Benihana Fried Rice - Fork To Spoon (2024)

Look no further if you’re looking for a way to enjoy your favorite restaurant recipes at home; look no further than our new Benihana Fried Rice recipe right in the comfort of your kitchen.

From just a few easily accessible ingredients to putting together the dish quickly, this is sure to be an irresistible dinner option that the whole family can get behind!

What Is Benihana Fried Rice

Benihana Chicken Fried Rice is a popular Japanese-American dish that is commonly served in the teppanyaki-style restaurants of Benihana. The dish typically consists of fried rice that is stir-fried with chopped vegetables, eggs, and diced chicken and is seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, and other spices. The fried rice is prepared on a large iron griddle in front of customers, which adds to the theatrics and fun of the dining experience.

Benihana Chicken Fried Rice is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for lunch or dinner and is often served alongside other Japanese-inspired dishes such as sushi, tempura, and miso soup.

Why Make Benihana Fried Rice At Home

• Quick and easy: Cooking Copycat Benihana Fried Rice in an air fryer is quick and easy and requires minimal prep time.
• Consistent results: Air fryers use hot circulating air for cooking food, which means you can achieve consistent and even results in every time. This ensures that your fried rice is cooked perfectly and crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
• Versatile: Air fryers are versatile appliances that cook various foods, including rice dishes. This means you can enjoy Benihana Chicken Fried Rice healthier without needing a large grill or frying pan.

Ingredient For Benihana Fried Rice

Fancy a Benihana-style fried rice without the hefty price tag? You’re in luck because this homemade version preserves all of the flavor and texture of its restaurant counterpart in an easy-to-make home dish. Prepared with various veggies, meats, and seasonings, this chicken fried rice is guaranteed to have your family and guests return for seconds! Read on for all the ingredients you’ll need to make it happen.

Remember the step-by-step directions are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page, as well as the nutritional information.

• Sesame Oil: You can also use olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil
• Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breast, chicken tenderloins, or boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• Vegetables: White Onions, Carrots, and Diced Scallions or Green Onions
• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce or regular soy sauce
• Garlic Butter: Or Regular Butter
• Eggs: Use large eggs
• Rice: White rice or brown rice
• Seasonings: Kosher Salt and Black Pepper

How To Cook Benihana Fried Rice

Here are two methods for how to make chicken fried rice like benihana at home.

Cooking Method One: Cooking With a Wok

Grab your largest Wok, Frying Pan or favorite pan!

Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sauté until it begins to brown. Stir in onion, carrots, and 2 tablespoons of the soy sauce and sauté until the vegetables begin to soften. Reduce heat to medium. Stir in the cooked rice, garlic butter, and remaining 2 tablespoons of the soy sauce. Sauté 3 minutes. Move the rice to the sides of the pan to create an opening in the center. Pour in the beaten eggs and let cook 2 minutes without stirring.

Once the eggs begin to set, scramble them in the center of the pan and then fold the scrambled eggs into the rice.
Stir in chopped scallions before serving.

Cooking Method 2: Air Fryer Benihana Fried Rice

Step One: Prepare The Rice For Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F (175°C) for 5 minutes. Combine the chilled rice, cooked diced chicken, white onions, diced carrots, beaten eggs, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic butter, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix well to combine.

Step Three: Fried Rice In Air Fryer

Transfer the rice mixture to the air fryer basket and spread it out in a single layer. If necessary, you can cook the rice in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket. Cook the fried rice in the air fryer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step Three: Serving

Once the fried rice is golden brown and crispy on the outside, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. If desired, serve the Benihana Chicken Fried Rice hot, garnished with chopped green onions.

Recipe Tips forBenihana Fried Rice

• Use day-old rice: To get the perfect texture for your fried rice, cook and chill in the fridge for at least a day. This will allow the rice to dry out slightly, making it easier to separate and giving it a better texture.
• Use high-quality ingredients: Use high-quality ingredients, including fresh vegetables, good quality soy sauce and sesame oil, and good quality chicken to enhance the flavor and texture of your fried rice.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: To get crispy results, ensure not to overcrowd the basket. Cook the rice in batches if necessary.
• Stir frequently: To ensure even cooking, stir the rice frequently while cooking in the air fryer. This will also help prevent the rice from sticking together.
• Add additional seasonings to taste: Add additional seasonings to taste, such as garlic powder, ginger, or red pepper flakes, to customize the flavor of your fried rice to your liking.
• Let the fried rice cool before serving: Letting it cool slightly before serving will allow the flavors to meld together and make it easier to handle.

By following these pro tips, you can make the best copycat Benihana Chicken Fried Rice recipe in an air fryer that is crispy, flavorful, and easy to prepare.

Benihana Fried Rice Recipe Faqs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, you can use brown rice instead of white rice. However, brown rice may require longer cooking times and may not get as crispy as white rice.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen ones? Yes, you can use fresh vegetables instead of frozen. Just be sure to chop them into small, bite-sized pieces and adjust the cooking time as necessary.

Can I use shrimp instead of chicken? Yes, you can use shrimp instead of chicken or a combination of both. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth or soy sauce for flavor.

Can I store leftover fried rice? Yes, you can store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just be sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.

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