always been a favorite of mine, so I’m happy to have it on this list of takeout recipes you can make right at home. And especially when it looks so much better than any of the versions I’ve had in restaurants.
Why This Recipe Works for You:
You get your Chinese food takeout fix, but as the author of the recipe puts it, this cashew chicken is “better than take out.”
Also, she says it’s done in under 30, serves 4, and the ingredients list looks so tasty!
GET THE RECIPE7. Spicy Korean Chicken
I’m in love with how this Korean chicken recipe looks and the sauce really makes this dish look super flavorful!
Why This Recipe Works for You:
It’s done in 20-30 minutes, serves 2 which is perfect for a date night (or leftovers the next day), and the sauce includes maple syrup which probably makes it taste really good!
GET THE RECIPE8. Greek Pork Steaks
Ok, something about Greek pork steaks sounds so good. And the photo makes it look really tasty! I feel like this is one of those take-out recipes you’ll be making on repeat all throughout the month.
Why This Recipe Works for You:
The recipe is cost-effective, marinated up to 12 hours (so flavorful!), prep time is just 5 minutes, and I’d say you’d probably get at least 3 dinners out this recipe.
GET THE RECIPE9. Crispy Honey Sesame Chicken
When I look at this photo, I kind of get hungry immediately. The sauce the chicken is coated in looks so good and it’d probably pair amazing with some hot steamed rice!
Why This Recipe Works for You:
It’s one of those takeout dishes you can easily make at home, prep time is just 10 minutes, it serves 4-6 people, and you’ll be eating in 30 minutes. I think this is a recipe to try this week!
GET THE RECIPE10. Chicken Quesadilla
Oh my goodness… this cheesy, flavorful quesadilla recipe looks ridiculously tasty! I honestly don’t know why I haven’t had it yet.
Why This Recipe Works for You:
The prep time is 10 minutes, cook time is 15 minutes, and that means you’ll be eating in 25. No waiting around for an hour for really good food.
It also serves four and is filled with a lot of wonderful spices!
GET THE RECIPE11. Healthy Chicken Lettuce Wraps
I love lettuce wraps and I also love P.F. Chang’s, so I think this is probably gonna be a great recipe to try!
Why This Recipe Works for You:
This better than takeout recipe is healthy but still flavorful, great for meal prep, serves four people, prep time is just 5 minutes, and total time is 20 minutes.
Sounds like a great dinner if you don’t wanna wait a long time to eat!
GET THE RECIPE12. Chicken Marsala With Mushrooms
Now for a bit of Italian, this dinner definitely looks a whole lot better than something I’d get at an Italian chain restaurant. Also, pair it with some roasted potatoes or flavorful rice, and it’ll probably be an amazing dinner.
Why This Recipe Works for You:
This recipe is a one-pan dish which means less time cleaning up. And on top of that, it’s probably a great date night recipe, serves four, and apparently works for people on a low carb/keto diet.
GET THE RECIPE13. Copycat Chick-fil-A Tortilla Soup
I’ve never had Chick-fil-A’s tortilla soup, but counting how they have high-quality food (and how this recipe looks great), I’d be happy to make it!
Why This Recipe Works for You:
It’s tortilla soup which means you can get creative with the toppings and have fun. Also, it serves 8 people (less cooking later!) and is a slow cooker recipe which means you can just set it and forget it.
GET THE RECIPE14. Zesty Baked Italian Style Chicken Wings
I love chicken wings! They’re so tasty and fun to eat. Also, finger food is always a good idea no matter what night of the week it is. And if you don’t wanna spend the extra money on ordering Buffalo Wild Wings takeout, then this is your answer.
Why This Recipe Works for You:
It’s easy (just tossing them in a sauce – no marinade), it’s baked which means healthy, and can also be done in an air fryer. And lastly, the prep time is just 10 minutes and serves six people.
GET THE RECIPE15. Butter Chicken With Naan
Indian food is so incredible, and especially when it’s done right. Also, pairing it with a great naan recipe is a must.
Why This Recipe Works for You:
This recipe serves 6, the prep time is just 10 minutes, it’s creamy and garlicky, and you don’t have to go to a restaurant to get an amazing Indian dinner.
GET THE RECIPE
Grace Moser is the author and founder of Chasing Foxes, where she writes articles to help women create a life they love in big and small ways. She's been a full-time traveler since 2016 and loves sharing her experiences and exploring the world with her husband, Silas. Her lifestyle and travel advice can also be seen on sites such as Business Insider, Glamour, Newsweek, Huffpost, & Apartment Therapy.