Simple 'fakeaway' recipes for when you're on a budget

'Fakeaway' recipes to feed the family Mon 15 Jun 2026 at 3:00pm Takeaway is always a tempting option. But if you're trying to stick to a budget, the convenience of having someone else feed the family can very quickly add up. These five simple "fakeaway" recipes bring the takeaway vibes at a fraction of the cost. Easy Hokkien noodles with mushrooms and tofu A beloved stir-fried noodle dish that's on the table in 30 minutes and is sure to be a crowd pleaser. This vegan Hokkien mee has plenty of flavour, thanks to the umami-rich vegetables and the mix of sauces that coat them and the soft chewy noodles. Beer-battered fish burgers with tartare sauce Julia Busuttil Nishimura always keeps flathead fillets in the freezer for her "just in case" beer-battered fish burgers. The fillets defrost quickly, cook super-fast and are popular with kids and adults alike, especially when they're piled onto soft rolls with a refreshing yoghurt tartare sauce. Simple hot and sour dumpling soup Frozen dumplings are an excellent weeknight workhorse and they shine in this recipe. They're served in a hot and sour broth that perfectly merges Chinese wonton soup with Thai tom yum soup. One-tray honey chicken wings Transform humble (and affordable) chicken wings into something special with pomegranate molasses, honey, garlic and a touch of warm spices. They're irresistibly sticky and will have the family licking their fingers and reaching for more. Chicken jalfrezi curry This satisfying dish that is a great replacement for a take-away curry and comes together quickly. The sticky tomato-heavy sauce hugs each bite of tender chicken thigh. It's perfect paired simply with roti, pita bread or rice.