Making your own takeout dishes in the comfort of your own home is a lot easier than you think! Here are 6 reasons why I rather make takeout at home! I also included several takeout recipes I love to make, to get you started!
It's Cheaper Than Eating Out
I know, you're probably thinking that it's cheaper to buy takeout than buy all the ingredients individually to make that same dish.
Ingredients that are used in Chinese takeout go a long way and is VERY versatile. For the most part, it's just soy sauce, and oyster sauce which you will definitely use again if you cook a lot because it can be used in practically everything you cook as a source of salt.
Everything else like meat, vegetables, starch (for deep frying and thickening sauces), oil, and sugar are usually a staple in most household.
Rice and noodles are incredibly cheap and go a long way as well, and the best part is you can use it for different dishes once you have it.
So in the grand scheme of things it's actually cheaper to buy the ingredients and make it yourself because most ingredients can be re-used in your everyday cooking.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Beef Chow Fun Recipe
You Will Get Much Bigger Portions
Most recipes you find online will make larger portions than what is sold at Chinese restaurants, so you'll get larger portions that will easily fill you up and satisfy your takeout cravings.
For example, if you love shrimp in your pad thai you typically won't get many when you order out but if you make it at home, add as many shrimp as you want!
Get the Recipe: Pad Thai Recipe
It's Healthier
Most Chinese takeout dishes use a LOT of oil, salt and sugar. That's how they make it taste good! When you make it at home, you can use a lot less oil without compromising the flavor of your dishes.
That being said, you still can't skimp on the salt and sugar because that's what makes takeout delicious, but you can reduce it slightly.
You can also use healthier and leaner cuts of meat as well. It won't be as juicy but it gives you options.
So whether you are watching your waistline or reducing your sugar and salt intake, this is an excellent way to make your meals healthier.
Get the Recipe: Chinese BBQ Pork (Char Siu) Recipe
It's Tastier Because You Can Easily Customize the Flavors to Your Liking
When it comes to Chinese takeout, I am quite fussy. I like my sweet and sour sauces more tangy that what most Chinese restaurants serve and I also like my sweet and sour pork or chicken crispy when I get it.
When you make your own takeout at home, you are the master of the kitchen and you can tweak it to however you like!
Get the Recipe: Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe
You Can Be Creative and Add Your Own Twist or Variation
If you're like me, you love things spicy, and when you make Chinese takeout at home you can be creative and add your own twist to everything. In my case, I get to make things very spicy!
Most Chinese restaurants won't serve sweet and sour pork with fresh pineapples but you can! (Trust me, it makes a huge difference).
Adding onions to your general tso's chicken can be a game changer as well because of the extra flavor and crunch!
Anything is possible, if you make it yourself.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
It Can Be a Fun Social/Family Activity to Do Together
Although making Chinese takeout may seem daunting it's actually not and it's a lot more fun to do it with friends and family as well because it speeds up the process and you can chat over how you all want to make it!
At home, I am in charge or deep frying, and since I hate cutting vegetables, my husband is in charge of that. Divide and conquer and get your Chinese dishes on the table faster!
Get the Recipe: Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe
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This article originally appeared on Pups with Chopsticks.
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