We all love a good takeaway, don’t we? There’s something about the convenience, the indulgence, and the sheer joy of tucking into your favourite dishes without the washing up. But with the rising cost of living, many of us are looking for ways to cut back on spending. That doesn’t mean we have to give up on the food we love! Enter the fakeaway – a homemade version of your favourite takeaway meal that’s just as satisfying, often healthier, and definitely easier on the wallet.

If you’re following a plant-based diet or simply looking to incorporate more meat-free meals into your routine, you’ll be pleased to know that vegan fakeaways can be just as delicious as their traditional counterparts. Whether you’re craving a creamy curry, a juicy burger, or some flavour-packed kebabs, these three recipes will satisfy your taste buds without the hefty price tag.

For those times when you’re short on time but still want something tasty and nutritious, consider trying vegan ready meals that are packed with flavour and delivered straight to your door.

Let’s get cooking!

1. Creamy Butter ‘Chicken’ – A Vegan Twist on an Indian Classic

Indian takeaway is a firm favourite in the UK, and butter chicken is one of those comforting, rich dishes that’s hard to resist. This plant-based version swaps out chicken for a delicious meat alternative while keeping all the warm spices and creamy texture you love.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

For the marinade:

• 350g plant-based chicken alternative

• ½ cup unsweetened dairy-free yoghurt (optional)

• 1 tbsp minced garlic

• 1 tbsp finely chopped ginger

• 1½ tsp garam masala

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp turmeric

• 1 tsp chilli powder

• 1 tsp salt

For the sauce:

• 2 tsp vegetable oil

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1 tsp garlic, chopped

• 1 tsp ginger, chopped

• 1½ tsp garam masala

• 1½ tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp ground coriander

• 1 tomato, chopped

• 1 tsp chilli powder

• 1 tsp salt

• 250ml coconut milk

• 1 tsp sugar

Method:

1. In a bowl, mix all the marinade ingredients together and coat the plant-based chicken well. Let it marinate for at least an hour for maximum flavour.

2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan and sauté the onions until soft. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for another minute.

3. Stir in the garam masala, cumin, and coriander, cooking for about 20 seconds to release the aromas.

4. Add the chopped tomatoes, chilli powder, and salt, and let it simmer for around 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.

5. Blend the sauce until smooth, then return it to the pan. Stir in the coconut milk and sugar, then bring to a gentle boil.

6. In a separate pan, fry the marinated plant-based chicken until golden brown (about 5 minutes) before adding it to the sauce.

7. Stir everything together and serve with fluffy basmati rice and warm naan bread.

If you love homemade curries but want a convenient option, check out frozen vegan meals that offer great taste without the prep time.

2. BBQ Pulled ‘Pork’ Burger – A Properly Stacked Delight

A good burger is a thing of beauty, and this plant-based BBQ burger is no exception. Packed with smoky flavours and deliciously saucy, this is a fakeaway that will impress even the most devoted meat lovers.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 pretzel buns

• 320g plant-based pulled BBQ alternative

• 1 tbsp rapeseed oil

• 150g sauerkraut

• 8 pickled gherkins

• 4 onions

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tsp tomato paste

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tbsp vegan butter

• 4 lettuce leaves

• 60g sweet mustard

• 60g BBQ sauce

• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tsp maple syrup

Method:

1. Slice the pretzel buns in half and lightly toast the insides.

2. Cut the pickled gherkins into thin slices.

3. Peel the onions and slice them into rings.

4. Heat the vegan butter in a pan and fry the tomato paste for a few seconds before adding the onions and brown sugar. Let them caramelise over a low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper.

5. In a small bowl, mix the sweet mustard, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup to create a tangy burger sauce.

6. Heat the rapeseed oil in a pan and fry the plant-based pulled BBQ meat for about 3 minutes.

7. Assemble your burgers by spreading the sauce onto the buns, then layering with sauerkraut, the BBQ filling, lettuce leaves, gherkins, and caramelised onions.

8. Serve with a side of crispy sweet potato fries for the ultimate fakeaway experience.

For a hassle-free burger night, try vegan meals delivered, making dinner prep effortless.

3. Satay ‘Chicken’ Kebabs – Perfect for a Tasty Treat

If you love the rich, nutty flavour of satay, you’ll adore these easy vegan skewers. They’re ideal for a relaxed dinner or even as part of a summer BBQ spread.

Serves: 4

For a great selection of easy, flavour-packed options, explore prepared vegan meals that are ready to heat and eat!

Final Thoughts

There you have it—three easy, delicious, and budget-friendly fakeaway recipes to enjoy in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re craving Indian, American, or Thai-inspired flavours, these plant-based dishes prove that you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy great food. Give them a go, and you might just find yourself skipping the takeaway menu more often than you think!

Happy cooking! 🍽️