The Restaurant Daily Dish by CopyKat.com

Homemade Sweet and Sour Sauce: Better Than Any Restaurant Version

Discover why you should never buy sweet and sour sauce again! In this episode, Stephanie reveals how to make restaurant-quality sweet and sour sauce at home in just 10 minutes using simple pantry ingredients. Learn the surprising history behind this American-Chinese favorite, how to get the perfect consistency every time, and creative ways to use it beyond typical takeout dishes. Say goodbye to those tiny plastic packets and artificial ingredients—this homemade version is more economical, healthier, and tastes even better than what you get from restaurants. Plus, get expert tips for customizing the flavor and storing your sauce for up to two weeks!
Make the recipe mentioned: 
https://copykat.com/chinese-imperial-palace-sweet-and-sour-sauce/
 

Perfect Boiled Shrimp: The 15-Minute Foolproof Method

Podcast Description: Perfect Boiled Shrimp
Discover the restaurant secret to perfectly tender, flavorful boiled shrimp in just 15 minutes! In this episode, Stephanie reveals how to save money by skipping expensive pre-cooked shrimp while achieving better results at home. Learn the foolproof method professional chefs use, including the crucial ice bath technique that prevents rubbery texture. You'll get tips for selecting the right shrimp, customizing flavors to your taste, and transforming your perfectly cooked shrimp into multiple budget-friendly meals throughout the week. Master this simple technique and never waste money on overpriced pre-cooked shrimp again!
Recipes mentioned 
https://copykat.com/boiled-shrimp/
https://copykat.com/make-cocktail-sauce/
 

Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Minis - The perfect Sunday morning solution when cravings hit but the restaurant is closed

Craving Chick-fil-A on Sunday? Problem solved! In this episode of The Daily Dish, host Stephanie Manley reveals her family's weekend tradition - homemade Chick-fil-A Chicken Minis that taste just like the real thing. Learn how to recreate those irresistible bite-sized chicken nuggets nestled in pillowy rolls brushed with sweet honey butter glaze, all in under 35 minutes. Stephanie shares smart shortcuts using readily available ingredients, plus budget-friendly tips that will save you significant money compared to restaurant prices. Discover genius customization options for different tastes, meal prep strategies for busy mornings, and creative serving suggestions beyond the traditional sides. Whether you're a Sunday morning Chick-fil-A craver or love recreating restaurant favorites at home, this episode delivers the perfect solution without leaving your kitchen. Complete recipe available at CopyKat.com.
Recipes mentioned: 
https://copykat.com/chick-fil-a-chicken-minis/
https://copykat.com/chick-fil-a-chicken-nuggets/
 
 

Copycat Newk's Chicken Salad - Discover the perfect balance of tender chicken, crunchy pecans, and juicy grapes in this fan-favorite

Discover the secrets behind Newk's beloved chicken salad in this episode of The Daily Dish! Host Stephanie Manley shares her journey from becoming "the chicken salad lady" to perfecting this copycat recipe at home. Learn her unique chicken cooking method that ensures tender, flavorful results every time - no bland, soggy chicken here! This episode reveals how to achieve that perfect balance of tender chicken, crunchy pecans, and juicy grapes in a light yet indulgent dressing. Ideal for budget-conscious home cooks, this recipe delivers restaurant quality at a fraction of the cost, with plenty of tips for customizing to dietary preferences. Whether served on a croissant, over greens, or in lettuce cups, this versatile chicken salad will surely become a family favorite. Complete recipe available at CopyKat.com.
Get the recipe at: https://copykat.com/newks-chicken-salad/

Cracking the code on Taco Bell's Creamy Chipotle Sauce

Discover the secrets behind one of Taco Bell's most crave-worthy condiments in this episode of The Restaurant Daily Dish. Learn how to recreate their Creamy Chipotle Sauce at home with just a handful of ingredients and a blender—no cooking required!
We'll reveal why this sauce stands out from typical Chipotle sauces (hint: it's milder and creamier than most), share expert tips for getting the flavor right, and explore creative ways to use it beyond tacos and burritos. From breakfast eggs to burger spreads to chicken marinade, this versatile sauce might just become your new secret kitchen weapon.
Whether you're a Taco Bell fanatic or simply looking to elevate your home cooking with restaurant-worthy flavors, this episode delivers everything you need to master this smoky, tangy, irresistibly creamy sauce.
Recipes mentioned in the podcast: 
https://copykat.com/taco-bell-chipotle-sauce
https://copykat.com/taco-bell-chicken-quesadilla/
https://copykat.com/taco-bell-spicy-potato-taco/
 
 

Irresistible Dunkin' Donuts Snackin' Bacon: Sweet meets savory in this money-saving copycat that's ready in minutes

