Simple 'fakeaway' recipes for when you're on a budget

Mon 15 Jun 2026 at 3:00pm

Mon 15 Jun 2026 at 3:00pm

Takeaway is always a tempting option.

But if you're trying to stick to a budget, the convenience of having someone else feed the family can very quickly add up.

These five simple "fakeaway" recipes bring the takeaway vibes at a fraction of the cost.

Easy Hokkien noodles with mushrooms and tofu

A beloved stir-fried noodle dish that's on the table in 30 minutes and is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

This vegan Hokkien mee has plenty of flavour, thanks to the umami-rich vegetables and the mix of sauces that coat them and the soft chewy noodles.

Beer-battered fish burgers with tartare sauce

Julia Busuttil Nishimura always keeps flathead fillets in the freezer for her "just in case" beer-battered fish burgers.

The fillets defrost quickly, cook super-fast and are popular with kids and adults alike, especially when they're piled onto soft rolls with a refreshing yoghurt tartare sauce.

Simple hot and sour dumpling soup

Frozen dumplings are an excellent weeknight workhorse and they shine in this recipe.

They're served in a hot and sour broth that perfectly merges Chinese wonton soup with Thai tom yum soup.

One-tray honey chicken wings

Transform humble (and affordable) chicken wings into something special with pomegranate molasses, honey, garlic and a touch of warm spices.

They're irresistibly sticky and will have the family licking their fingers and reaching for more.

Chicken jalfrezi curry

This satisfying dish that is a great replacement for a take-away curry and comes together quickly.

The sticky tomato-heavy sauce hugs each bite of tender chicken thigh. It's perfect paired simply with roti, pita bread or rice.

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