15 Better at Home Versions of Takeout Favorites

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Homemade Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders are a popular takeout choice, known for their crispy exterior and tender interior. Instead of ordering from a fast food chain, you can easily recreate this dish at home, customizing it to suit your taste. The homemade version offers the benefit of knowing exactly what ingredients are used, making it a healthier option. By using fresh, high-quality chicken and a blend of spices, you can achieve that satisfying crunch without all the added preservatives.

To make your own chicken tenders, you will need about 1 pound of chicken breasts, cut into strips. Coat them with a mixture of breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dip them in beaten eggs, then coat with more breadcrumbs before frying them in a hot skillet for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Serve them with a side of honey mustard or your favorite dipping sauce.

Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Beef and broccoli is a classic takeout dish that combines tender beef and crisp broccoli in a savory sauce. This dish is incredibly easy to make at home, and you can adjust the sauce to your liking, making it more or less sweet or salty. The advantage of preparing it yourself is you can choose the cuts of beef and the freshness of the broccoli, giving you full control over the flavors and quality.

To prepare this dish, start by slicing 1 pound of flank steak against the grain. Stir-fry the beef in a hot pan with a little oil until browned. Add 2 cups of broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes. In a separate bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. Pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Crispy Spring Rolls

Spring rolls are a favorite appetizer at many restaurants, offering a crispy exterior and a fresh, flavorful filling. Making these at home allows you to experiment with different fillings, such as shrimp, vegetables, or even chicken, while controlling the amount of oil used. Homemade spring rolls can be a lighter alternative without sacrificing the crispy texture you love.

For the filling, combine 1 cup of shredded cabbage, ½ cup of shredded carrots, and ¼ cup of cooked shrimp (or your choice of protein). Lay out your spring roll wrappers and add about 2 tablespoons of filling to each one. Roll them tightly, sealing the edges with a bit of water. Heat oil in a pan and fry the rolls for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Serve with sweet chili sauce for dipping.

Homemade Fried Rice

Fried rice is a go-to takeout meal that can be made in a variety of ways, but homemade versions are far more customizable. By using leftover rice and your choice of vegetables and proteins, you can create a dish that is just as flavorful but with less oil and sodium than typical restaurant versions. Plus, you can add as many or as few ingredients as you prefer.

To prepare fried rice, start by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan. Add 1 cup of diced onions and cook for 2 minutes. Add 2 cups of cooked rice, breaking up any clumps. Stir in 1 cup of mixed vegetables, 2 scrambled eggs, and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Cook everything together for about 5-7 minutes until the rice is golden and crispy. Garnish with chopped green onions.

Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is a comforting Italian dish that can be made at home in no time. With its cheesy layers and rich tomato sauce, it rivals any takeout pasta dish. Making it at home means you can use fresh ingredients and avoid the excess fats and sodium that often come with ordering out. Plus, you can add extra vegetables or protein for a more personalized version.

To make baked ziti, cook 1 pound of ziti pasta according to package directions. In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté 1 chopped onion and 2 cloves of garlic until soft. Stir in 3 cups of marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes. Combine the pasta with the sauce and transfer to a baking dish. Top with 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of grated Parmesan. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Sweet and sour chicken is another takeout favorite that is simple to recreate at home. You can easily control the level of sweetness and tang in the sauce, making it a perfect family-friendly meal. By using fresh chicken breast and a homemade sauce, you eliminate the heavy, greasy feeling often associated with restaurant versions.

To make sweet and sour chicken, start by cutting 1 pound of chicken breast into bite-sized cubes. Coat the chicken in a mixture of ½ cup of flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Fry the chicken in hot oil for about 5-6 minutes until golden brown. For the sauce, mix ¼ cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce in a bowl. Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and simmer for 2 minutes, then serve with steamed rice.

Homemade General Tso’s Chicken

General Tso’s chicken is a popular Chinese takeout dish that combines crispy chicken with a spicy, sweet sauce. The homemade version allows you to control the heat and sweetness, making it a more tailored experience. You can also make it healthier by adjusting the amount of oil and using lean cuts of chicken.

To prepare General Tso’s chicken, cut 1 pound of chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and coat with ½ cup of cornstarch and 1 teaspoon of salt. Fry the chicken in oil for 4-5 minutes until crispy. In a separate pan, combine 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of chili paste. Pour the sauce over the chicken and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. Serve over white rice.

Veggie Sushi Rolls

Sushi rolls are a favorite takeout choice but making them at home can be a fun and healthier alternative. With the right ingredients, you can enjoy all the fresh flavors without the added cost. Using vegetables like cucumber, avocado, and carrots creates a light, refreshing roll perfect for any meal.

To make veggie sushi rolls, start by cooking 2 cups of sushi rice and letting it cool. Lay a sheet of nori on a bamboo mat and spread ½ cup of rice evenly over the sheet. Add thin slices of cucumber, avocado, and carrot. Roll tightly and slice into bite-sized pieces. Serve with soy sauce and wasabi.

