We’ve all been there—it’s dinner time, you’re tired, and the temptation to order takeout is real. But before you reach for that delivery app, why not save your wallet and whip up something just as good at home? These quick-fix dinners are easy, budget-friendly, and will have you ditching takeout faster than you can say “extra sauce.” From stir-fries to skillet meals, these recipes are perfect for when you want something tasty without the hassle.
Spicy Udon Noodle Stir Fry
Spicy udon noodle stir fry is a quick 30-minute meal that packs bold flavor with a ginger-garlic sriracha sauce over chewy udon noodles and ground beef. It’s a great alternative to takeout, easy on the wallet and big on taste.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Udon Noodle Stir Fry
Gochujang Chicken
Gochujang chicken brings a sticky, spicy, and sweet sauce to your plate in just 30 minutes. This takeout-inspired dish served over rice is perfect for saving time and money without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken
Shrimp Lo Mein
Shrimp lo mein is your go-to for a quick, 20-minute dinner that beats takeout any day. Juicy shrimp, fresh veggies, and a rich sauce come together in a dish that’s easy, fast, and perfect for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Lo Mein
Sweet & Spicy Pork Ramen Stir Fry
Sweet & spicy pork ramen stir fry is ready in 20 minutes and loaded with veggies. It’s a quick fix dinner that’s great for when you want something that feels like takeout but is way easier and healthier.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Pork Ramen Stir Fry
Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry
Shaved beef & broccoli stir fry uses thinly sliced beef to make a quick and easy dinner that’s on the table in minutes. The sauce is crave-worthy, making this a great choice when you want takeout flavors without the delivery fee.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry
Chinese Chicken Zoodles
Chinese chicken zoodles is a 15-minute meal packed with the flavors of your favorite takeout, but without the guilt. It’s quick, easy, and a great way to keep dinner light and budget-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Zoodles
General Tso Shrimp
General Tso shrimp is a quick 10-minute skillet meal that brings the sweet and spicy flavors you love. No need to order out when you can whip up this takeout favorite at home in less time than delivery.
Get the Recipe: General Tso Shrimp
Ground Beef Stir Fry
Ground beef stir fry is a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With fresh veggies and a garlic ginger sauce, it’s a great, healthier alternative to takeout that’s ready faster than you can say “delivery.”
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry
Honey Orange Sesame Chicken
Honey orange sesame chicken is a quick dinner that delivers sticky, sweet, and tangy flavors. This easy takeout fake-out saves you time and money while keeping the flavor high.
Get the Recipe: Honey Orange Sesame Chicken
Kung Pao Chickpeas
Kung Pao chickpeas bring the bold, spicy flavors of takeout to your kitchen with a vegan twist. It’s a quick, flavor-packed meal that’s great for when you want something different but still easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chickpeas
Sweet & Sour Tofu
Sweet & sour tofu is ready in under 30 minutes, with crispy tofu and a sticky sweet and sour sauce that rivals any takeout joint. It’s a quick, vegetarian-friendly meal that’s perfect for a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Sour Tofu
Kung Pao Shrimp
Kung Pao shrimp is an easy, quick dinner that you can whip up in minutes. Save time and cash by making this flavorful dish at home instead of ordering takeout. It’s great over rice with your favorite veggies.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Shrimp
Tofu Fried Rice
Tofu fried rice is a simple, flavor-packed meal that brings takeout vibes without leaving your kitchen. It’s a great way to use up leftover veggies and is ready in no time, making it perfect for a quick dinner fix.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice
Jalapeño Chicken
Jalapeño chicken is perfect for those who love the bold flavors of takeout at home. Crispy chicken bites are tossed with spicy jalapeños in a sweet, sticky sauce. It’s an easy, budget-friendly meal that’s great over rice.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Chicken
Garlic Pizza Bread
Garlic pizza bread combines two comfort food favorites into one crave-worthy dinner. With pepperoni and melty cheese, it’s the ultimate Friday night meal that costs less than takeout and is super easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Pizza Bread
Korean Sweet Potato Glass Noodles
Korean sweet potato glass noodles make a quick, 15-minute dinner that’s packed with flavor. With stir-fried veggies, beef strips, and a sweet-savory sauce, it’s a great choice when you need something fast and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Korean Sweet Potato Glass Noodles
Buffalo Turkey Cauliflower Skillet
Buffalo turkey cauliflower skillet is a 4-ingredient, quick dinner that doubles as a meal-prep option for the week. It’s easy, healthy, and great for when you want a spicy, flavorful meal without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Turkey Cauliflower Skillet
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Bucatini cacio e pepe is a simple, creamy pasta dish made with just five ingredients. It’s perfect for when you want something comforting and quick that doesn’t require much effort or cash.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Pesto Salmon
Pesto salmon is a quick, oven-baked dinner that requires only five ingredients. On the table in less than 25 minutes, it’s a great way to get a healthy, flavorful meal without the takeout bill.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
