🥘 5 Chinese Takeaway Dishes You Can Cook Healthier at Home in 20 Minutes

Let’s be real: most of us don’t miss Chinese takeaway because it’s hard to cook — we miss it because it’s convenient.

The good news? Once you’ve got a few core ingredients in your cupboard, you can knock out healthier versions of your favourites faster than waiting for delivery.

Here are five classics that work brilliantly at home — no deep-fryer required.

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1. Chicken Chow Mein (The Weeknight MVP)

Why it works: One pan, minimal prep, maximum comfort.

What to change:

• Use less oil

• Add more veg

• Control the salt

Quick method:

1. Stir-fry sliced chicken thigh with garlic & ginger.

2. Toss in mixed veg.

3. Add cooked egg noodles, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a splash of water.

4. Finish with sesame oil.

⏱ Time: 15–20 minutes
🥦 Health win: More veg, less grease

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2. Egg Fried Rice (Better Than Takeaway, Honestly)

Why it works: Perfect for leftovers.

What to change:

• Use cold rice

• Skip excess oil

• Add protein if you want

Quick method:

1. Scramble eggs in a hot pan.

2. Add cold rice and frozen peas.

3. Splash of soy sauce + sesame oil.

4. Optional: spring onions or leftover chicken.

⏱ Time: 10–15 minutes
🍚 Health win: No mystery oils

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3. Sweet & Sour Chicken (Without the Sugar Crash)

Why it works: The flavour is in the sauce — not the batter.

What to change:

• Pan-fry or air-fry the chicken

• Lighten the sauce

Quick method:

1. Cook chicken pieces until golden.

2. Add peppers, onion, pineapple.

3. Stir in ketchup + rice vinegar + a touch of honey.

4. Simmer briefly.

⏱ Time: 20 minutes
🍍 Health win: Less sugar, no deep-fry

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4. Beef in Black Bean Sauce (Surprisingly Easy)

Why it works: Big flavour, fast cooking.

What to change:

• Lean beef

• Load up on veg

Quick method:

1. Flash-fry beef strips.

2. Remove, then cook garlic, peppers, onions.

3. Add black bean sauce + splash of water.

4. Return beef, stir, done.

⏱ Time: 15 minutes
🥩 Health win: High protein, low carbs if you want

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5. Salt & Pepper Tofu (or Chicken) — Fakeaway Favourite

Why it works: Crispy, spicy, addictive.

What to change:

• Shallow fry or air fry

• Less salt, more aromatics

Quick method:

1. Crisp tofu or chicken lightly.

2. Toss with garlic, chilli, spring onions.

3. Finish with white pepper and five spice.

⏱ Time: 15 minutes
🌶 Health win: No batter, full flavour

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The Secret: It’s the Sauces, Not the Skills

Most Chinese takeaway dishes use the same base ingredients:

• soy sauce

• oyster sauce

• garlic

• ginger

• sesame oil

Once you’ve got those, you’re basically unstoppable.