Ever wondered how to bring the taste of Benihana’s famous fried rice into your own kitchen? You’re in luck because I’ve got the secrets to making this delicious and versatile dish right at home.
The key to amazing Benihana fried rice is using cold, day-old rice and garlic butter. These ingredients help create that signature flavor and texture we all love.
In this post, I’ll share all the essential ingredients and step-by-step instructions to whip up a perfect batch of Benihana fried rice. Whether you prefer chicken, shrimp, or just veggies, you’ll find tips to customize your fried rice to your taste.
From the satisfying sizzle of the ingredients in your pan to the final sprinkle of sesame seeds, this recipe captures the delightful experience of hibachi cooking.
Let’s dive in and start cooking!
Key Takeaways
- Cold, day-old rice and garlic butter are essential.
- Customize with chicken, shrimp, or veggies.
- Simple steps and ingredients for delicious results.
Essential Ingredients for Benihana Fried Rice
To make Benihana Fried Rice at home, you’ll need to gather the right ingredients. This includes specific types of rice, proteins, vegetables, and various seasonings. Here’s what you need to know to get that authentic flavor.
Rice and Proteins
The foundation of Benihana Fried Rice is the rice itself. Using cold, cooked rice works best because it has less moisture and doesn’t turn mushy.
I prefer using jasmine or long-grain white rice.
For proteins, you can choose between chicken, shrimp, or even both.
Chicken should be diced and cooked until tender. Meanwhile, shrimp can be cooked quickly until they are pink and slightly firm. Both add a delightful texture and flavor to the rice.
Vegetables and Seasonings
The essential vegetables for this dish include carrots, onions, and green onions.
Dice the carrots and onions finely. Sauté them until they are slightly golden and soft. Green onions are added towards the end for that fresh bite.
Seasonings are equally important. Garlic butter adds a rich flavor, while soy sauce brings in the umami.
You can also sprinkle a bit of white pepper and sesame seeds for extra flavor. Don’t forget to have regular butter on hand to enhance the taste.
Oils and Sauces
The choice of oil can significantly affect the flavor.
I often use a mix of vegetable oil and sesame oil. Vegetable oil is a neutral oil that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients, while sesame oil adds a nutty aroma.
For cooking the eggs, which add a great texture, use a small amount of safflower oil or any other neutral oil.
Mix in the soy sauce with the rice and proteins, ensuring everything is well-coated. This gives the rice its signature brown color and savory taste.
Cooking Instructions and Techniques
Making Benihana fried rice involves preparing fresh ingredients and cooking them on a hot stovetop. I break it down into simple steps to help you recreate this delicious dish at home.
Preparing the Ingredients
First, gather everything you need.
I usually prepare room temperature butter mixed with minced garlic, and set aside soy sauce for seasoning.
Chop onions, carrots, and green onions finely. If you’re adding chicken, dice it into small pieces.
I scramble the eggs separately. Using sesame oil adds a nice flavor, and I also keep some extra oil on hand for frying later.
Keep all these ingredients ready before you start cooking, as it makes the process smoother and quicker.
Cooking on the Stovetop
Heat a large pan over medium-high heat.
I prefer a carbon steel wok or teppanyaki grill if you have one.
Add oil and scramble the eggs first, then set them aside.
Next, cook the chicken in the same pan until it’s golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Saute onions and carrots until they start browning. Then add the green onions, soy sauce, and any other sauces you like.
Finally, dump in the cold, cooked rice. Mix everything well while frying it for about 20 minutes.
Add the scrambled eggs and chicken back in, mixing it all evenly.
It’s important to keep stirring and mixing to ensure the rice doesn’t stick to the pan.
Benihana Fried Rice Copycat
Recipe by thisrecipelifeCourse: LunchCuisine: JapaneseDifficulty: Easy
Servings
4
servings
Prep time
10
minutes
Cooking time
20
minutes
Perfectly seasoned and full of flavor, it’s a hit for any meal!
Ingredients
4 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
1/2 cup diced onion
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Prepare the Rice:
- Use cold, day-old rice for the best texture. If using freshly cooked rice, spread it on a baking sheet to cool before using.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the peas and carrots, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until tender. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
- Scramble the Eggs:
- Add another tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet.
- Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble until fully cooked. Break the eggs into small pieces with a spatula. Remove from the skillet and set aside with the vegetables.
- Stir-Fry the Rice:
- Increase the heat to high and add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Add the cold rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with the spatula. Stir-fry the rice for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and slightly crispy.
- Combine and Season:
- Return the cooked vegetables and scrambled eggs to the skillet with the rice.
- Add the soy sauce, butter, and sesame oil, stirring well to combine and evenly coat the rice.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until everything is heated through and well mixed.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Transfer the fried rice to a serving dish.
- Garnish with sliced green onions.
Notes
- Feel free to add any proteins like chicken, shrimp, or beef for a heartier meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, I’ll cover key ingredients, the best type of rice, tips for texture, and more related to making Benihana-style fried rice at home.
What are the key ingredients for making Benihana-style fried rice?
You’ll need cooked rice, garlic butter, soy sauce, eggs, and vegetables like onions and carrots. Chicken or shrimp can also be added for a protein boost.
How can I recreate the Benihana fried rice flavor at home?
Garlic butter is essential. Mix room temperature butter with minced garlic and a bit of soy sauce. Cooking the rice in this mixture gives it that signature taste. Using sesame oil instead of vegetable oil also helps.
Which type of rice works best for making fried rice like Benihana’s?
Cold, day-old rice is ideal. It should be either medium or long grain. Freshly cooked rice is too sticky and can make the fried rice mushy.
What are some tips for achieving the perfect texture in Benihana-style fried rice?
Use a hot pan and make sure the rice is well-separated. Constantly stir to prevent sticking. Fry the eggs first, then the vegetables, and finally the rice with garlic butter for even cooking.
How do I make the garlic butter used in Benihana’s fried rice?
Combine room temperature butter with minced garlic and a splash of soy sauce. Let it sit at room temperature to mix the flavors before using it in your fried rice.
Can I use a regular pan to make fried rice similar to what’s made at Benihana?
Yes, you can use a regular pan, but a large frying pan or wok works best. It allows for better heat distribution and easier stirring, contributing to a better texture.
