Benihana Fried Rice Recipe – Easy Homemade Copycat

Did you know Benihana, the famous Japanese steakhouse, gets 5 million fried rice orders a year? This shows how much people love Benihana’s fried rice. Now, you can make this tasty dish at home with our simple recipe.

Benihana fried rice is loved by many. It’s known for its amazing taste and texture. By following our recipe, you can enjoy Benihana’s flavor at home. It’s a great way to save money and still have a delicious meal.

Why This Famous Japanese Steakhouse Rice Is Special

Benihana is known for its amazing teppanyaki cooking. Their hibachi fried rice is a highlight, with a perfect mix of flavors and textures.

The Teppanyaki Experience

Benihana’s success comes from its teppanyaki cooking. Chefs entertain guests with knife tricks and tossing shrimp. This makes the meal unforgettable.

The Secret Behind Benihana’s Success

The secret to Benihana’s hibachi fried rice is in its preparation and quality ingredients. Chefs balance flavors for a dish that’s salty, savory, and sweet. It’s a standout in japanese steakhouse dishes.

Benihana’s teppanyaki shows and fried rice make dining there special. It’s why people keep coming back.

Essential Ingredients for Authentic Benihana Fried Rice Recipe

To make the perfect Benihana-style fried rice at home, you need the right ingredients. Soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, and quality vegetable fried rice are key. But what really makes Benihana’s dish special is the mix of other important elements.

Begin with chilled medium-grain white rice, the base of the dish. Add a mix of finely chopped carrots, onions, and green onions for texture and flavor. Don’t forget the beaten eggs, which add a creamy touch.

  • Medium-grain white rice
  • Carrots, diced
  • Onions, diced
  • Green onions, chopped
  • Eggs, lightly beaten
  • Protein (chicken or shrimp)
  • Safflower oil
  • Soy sauce
  • Sesame oil
  • Garlic butter

For extra flavor, try adding frozen mixed vegetables and toasted sesame seeds. The secret to Benihana’s taste is balancing these ingredients perfectly. This way, every bite will have that unique Japanese steakhouhttps://servingrecipe.com/saffron-rice-recipe/se flavor.

The Secret of Garlic Butter: Benihana’s Signature Touch

Benihana’s fried rice is special because of their garlic butter. This butter makes the dish rich and complex. It’s a mix of butter, garlic, and soy sauce that makes it stand out.

How to Make Garlic Butter

To make Benihana’s garlic butter, mix softened butter with minced garlic and soy sauce. Use 1/4 cup of butter, 2 small cloves of garlic, and 1 teaspoon of soy sauce. Mix these well, then set it aside for later.

Perfect Butter-to-Garlic Ratio

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 small cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce

Finding the right mix of butter, garlic, and soy sauce is key. Too much garlic can be too strong. Too little, and it’s not deep enough. The soy sauce adds a savory touch that goes well with the butter and garlic.

Learning to make this garlic butter will help you make Benihana-style fried rice at home.

Rice Preparation Tips for Perfect Results

To get the perfect japanese fried rice or tokyo fried rice, start with day-old rice. This rice has been chilled, making it drier. If you’re using fresh rice, spread it on a tray and chill it for hours. This step removes extra moisture, preventing the rice from becoming soggy.

It’s also crucial to rinse the rice before cooking. This removes extra starch, making the rice fluffy and separate. After cooking, fluff the rice with a fork and let it cool. Then, refrigerate it. This method ensures your japanese fried rice or tokyo fried rice turns out just right every time.

  • Use day-old refrigerated rice for best results
  • Spread freshly cooked rice on a tray and refrigerate for a few hours before frying
  • Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch
  • Fluff the cooked rice and let it cool completely before refrigerating

Getting the rice right is key to making great japanese fried rice or tokyo fried rice. By following these easy steps, your homemade fried rice will taste just like Benihana’s.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Getting ready the base parts for your homemade hibachi fried rice is key to a real teppanyaki cooking feel at home. We’ll go through the steps to make sure your fried rice is as tasty as Benihana’s.

Preparing the Base Components

Begin by cooking 1 cup of diced onions and 1 cup of julienned carrots in a big wok or skillet until they’re golden, about 5-7 minutes. Next, add 1/2 cup of sliced green onions and cook for 2-3 more minutes.

