Easy Take out Fake out Recipes on a Budget

Leave a Comment / Uncategorized / By

Skip delivery and save money with these 14 easy takeout fakeout recipes, from stir fries and noodles to pizza. Perfect for fast, comforting dinners at home!

The post Easy Take out Fake out Recipes on a Budget appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Takeout food is so tempting because it’s fast, easy, and usually very satisfying (the most comforting of all comfort food). But it can also be a budget killer. So, when you’re tempted to dial for takeout, or you find yourself browsing those delivery apps, consider making one of these easy takeout fake out recipes so you can stay in control of your budget. These are the recipes I reach for when I’m craving takeout but want to stay home, save money, and still eat really well!

takeout fakeout collage image

Takeout-Style Chicken Dinners

These easy chicken recipes are simple, totally delish, and similar in style to the takeout classics we’ve all grown to love. I just LOVE them, and they help hit that takeout craving using simple ingredients I always have in my kitchen.

1. Easy Orange Chicken

Easy Orange Chicken

Overhead view of homemade orange chicken in a bowl with rice.

This easy Orange Chicken recipe doesn’t require deep frying and has the same tangy, sweet, and salty flavor as your favorite Chinese take-out!

Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.

#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-full svg * { fill: #fbc41b; }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-33 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-33); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-50 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-50); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-66 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-66); }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-33 stop { stop-color: #fbc41b; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-50 stop { stop-color: #fbc41b; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-66 stop { stop-color: #fbc41b; }

4.60 from 66 votes

$7.88 recipe / $1.97 serving
Get the Recipe

I’ve been making this orange chicken for years, and it’s still one of my favorites. The chicken stays juicy and lightly crisp, and the homemade orange sauce has so much real flavor without being overly sweet. Not to mention, it all comes together in one skillet. Easy peasy.

2. Homemade Sesame Chicken

Easy Sesame Chicken

Overhead view of easy sesame chicken, topped with sliced green onions in a skillet.

This Easy Sesame Chicken recipe is faster and tastier than takeout. Tender chicken coated in a homemade sweet, savory, and tangy sauce.

#wprm-recipe-user-rating-1 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-full svg * { fill: #fbc41b; }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-1 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-33 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-1-33); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-1 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-50 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-1-50); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-1 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-66 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-1-66); }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-1-33 stop { stop-color: #fbc41b; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-1-50 stop { stop-color: #fbc41b; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-1-66 stop { stop-color: #fbc41b; }

4.56 from 467 votes

$6.78 recipe / $1.70 serving
Get the Recipe

There’s no need to consider takeout when you can make this easy sesame chicken at home. I use a simple combo of soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and fresh aromatics to make a sesame sauce that coats the tender chicken perfectly.

3. Firecracker Chicken

Firecracker Chicken

Overhead view of firecracker chicken on a bed of rice.

This easy Firecracker Chicken recipe is sweet, spicy, and pan-fried to crispy perfection in one skillet. Just like takeout, but cheaper and faster!

Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.

#wprm-recipe-user-rating-2 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-full svg * { fill: #fbc41b; }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-2 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-33 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-2-33); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-2 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-50 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-2-50); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-2 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-66 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-2-66); }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-2-33 stop { stop-color: #fbc41b; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-2-50 stop { stop-color: #fbc41b; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-2-66 stop { stop-color: #fbc41b; }

5 from 16 votes

$6.25 recipe / $1.56 serving
Get the Recipe

This easy firecracker chicken is a one-skillet dinner with crispy pan-fried chicken tossed in a sweet, tangy, and gently spicy sauce that tastes just like takeout. It’s fast, affordable, and packed with big flavor using simple pantry ingredients.

4. Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken

Overhead view of two bowls of kung pao chicken with rice.

This easy Kung Pao Chicken recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner. It’s FULL of flavor, with crisp veggies and a bold sauce, and is even better than takeout.