Craving that irresistible sweet and savory bacon treat from Dunkin' but don't want to make the trip (or spend the money)? In this episode, Stephanie shares her perfect copycat recipe for Dunkin' Donuts Snackin' Bacon, which uses just THREE ingredients and takes less than 25 minutes to make!
Learn how to recreate this addictive snack with thick-cut bacon, brown sugar, and black pepper, plus get tips for customizing it to fit your dietary preferences. Stephanie walks you through the entire process—from prep to storage—and shares creative ways to enjoy this versatile treat beyond snacking.
Whether you're looking to save money on your Dunkin' habit or surprise your family with a delicious homemade version, this episode has you covered with all the secrets to making perfect candied bacon at home.
Show Notes:
Get the complete recipe with detailed instructions and photos: https://copykat.com/dunkin-donuts-snackin-bacon/
Equipment needed: Two rimmed baking sheets, aluminum foil, mixing bowl, wire cooling rack
Total prep and cook time: 25 minutes
Storage tips: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
Customization options: Lower-carb substitutes, turkey bacon alternative, spice level adjustments
Serving suggestions: On its own, in sandwiches, crumbled over salads, mixed into breakfast foods, or as a dessert topping
Follow CopyKat.com on social media for more restaurant copycat recipes you can make at home!

Cracking the Code on Long John Silver's Iconic Fish Batter

Ever wondered how Long John Silver's creates that impossibly light, crispy fish batter that shatters with each bite? In this episode of The Restaurant Daily Dish, we reveal the closely-guarded secret behind the iconic fast-food fish hooking fans since 1969.
Our host shares a personal nostalgic connection to this beloved seafood chain before diving into the science behind the perfect batter. You'll discover why club soda—not beer—is the magic ingredient and learn the essential "dip and lift" technique that professional chefs use to achieve that signature crunch.
This episode goes beyond recreating the recipe, offering troubleshooting tips for common frying mishaps, creative variations beyond fish, and complete meal ideas to transform your kitchen into a Long John Silver experience. Whether you're a longtime fan or curious seafood lover, you'll walk away with the skills to make restaurant-quality battered fish that might even outshine the original.
Recipes mentioned in this podcast: 
https://copykat.com/long-john-silvers-fish-recipe-copycat/
https://copykat.com/captain-ds-cole-slaw/
https://copykat.com/captain-ds-batter-dipped-fish/
https://copykat.com/fish-and-chips-in-beer-batter/
 
 
 
 
 

Recreating Taco Bell's Discontinued Caramel Apple Empanada

In this episode, Stephanie tackles one of the most mourned fast food items ever discontinued - Taco Bell's Caramel Apple Empanadas. Listen as she shares her personal connection to these crispy-on-the-outside, gooey-on-the-inside treats that disappeared from menus in 2019, breaking fans' hearts nationwide.
Learn the secrets to recreating that distinctive empanada shell with the perfect crunch, and discover how to balance the caramel and apple flavors just like the original. Stephanie walks you through every step from ingredient selection to frying techniques, troubleshoots common problems, and offers storage tips and dietary modifications.
Whether you're a longtime Taco Bell dessert enthusiast or curious about making empanadas for the first time, this episode provides everything you need to bring this beloved discontinued item back to life in your own kitchen. Find the complete written recipe with photos at CopyKat.com.
Recipes mentioned: 
https://copykat.com/taco-bell-caramel-apple-empanada/
https://copykat.com/taco-bell-taco/
https://copykat.com/chicken-fajita-salad/
 
 
 

Homemade Little Caesars Crazy Bread

Learn how you can make Little Caesar's Crazy Bread at home. I walk you through the recipe and share recipe tips for recreating the recipe so you can make it at home. 
Recipes mentioned: 
https://copykat.com/little-caesars-crazy-bread/
https://copykat.com/pizza-hut-cheese-bread/
https://copykat.com/how-to-make-pizza-dough/
https://copykat.com/pizza-monkey-bread/
 
 
 

Recreating Taco Bell's MexiMelt

Join Stephanie Manley, creator of CopyKat.com, as she reveals the secrets to perfectly recreating Taco Bell's beloved Mexi Melt at home. This hybrid between a soft taco and quesadilla was a menu staple for over 30 years before being discontinued in 2019, breaking the hearts of fans nationwide.
In this episode, Stephanie breaks down the three essential components that make the Mexi Melt special: the fresh pico de gallo, the authentically seasoned ground beef, and the perfect assembly technique. You'll learn the crucial ingredients that most copycat recipes miss—like Mesa Harina for that distinctive Taco Bell beef texture—and professional tips for achieving restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.
Discover how to balance savory seasoned beef, gooey melted cheese, and zesty pico de gallo in a soft, slightly crisp tortilla. Stephanie also shares storage recommendations, dietary modifications, and suggestions for complementary Taco Bell-inspired dishes to complete your homemade fast food feast.
Whether you've been missing this discontinued favorite or want to try it for the first time, this episode gives you everything you need to recreate the Mexi Melt experience at home. As Stephanie says, "Why go out when you can cook it at home?"
Visit CopyKat.com for the complete recipe with measurements, photos, and detailed instructions.
Get the copycat recipe at https://copykat.com/taco-bell-meximelt/