Chicken Alfredo

Chicken Alfredo is a popular comfort food, known for its creamy sauce and rich flavor. Making this dish at home allows you to control the ingredients, using fresh cream and high-quality cheese. You can also experiment with adding vegetables or different seasonings to create a unique flavor profile. Plus, it is a hearty meal that is satisfying and easy to prepare for the whole family.

To make chicken Alfredo, cook 1 pound of fettuccine pasta according to package directions. In a large skillet, cook 2 chicken breasts, seasoned with salt and pepper, for 6-7 minutes on each side until browned. Remove the chicken and slice it into strips. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter, then add 1 cup of heavy cream and simmer for 3 minutes. Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and return the chicken to the skillet, mixing everything together. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce and serve.

Sweet and Sour Pork

Sweet and sour pork is a dish that is both tangy and savory, making it a favorite in many restaurants. The homemade version allows you to customize the sauce to your liking, making it either sweeter or tangier. Using fresh vegetables and high-quality pork makes the dish healthier and more flavorful than the takeout version.

To make sweet and sour pork, cut 1 pound of pork tenderloin into bite-sized pieces and coat with a mixture of ½ cup of flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Fry the pork in hot oil for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown. For the sauce, combine ¼ cup of ketchup, 3 tablespoons of vinegar, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce in a bowl. Pour the sauce over the pork, add 1 cup of bell peppers and 1 cup of pineapple chunks, and cook for an additional 2 minutes until everything is coated. Serve with steamed rice.

Grilled Shrimp Tacos

Grilled shrimp tacos are a fresh and vibrant dish that makes for a great homemade alternative to takeout. With a tangy lime and cilantro marinade, the shrimp offer bold flavors, while the crunchy slaw adds texture to the dish. Making shrimp tacos at home allows you to control the ingredients and adjust the spiciness and seasonings to suit your taste.

To make grilled shrimp tacos, marinate 1 pound of shrimp with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, juice from 2 limes, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and ½ teaspoon of cumin. Let the shrimp marinate for 15 minutes, then grill them for 2-3 minutes on each side. For the slaw, mix 2 cups of shredded cabbage, ¼ cup of cilantro, and 1 tablespoon of lime juice. Serve the shrimp in soft corn tortillas and top with the slaw and a drizzle of sour cream or salsa.

Homemade Lasagna

Lasagna is a hearty and comforting Italian dish that is always a favorite at dinner time. Making lasagna at home gives you the ability to layer fresh ingredients like rich ricotta cheese, flavorful marinara sauce, and perfectly seasoned ground beef. This dish can easily be tailored to suit dietary preferences or restrictions by adding more vegetables or using a meat alternative.

Start by cooking 1 pound of ground beef in a skillet with 1 chopped onion and 2 cloves of garlic. Once the beef is browned, stir in 3 cups of marinara sauce and simmer for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, cook 12 lasagna noodles and drain them. In a baking dish, layer the noodles, meat sauce, 1 cup of ricotta cheese, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers and top with Parmesan cheese. Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan is a favorite Italian American dish that combines crispy chicken, savory marinara sauce, and melted cheese. Making it at home allows you to adjust the breading and sauce, creating a healthier version without sacrificing flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, you can recreate this restaurant-style dish in your own kitchen.

To make chicken Parmesan, start by breading 2 chicken breasts in a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Fry the chicken in oil for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. In a separate pan, heat 1 cup of marinara sauce and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Place the chicken on a baking dish, top with marinara sauce, and sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Veggie Pad Thai

Pad Thai is a delicious Thai stir-fry dish that typically includes noodles, protein, and a sweet-salty sauce. The veggie version is lighter but still packed with flavor. By making it at home, you can customize the sauce to your preferences, whether you like it tangier or sweeter.

To prepare veggie Pad Thai, start by cooking 8 ounces of rice noodles according to package instructions. In a large pan, sauté 1 cup of sliced bell peppers, 1 cup of bean sprouts, and 1 sliced carrot in 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the cooked noodles to the pan and pour in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir everything together and cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through. Top with crushed peanuts and cilantro.

Homemade Pizza

Pizza is a universally loved takeout dish but making it at home gives you the ability to create the perfect pizza to your taste. You can control the toppings, the amount of cheese, and the thickness of the crust, allowing you to create a healthier version. Homemade pizza can also be a fun meal to prepare with family or friends.

For the crust, mix 2 cups of flour, 1 tablespoon of yeast, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Add ¾ cup of warm water and knead for 5 minutes. Let the dough rise for 1 hour. Roll it out and top with your favorite ingredients, such as tomato sauce, mozzarella, and fresh basil. Bake at 475°F for 10-12 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.