#wprm-recipe-user-rating-3 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-full svg * { fill: #fbc41b; }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-3 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-33 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-3-33); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-3 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-50 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-3-50); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-3 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-66 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-3-66); }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-3-33 stop { stop-color: #fbc41b; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-3-50 stop { stop-color: #fbc41b; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-3-66 stop { stop-color: #fbc41b; }

5 from 6 votes

$7.77 recipe / $1.30 serving
Get the Recipe

This king pao chicken is one of my favorite ways to clear out the fridge and still end up with a super satisfying, budget-friendly dinner! I love that I can toss in whatever veggies I need to use up, and it still turns out full of flavor.

5. Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken Fried Rice

chopsticks grabbing a bite of chicken fried rice from a black plate.

Make delicious, ultra-flavorful chicken fried rice that tastes even better than takeout– and costs less too.

#wprm-recipe-user-rating-4 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-full svg * { fill: #fbc41b; }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-4 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-33 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-4-33); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-4 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-50 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-4-50); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-4 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-66 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-4-66); }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-4-33 stop { stop-color: #fbc41b; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-4-50 stop { stop-color: #fbc41b; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-4-66 stop { stop-color: #fbc41b; }

4.15 from 7 votes

$4.74 recipe / $1.19 serving
Get the Recipe

This chicken fried rice is one of the easiest ways to make a low-cost dinner that still feels hearty and comforting. It’s fast to cook, easy to customize, and perfect for using up leftover rice and veggies.

Easy Noodle Recipes

Stir fry noodle recipes are no doubt the easiest and fastest dinner recipes out there, and there are an endless number of vegetable-protein-sauce combinations to choose from. Here are some of my favorites!

6. Vegetable Lo Mein

Easy Lo Mein

Lo Mein on a plate with someone digging in with chopsticks.

This incredibly fast and easy Lo Mein Recipe only takes about 15 minutes and is packed with tender noodles, colorful vegetables, and flavor!

#wprm-recipe-user-rating-5 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-full svg * { fill: #fbc41b; }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-5 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-33 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-5-33); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-5 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-50 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-5-50); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-5 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-66 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-5-66); }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-5-33 stop { stop-color: #fbc41b; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-5-50 stop { stop-color: #fbc41b; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-5-66 stop { stop-color: #fbc41b; }

4.67 from 24 votes

$6.33 recipe / $3.17 serving
Get the Recipe

Noodles are the ultimate comfort food, and when they’re drenched in a rich, salty sauce and delivered straight to your door, they’re almost impossible to resist. BUT you can make them just as easily at home, and then you can bulk them up with as many veggies as you want.😊 My vegetable lo mein is the BEST example of this. It’s an easy classic with no chopping required!

7. Spicy Sriracha Noodles

Spicy Sriracha Noodles

spicy sriracha noodles in a skillet with tongs

These sweet, tangy, and spicy sriracha noodles take only a few minutes to make and are an inexpensive alternative to take out.

#wprm-recipe-user-rating-6 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-full svg * { fill: #fbc41b; }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-6 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-33 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-6-33); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-6 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-50 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-6-50); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-6 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-66 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-6-66); }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-6-33 stop { stop-color: #fbc41b; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-6-50 stop { stop-color: #fbc41b; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-6-66 stop { stop-color: #fbc41b; }

4.88 from 349 votes

$2.50 recipe / $1.25 serving
Get the Recipe

These spicy sriracha noodles are my favorite kind of fast comfort food. They’re rich, saucy, and seriously spicy, the kind of meal I throw together when I want big flavor in about 15 minutes.

8. Pork and Peanut Dragon Noodles

Pork and Peanut Dragon Noodles

Sweet, salty, rich, and crunchy, these Pork and Peanut Dragon Noodles hit all the bases. It’s fast, easy comfort food for busy nights! BudgetBytes.com

Sweet, salty, rich, and crunchy, these Pork and Peanut Dragon Noodles hit all the bases. It’s fast, easy comfort food for busy nights! 

