Whenever you hear the word “Applebee’s”, you can instantly smell that good old neighborhood grill. Additionally, the casual dining favorite has always been consistent in providing Americans with delicious meals at great value. Also, they offer comfort food with the warm ambiance of a home. From the overall experience to how the food is cooked, they all go into creating something that is one of a kind.
Today we will be looking at a copycat Applebee’s Southwest Steak recipe. This juicy piece of flank steak slices easily, almost like butter. Its moist, meaty texture makes every bite delectable, every single time. Therefore, it truly makes you feel comfort at its finest. As if you’re having it right at your local Applebee’s!
By making in the comfort of your own kitchen, you get to enhance your cooking skills. This is because steak is no easy meat to cook. Especially if you’re trying to perfect how it is cooked.
Plus, learning to cook one this copycat Applebee’s favorite can get you excited to perfect it or make it even better than the original one. Therefore, have a go at this delicious meat dish and let us know what you think.

How To Make Copycat Applebee's Southwest Steak
A good piece of flank meat made to turn into a delicious and cheesy savory steak dish that speaks comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
For Steak:
- 20 oz sirloin steaks, or your favorite cut
- 1 tsp blackened steak seasoning
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup olive oil
For Salad:
- 1 pc red onion, medium, diced
- ¼ cup Monterey jack cheese, or sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup corn kernels
- ½ cup black beans, canned
- 2 pcs heirloom tomatoes, ripe, deseeded, diced
- salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 pc romaine lettuce , medium, chopped
- ½ bunch cilantro
- 1 pc tortilla, cut into strips and deep-fried
Instructions
- Preheat skillet over medium heat.
- Season steaks with blackened steak seasoning on both sides.
- Melt butter and add olive oil then grill steaks for 4 minutes on each side.
- Dice deseeded tomatillos and red onions and combine with your corn kernels and black beans.
- Add romaine lettuce and tomatillo mix and drizzle with cilantro ranch dressing. *
- Top salad with Monterey jack cheese and strips of fried tortilla.
- Serve with cut steak topped with chimichurri sauce. *
Recipe Notes
* Learn how to make this Homemade Chimichurri Sauce Recipe to serve on top. * Make this Cilantro Ranch Dressing Recipe to toss in your salad.
Nutrition
- Sugar: 2g
- :
- Calcium: 204mg
- Calories: 861kcal
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Cholesterol: 216mg
- Fat: 57g
- Fiber: 5g
- Iron: 6mg
- Monounsaturated Fat: 29g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g
- Potassium: 1207mg
- Protein: 71g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Sodium: 338mg
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Vitamin A: 666IU
- Vitamin C: 1mg
Commonly Asked Questions
What difference do different cuts of steak make?
Different cuts of steak are used for a variety of reasons. We suggested sirloin as it is what is originally used when you order this dish at Applebee’s. Additionally, it is a leaner cut of meat. However, if you’re looking for something with more flavor, you can opt for a rib-eye. Alternatively, if you want to splurge a little go for a filet mignon but take note it is not an easy cut to perfect!
Can I add some heat to this dish?
Absolutely! Depending on how much heat to use, we suggest using paprika powder for a milder bite, crushed chilli flakes for something in between, and chopped bird’s eye chilli if you love fiery flavors.

Conclusion
When it comes to copycat recipes, we love how it gives you full reign on how much salt, oil, and fat to add. You get to enjoy the same great flavors without needing to even leave the house and you get to make the recipe work for you. Let us know how your copycat Applebee's Southwest Steak turned out!Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
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