In another pan, cook 12 ounces of boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into small pieces. Season the chicken with garlic butter, made from 1/2 cup of softened butter, 3 teaspoons of light soy sauce, and 3 cloves of grated garlic.

Cooking and Assembly Process

In the same wok or skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil, like avocado oil, over high heat. Add 3 cups of cooked and chilled white rice, making sure to coat the grains evenly with the garlic butter mixture.

Once the rice is heated, about 2-3 minutes, add the sautéed vegetables, cooked chicken, and 1 cup of frozen carrot and pea combo. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through, about 5 minutes.

Final Seasoning Techniques

To finish your hibachi fried rice, season with 2 tablespoons of light soy sauce, a pinch of ground black pepper, and a sprinkle of salt to taste. For an authentic touch, add a light dusting of toasted sesame seeds before serving.

The secret to Benihana’s signature fried rice is the perfect mix of flavors and textures. By following these steps, you can make the magic of teppanyaki cooking happen in your kitchen.

Protein Options and Variations

Benihana’s famous vegetable fried rice can be made with many proteins or as a tasty tokyo fried rice vegetarian dish. You can choose your favorite protein or go meat-free. Here are some options:

  • Shrimp: Large, juicy shrimp add a delightful oceanic flavor to the fried rice.
  • Beef: Thinly sliced beef, like flank steak or sirloin, brings heartiness and savory notes.
  • Tofu: For a vegetarian or vegan option, firm or extra-firm tofu is a great protein choice.
  • Combination: Try mixing proteins, like chicken and shrimp, for a more diverse and interesting dish.

To make a vegetable fried rice version, add more veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Adjust cooking times for different proteins to ensure they’re cooked right and mixed well with the rice.

vegetable fried rice

Choice of Oils and Their Impact on Flavor

Choosing the right oil is key to making Benihana fried rice at home. Benihana uses safflower oil for its high smoke point. This is important for cooking the rice at high heat.

Best Oils for High-Heat Cooking

Safflower oil is a great choice, but you can also use other oils. Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor that’s perfect for fried rice. But use it sparingly because its taste is strong. Canola oil is another good option that can handle high heat without affecting the taste.

Flavor Enhancement Methods

To make your fried rice taste even better, try adding a bit of oyster sauce. You can also use garlic or chili oil for extra flavor. These ingredients can make your dish taste more like Benihana’s.

Oil TypeSmoke PointFlavor Profile
Safflower Oil470°F (243°C)Neutral, high heat tolerance
Sesame Oil410°F (210°C)Nutty, use sparingly
Canola Oil400°F (204°C)Mild, versatile

The oil you choose can really change how your Benihana fried rice tastes. Try different oils and flavorings to find what you like best.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Leftover fried rice can be a tasty and easy meal. But, it’s important to store and reheat it right to keep it fresh and tasty. Follow these tips to enjoy your leftover fried rice to the fullest.

To store your leftover fried rice, put it in an airtight container and refrigerate it right after cooking. You can keep fried rice in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure not to leave the rice at room temperature for too long, as it can cause bacterial growth.

When reheating your leftover fried rice, add a bit of water or oil to the container. This helps keep the rice moist. You can reheat it in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven. Make sure it heats up to at least 140°F (60°C) to kill bacteria.

If you want to store it for longer, fried rice can be frozen for up to 4 months. Just put it in an airtight, freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

By using these reheating tips, you can enjoy your leftover fried rice without losing its flavor or compromising food safety.

leftover fried rice

Storage MethodMaximum Storage Time
Refrigerator3 days
Freezer4 months

Conclusion

Learning to make homemade Benihana fried rice is a fun journey. You need the right ingredients and techniques to make it. This way, you can enjoy Benihana’s famous dish at home, saving money and making it your own.

By following the steps, you can make a delicious homemade Benihana fried rice. It’s perfect for impressing your loved ones. You can choose classic proteins or try new ones, making it a versatile dish.

With a bit of practice, you’ll get better at making this recipe. Enjoy the flavors and the process. You’ll feel proud of making a dish like Benihana’s in your kitchen.

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