#wprm-recipe-user-rating-7 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-full svg * { fill: #fbc41b; }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-7 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-33 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-7-33); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-7 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-50 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-7-50); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-7 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-66 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-7-66); }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-7-33 stop { stop-color: #fbc41b; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-7-50 stop { stop-color: #fbc41b; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-7-66 stop { stop-color: #fbc41b; }

4.79 from 224 votes

$3.75 recipe / $1.25 serving
Get the Recipe

Dragon noodles have been my favorite takeout alternative for YEARS, so much so that I’ve made a few versions now. These pork and peanut dragon noodles are made with 7 easy-to-find ingredients. I just love how the pork and peanuts absorb the simple but oh-so-rich chili sauce. Okay, I need to make this one for lunch, like, now!

Weeknight Pizza Without Delivery

Pizza is probably the hardest takeout for me to resist, but luckily I’ve grown quite fond of making it at home, and have even come up with a few valuable shortcuts. These at-home pizza recipes are proof that homemade pizza doesn’t have to be complicated to be really, really good.

9. Sheet Pan Pizza

Sheet Pan Pizza

A vertical image of a baked sheet pan pizza topped with pizza sauce, cheese, pepperonis, pickled jalepenos and honey sliced and a spatula is removing the bottom right slice.

Sheet Pan Pizza is a low-effort recipe guaranteed to make any occasion special and satisfy cravings for take-out pizza at half the cost.

Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.

#wprm-recipe-user-rating-8 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-full svg * { fill: #fbc41b; }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-8 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-33 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-8-33); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-8 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-50 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-8-50); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-8 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-66 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-8-66); }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-8-33 stop { stop-color: #fbc41b; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-8-50 stop { stop-color: #fbc41b; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-8-66 stop { stop-color: #fbc41b; }

5 from 15 votes

$9.92 recipe / $1.41 serving
Get the Recipe

Our sheet pan pizza is made with an unforgettable focaccia-style crust and topped with pepperoni, jalapeños, and honey. However, you can top it with whatever you’ve got in the fridge, or hit the grocery store salad bar on the way home to pick up some goodies!

10. BBQ Chicken Pizza

BBQ Chicken Pizza

Close up of one slice of BBQ Chicken Pizza being pulled away from the pie

Get the classic BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe, plus other fun toppings you can add that pair well with BBQ and make your pizza even more flavorful.

Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.

#wprm-recipe-user-rating-9 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-full svg * { fill: #fbc41b; }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-9 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-33 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-9-33); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-9 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-50 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-9-50); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-9 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-66 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-9-66); }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-9-33 stop { stop-color: #fbc41b; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-9-50 stop { stop-color: #fbc41b; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-9-66 stop { stop-color: #fbc41b; }

5 from 8 votes

$4.87 recipe / $1.21 serving
Get the Recipe

I love my BBQ chicken pizza recipe for last-minute pizzas because it takes about 30 minutes and requires no rising. Use your favorite BBQ sauce (sweet, smoky, spicy), then pile it high with chicken and melty cheese for an easy homemade pizza that tastes just as good as takeout.

11. Portobello Mushroom Pizza

Ultimate Portobello Mushroom Pizza

Ultimate Portobello Mushroom Pizza - Budget Bytes

Make this gourmet homemade Portobello Mushroom Pizza for a fraction of the price of take out! Use homemade dough for the best value, or store bought for convenience.

#wprm-recipe-user-rating-10 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-full svg * { fill: #fbc41b; }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-10 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-33 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-10-33); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-10 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-50 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-10-50); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-10 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-66 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-10-66); }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-10-33 stop { stop-color: #fbc41b; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-10-50 stop { stop-color: #fbc41b; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-10-66 stop { stop-color: #fbc41b; }

4.88 from 8 votes

$6.37 recipe / $2.12 serving
Get the Recipe

This portobello mushroom pizza is my favorite vegetarian option when I want something hearty and savory that still feels just as satisfying as a classic slice!

Budget-Friendly Soups With Big Flavor

I love a good takeout soup because it’s the perfect way to start a meal, but it can also be filling enough to be the main event. These soups bring all that cozy, slurpable comfort at home, without the extra cost of delivery!

