Applebee's Bourbon Street Steak Recipe (Copycat Version)

Gabriel Woods
Published by Gabriel Woods
Last Updated On: November 27, 2024

If you're a fan of hearty, flavorful steak meals, you're going to love this homemade take on Applebee's Bourbon Street Steak. With rich Cajun seasonings and a delicious bourbon butter sauce, this recipe brings the sizzle of restaurant-quality steak right to your kitchen.

After testing different cooking methods and seasonings, I found the perfect balance of bold flavors that make this steak a hit every time. It's an easy-to-follow recipe that will have your guests coming back for more.

Let’s dive in and recreate this classic dish at home.

Recipe Overview

Applebee’s Bourbon Street Steak
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes, plus 5 minutes of rest time
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Number of Servings: 2

Ingredients

  • 2 New York strip steaks (10-12 oz each)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: sautéed onions and mushrooms for topping

Instructions

A perfectly cooked steak on a white plate with sides
  1. Marinate the steak: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, Cajun seasoning, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Rub the mixture generously over both sides of the steaks. Let the steaks marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for more flavor.
  2. Preheat the skillet: Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add a bit of olive oil to the pan to prevent sticking.
  3. Sear the steaks: Place the steaks in the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until they reach your desired doneness. Remove the steaks from the skillet and let them rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes.
  4. Make the bourbon butter sauce:In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add bourbon and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to cook off the alcohol. Stir in the butter and whisk until smooth and creamy.
  5. Serve: Pour the bourbon butter sauce over the steaks and top with sautéed onions and mushrooms if desired. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

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Recipe Notes

Here’s what to keep in mind when making Applebee’s Bourbon Street Steak at home:

  • Marinate for more flavor: Marinating the steak for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavor, but letting it sit overnight will give you even better results.
  • Use a cast-iron skillet: This helps develop a good crust on the steak, which is key to capturing that restaurant-quality taste.
  • Don’t skip the rest time: Allowing the steak to rest for 5 minutes after cooking ensures the juices are evenly distributed, making the meat more tender and flavorful.
  • Adjust the bourbon sauce: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add a teaspoon of brown sugar to the bourbon butter mixture.
  • Check the doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the steak’s internal temperature. Aim for 130-135°F for medium-rare or 145°F for medium.

"Bourbon Street Steak embodies the spirit of New Orleans—bold, rich, and unapologetically flavorful. It's a celebration on a plate."

- Anthony Bourdain, American Chef & Author

Nutrition Facts

A delicious steak with onions and mushrooms on top
  • Calories: 550
  • Total Carbs: 3g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Fat: 41g
  • Fiber: 0g

What to Serve With Applebee’s Bourbon Street Steak?

A garlic mashed potato in a bowl

Here’s what to serve with your Bourbon Street Steak:

  • Garlic mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with garlic butter will complement the rich flavors of the steak.
  • Steamed broccoli: A simple yet healthy side that balances the richness of the steak and bourbon butter sauce.
  • Crispy onion rings: The crunchy texture of onion rings adds a satisfying contrast to the tenderness of the steak.
  • Coleslaw: A refreshing side that brings a cool, tangy flavor to balance the boldness of the steak.
  • Dinner roll: Warm, buttery rolls are perfect for soaking up the delicious bourbon butter sauce.

FAQs

Can I cook Bourbon Street Steak without bourbon?

Yes, you can substitute bourbon with beef broth or apple juice for a non-alcoholic version. It won’t have the same smoky flavor, but it’ll still taste delicious.

What is the best cut of steak for Bourbon Street Steak?

New York strip is the traditional cut for this recipe, but you can also use ribeye or sirloin if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time for thicker or thinner cuts.

How do I cook the steak if I don’t have a cast-iron skillet?

You can use any heavy-bottomed skillet or even an outdoor grill. The key is to cook the steak over high heat to get a good sear.

Should I use salted or unsalted butter for the bourbon sauce?

Unsalted butter is preferred because it allows you to control the salt level in the sauce. However, if you only have salted butter, simply adjust the amount of salt in the recipe.

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About the author

Gabriel Woods
Chef/Food Editor
Gabrielle Woods holds a BSc degree in Hospitality Management with a summa cum laude distinction from the University of Santo Tomas, majoring in Culinary Entrepreneurship. She helps clients achieve specific fitness goals through protein-based meal prepping. She believes cooking is both an art and a science best done with a balance of tradition and innovation.
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