Introduction:

Who doesn’t love the comfort and convenience of takeout? But what if you could recreate those flavors at home, saving money and making healthier choices? These 10 recipes are inspired by popular takeout dishes from around the world, perfect for meal prep and just as delicious as your go-to orders.

Recipes:

1. Teriyaki Chicken Bowls

This Japanese-inspired dish is a flavorful combination of tender chicken, sweet teriyaki sauce, and fresh vegetables served over fluffy rice. It's a healthier alternative to your favorite takeout teriyaki.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless

• 1 cup teriyaki sauce

• 4 cups cooked rice

• 2 cups steamed broccoli

• 1 cup shredded carrots

• 2 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken in teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes.

2. Cook chicken in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked.

3. Divide rice, chicken, and vegetables into meal prep containers.

4. Garnish with sesame seeds and drizzle extra sauce before serving.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Complexity: Easy

2. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

This classic Chinese-American dish features tender beef slices and crisp broccoli in a savory, garlicky sauce. It's quick to make and perfect for reheating.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced

• 3 cups broccoli florets

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 2 tbsp oyster sauce

• 1 tsp cornstarch

Instructions:

1. Stir-fry beef in a hot pan with oil until browned, then set aside.

2. Sauté garlic, add broccoli, and cook until tender.

3. Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch, then toss with beef and broccoli.

4. Divide into containers with cooked rice or noodles.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Complexity: Medium

3. Pad Thai with Shrimp

A takeout favorite, Pad Thai combines chewy rice noodles, shrimp, peanuts, and tangy tamarind sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz rice noodles

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 eggs

• 1/4 cup tamarind paste

• 2 tbsp fish sauce

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 cup bean sprouts

• 1/4 cup crushed peanuts

Instructions:

1. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions.

2. Stir-fry shrimp, scramble eggs, and mix with noodles.

3. Add tamarind paste, fish sauce, and sugar, tossing to coat.

4. Top with bean sprouts and peanuts before portioning into containers.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Complexity: Medium

4. Vegetarian Tikka Masala

A creamy, spiced tomato curry loaded with tender vegetables, this dish delivers all the warmth of Indian takeout without the heavy price tag.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cauliflower florets

• 1 cup diced sweet potato

• 1 can coconut milk

• 1 can diced tomatoes

• 1 tbsp garam masala

• 1 tsp turmeric

• 1 tsp cumin

Instructions:

1. Roast cauliflower and sweet potato until golden.

2. Simmer tomatoes, coconut milk, and spices in a large skillet.

3. Stir in roasted vegetables and cook for 10 more minutes.

4. Serve with rice or naan in containers.

Prep Time: 35 minutes
Complexity: Easy

5. Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Middle Eastern-inspired chicken shawarma is marinated with warm spices and served in soft wraps with fresh veggies and creamy sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp cumin

• 1 tsp paprika

• 4 pita breads

• 1 cup chopped cucumber

• 1/2 cup plain yogurt

• 2 tbsp tahini

Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken with olive oil and spices, then bake or grill until cooked.

2. Assemble wraps with chicken, cucumber, and a drizzle of yogurt-tahini sauce.

3. Wrap tightly and store for on-the-go meals.

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Complexity: Medium

6. Korean Beef Bowls

Ground beef cooked in a sweet and savory Korean sauce, paired with rice and pickled vegetables for a balanced, flavorful meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 1/4 cup pickled carrots or radish

• 4 cups cooked rice

Instructions:

1. Cook ground beef in a skillet, then add soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil.

2. Serve beef over rice, topped with pickled vegetables.

3. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Complexity: Easy

7. Margherita Flatbread Pizza

A healthier twist on pizza night, these flatbreads are topped with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil for a quick Italian-inspired meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 flatbreads

• 1 cup marinara sauce

• 8 oz fresh mozzarella

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• Fresh basil leaves

Instructions:

1. Spread marinara sauce on flatbreads and top with mozzarella and tomatoes.

2. Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.

3. Sprinkle with basil and portion for meal prep.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Complexity: Easy

8.Spicy Tuna Poke Bowls

Inspired by Hawaiian poke, this dish features fresh tuna, spicy mayo, and crunchy toppings served over rice or salad greens.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb sushi-grade tuna, diced

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp sriracha

• 2 tbsp mayonnaise

• 2 cups rice or mixed greens

• 1/2 cup diced avocado

• 1/4 cup shredded carrots

Instructions:

1. Mix tuna with soy sauce, sriracha, and mayonnaise.

2. Assemble bowls with rice, tuna, avocado, and carrots.

3. Serve with extra spicy mayo drizzle.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Complexity: Medium

9. Eggplant Parmesan Casserole

Layers of breaded eggplant, marinara sauce, and melted cheese make this dish an Italian comfort food classic.

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggplants, sliced

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

• 1 jar marinara sauce

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan

Instructions:

1. Bread and bake eggplant slices until crispy.

2. Layer eggplant, marinara, and cheese in a casserole dish.

3. Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes until bubbly.

Prep Time: 50 minutes
Complexity: Medium

10.Sesame Ginger Noodles with Vegetables

This Asian-inspired dish features tender noodles, a zesty sesame-ginger sauce, and a medley of fresh vegetables. It's flavorful, filling, and easy to make ahead.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz rice noodles or spaghetti

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 2 tbsp sesame oil

• 1 tbsp grated ginger

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 cup shredded cabbage

• 1 cup julienned carrots

• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Instructions:

1. Cook noodles according to package directions.

2. Whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and honey for the sauce.

3. Toss cooked noodles with sauce and mix in vegetables.

4. Portion into containers and top with green onions before serving.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Complexity: Easy

Conclusion:

Takeout cravings no longer need to break your budget or derail your healthy eating goals. These meal-prep-friendly recipes bring the flavors of your favorite takeout dishes to your kitchen, ready to enjoy all week. Which recipe will you try first? Let us know your favorites!