12. Homemade Egg Drop Soup

Easy Egg Drop Soup

Overhead view of a bowl of egg drop soup with some on a black spoon.

This easy homemade Egg Drop Soup recipe is warm and soothing, and way quicker than ordering Chinese takeout. Ready in less than 30 minutes!

#wprm-recipe-user-rating-11 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-full svg * { fill: #fbc41b; }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-11 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-33 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-11-33); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-11 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-50 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-11-50); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-11 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-66 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-11-66); }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-11-33 stop { stop-color: #fbc41b; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-11-50 stop { stop-color: #fbc41b; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-11-66 stop { stop-color: #fbc41b; }

4.93 from 26 votes

$4.61 recipe / $0.77 serving
Get the Recipe

This homemade egg drop soup is my answer to takeout cravings when I want something fast, cozy, and very budget-friendly. The ginger-infused broth is incredibly comforting, especially when I’m feeling a little under the weather, and it’s SO easy to tweak based on whatever I have in the fridge.

13. Easy Dumpling Soup

Easy Dumpling Soup

A close up view of dumpling soup in a white bowl topped with white sesame seeds and chili crisp.

Easy Dumpling Soup is the perfect quick dinner because it’s endlessly versatile, insanely budget-friendly, and can be made in 15 minutes.

Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.

#wprm-recipe-user-rating-12 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-full svg * { fill: #fbc41b; }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-12 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-33 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-12-33); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-12 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-50 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-12-50); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-12 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-66 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-12-66); }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-12-33 stop { stop-color: #fbc41b; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-12-50 stop { stop-color: #fbc41b; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-12-66 stop { stop-color: #fbc41b; }

4.95 from 40 votes

$4.36 RECIPE / $2.18 SERVING
Get the Recipe

This easy dumpling soup dresses up store-bought dumplings with a simple savory broth and whatever greens or toppings I have around. It always hits that comforting takeout craving in about 15 minutes flat.

14. Hot and Sour Soup with Tofu

Easy Hot and Sour Soup with Vegetables and Tofu

A bowl of hot and sour vegetable soup with herbs with a spoon.

This easy hot and sour soup is light on the stomach, but big on flavor! The spicy and tangy broth is full of colorful vegetables and tender cubes of tofu.

#wprm-recipe-user-rating-13 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-full svg * { fill: #fbc41b; }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-13 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-33 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-13-33); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-13 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-50 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-13-50); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-13 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-66 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-13-66); }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-13-33 stop { stop-color: #fbc41b; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-13-50 stop { stop-color: #fbc41b; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-13-66 stop { stop-color: #fbc41b; }

4.81 from 51 votes

$6.72 recipe / $1.12 serving
Get the Recipe

This vegan hot and sour soup is light, tangy, and just spicy enough, with a flavorful broth, tender tofu, and LOADS of colorful vegetables. It’s full of goodness you won’t get from your local takeout, so you can feel great about going back for another bowl (I know I do!)

More Recipe Roundups

Our Take Out Fake Out recipes round up was originally published 12/8/2018. It was retested, reworked, and republished to be better than ever 12/27/25.

The post Easy Take out Fake out Recipes on a Budget appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Recommended Story For You :

Look weight gain and weight loss are serious concerns of yours and I get it.

Flavourful Vegan Recipes Covering Everything From Burrito Bowls To Chocolate Mousse

The keto diet is not just a diet it is a lifestyle change!

Pizza is Doubly Addictive with Two Morphine-Like Compounds in Every Crusty-Chewy Slice!

Delicious diabetic recipes- over 500 recipes-Desserts-Entrees-Snacks-and more.

An amazing collection of easy and delicious keto recipes.

Homemade Desserts just got quicker easier and smarter.

Boosting your health is easier than you think- smoothies make everything taste better.

Healthy Cooking Is About To Change For The Better

Better health starts on your plate.

Related Posts

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe
Subscribe