Homemade Takeout That’s Better for Your Budget

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Some nights you just don’t have the motivation to cook or to go out. We get it! But food delivery is expensive and can end up taking a long time to arrive. Here are a few ideas for quick, restaurant-style meals you can make at home for a fraction of the price of delivery! These delicious dishes can be easily adjusted based on what you typically keep in your pantry and fridge, making it even easier to enjoy homemade takeout.

Caribbean Jerk Chicken Tacos

  • 1 cup Kale Slaw from Crazy Fresh
  • 1 Tablespoon Salad Girl Citrus Splash salad dressing
  • ½ Tablespoon vegetable oil
  • ½ lb. housemade jerk chicken from the meat department, sliced into 1” pieces
  • 3 flour or corn taco tortillas
  • Bitchin’ Sauce Cilantro Chili, for serving
  • Lime wedges, for serving

In a medium bowl, massage the salad dressing into the kale slaw. Set aside.

Heat oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until smoking. Add the chicken and sauté for 5-7 minutes until white in the center.

While chicken is cooking, heat the tortillas in the microwave or oven until warm and pliable. Once chicken is cooked, add a spoonful to each tortilla, along with the kale slaw. Drizzle with Bitchin’ Sauce and serve with lime wedges.

Easy Veggie Ramen

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 package of Sun Noodles fresh ramen (either shoyu or soy flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • ⅓ Crazy Fresh Organic Broccoli Slaw
  • Scallions and red cabbage, sliced thin, for garnish
  • Toasted sesame seeds, optional

Bring a medium saucepan of water to a roiling boil. There should be enough water in the pot to cover the egg by at least one inch. Gently lower the egg into the water using a spoon so it doesn’t crack. Boil for 8 minutes then immediately plunge into ice water for 2 minutes. Peel, slice, and set aside.

Prepare the ramen per package instructions. While the ramen is cooking, heat the sesame oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli slaw and cook until soft, about 4-6 minutes. Add the slaw to the prepared ramen and transfer to large soup bowl. Top with the sliced egg, scallions, cabbage, a pinch of sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sesame oil.

Tofu Veggie Fried Rice

  • 1 package Grain Trust Hibachi Fried Rice
  • ¼ teaspoon vegetable oil
  • 3 oz. Wildwood Teriyaki Baked Tofu, cut into ½” cubes
  • 2 Tablespoons Mother In Law Kimchi, chopped

Heat the oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add cubed tofu and cook until warmed through and beginning to brown, 8-10 minutes. Set aside.

In the same skillet, prepare the fried rice according to package instructions. Then add the tofu back to the skillet along with the kimchi. If the tofu and kimchi are still cold, heat the pan and stir until everything is warmed through, then serve.

Keep ingredients for these meals on hand to save big on delivery fees this year. And don’t hesitate to get creative! Experiment with your favorite proteins, veggies, and condiments to craft homemade takeout meals you’ll love.

Want to find more ways to save at the co-op? Check out how to make more budget meals featuring products on our shelves!