A takeaway can feel like the easiest answer after a busy week, but recreating your favourite dishes at home can be just as satisfying.
Fakeaway recipes are homemade versions of popular takeaway meals. They give you more control over the ingredients, portion sizes and flavours, while often costing less than ordering for the whole household.
You do not need specialist equipment or complicated techniques, either. With a few simple ingredients and familiar kitchen essentials, you can make everything from crispy chicken and loaded burgers to creamy curries, kebabs and takeaway-style pizza.
Here are some easy fakeaway recipes you can make at home.
Crispy Chicken Burgers
A crispy chicken burger is one of the easiest takeaway favourites to recreate.
The key is to create a well-seasoned coating and cook the chicken until the outside is golden while the centre remains tender. You can deep-fry the chicken for a traditional finish, but an air fryer or oven also works well.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 100ml buttermilk
- 100g plain flour
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper
- 2 burger buns
- Shredded lettuce
- Mayonnaise
- Sliced pickles, optional
Method
Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create two thinner pieces.
Place the chicken in a bowl with the buttermilk and leave it to marinate for at least 30 minutes. For extra flavour and tenderness, leave it covered in the fridge for a few hours.
Mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper in a separate bowl.
Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk and press it firmly into the seasoned flour. Make sure the surface is fully coated.
Cook the chicken in an air fryer at 190°C for approximately 15 to 18 minutes, turning halfway through. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken and the appliance.
Toast the buns, then layer them with mayonnaise, lettuce, crispy chicken and pickles.
Serve with homemade chips or seasoned potato wedges.
Easy Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken tikka masala is a classic fakeaway recipe that feels comforting without being difficult to prepare.
This simplified version uses everyday spices and a creamy tomato sauce. Adjust the amount of chilli to suit your preference.
Ingredients
- 500g chicken breast, diced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 400g chopped tomatoes
- 150ml double cream or coconut milk
- Salt and black pepper
- Fresh coriander, optional
Method
Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat.
Add the onion and cook for five to seven minutes, or until softened. Stir in the garlic and ginger, then cook for another minute.
Add the garam masala, cumin, paprika and turmeric. Stir continuously for approximately 30 seconds to release the flavours.
Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned on all sides.
Pour in the chopped tomatoes and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the cream or coconut milk and continue cooking until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through.
Season to taste and finish with fresh coriander.
Serve with basmati rice, naan bread and a spoonful of mango chutney.
Takeaway-Style Salt and Pepper Chips
Salt and pepper chips are an easy way to turn a simple portion of chips into a full fakeaway side dish.
They work particularly well alongside crispy chicken, noodles or homemade spring rolls.
Ingredients
- 500g oven chips
- 1 red pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 fresh chilli, finely chopped
- 2 spring onions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Method
Cook the chips according to the packet instructions until golden and crisp.
While the chips are cooking, heat the oil in a large frying pan or wok.
Add the peppers and onion, then stir-fry for three to four minutes.
Add the chilli, spring onions, Chinese five-spice, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Cook for another minute.
Add the cooked chips to the pan and toss everything together until evenly coated.
Serve immediately while the chips are still crisp.
Homemade Margherita Pizza
Homemade pizza is one of the most versatile fakeaway recipes because every topping can be adjusted to suit the people you are cooking for.
Using ready-made dough keeps the recipe quick, although you can make your own when you have more time.
Ingredients
- 1 ball of pizza dough
- 3 tablespoons passata
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 125g mozzarella
- Fresh basil
- Olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
Method
Preheat the oven to its highest temperature and place a baking tray inside to heat.
Roll or stretch the pizza dough into a thin circle.
Mix the passata with the oregano, salt and pepper, then spread it over the dough. Leave a small border around the edge.
Tear the mozzarella into pieces and distribute it across the pizza.
Carefully transfer the pizza onto the hot baking tray.
Bake for approximately eight to twelve minutes, depending on the oven, until the base is crisp and the cheese is bubbling.
Finish with fresh basil and a small drizzle of olive oil.
For extra toppings, try mushrooms, peppers, olives, pepperoni or leftover cooked chicken.
Loaded Cheeseburger Fries
Loaded fries combine two takeaway favourites in one dish and are ideal for sharing.
They are also useful for stretching a smaller quantity of meat across several servings.
Ingredients
- 500g oven fries
- 250g beef mince
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 100g grated cheese
- Sliced pickles
- Burger sauce
- Salt and black pepper
Method
Cook the fries according to the packet instructions.
Meanwhile, heat a frying pan over a medium heat.
Add the beef mince and onion, then cook until browned and fully cooked. Drain away any excess fat.
Stir in the ketchup and mustard, then season with salt and black pepper.
Place the cooked fries in an ovenproof dish and spoon the beef mixture over the top.
Add the grated cheese and return the dish to the oven for a few minutes, until the cheese has melted.
Finish with sliced pickles and burger sauce.
Serve immediately.
Easy Vegetable Chow Mein
A vegetable chow mein is a quick fakeaway dinner that can be ready in less time than it takes to wait for a delivery.
Use whatever vegetables you already have available. Peppers, carrots, mushrooms, cabbage, broccoli and mangetout all work well.
Ingredients
- 250g egg noodles
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 carrot, cut into thin strips
- 1 pepper, sliced
- 100g mushrooms, sliced
- 2 spring onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce or vegetarian stir-fry sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- ½ teaspoon grated ginger
Method
Prepare the noodles according to the packet instructions, then drain them thoroughly.
Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan.
Add the carrot, pepper and mushrooms. Stir-fry over a high heat for three to five minutes.
Add the garlic, ginger and spring onions, then cook for another minute.
Add the noodles, soy sauce, oyster sauce and sesame oil.
Toss everything together until the noodles are hot and evenly coated.
Serve as they are, or add cooked chicken, prawns, tofu or a fried egg.
Fakeaway Recipes for Every Occasion
The best fakeaway recipes are not exact copies of takeaway meals. They are flexible homemade versions that suit your own tastes, budget and schedule.
Keep things simple on a weeknight with vegetable chow mein or a quick curry. For a relaxed Friday evening, prepare crispy chicken burgers, loaded fries or homemade pizza and place everything in the middle of the table.
You can adjust the spice levels, add more vegetables and swap ingredients to suit different dietary needs.
Whether you are cooking for one, feeding the family or planning a casual night with friends, a homemade fakeaway offers the comfort of a takeaway with the satisfaction of making it yourself.