Simple Takeout Style Recipes You Can Make at Home

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1. Homemade General Tso’s Chicken

General Tso’s Chicken is a beloved dish at many Chinese restaurants, known for its slightly sweet, spicy sauce and crispy chicken. Making this dish at home is not only simpler than you might think, but it also allows you to control the ingredients and adjust the flavors to your liking.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
    • ½ cup cornstarch
    • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
    • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
    • 2 tablespoons sugar
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
    • 2-3 dried red chilies (optional for heat)
    • Vegetable oil for frying
  • Instructions:
    • In a bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, sugar, garlic, and ginger to create the sauce.
    • In another bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until they are well coated.
    • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
    • In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, and sauté the dried chilies for 30 seconds. Then, pour in the sauce and bring it to a simmer.
    • Add the fried chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
    • Serve hot with steamed rice and your favorite vegetables.

2. Teriyaki Salmon Bowls

This teriyaki salmon bowl is a healthy takeout alternative that’s quick and easy to prepare. With a delightful combination of flavors and textures, it’s sure to impress your family or guests.

  • Ingredients:
    • 4 salmon fillets
    • ½ cup teriyaki sauce
    • 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
    • 1 cup steamed broccoli
    • 1 cup shredded carrots
    • Sesame seeds for garnish
    • Chopped green onions for garnish
  • Instructions:
    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
    • Place salmon fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush with teriyaki sauce. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through.
    • While the salmon is baking, prepare your rice and steam your broccoli.
    • Once the salmon is done, assemble your bowls by placing a scoop of rice at the bottom, followed by broccoli, shredded carrots, and the salmon on top.
    • Drizzle additional teriyaki sauce over the top, and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

3. Pad Thai with Shrimp

This homemade Pad Thai is a fantastic way to enjoy the authentic flavors of Thailand right in your kitchen. This version uses shrimp, but you can easily substitute chicken or tofu if you prefer.

  • Ingredients:
    • 8 oz rice noodles
    • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
    • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
    • 2 eggs
    • 3 green onions, chopped
    • 1 cup bean sprouts
    • ¼ cup peanuts, crushed
    • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
    • 2 tablespoons sugar
    • 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
    • Juice of 1 lime
  • Instructions:
    • Cook rice noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
    • In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Remove shrimp and set aside.
    • In the same skillet, crack the eggs and scramble until cooked. Add cooked noodles, shrimp, fish sauce, sugar, tamarind paste, and lime juice. Toss to combine and heat through.
    • Stir in green onions and bean sprouts. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
    • Serve hot, garnished with crushed peanuts and lime wedges.

4. Creamy Chicken Alfredo

Alfredo sauce is rich and creamy, making it a favorite among pasta lovers. This homemade version is quick to prepare and makes for a comforting meal that rivals any Italian restaurant.

  • Ingredients:
    • 12 oz fettuccine pasta
    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 2 cups cooked chicken, sliced
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Chopped parsley for garnish
  • Instructions:
    • Cook fettuccine according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
    • In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
    • Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and continue to cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
    • Add cooked chicken to the sauce and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    • Toss the fettuccine in the sauce until well coated. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

5. Spicy Chickpea Tacos

These spicy chickpea tacos are a fantastic vegetarian option that’s packed with flavor. They’re quick to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings!

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • 1 teaspoon chili powder
    • Salt to taste
    • 8 small corn tortillas
    • Avocado, sliced
    • Cabbage, shredded
    • Cilantro for garnish
    • Lime wedges for serving
  • Instructions:
    • In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chickpeas, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chickpeas are heated through and slightly crispy.
    • Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
    • Assemble the tacos by adding a generous amount of the chickpea mixture to each tortilla. Top with sliced avocado, shredded cabbage, and cilantro.
    • Serve with lime wedges for a zesty finish!

Conclusion

With these simple takeout style recipes, you can bring the flavors of your favorite restaurants right into your home. Each recipe is designed to be easy to follow, using everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re craving something savory like General Tso’s Chicken or looking for a lighter option like Spicy Chickpea Tacos, these dishes are sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy experimenting with these recipes, and don’t hesitate to make them your own with personal twists and favorite ingredients!

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6. Homemade Pad Thai

This classic Thai dish is made with rice noodles, a tangy sauce, and your choice of protein or vegetables. It’s a quick meal that’s always a crowd-pleaser!

  • Ingredients:
    • 8 oz rice noodles
    • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 cup shrimp or chicken, cooked
    • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
    • 3 tablespoons fish sauce
    • 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
    • 1 tablespoon sugar
    • 1 cup bean sprouts
    • Chopped peanuts and green onions for garnish
    • Lime wedges for serving
  • Instructions:
    • Soak the rice noodles in hot water for about 20 minutes or until soft; drain and set aside.
    • In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add garlic and stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant.
    • Add cooked shrimp or chicken and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Push to one side of the skillet.
    • Pour beaten eggs into the skillet and scramble until fully cooked, then mix with the protein.
    • Stir in the soaked noodles, fish sauce, tamarind paste, and sugar. Toss everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
    • Remove from heat and fold in the bean sprouts. Serve hot, garnished with chopped peanuts, green onions, and lime wedges.

7. Teriyaki Salmon Bowls

These teriyaki salmon bowls are not only healthy but also packed with flavor. They make for a stunning presentation and a delicious meal!

  • Ingredients:
    • 2 salmon fillets
    • 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
    • 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
    • 1 cup broccoli florets
    • 1 carrot, thinly sliced
    • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
    • Sliced green onions for garnish
  • Instructions:
    • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet and brush with teriyaki sauce.
    • Roast the salmon in the oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through and flaky.
    • While the salmon is baking, steam the broccoli and carrots until tender.
    • To assemble the bowls, divide the cooked rice into two bowls, top with salmon, steamed vegetables, and drizzle with additional teriyaki sauce.
    • Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

8. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

This comforting tomato basil soup is perfect for pairing with a grilled cheese sandwich. It’s rich, creamy, and so satisfying!

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 onion, chopped
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
    • 1 cup vegetable broth
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Instructions:
    • In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté onions until translucent.
    • Add garlic and cook for another minute before adding crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth.
    • Bring to a simmer and let cook for about 15 minutes.
    • Stir in heavy cream and basil, then blend with an immersion blender until smooth and creamy.
    • Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.

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9. General Tso’s Chicken

This homemade version of General Tso’s chicken is not only a crowd-pleaser but also much healthier than takeout!

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
    • 1/4 cup cornstarch
    • 1/4 cup soy sauce
    • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
    • 2 tablespoons sugar
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
    • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
    • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
    • Sliced green onions for garnish
  • Instructions:
    • In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated.
    • In another bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
    • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
    • Pour sauce over chicken and stir to combine, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until thickened.
    • Garnish with sliced green onions and serve over rice.

10. Vegetable Lo Mein

This vegetable lo mein is a simple, satisfying dish that can be customized with your favorite veggies!

  • Ingredients:
    • 8 oz lo mein noodles
    • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
    • 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
    • 1 cup snap peas
    • 1 carrot, julienned
    • 3 green onions, chopped
    • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
    • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • Instructions:
    • Cook lo mein noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
    • In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots, stir-frying for about 3-4 minutes.
    • Add cooked noodles to the skillet along with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Toss to combine and heat through.
    • Stir in green onions and serve immediately.

Conclusion

With these simple takeout style recipes, you can enjoy your favorite meals without leaving your home. Each recipe is designed to be easy to prepare, delicious, and customizable to your taste. So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to impress your family and friends with your newfound culinary skills!

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