15 Homemade Meatless ‘Takeout’ Recipes That You Can Eat With Chopsticks!

Did you know there was a National Chopsticks Day? Of course, you could use this as an excuse to order takeout, but why not make your favorite classic takeout recipes at home? You’ll save money with the added bonus of knowing exactly what you’re putting into your food. Win win! Celebrate National Chopsticks Day with these 15 homemade versions of takeout classics from our Food Monster App.

1. Somen Noodles With Nori Dressing

Image Source: Somen Noodles With Nori Dressing

Somen noodles are very thin white Japanese noodles made of wheat flour and are usually served cold. As this Somen Noodles With Nori Dressing recipe from Lan Pham Wilson proves, it is a breeze to make a delicious and filling meal with Somen noodles as the base. This Somen bowl contains a savory-sweet broth spiked with soy sauce and maple syrup, a refreshing seaweed dressings, and plenty of garnishes, including sliced cucumbers, kimchi, scallions, and nuts. Yum!

2. Roasted Sweet Potato Sushi

Image Source: Roasted Sweet Potato Sushi

This savory Roasted Sweet Potato Sushi from Bianca the Green Creator is light, elegant, and absolutely delicious. The tangy rice is filled with soft, creamy roasted sweet potatoes and crunchy, fresh cucumbers and then wrapped tightly in a nori. This is the perfect snack to serve at a fancy dinner and can also double as a great lunch.

3. Peanut Butter Soba Noodles

Image Source: Peanut Butter Soba Noodles

This is a great make-ahead recipe as well and works awesome for a packed lunch or quickly heated up for a snack/dinner. It uses simple ingredients that you probably have at home and substitutions can be made such as spaghetti or udon for soba noodles and you can also use any type of vegetable you want! Check out these Peanut Butter Soba Noodles from Kristen Genton!

4. Miso-Roasted Japanese Eggplant and Zucchini

Image Source: Miso-Roasted Japanese Eggplant and Zucchini

In this Miso-Roasted Japanese Eggplant and Zucchini recipe from Rosalie Livingstone, Japanese eggplant and zucchini are coated in a miso glaze. The vegetables are first roasted in the oven until tender, then coated in a sweet umami mixture, and returned to the oven until the glaze begins to caramelize. The roasted vegetables are flavorful on their own, but the glaze adds both taste and a slightly crisp texture that will have you returning to this recipe again and again.

5. Nut-Free Thai Noodles

Image Source: Nut-Free Thai Noodles

If you or someone you are close with has a nut allergy, this recipe is a must-try! These Nut-Free Thai Noodles from Caroline Ginolfi have all of the same flavors you love minus the common allergen. The sunflower seed butter used in place of peanut butter is creamy, delicious, and so “nutty.” Totally life changing.

6. Szechuan Tofu With Soba Noodles

Image Source: Szechuan Tofu With Soba Noodles

Airy silken tofu cubes are lightly coated, fried, and tossed onto a bed of soba noodles. This Szechuan Tofu With Soba Noodles dish from Sarah Gory is flavored with the unique taste of Szechuan peppercorns, a spicy aromatic with lemon undertones. The nuttiness of the noodles, and the brightness of the coriander tie this entree together.

7. Miso Vegetable Pad Thai

Image Source: Miso Vegetable Pad Thai

This delightfully simple recipe for Miso Vegetable Pad Thai from Liz Martone will give you your favorite dish without the hassle of having to leave the house or wait for delivery. This dish combines tender bell peppers and carrots with brown rice noodles and tosses them all in a creamy, homemade pad Thai sauce that replaces fish sauce with a bit of miso to give the dish a bold, authentic flavor.

8. Instant Pot General Tso’s Tofu

Image Source: Instant Pot General Tso’s Tofu

The combination of sweet and spicy is what makes General Tso’s Tofu a hit at Chinese restaurants across the country and around the world. Traditional wok-based dishes make for great Instant Pot conversions as the cooking intensity calls to mind a bit what is called the “breath of the wok.” You’ll love this Instant Pot General Tso’s Tofu from I Love My Instant Pot: Vegan Recipe Book!

9. 10-Minute Seitan ‘Beef’ and Broccoli

Image Source: 10-Minute Seitan ‘Beef’ and Broccoli

This 10-Minute Seitan ‘Beef’ and Broccoli from Kristen Genton is a quick, easy version of the classic Chinese dish, beef and broccoli. The slightly spicy, sweet sauce coats the tender broccoli and the sautéed seitan and the whole thing is topped with fresh green onions and sesame seeds. You’ll never have to order delivery again.

10. Pad See Ew: Thai Stir-Fried Noodles

Image Source: Pad See Ew: Thai Stir-Fried Noodles

These Pad See Ew: Thai Stir-Fried Noodles from Jess Hoffman are the perfect dish if you’re hungry and in a hurry. These tasty rice noodles are packed full of Chinese broccoli, beansprouts, and tofu to make a meal that is delicious and filling. Enjoy this simple version of a Thai classic with a friend for an easy and impressive dinner.

11. Mapo Tofu

Image Source: Mapo Tofu

This Mapo Tofu recipe from Lan Pham Wilson is spiced up with Chinese flavors, while tofu and lentils make it very filling and satisfying!

12. 15-Minute Vegetarian Chow Mein

Image Source: 15-Minute Vegetarian Chow Mein

This 15-Minute Vegetarian Chow Mein dish from Julia Nickerson is essentially a large stir-fry, and it’s healthier to make at home compared to Chinese takeout versions. Chow mein sauces do not have to be complicated. For this recipe, it’s pared it down to the essentials: only soy sauce and vegan oyster sauce. You can start with the amount listed for this recipe, and add more to taste. You can also add more flavors by including minced garlic and ginger in the sauce.

13. Spicy Black Pepper Tofu

Image Source: Spicy Black Pepper Tofu

This Spicy Black Pepper Tofu recipe from Tara Binder is phenomenal not only in taste but visual appeal. Tofu is sautéed with shallots, fresh chili peppers, a healthy amount of garlic and ginger, and a special spice blend. This flavor-packed tofu dish is easy to make, cooks in under 30 minutes, and pairs wonderfully with rice or grains of your choice.

14. 15-Minute Hot and Sour Thai Noodles

Image Source: 15-Minute Hot and Sour Thai Noodles

This cold Thai-inspired noodle salad makes a bright and healthy side dish or a dinner for a small family. It’s all about the combination of textures and flavors — there’s tangy lime, crisp vegetables, salty tamari, zesty cilantro, crunchy peanuts, and chili peppers for heat. These 15-Minute Hot and Sour Thai Noodles from Jordan and Clark Cord will be your new go-to. Take it to work for lunch, take it to cookouts, make it for your family. Trust us – you’ll knock their socks off with this one.

15. Slow Cooker Kung Pao

Image Source: Slow Cooker Kung Pao

This Chinese takeout-inspired recipe for Slow Cooker Kung Pao from The Vegan Slow Cooker by Kathy Hester gets its rich flavor from the mushrooms and rice vinegar as well as a great crunch from the water chestnuts! You’ll forget all about your takeout menu.

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