The Shari's Sampler from Shari's Cafe & Pies features a delicious assortment of crispy chicken tenders, golden hand-breaded shrimp, tender pot roast, and creamy mashed potatoes, all beautifully plated to offer a satisfying mix of savory flavors and comforting textures.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Fry baskets
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Saucepan
- Potato masher
- Serving plates
- Sheet pans
- Meat thermometer
- Whisk
- Colander
- Serving utensils
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 lb (900g) beef chuck roast
- 1 large onion
- 2 carrots
- 2 celery stalks
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Salt (for seasoning)
- Black pepper (for seasoning)
- 2 lb (900g) russet potatoes
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Salt (for potatoes)
- Pepper (for potatoes)
Chicken breast tenders should be patted dry before coating in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs to ensure a crispy texture when fried. Large shrimp must be peeled and deveined thoroughly for the best taste and presentation. When preparing the pot roast, use a meat thermometer to cook the beef chuck roast to the desired doneness, and simmer with aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery to develop rich flavor. Russet potatoes are ideal for creamy mashed potatoes, which require butter, milk, and heavy cream for smoothness and richness. Your homemade Shari's Sampler copycat menu captures the satisfying blend of savory, crispy chicken, golden shrimp, tender pot roast, and creamy mashed potatoes found at Shari's Cafe & Pies.
Instructions
- Preheat deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Set up breading stations: flour in bowl 1, beaten eggs in bowl 2, breadcrumbs with garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper in bowl 3.
- Dredge chicken tenders in flour, dip in eggs, then coat with seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Marinate shrimp in buttermilk for 15 minutes.
- Toss buttermilk shrimp in cornstarch.
- Fry chicken tenders in fryer basket for 5–6 minutes or until golden and cooked to 165°F (74°C), drain on sheet pan with paper towels.
- Fry shrimp in fryer basket for 2–3 minutes or until crispy and cooked through, drain on paper towels.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Pat beef chuck roast dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in saucepan over medium-high heat; sear roast on all sides until browned.
- Transfer roast to oven-safe pan; add chopped onion, carrots, celery, tomato paste, beef broth, thyme, and bay leaves.
- Cover and cook in oven for 2.5–3 hours, until meat is fork-tender.
- Remove roast, shred or slice, and keep warm.
- Peel and cube russet potatoes; place in pot and cover with water, add salt.
- Boil potatoes until fork-tender; drain in colander.
- Mash potatoes with butter, milk, and heavy cream; season with salt and pepper.
- Plate chicken tenders, shrimp, pot roast, and mashed potatoes on serving plates.
- Serve with desired sauces or gravies.
Substitution
The Shari's Sampler from Shari's Cafe & Pies copycat menu offers a variety of flavorful dishes like crispy chicken tenders, hand-breaded shrimp, tender pot roast, and creamy mashed potatoes. If buttermilk is unavailable for the shrimp marinade, you can substitute it with a mixture of regular milk and a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. When deep frying, ensure the oil temperature stays between 350degF and 375degF to achieve optimal crispiness without overcooking the ingredients. For the pot roast, consider slow-cooking in a covered Dutch oven if you lack a roast oven, which can enhance tenderness. Your mashed potatoes will remain rich and creamy even if you swap heavy cream for additional milk plus a bit of butter.
Tips
Make sure to maintain the deep fryer temperature at 350degF (175degC) for even cooking and a crispy texture on both chicken tenders and shrimp. Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken is cooked to 165degF (74degC) to prevent any foodborne illness. When preparing the pot roast, sear the beef well to lock in juices and cook it low and slow in the oven for tender results. Remember to season your mashed potatoes properly with salt and pepper to enhance the creamy taste and complement the savory main dishes.
Nutritions
The Shari's Sampler combines protein-rich chicken tenders, shrimp, and pot roast, providing ample amounts of lean meat, essential amino acids, and minerals like iron and zinc. The creamy mashed potatoes contribute carbohydrates, potassium, and vitamin C, balanced by the butter and cream's fats that support satiety and flavor. Frying chicken tenders and shrimp in vegetable oil adds calories and healthy unsaturated fats, although portion control is essential to avoid excess intake. Incorporating your favorite sauces can alter the sodium content, so consider low-sodium options to maintain a balanced nutritional profile.
Storage
Store cooked chicken tenders and shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours, consuming them within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness. Keep the pot roast covered tightly with foil or in a sealed container to maintain moisture, refrigerating at or below 40degF (4degC). Mash potatoes should be cooled quickly and stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container, ideally eaten within 2 to 3 days to preserve texture and flavor for your next meal.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, you can swap the chicken tenders for turkey breast tenders, which offer a leaner protein option while maintaining tenderness when breaded and fried. Instead of frying, try oven-baking the shrimp and chicken at 400degF (200degC) for about 15-20 minutes to reduce oil usage and achieve a crispy texture. For the pot roast, substitute beef chuck with pork shoulder for a slightly sweeter flavor and similar tenderness after slow cooking. You can enhance your mashed potatoes by mixing in roasted garlic or fresh herbs like chives or parsley to add aromatic depth.
Allergies
Your Shari's Sampler contains multiple common allergens including shellfish from the shrimp and dairy from the buttermilk, butter, milk, and heavy cream used in the mashed potatoes. The breading on the chicken tenders includes wheat flour and eggs, which are also frequent allergenic ingredients. Individuals with allergies to seafood, dairy, eggs, or gluten should exercise caution or consult ingredient specifics before consuming this meal.
Why this recipe?
The Shari's Sampler menu from Shari's Cafe & Pies offers a delicious variety of classic American comfort foods like crispy chicken strips, hand-battered fish, and golden waffle fries, satisfying diverse tastes in one meal. Customers appreciate the portion sizes and balanced flavors that provide a hearty, nostalgic dining experience without overwhelming the palate. Recreating your own Shari's Sampler at home allows you to customize the ingredients and enjoy the restaurant's signature taste with fresh, personal flair. This approachable recipe is worth trying for anyone seeking a familiar and flavorful, family-friendly dish.