19 Healthy Fakeaway Recipes | High-Protein & Macro-Friendly
It’s no secret that the cost of living is rising, and some people are cutting down on spending. Takeaways are likely one of the first things on the chopping block. But saving pennies doesn’t mean cutting back on flavour and fun. This is where fakeaways come in.
If you’re new around here, it’s a simple concept. These recipes mean you can recreate your favourite takeaway dishes in the comfort of your own home. So you can put your takeaway menus back in the drawer and delete those food delivery apps. It’s time to whip out your wooden spoon and head into the kitchen.
For reference, all costs have been worked out from prices on ASDA online and may be subject to inflation. When possible I've priced each ingredient according to suggested portion sizes, excluding spices. As you can imagine, it’s a challenge figuring out how much a teaspoon of a spice costs... When in doubt I've priced it up as £0.10. Once you’ve bought a dried spice, you should be able to store it in a cupboard for a while.
1. Smash Burgers
You won’t be craving a takeaway burger after you make this one for the first time. Cheesy, saucy and full of flavour — a burger lover's dream come true. And at £2.13, it’s definitely cheaper than your local.
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
| 526kcal | 41g | 29g | 26g |
2. Chicken Curry Gyros
A little taste of Greece with an Indian twist. When you dig into these fusion gyros, you’ll have to remind yourself that you’re still in the same place.
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
| 541kcal | 40g | 52g | 17g |
3. Beef crunch wraps
If Taco Bell is your go-to, swap in these beef crunch wraps for your Friday night dinner. And the best part, you can modify it with whatever fillings you fancy. Use vegan mince to make it a plant-based treat. Or if you like your mouth stinging from spice, throw in a few more chillies.
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
| 467kcal | 32g | 37g | 20g |
4. Salt & Pepper Chips
I can’t place an order at my local Chinese without a side of salt and pepper chips. I'm partial to a 50/50. Half chips, half rice. Don't knock it until you try it. And with this simple salt and pepper chips recipe, I'm adding chips to all my midweek meals. It'd be rude not to.
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
| 332kcal | 7.1g | 56g | 8g |
5. Chicken Burger
You’re not British if you don’t know your Nando's order by heart. And if you’re not ordering the chicken burger, we can’t get on board. But either way, Nando's will be going straight out the window after you’ve made your own chicken burger. And for £1.45 you’ll be making it every night of the week.
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
| 468kcal | 59g | 49g | 12g |
6. Peri Peri Chicken
If a burger isn’t your go-to order at Nando’s, I'm judging you but I'm not going to leave you high and dry. You can try this delish peri peri chicken instead. And believe me, you’re in for a treat.
Protein: 42g | Carbs: 67g | Fat: 26g | Calories: 656kcal
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
| 656kcal | 42g | 67g | 26g |
7. Sweet & Sour Chicken
Pineapple on a pizza is a no from us, but pineapple in sweet and sour is a whole different story. Zingy and sweet with melt-in-the-mouth pineapple. Our taste buds are singing.
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
| 496kcal | 32g | 70g | 12g |
8. BBQ Chicken Pizza & Garlic Dip
Takeaway pizza is arguably one of the most expensive takeaways Personally, I always feel a little let down after it’s been delivered. But that’s not a problem with this recipe. Making pizza yourself is so much fun and so worth it. And you can even make the best bit: garlic dip.
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
| 293kcal | 29g | 22g | 11g |
9. Chicken Katsu Curry
A firm –favourite of fans of Japanese food, so it would be rude not to include it. You can’t go wrong with this tasty meal, even on a budget. Crispy, saucy chicken. My tummy is rumbling.
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
| 552kcal | 33g | 73g | 16g |
10. Vegan “Meatball” Sub
Last but absolutely not least, we’ve got your new favourite sandwich. And better yet, it’s totally vegan. The perfect tea for a meat-free Monday, it’s sure to keep your hand out of the drawer with the takeaway menus.
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
| 498kcal | 29g | 66g | 11g |
11. Air Fryer Pizza
Pizza is always a simple, cost efficient recipe — flour, water, olive oil and all the toppings you fancy. But this pizza is even more cost-effective if you have an air fryer as you'll be cutting out oven time. Just over 400kcal and 24g of protein makes this a great option to get Friday night vibes while staying on track with your macros.
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
| 404kcal | 24g | 70g | 2g |
12. Popcorn Chicken
A classic Friday night craving is good old fried chicken. But instead of spending your cash on the colonel from Kentucky... give these air fried popcorn chicken bites a go. If you don't do it for that golden crispy coating, do it for the macros — 347kcal and 43g of protein. You heard me.
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
| 347kcal | 43g | 21g | 9g |
13. Air-Fried Chicken Sandwich
Another fast-food classic made macro friendly is the humble chicken sandwich. Crispy, golden and packed with protein. Unfortunately we don't have the Protein Crispies in stock right now, but replace these with Cornflakes for that crunch-factor.
Protein-Packed Air-Fried Chicken Sandwich
This might be the sandwich of all sandwiches.
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
| 400 | 46g | 36g | 7g |
14. Hot Honey Halloumi Flatbread
For a meat-free fakeaway feast, this hot honey halloumi flatbread is a must-try. With 28g of protein and just under £2 for the meal, it's definitely a winner in my book.
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
| 628kcal | 28g | 61g | 31g |
15. Sticky BBQ Wings
An all-American classic — the chicken wing. Pair them with homemade chips or just dig in on their own, but whatever you do you have to give these a try.
16. Sticky Sesame Chicken
It's giving Friday-night Chinese takeaway, on a budget. Sticky, zingy sauce with a sweet 'n' sour taste, you'll be glad you didn't reach for the takeaway menu with this one.
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
| 502kcal | 36g | 60g | 13g |
17. Spicy Korean Beef Wraps
OK, so this one does involve making your own wrap, but I promise, it's much easier than it sounds, so don't be intimidated. This satisfying beef wrap slathered in garlicky marinade is well worth it.
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
| 750kcal | 70g | 105g | 30g |
18. Air-Fried Pork Gyozas
These gyozas are the perfect fakeaway option to add as a side to noodles, on top of a bed of ramen or just to enjoy on their own. Super-simple and with 24g of protein per serving, it's a no-brainer.
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
| 300kcal | 24g | 24g | 12g |
19. Pulled BBQ Chicken Burger
We've had smash burgers, now it's time for a juicy pulled chicken burger slathered in BBQ sauce. With just 302kcal and 28g of protein, this is a fakeaway champion.
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
| 302 | 28g | 29 | 9g |
Take home message
Whether you’re trying to cut back on spending, cutting back on takeaways in general, or just after some new meal ideas, these fakeaway recipes should give you plenty to think about. Hit the shops, pick up your ingredients, and get cooking.
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