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Home » Recipe Collections

27 Better-Than-Takeout Stir-Fries That Save You Money

Published: Apr 19, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Better-than-takeout stir-fries aren’t just a weeknight win—they’re a straight-up power move. These recipes are bold, quick, and packed with the kind of flavor that keeps you coming back for more. You’re saving money, skipping delivery, and still getting something that hits harder than the usual takeout box. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crew, these stir-fries are great when you want something fast, easy, and seriously good.

Ground beef stir fry in a skillet.
Ground Beef Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Kung Pao Tofu

An image of kung pao tofu served in a bowl over rice.
Kung Pao Tofu. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This Kung Pao tofu combines crunchy bell peppers, crispy tofu, peanuts, and a bold sauce—all ready in just 30 minutes. A fast and colorful plant-based meal that saves money while delivering better-than-takeout stir-fry flavor.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Tofu

Stir Fry Green Beans with Coconut

A top-down view of stir-fried green beans with coconut on a white plate, accompanied by a white napkin and fork.
Stir Fry Green Beans with Coconut. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Green beans stir-fried with coconut and Indian spices make this South Indian dish a flavorful and quick option. It comes together in 30 minutes, making it a smart way to enjoy better-than-takeout stir-fries with rice or flatbread.
Get the Recipe: Stir Fry Green Beans with Coconut

Spicy Gochujang Chicken Stir Fry

Spicy Gochujang Chicken Stir Fry. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Gochujang chicken stir fry brings together sweet and spicy notes in a rich sauce inspired by Korean flavors. It’s a practical, better-than-takeout option you can make at home in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Gochujang Chicken Stir Fry

Ginger Ground Beef Stir Fry

A bowl of beef stir fry with rice and peppers.
Ginger Ground Beef Stir Fry. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Ginger Ground Beef Stir Fry uses ground beef, bell peppers, and garlic for a flavorful, protein-packed meal. It’s quick to make and perfect when you’re looking to skip takeout without compromising on taste.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Ground Beef Stir Fry

Chicken and Steak Stir Fry

Chicken and steak stir fry with vegetables and sauce.
Chicken and Steak Stir Fry. Photo credit: Food Fun & Faraway Places.

A mix of tender beef, juicy chicken, and fresh vegetables come together in one skillet for a hearty stir-fry. This easy, better-than-takeout dinner is ready in minutes, perfect for nights when you need something fast and filling.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Steak Stir Fry

Spicy Pork Stir Fry With Vegetables

Spicy Pork Stir Fry With Vegetables. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

This pork stir fry is made with red pepper flakes and Sriracha for a bold kick, all in one quick skillet meal. It’s packed with flavor and comes together quickly, making it a strong contender for better-than-takeout stir-fries.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Pork Stir Fry With Vegetables

10 Minute Ramen Noddle Stir Fry

Bowl full of ramen noodles.
10 Minute Ramen Noddle Stir Fry. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Veggies and noodles are tossed in a spicy garlic-ginger sauce and stir-fried in just 10 minutes. A super fast option when you're craving something better than takeout without the wait or cost.
Get the Recipe: 10 Minute Ramen Noddle Stir Fry

Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Shaved beef and broccoli come together in a skillet with a rich stir-fry sauce that’s full of flavor. This one-pan meal is quick, hearty, and more affordable than takeout.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Ground Beef Stir Fry

Ground beef stir fry in a skillet.
Ground Beef Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This ground beef stir fry is a one-pan meal packed with vegetables and a garlic-ginger homemade sauce. It’s a faster and healthier way to enjoy better-than-takeout stir-fries any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry

Teriyaki Tofu and Veggies Stir Fry

Teriyaki Tofu and Veggies Stir Fry. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry uses tofu, crunchy vegetables, and garlic tossed in a sweet teriyaki sauce for a complete plant-based meal. It’s a cost-effective and quick option that beats takeout any day.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Tofu and Veggies Stir Fry

Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry

Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Broccoli and mushrooms are cooked in a deeply flavorful sauce for a vegan stir fry that works for dinner or leftovers. It’s a quick, budget-friendly way to bring better-than-takeout flavor to your table.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry

Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

Tofu and broccoli on a plate.
Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This broccoli and tofu stir fry makes a great meatless main dish that’s fast and full of flavor. It’s a simple, better-than-takeout option that comes together quickly with just a few ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

Korean Sweet Potato Glass Noodles

Overhead view of Korean sweet potato glass noodles in a white pan with chopsticks and garnish in the background.
Korean Sweet Potato Glass Noodles. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Korean sweet potato noodles are stir-fried with vegetables and beef in a sweet-savory sauce in just 15 minutes. It’s a quick, better-than-takeout dinner that brings bold flavor with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Korean Sweet Potato Glass Noodles

Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle

Overhead view of sizzling Thai pork green beans on a Blackstone griddle with a fried egg on top.
Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Make your stir fry outdoors on a griddle for an easy and flavorful meal that’s ready fast. It’s a great better-than-takeout option when you want something fresh and cooked quickly.
Get the Recipe: Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle

Shrimp Lo Mein

Shrimp lo mein in a skillet with chopped green onions in a white bowl on the side.
Shrimp Lo Mein. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Shrimp lo mein is packed with noodles, vegetables, and savory sauce, all cooked at home in minutes. This better-than-takeout stir fry saves money and is ready faster than delivery.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Lo Mein

Sweet and Spicy Quinoa Peanut Stir Fry

Top view of sweet and spicy quinoa peanut stir fry.
Sweet and Spicy Quinoa Peanut Stir Fry. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Quinoa, vegetables, and peanuts come together in this sweet and spicy stir fry that’s ready in under 20 minutes. It’s a healthy and fast choice for weeknight meals that beats takeout.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Quinoa Peanut Stir Fry

Hunan Chicken

Hunan chicken with rice and chopsticks on a plate.
Hunan Chicken. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Seared chicken breast and vegetables are tossed in a rich, spicy sauce for a bold stir fry. Ready in less than 20 minutes, this better-than-takeout dinner is quick and loaded with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Hunan Chicken

Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry

Ground pork and purple cabbage stir fry in a white pan.
Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This stir fry pairs ground pork with cabbage and mushrooms in a savory sauce for a quick skillet meal. It’s an easy way to get better-than-takeout flavor at home with ingredients you already have.
Get the Recipe: Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry

Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

A picture of cabbage stir fry in cast iron skillet.
Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Ground beef and cabbage are cooked together in one pan for a hearty meal that’s done in under 20 minutes. This stir fry is a reliable, better-than-takeout dinner that doesn’t take much effort.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

Spicy Udon Noodle Stir Fry

Spicy Udon Noodle Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Udon noodles, ground beef, peppers, and scallions come together in a garlicky sriracha sauce for a craveable dish. A solid better-than-takeout recipe that hits the spot without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Udon Noodle Stir Fry

Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry

A chicken and Broccoli stir fry piled high on a white plate with chop sticks.
Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: Erren's Kitchen.

Chicken and broccoli stir fry is bold, quick, and fresh, ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a go-to better-than-takeout dinner for busy nights when time is short but you want something flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry

Easy Vegetable Stir Fry

Easy Vegetable Stir Fry. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This easy vegetable stir fry uses colorful veggies and a rich sauce for a nutritious, no-fuss dinner. It’s a quick and affordable way to make better-than-takeout stir fry at home.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegetable Stir Fry

Ground Pork Stir Fry

A plate with ground pork and vegetables on top of cauliflower rice.
Ground Pork Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Ground pork and mixed vegetables cook fast in a savory stir fry sauce for a flavorful one-pan dinner. This better-than-takeout recipe is practical, especially when you want something quick and filling.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Stir Fry

Easy General Tso Shrimp Stir Fry

Easy General Tso Shrimp Stir Fry. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

General Tso shrimp is quick to make and packed with flavor in every bite. This better-than-takeout recipe is a simple way to bring a classic favorite to the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Easy General Tso Shrimp Stir Fry

Beef Yaki Udon Noodle Stir Fry

Beef Yaki Udon Noodle Stir Fry. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Beef yaki udon uses thick noodles, savory sauce, and quick-cooked beef for a flavorful meal. It’s ready in under 30 minutes and perfect when you want something better than takeout with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Beef Yaki Udon Noodle Stir Fry

Spicy Chicken Stir Fry

Chicken, pineapple, and jalapenos in sauce over rice.
Spicy Chicken Stir Fry. Photo credit: Food Fun & Faraway Places.

Chicken, pineapple, and jalapeños make this spicy stir fry a little sweet, a little hot, and a lot flavorful. Ready in 35 minutes, it’s a fun, better-than-takeout recipe for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Chicken Stir Fry

Peanut Sauce Stir Fry with Shrimp

Shrimp, broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, and brown rice noodles drizzled with peanut sauce on a white plate.
Peanut Sauce Stir Fry with Shrimp. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Pan-seared shrimp and crisp vegetables are tossed in a creamy peanut sauce for a quick and easy stir fry. This better-than-takeout meal delivers big flavor in a short amount of time.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Sauce Stir Fry with Shrimp

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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