Copycat Recipes & Restaurant Favorites

Benihana's ginger sauce is so easy to make at home. It's perfect with crispy deep-fried shrimp, other fried seafood, or tempura vegetables.


Time:   under 30 minutes

Step up your taco game with these amazing tacos just like they serve at the Border Grill restaurants. No taco seasoning mix here!

Method:   outdoor grill, stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

This Olive Garden copycat is on point. Breaded, pan-fried chicken covered with an insanely good asiago cream sauce makes this pasta plate a definite winner.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

Copy the famous wings from Hooter's at home! The key to the crispy texture is the mix of white and whole wheat flour (and a little flavor from some paprika and cayenne).

Method:   deep fryer
Time:   1-2 hours

These individual, decadent, gooey lava cakes perfectly copy Red Lobster's discontinued dessert (some locations may still serve it).

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   2-5 hours

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With a cilantro parmesan pesto and a small army of sauteed onions and other veggies, these customizable fajitas are as flavor-packed as any of their meaty...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

Made with flour, baker's yeast, olive oil, salt and pepper, egg, water, Roma tomatoes, capers, anchovies in oil

Method:   oven
Time:   1-2 hours

Yellow or white cake is baked with the addition of mandarin oranges and then frosted with a frosting made from crushed pineapple, Cool Whip, and vanilla or...

Method:   oven
Time:   1-2 hours

This rich seafood ravioli isn't on the menu anymore at Regalo so you'll have to make it at home (but it's worth it!)

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

Recreate the magic of Disney's Fiesta Fun Center with this nacho cheese dip recipe. Experience the creamy, savory blend of cheeses and seasonings, perfect...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

Tavern on the Green's Chicken Francais was an iconic dish that was served at the Tavern for many years. The dish is made with seared chicken breasts in a creamy...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

Ever wondered how to create a salad that does more than just sit pretty? This lettuce and blue cheese salad from The Outback Steakhouse promises to pack...


Time:   under 30 minutes

So many cornbread recipes forget about the savory side and end up making corn cake, but Johnny's recipe gives both sweet and savory their due attention.

Method:   oven
Time:   1-2 hours

Three luscious layers of chocolate cake filled with a rich buttercream filling made with meringue powder just like Olive Garden used to serve.

Method:   oven
Time:   2-5 hours

One of the most popular items at Golden Corral is the bourbon chicken. No need to stand in line at the buffet with this copycat recipe.

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   over 5 hours

If you're a fan of Olive Garden's shrimp sauce, then you'll love this copycat recipe. It's easy to make and can be used as a dipping sauce or with shrimp or other seafood.


Time:   under 30 minutes

Made with chicken, salad mix, tortilla strips, caesar salad dressing, pico de gallo, pecans


Time:   under 30 minutes

This recipe is a great copycat of the restaurant's Young Chow Fried Rice. It calls for shrimp, ham, and shredded barbecued pork which is the signature...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

Crispy-edged baked mashed potatoes surrounding a creamy, lemony melange of scallops and mushrooms. Absolutely a dish worthy of company, but is the company worthy of...

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

Made with cream, salt, black pepper, yellow onions, mushrooms, butter, garlic

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   1-2 hours

These copycat fish tacos from Austin's famous Hula Hut are topped with a roasted jalapeno sauce made with garlic and ranch dressing that completes the tropical island ensemble.

Method:   oven, outdoor grill
Time:   1-2 hours

If you love a rich and creamy mac and cheese then you'll love this copycat version from the Horseradish Grill

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   1-2 hours

Arnaud's is a famous New Orleans restaurant known for their Creole cuisine. This rich caramel custard is one of their most popular dessert items.

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   2-5 hours

These crunchy onion rings from Arizona Republic can be either baked or fried.

Method:   oven, deep fryer
Time:   under 30 minutes

Sucker for TGI Friday's sweet cinnamon drink, or just looking for a creamy summer treat? Splashes of cinnamon and caramel syrup are the key.


