Applebee’s Parmesan Shrimp Recipe

Craving a restaurant-quality steak and shrimp dish? Let me share my recreated Applebee’s famous Parmesan Shrimp recipe!

I love how this recipe combines tender steak, succulent shrimp, and a rich Parmesan sauce for the ultimate surf and turf experience.

The key to nailing this dish is getting a good sear on the steak while keeping the shrimp juicy.

The crowning glory is the creamy Parmesan sauce!

To serve, slice the steak against the grain and arrange on the plate.

Don’t forget to top with the sautéed shrimp and drizzle generously with the Parmesan sauce.

How to Make Applebee’s Parmesan Shrimp Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 4 tbsp Butter
• 2 tbsp Garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup All-purpose Flour
• 2 cups Milk
• 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
• Salt (to taste)
• Black Pepper (to taste)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 2:

Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.

Step 3:

Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4:

In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and add minced garlic.

Step 5:

Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1 minute.

Step 6:

Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

Step 7:

Add grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.

Step 8:

Return the shrimp to the skillet, coating them in the sauce.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Choose the Right Shrimp:

I recommend using large or jumbo shrimp for this recipe as they hold up well in the sauce and provide a satisfying bite.

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:

Keep a close eye on your shrimp while cooking as they can quickly become tough and rubbery if left too long in the pan.

Adjust the Sauce Consistency:

If your sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little more milk until you reach your desired consistency.

Enhance the Flavor:

Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick that complements the rich Parmesan flavor.

What to Serve with Applebee’s Parmesan Shrimp

Classic Steakhouse Sides

You can’t go wrong pairing your Applebee’s Parmesan Shrimp with a baked potato loaded with all the fixings.

A crisp Caesar salad also complements the rich flavors of the shrimp and Parmesan sauce perfectly.

Vegetable Medley

For a lighter option, try serving a colorful mix of roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes.

The vibrant flavors and textures of the veggies provide a nice contrast to the creamy Parmesan sauce.

Garlic Bread

What’s better for soaking up that delicious Parmesan sauce than some warm, buttery garlic bread?

I love using a crusty French baguette, slathered with herb-infused butter and toasted until golden brown.

Lemon Orzo

For something a bit unexpected, consider serving your Parmesan shrimp over a bed of lemon orzo pasta.

The bright citrus notes in the orzo complement the rich shrimp and cheese flavors beautifully.

Grilled Pineapple

If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving grilled pineapple slices alongside your Parmesan shrimp for a sweet and savory combination.

The caramelized fruit adds a tropical twist that pairs surprisingly well with the creamy, cheesy sauce.

Variations and Substitutions

You can easily customize this Applebee’s-inspired dish to suit your tastes and dietary needs!

Protein Options

Try swapping the sirloin steak for chicken breast or even salmon for a different twist.

For a vegetarian version, use grilled portobello mushrooms instead of steak.

Cheese Choices

While Parmesan is classic, you can experiment with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago.

For a milder flavor, consider using Mozzarella or Provolone cheese in the sauce.

Shrimp Alternatives

If you’re not a fan of shrimp, try using scallops or lobster meat for an equally luxurious topping.

For a more budget-friendly option, use bite-sized pieces of white fish like cod or halibut.

Sauce Variations

Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.

Stir in some fresh herbs like basil or oregano to brighten up the creamy Parmesan sauce.

How to Store Leftover Applebee’s Parmesan Shrimp

Refrigeration

You’ll want to store your leftover Applebee’s Parmesan Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

This delicious dish will stay fresh for up to 3 days when properly stored.

Separation

I recommend keeping the shrimp and sauce separate from any side dishes for best results.

This will help maintain the texture and flavor of each component.

Freezing

If you need to store the leftovers for longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months.

Place the shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible.

When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen leftovers in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Shrimp

You don’t want rubbery shrimp on your steak! Cook them just until they turn pink and curl slightly.

Leave them in the pan too long, and you’ll end up with tough, chewy shrimp that ruin the dish.

Undercooking the Steak

A perfectly cooked steak is key to this Applebee’s copycat recipe. Use a meat thermometer to get it just right.

Pulling the steak off too soon will leave you with a raw center, while overcooking will make it dry and tough.

Burning the Garlic

Garlic burns quickly, so add it to the pan last when making your sauce. A minute or two is all it needs.

Burnt garlic will give your sauce a bitter taste, overpowering the delicate flavors of the shrimp and Parmesan.