15 Restaurant Foods That Are Too Much Hassle to Prepare at Home

When it comes to cooking, some dishes are simply too complex or time-consuming to prepare at home. These dishes often require specialized equipment, rare ingredients, or a high level of culinary skill to execute properly. While it’s always fun to challenge yourself in the kitchen, sometimes it’s just easier to leave these dishes to the professionals. Here are 15 restaurant foods that are too much hassle to prepare at home.

1. Sushi

Sushi requires not only fresh, high-quality fish but also the skill to slice it properly and roll it tightly. It’s a craft that takes years to master, making it a dish best left to professional sushi chefs.

2. Peking Duck

This Chinese delicacy involves a lengthy process of air-drying and roasting a whole duck. The crispy skin and tender meat are hard to achieve without the right equipment and experience.

3. Soufflé

Soufflés are notoriously difficult to make. They require precise timing and temperature control to rise properly without collapsing.

4. Paella

Authentic paella requires a special type of rice and a wide, shallow pan. It’s also traditionally cooked over an open fire, which can be difficult to replicate at home.

5. Lobster Thermidor

This classic French dish involves cooking a whole lobster, making a creamy sauce, and then baking everything together. It’s a time-consuming process that can be tricky to get right.

6. Beef Wellington

Beef Wellington is a complex dish that involves wrapping a fillet steak in puff pastry. The challenge is to cook the steak to the right doneness while also getting the pastry perfectly golden and crisp.

7. Tiramisu

While it might seem simple, a good tiramisu requires making a custard, a whipped cream, and a coffee-soaked sponge cake. It’s a multi-step process that can be quite involved.

8. Coq au Vin

This French dish involves slow-cooking chicken in wine and a medley of vegetables and herbs. It’s a lengthy process that requires a lot of attention to detail.

9. Cassoulet

Cassoulet is a hearty French stew that requires several types of meat and a long, slow cooking process. It’s a labor of love that can take a whole day to prepare.

10. Fresh Pasta

Making pasta from scratch requires a pasta machine and a lot of patience. While the results can be delicious, it’s often easier to just buy fresh pasta from the store.

11. Croissants

Croissants require a technique called laminating, which involves folding butter into the dough multiple times to create thin, flaky layers. It’s a time-consuming process that requires a lot of skill.

12. Baked Alaska

This impressive dessert involves baking a cake, making ice cream, and then covering everything in meringue before briefly baking it again. It’s a complex dish that requires careful timing and temperature control.

13. Osso Buco

Osso buco is a slow-cooked Italian dish that requires several hours of braising to get the meat tender and flavorful. It’s a time-consuming dish that’s often easier to order at a restaurant.

14. Mole Poblano

This traditional Mexican sauce involves a long list of ingredients and a lengthy cooking process. It’s a complex dish that’s often easier to enjoy at a restaurant.

15. Bouillabaisse

This traditional French seafood stew requires a variety of fresh fish and shellfish, as well as a flavorful broth. It’s a complex dish that’s best left to professional chefs.

In conclusion, while it’s always fun to experiment in the kitchen, some dishes are simply better when prepared by professionals. So the next time you’re craving one of these complex dishes, consider treating yourself to a meal out instead.