A takeaway is a treat — but making your favourites at home costs a fraction of the price, and many are ready in the time it takes a delivery to arrive. You also choose how much oil, salt and sugar goes in.
1. Chicken tikka-style curry
Marinate chunks of chicken thigh in yoghurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala and chilli, then grill or pan-fry until charred. Simmer them in a sauce of onion, tomato, spices and a splash of cream or coconut milk. Our curry guide explains the base.
2. Sweet and sour chicken
Toss chicken pieces in cornflour and cook them in an air fryer or a hot oven until crisp. Make a sauce from pineapple juice, ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce and a little sugar, thickened with cornflour. Toss it with peppers, onion and pineapple chunks.
3. Smash burgers
Roll beef mince into balls, put them in a very hot pan and press them flat with a spatula. Season and cook until a dark crust forms, then flip, add cheese and cover for a minute. Make sure they’re cooked all the way through. Serve in toasted buns with pickles, onions and sauce.
4. Pizza
Use homemade dough, or flatbreads and wraps for a quick version. Spread thinly with tomato sauce — see our tomato sauce guide — add mozzarella and toppings, and bake on the hottest oven setting on a preheated tray.
5. Chicken shawarma wraps
Marinate chicken thighs in yoghurt, lemon, garlic, cumin, paprika and cinnamon. Roast or grill until charred and cooked through, then slice. Wrap in warm flatbreads with garlic yoghurt, salad and pickled red onion.
6. Egg fried rice and salt-and-pepper chips
Use cold leftover rice for proper fried rice. For the chips, oven-bake or air-fry them, then toss with fried peppers, onion, chilli, garlic, salt and Chinese five-spice.
Tips for a proper fakeaway night
- Make sauces and marinades in the morning or the day before.
- Get your oven or pan properly hot — that’s where the takeaway flavour comes from.
- Do one main and one or two sides, not a whole menu.
- Make it an event: put on a film and eat out of the boxes if you want to.
Not sure which fakeaway you can make tonight? Snap your fridge with AI Cook and it’ll suggest one using what you already have.