Fakeaway

Takeout is great … until it shows up cold, soggy, or $87 later you realise you could’ve cooked something better (and probably faster). These recipes are all about bringing that same big flavour, saucy satisfaction, and “everyone’s quiet because they’re too busy eating” energy – minus the delivery fee.

We’re talking Butterflied Portuguese Chicken with crispy skin and bold flavour that rivals any chicken shop, Easy Sweet and Sour Pork made with real ingredients, no packet sauce in sight and Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Yoghurt Sauce – juicy, spiced and wrapped up in flatbreads like it came from your favourite Lebanese place. There are also Juicy Beef Burgers for a Friday night win, and Crispy Chicken Bao Buns that look complicated but are secretly very chill to pull together.

These are meals that feel like a treat, but are easy enough to cook on a weeknight – and way more satisfying than waiting around for your name to be called out in a food court.