We’re all a little guilty for getting take out a few times too often. It’s so convenient, that we sometimes kid ourselves into thinking it’s faster than cooking at home. And since it’s such a small amount of money at a time, it’s easy to miss it piling up in your bank account statement. However, when it comes down to it, cooking at home is so much cheaper than eating out! There’s nothing wrong with a little bit of takeout every once in a while, but we should refrain from making it a regular thing, not only for your wallet, but also because cooking at home is so much healthier. Here are a few recipes that are better than takeout!

Orange Chicken

If you don’t mind a bit of prep work to marinade the chicken, you won’t regret skipping the line at Panda Express to make your own Orange Chicken at home! Plus, yours will have actual real orange. Pan frying can be intimidating, but as long as you keep an eye on the heat so you don’t have a smoking pan on your hands, you’ll be as golden as your chicken will be. For one of the best recipes I’ve ever tried, check out this adaption from Damn Delicious.

Lo Mein

What goes better with orange chicken than a bit of lo mein? Lo mein is such an amazing and versatile dish, because you can swap in your favorite veggies and meats to make it a full meal, or serve it alongside practically anything else. Chances are, your lo mein is going to be waaay healthier than any takeout you could grab. To make that perfectly tangy sauce, whisk together:

• 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
• 2 Tsp sugar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp sriracha

Cook up a package of lo mein egg noodles, all your favorite veggies(I like mushrooms, julienned red peppers, carrots, and baby spinach), and add the sauce! So easy and simple, and tastes better than takeout, I promise.

Potstickers

How often do you cave when walking past the frozen food aisle, sneaking a container or two of potstickers to bring home? They are just so good and hard to resist. The great thing about making potstickers at home is not only how affordable(and easy) it is, but that you can make a big batch and freeze them, so they’re ready when you want just a few for a snack in a few days. Worth the time to cook yourself, I promise!

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp rice vinegar
• 2 Tbsp soy sauce
• pepper to taste

The filling doesn’t have to be cooked before filling up your potstickers! So mix together(you can swap meats, and add different veggies!) and fill your wonton wrappers with your filling. You want to create a half-moon shape, and pinch the edges to seal them. Heat a small amount of vegetable oil in a skillet, and cook these babies up(about 2-3 minutes per side).

Street tacos

I don’t even want to think about the amount of money I’ve spent on tacos when they’re so much cheaper(and yummier) to make at home! My favorite are street tacos, and they are so easy customize for even the pickiest eaters.

• street style tortillas (you can choose flour or corn! They should be soft and small)
• ground beef(or meat of choice)

Cook up your beef with some taco seasoning, and prep all of your favorite tacos toppings! We like to top ours with shredded cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, avocado, and cilantro! This meal is ready in literally 10 minutes, but is so so good.