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Recipes

15 better-than-takeout recipes

Thinking of ordering in tonight? Forget it! These 15 easy-peasy take-out alternatives are time- and tummy-friendly.

By Today's Parent
15 better-than-takeout recipes

Better-than-take-out recipes

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Beef and broccoli is a classic take-out meal that you can easily make at home in just eight minutes—yes, eight minutes! Our version is probably a bit healthier, too. Get the recipe: Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

plate of rice noodles topped with saucy beef and broccoliPhoto: Jodi Pudge

Creamy Curry Chicken

Mild butter chicken is a great gateway dish into the exciting world of Indian food—and it’s downright delicious, too. This hearty version features spinach and cherry tomatoes and is perfect with warm naan or steamed rice. Get the recipe: Creamy Curry Chicken

15 better-than-takeout recipesPhoto: Jodi Pudge

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Crispy Baked Fish and Chips

Deep-fried? Forget about it! Classic fish and chips get a healthy upgrade without losing that perfect crispy coating. Get the recipe: Crispy Baked Fish and Chips

15 better-than-takeout recipesPhoto: Roberto Caruso

Grilled Veggie Pizza

By the time pizza is delivered, it’s never as hot and gooey as you want it to be. We think naan bread is a brilliant shortcut to fresh, homemade pizza. Plus the modest size of naan means everyone can customize their own pie. And don’t worry: The cheese will be perfectly melty. Get the recipe: Grilled Veggie Pizza

wooden platter with pizza topped with asparagus, red onion and peppersPhoto: Roberto Caruso

Braised Beef Tacos

Whip up a batch of braised brisket on the weekend for cantina-style tacos all week long. The toppings are the best part—we love these with avocado, arugula and crumbled feta. Get the recipe: Braised Beef Tacos

corn tortilla with braised beef, avocado and lettucePhoto: Maya Visnyei

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Mini Grilled Fish Tacos

For lighter tacos, try filling them with grilled trout—rubbed with a honey-paprika paste, this mild fish turns out flaky and subtly sweet. Get the recipe: Mini Grilled Fish Tacos 

15 better-than-takeout recipesPhoto: Roberto Caruso

Greek Pork Kebabs

Dinner on a stick is always a hit! Dunk these juicy pork kebabs in tzatziki for an authentic Greek restaurant meal. Get the recipe: Greek Pork Kebabs

skewers with marinated and grilled porkPhoto: Jodi Pudge

”Fried” Chicken and Coleslaw

Kick the bucket and make faux fried chicken tonight. This drumstick-only recipe uses crushed cornflakes to get that essential crispy coating. Get the recipe: “Fried” Chicken and Coleslaw

crispy breaded drumsticks with coleslawPhoto: Erik Putz

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Supper Nachos

These nachos upgrade the classic appetizer to full-on meal. They’re loaded with ground turkey, beans, tomatoes, lettuce and lots of cheese. Get the recipe: Supper Nachos

hand grabbing at cheesy nachosPhoto: Erik Putz

Eggy Pad Thai

Quick, easy and full of slurping fun, this quintessential Thai dish can be made with chicken, tofu or shrimp—it’s up to you when you’re the chef! Get the recipe: Eggy Pad Thai

bowl of pad thai with chopsticksPhoto: Erik Putz

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Sure, your local BBQ joint has finger-licking good food, but you can easily make your own at home. We love this one because it always yields leftovers. Get the recipe: Pulled Pork Sandwiches

bun with pulled pork and a side of slawPhoto: Jodi Pudge

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Pasta Carbonara

Restaurant-style pasta isn’t tricky at all. This six-ingredient dish is a breeze to whip up and super kid-friendly with creamy eggs, plenty of cheese and bits of bacon. Everyone will beg for seconds. Get the recipe: Pasta Carbonara

pan with spaghetti, creamy egg sauce, bacon and parmesan cheesePhoto: Erik Putz

Crispy Oven-Baked Wings

Make tonight wing night! The secret to crispy baked wings is this: Thoroughly pat them dry, then toss with baking powder. You won’t believe how good they are. Choose one of three lip-smacking sauces to finish and set out the napkins. Get the recipe: Crispy Oven-Baked Wings

man eating chicken wings with various saucesPhoto: Roberto Caruso

The New Classic Burger

Smokey bacon, sharp cheddar cheese and juicy tomatoes top this mouthwatering burger. Don’t forget the squishy-chewy sesame buns. Get the recipe from Chatelaine: The New Classic Burger

15 better-than-takeout recipesPhoto: Roberto Caruso

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Jamaican Jerk Chicken

Introduce kids to gentle jerk spice—a paste of onion, garlic, brown sugar, lime juice, vinegar, fresh ginger, allspice and cinnamon—with his easy chicken dish. The key is to make the paste ahead and leave at least four hours for the chicken to soak in all that flavour. Serve with rice and coleslaw. Get the recipe: Jamaican Jerk Chicken

plate with bbq chicken drum, cole slaw and beans and ricePhoto: Jodi Pudge

Read more:
7 best burger recipes
11 simple dinner shortcuts
7 recipes your picky eater might actually eat

This article was originally published on Oct 04, 2018

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