Homemade Chinese Takeout

Forgo the takeout menu, and try one of these quick dishes that can be on your table before the delivery guy even gets to his car.

Most Chinese recipes rely on a few key ingredients, such as ginger, cornstarch, soy sauce, and dark sesame oil. Keep your pantry stocked, and the next time you get a hankering for your favorite Asian-inspired menu, it'll be a snap.

Now, if only the cook received a tip...

Try this stir-fry showcasing pork tenderloin, mushrooms, and sugar snap peas. Cut the pork into uniform cubes to speed cooking time. Serve over instant white or brown rice with a glass of white wine.

Recipe: Pork and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Cashew Rice

Fresh orange juice, ginger, and minced cilantro bring bright flavors to the shrimp. For an extra kick, add a minced hot red chile to the marinade.

Recipe: Orange-Ginger Shrimp Skewers

By using frozen stir-fry mixes and frozen shelled edamame, preparation time is kept to a minimum. The slightly sweet and nutty stir-fried vegetables complement the delicately flavored chicken. We suggest serving over udon noodles or rice stick noodles. If you're out of dark sesame seeds, substitute regular.

Recipe: Sesame Chicken Edamame Bowl

Sirloin steak, flavored by orange rind, minced garlic, and red pepper, anchors this easy weeknight dinner recipe. It cooks in just five minutes.

Recipe: Spicy Orange Beef

Try this noodle bowl of shrimp and fresh vegetables coated with a sweet yet spicy restaurant-quality sauce. You'll love how colorful it looks on the table. To save time, use peeled and deveined shrimp.

Recipe: Butterflied Shrimp and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Classic restaurant fare, this homemade dish is a quick weeknight dinner that cooks in one pan. Serve over quick-cooking rice to complement the beef's rich sauce.

Recipe: Beef with Ginger

This versatile dish can be made with a variety of meats, seafood, and vegetables. Quick tip: Prepare with leftover or instant rice to shorten cook time.

Recipe: Shrimp Fried Rice

Try a new twist on classic chicken skewers with this sate dish. Soak the skewers in water to prevent them from burning on the grill. The mix of lime juice, crushed red pepper, and sake (rice wine) give the Ponzu sauce a spicy yet sweet kick. Serve with your favorite quick-cooking rice or noodle.

Recipe: Chicken Sate with Ponzu Sauce