TIPS Better-Than-Takeout Recipes You Can Make at Home – part 1

Better-Than-Takeout Recipes You Can Make at Home – part 1

by Thelittleshine
by Thelittleshine

These dishes deliver the same bold flavors you love from Chinese takeout — but with cleaner ingredients, less oil, and no mystery additives. Each recipe serves 2–3 people.

Better-Than-Takeout Recipes You Can Make at Home - part 1

1) Honey Garlic Chicken

Ingredients

  • 400g chicken breast, cubed
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp vinegar
  • ½ cup water

Method
Heat oil, sauté chicken until lightly browned. Add garlic, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and water. Simmer 5–6 minutes until thick and sticky.

2) Orange Chicken

Ingredients

  • 400g chicken (lightly fried or pan-seared)
  • ½ cup orange juice
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with ¼ cup water

Method
Add all ingredients to the pan and cook on medium until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.

3) Mongolian Beef

Ingredients

  • 400g beef, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • ½ cup water
  • Optional: green onions or chilies

Method
Stir-fry beef in oil. Add sugar, soy sauce, and water. Simmer 5–7 minutes until glossy and thick.

4) Chicken Fried Rice

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 200g cooked chicken, chopped
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup mixed vegetables
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil

Method
Scramble eggs in a hot pan. Add rice, chicken, veggies, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir-fry until hot and evenly mixed.

5) Sweet & Sour Chicken

Ingredients

  • 400g fried chicken
  • ½ cup pineapple juice
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp vinegar
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch + ¼ cup water

Method
Simmer all ingredients until thick. Add chicken and toss to coat.

6) Chicken Chow Mein

Ingredients

  • 200g noodles (cooked)
  • 300g chicken strips
  • 1 cup cabbage
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil

Method
Stir-fry chicken, add cabbage, sauces, and noodles. Toss until well coated.

7) Shrimp Lo Mein

Ingredients

  • 300g shrimp
  • 200g noodles
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • ½ cup vegetables

Method
Sauté shrimp with garlic. Add veggies, sauces, and noodles. Toss until glossy.

Why These Are Better Than Takeout

These recipes:

  • Use fresh protein
  • Avoid MSG and artificial thickeners
  • Contain less oil and sugar
  • Take under 20 minutes to make

You get restaurant-style taste without bloating, heaviness, or excess sodium.