Time:   under 30 minutes

Shrimp is simmered in a garlicky wine-butter sauce and served over pasta that's been tossed with olive oil to copy the scampi served at Red Lobster.

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

Made with hamburger buns, butter, salt and freshly ground black pepper, celery, chicken broth, ground top sirloin, bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, grated nutmeg

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

Pancakes may not have a reputation as the healthiest breakfast food, and fair enough, they do have cake in their name. A stack of these nut and grain pancakes...


Time:   under 30 minutes

The trick to copy Ruby Tuesday's famous pie is to start with a frozen apple pie and dress it up with a secret layer of sugar and spice and top it off with a sweet, nutty...

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   2-5 hours

If you're looking to jazz up your pork dishes, this blend is a must-try. With its blend of paprika, lemon pepper, and brown sugar, it provides a great balance of flavors that...


Time:   under 30 minutes

Applebee's no longer serves this fish sandwich but you can make it at home. The seared tilapia sandwich is made famous by its tango...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

If you think sweet potatoes are just a side dish, think again; this Outback-inspired recipe turns them into a flavorful star of the meal.


Time:   30-60 minutes

This is one serious pork tenderloin sandwich. Butterflied pork marinated and fried with a crispy panko crust makes a delightful sandwich.

Method:   deep fryer
Time:   2-5 hours

These crispy, crunchy chicken fingers aren't on the menu anymore at Chili's but you can still make them at home!

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

This low carb copycat recipe skips the carbs but keeps the flavor. Use anywhere you use regular thousand island salad dressing.


Time:   1-2 hours

If you haven't tried La Madeleine's famous potato soup yet, now you can without leaving your house. It has a rich beef base with leeks, onions, and of course, potatoes.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

This Red Lobster shrimp diablo may be fiery but it tastes like heaven. Shrimp baked in a buttery, spicy BBQ sauce make perfect spicy little appetizers.

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   over 5 hours

Made with red wine vinegar, olive oil, iceberg lettuce, romaine lettuce, red onion, pimientos, artichoke hearts, Parmesan cheese, corn or vegetable oil


Time:   under 30 minutes

Fried shrimp, coleslaw, tartar sauce and flour tortillas make these copycat burritos a dinner you'll want to repeat

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

Made with garlic, tomato puree, Italian link sausage, green bell pepper, olive oil, ziti pasta, Parmesan cheese, parsley, marinara sauce, tomatoes

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

Battered chicken breasts are quickly pan fried and finished in the oven; lemony sauce made with white wine and garlic poured over the chicken gives the dish its name.

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

Made with soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, shrimp, cornstarch or potato starch, canola oil, lemon, vegetables, black pepper

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

Outback Steakhouse's Tartar Sauce is a delicious and tangy sauce that is perfect for dipping or topping your favorite foods.


Time:   under 30 minutes

Made with garam masala, salt, chicken, vegetable oil, onion, fresh ginger, garlic, tomato sauce

Method:   stovetop
Time:   2-5 hours

Marinated chicken is served with a blended adobo cream sauce, green chiles, penne pasta, and cojita cheese.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   over 5 hours

Made with canola or soy oil, garlic, boneless chicken breast, Thai chile, fresh lemongrass, coconut milk, palm sugar or granulated sugar, fish sauce, white...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

Made with imitation lobster, lobster tail, velveeta cheese, Swiss cheese, cream of shrimp soup, milk, cayenne pepper, paprika

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

Famous Dave's is a Midwest restaurant chain specializing in barbecue but they also make a killer pecan pie.

Method:   oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

Love the rich cheese toast at Sizzler? Make your own at home with three simple ingredients. Cheesy butter is spread on sliced bread and cooked on a griddle until gooey and...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

Blue Fox's trick is to butterfly the shrimp and give them a quick soak in milk before pan-frying them and stirring in the classic white wine, butter and parsley.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes