food

From nuggets to fish and chips: 5 takeaway-style recipes we promise are actually healthy.

Nothing quite hits like takeaway on a weekday.

It's been a huge day of work, you're tired, can't be bothered to cook, and you'd much prefer a burger, pasta, whatever, over the things you have in the fridge. 

But that's expensive. And sometimes, leaves you feeling kinda sh*tty, thinking it was better saved for the weekend when it's only *checks phone* Tuesday.

Nicolette Casarotto is a nutritionist and fitness instructor, and she's created recipes for Optus Sport's 'The Health Kick' series so you can make your favourite takeaway meals at home, any time. 

Save your coins and make these instead.

While you're here... Sick of boring water? Mix it up and make one of these. Post continues after video.

1. Turkey Burgers.

Image: Supplied.

Serves: 4.

Ingredients:

  • 500g turkey mince

  • 2 tomatos, sliced
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 wholegrain rolls
  • 1 cucumber, finely sliced 
  • 1 brown onion
  • 1/4 cup bread crumbs
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Pinch of salt and pepper
  • Tomato sauce, to serve
  • 4 slices of cheese
  • 1/2 red onion sliced fine
  • 1 cup coleslaw, prepped
  • 1/4 bunch parsley

Method:

1. Start by making the turkey patties. In a bowl combine the mince, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, egg, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix everything together then add salt and pepper, mix through again and start to build your patties.

2. Cook patties on medium heat with a little bit of olive oil. Once flipped, add cheese to the cooked side.

4. Assemble the burger with the rest of your fillings and tomato sauce.

Note: This recipes make four burgers however, you can get up to six patties out of this depending on the size you make them (keep the last two in the freezer for an emergency lunch or dinner).

2. Fish and Chips.

Image: Supplied.

Serves: 2.

Ingredients:

  • 2 salmon fillets
  • 1/2 bunch broccolini stems
  • 10-12 green beans
  • 2 large brown potatoes
  • 2-3 garlic cloves
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 lemon
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

1. Pre-heat oven to 180 degrees celsius.

2. Wash, peel and chop the potatoes into chip-style cuts. Transfer to a baking pan, add salt, 1 garlic clove diced and a drizzle of olive oil. Cook in the oven for 25-30 minutes.

3. Add a piece of baking paper to a new tray and place salmon on top. Add 1-2 gloves of garlic on top, a drizzle of olive oil, add salt, pepper and lemon slices. Add the greens around the fish to go into the oven altogether. Cook for 15 minutes below the potatoes.

4. Serve together and enjoy.

3. Rice Paper Rolls.

Image: Supplied.

Makes: 10.

Ingredients:

  • 10 rice paper sheets
  • 400g slightly firm tofu
  • 100g vermicelli noodles
  • 1/4 cup crispy shallots
  • 1/4 cup cornflour
  • Pinch of salt and pepper
  • 1/2 head iceberg lettuce  
  • 1 cucumber
  • 1 carrot
  • 1 capsicum
  • 1/2 bunch fresh herbs (coriander or Thai basil)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying

Sauce

  • 2 tbsp peanut butter
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tsp rice wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp honey

Method:

1. Prep the veggies by cutting thin strips of cucumber, carrot, capsicum and finely chop the lettuce and herbs, and set aside.

2. Pat dry the tofu to remove as much moisture as possible and cut into even strips.

3. In a bowl, mix the cornflour, salt and pepper and coat the tofu in the mix.

4. Shallow fry the tofu until it is golden and crisp for about 2 minutes per side.

5. Cook vermicelli noodles per packet instructions and set aside.

6. Soak the rice paper sheet until it's slightly wobbly and place on a board to assemble your rice paper roll. To the middle of the sheet, add the noodles, veggies, lettuce and herbs. Finish with adding the tofu and crispy shallots. 

7. Roll the sides of the sheet in first and then roll it tight and set aside. Repeat until everything is used.

8. Mix all ingredients in a bowl for the sauce and stir till well combined.

Note: To make recipe vegan, remove the honey.

4. Chicken Nuggets.

Image: Supplied.

Serves: 4-6.

Ingredients:

  • 400g chicken breast diced
  • 1 eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 cup plain flour
  • 1.25 cups bread crumbs
  • 1/4 bunch parsley
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Method:

1. Pre-heat oven to 180 degrees celsius and line a baking tray with baking paper.

2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and dice into evenly shaped nuggets

3. Make your crumb by combining bread crumbs, lemon zest, paprika and parsley

4. Roll your chicken in the flour, egg wash and then the crumb, and place on a baking tray and drizzle with olive oil.

5. Cook in the oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

6. Serve with tomato sauce, salad and enjoy.

5. Spag Bowl.

Image: Supplied.

Serves: 4-6.

Ingredients:

  • 220g high protein, high fibre pasta (available at local supermarkets)
  • 400g beef mince
  • 1 zucchini
  • 1 carrot
  • 1 celery stalk
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1 400g tin of tomatoes
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • Drizzle of olive oil
  • 1/4 bunch parley
  • 1/2 bunch basil
  • Parmesan cheese to serve

Method:

1. For the sauce, chop the celery, carrot, zucchini, onion, garlic and set aside.

2. Add a drizzle of olive oil to a pan on a medium heat and add onion and garlic for 2 minutes then add in the rest of the veg. Cook for 2-3 minutes before adding in the beef mince and stir well.

3. Add the tin of tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of water and stir. Toss through parsley and basil and let sit for 30 minutes.

4. Cook pasta per packet instructions and combine with sauce.

5. Serve with parmesan and fresh basil leaves.

For more recipes and workouts, sign up for a free Optus Sport account here.

Feature image: Supplied/Optus Fitness.

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