15 Better Than Takeout Recipes You’ll Wanna Eat All Month Long

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Silas & Grace

Asian-style chicken in a dish.

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 meal 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 recipes a try this week!

1. Chinese Sweet & Sour Pork

Chinese Sweet & Sour Pork on a plate.
PHOTO CREDIT: SIFT & SIMMER

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:

It 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.

Recipe: Chinese Sweet & Sour Pork

2. Quesabirria Tacos

Quesabirria Tacos on a white plate.
PHOTO CREDIT: GARLIC AND ZEST

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 consommé, and fried on a hot skillet to give you some amazing flavors.

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 for yourself.

Both options are equally valid.

Recipe: Quesabirria Tacos

3. Homemade Egg Rolls

Homemade Egg Rolls stacked on each other.
PHOTO CREDIT: DINNER AT THE ZOO

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 be enjoying them from home.

On top of that, the mixture isn’t super complex, so there’s no stress when making them.

Recipe: Homemade Egg Rolls

4. Bang Bang Shrimp

Bang Bang Shrimp in large lettuce leaves
PHOTO CREDIT: RECIPES FROM A PANTRY

I’ve never had bang bang shrimp before, but it 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, then this recipe has got you covered.

Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

5. Easy Korean Noodles with Beef

Korean Noodles with Beef in a bowl.
PHOTO CREDIT: SALTED MINT

I love Korean food, the ingredients and flavors are so good! And these noodles look delicious; I’d be 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.

Recipe: Easy Korean Noodles with Beef

6. Cashew Chicken

Cashew Chicken and rice in a bowl.
PHOTO CREDIT: MODERN HONEY

Cashew chicken has always been a favorite of mine, so I’m happy to have this on the list. 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.”

She says it’s done in under 30, serves 4, and the ingredients list looks so tasty!

Recipe: Cashew Chicken

7. Easy Korean Spicy Chicken

Korean Spicy Chicken in a bowl with rice.
PHOTO CREDIT: SALTED MINT

More Korean recipes! I’m in love with how this chicken 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!

Recipe: Easy Korean Spicy Chicken

8. Greek Pork Steaks

Greek Pork Steaks in a white dish.
PHOTO CREDIT: THE GREEK FOODIE

Ok, something about Greek pork steaks sounds so good. And the photo makes it look really tasty!

Why This Recipe Works for You:

The recipe is cost affective, marinated up to 12 hours (so flavorful!), prep time is 5 minutes, and I’d say you’d probably get at least 3 dinners out this recipe.

Recipe: Greek Pork Steaks

9. Crispy Honey Sesame Chicken

Crispy Honey Sesame Chicken in a pot.
PHOTO CREDIT: BLACKBERRY BABE

When I look at this photo, I kind of get hungry immediately. The sauce it’s swimming in looks so good and it’d probably pair amazing with some hot steamed rice!

Why This Recipe Works for You:

It’s easy, prep time is just 10 minutes, it seres 4-6 people, and you’ll be eating in 30 minutes. I think this is a recipe to try this week!

Recipe: Crispy Honey Sesame Chicken

10. Best Authentic Chicken Quesadilla Recipe

Chicken Quesadilla slices stacked on each other.
PHOTO CREDIT: HAUTE AND HEALTHY LIVING

Oh my goodness… this cheesy flavorful quesadilla recipe looks ridiculously tasty! I 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 lots of wonderful spices!

Recipe: Best Authentic Chicken Quesadilla Recipe

11. Healthy Chicken Lettuce Wraps (PF Chang’s Copycat)

Healthy Chicken Lettuce Wraps on a serving tray.
PHOTO CREDIT: LAUREN FIT FOODIE

I love lettuce wraps and I also love PF Chang’s, so I think this is probably gonna be a great recipe to try!

Why This Recipe Works for You:

This 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 want to wait a long time to eat!

Recipe: Healthy Chicken Lettuce Wraps (PF Chang’s Copycat)

12. Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms

Copycat Chick Fil A Tortilla Soup in a pan.
PHOTO CREDIT: MASALA HERB

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.

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.

Recipe: Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms

13. Copycat Chick-fil-A Tortilla Soup

Copycat Chick Fil A Tortilla Soup in two bowls.
PHOTO CREDIT: MARY’S WHOLE LIFE

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.

It also serves 8 people (less cooking later!) and is a slow cooker recipe which means you can just set it and forget it.

Recipe: Copycat Chick-fil-A Tortilla Soup

14. Zesty Baked Italian Style Chicken Wings

Zesty Baked Italian Style Chicken Wings in a white bowl.
PHOTO CREDIT: EAT FRESH GLOW

I love chicken wings! They’re so tasty and fun to eat. Also, finger food is always a good idea.

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.

Recipe: Zesty Baked Italian Style Chicken Wings

15. Butter Chicken with Naan

White plate with Butter Chicken and Naan on it.
PHOTO CREDIT: BRITNEY BREAKS BREAD

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.

Recipe: Butter Chicken with Naan

Original post published on Chasing Foxes.

19 Tasty Copycat Recipes That Look Ridiculously Satisfying

Chicken cooking on a skillet.
PHOTO CREDIT: SUGAR AND SOUL

If you’re not in the mood to head out to a restaurant tonight, but you’re also craving your favorite dish, then this list might just have you covered!

Get the Recipes Here: 19 Tasty Copycat Recipes That Look Ridiculously Satisfying

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Starbucks coffee copycat.
PHOTO CREDIT: SPOONFUL OF FLAVOR

If you’re craving your favorite Starbucks drink, but you want to save money and time, then these copycat recipes are your new best friend.

Get the Recipes: 18 Winter Dinner Recipes to Really Satisfy Your Comfort Food Cravings

75+ Authentic Mexican Dishes That Are Truly Eat-Worthy

A Mexican breakfast dish on a plate.
PHOTO AND RECIPE CREDIT: MARI CRUZ AVALOS

There’s so much more to Mexican food than what you get in a lot of restaurants around the world.

The flavors are so much more incredible, and if you’re craving real Mexican food, then this recipe list is your best friend.

Get the Recipes: 75+ Authentic Mexican Dishes That Are Perfect

41 Traditional Chinese Dishes That Are Incredibly Delicious

Chinese buns on a white plate.
PHOTO CREDIT: CHASING FOXES

If you want to impress your friends like you’re the next Martha Stewart cooking genius, then here’s a list of truly authentic Chinese recipes.

PS – There are also some on the list that you probably thought were America-Chinese, but actually come from China!

Get the Recipes: 41 Traditional Chinese Dishes That Are Incredibly Delicious

65 Authentic Greek Dishes You Need (Immediately)

A greek recipe on a plate.
PHOTO CREDIT: ANNA MENTE/CANVA

Greek cuisine has to have some of the most flavorful dishes.

So if you want to something really satisfying, then grab a recipe from this (authentic and traditional) list, and enjoy a bite of hot perfectly delicious Greek food.

Get the recipes here: Greek Food: 65 Authentic Dishes You Need Immediately

Chasing Foxes was started in 2016 as a way for Grace and her husband, Silas, to start traveling. However, they started to realize that they had a passion for improving themselves, and wanted to help others level up their lives as well. So whether it's with cooking, travel, or staying healthy, they want to help you better your life bit by bit, as they do the same.

Food Food & Drink

Silas & Grace

Chasing Foxes was started in 2016 as a way for Grace and her husband, Silas, to start traveling. However, they started to realize that they had a passion for improving themselves, and wanted to help others level up their lives as well. So whether it's with cooking, travel, or staying healthy, they want to help you better your life bit by bit, as they do the same.

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