Benihana Fried Rice Recipe: Taste the Magic at Home

Q: Can I recreate the Benihana Fried Rice at home?

Yes, you can make Benihana fried rice at home. Just follow their recipe and use the right ingredients. You'll feel like you're at the restaurant.

Did you know the average American eats over 28 pounds of rice each year? Much of this is due to Benihana’s famous fried rice. This dish has won the hearts of many, and now you can make it at home.

With a few ingredients and some cooking skills, you can make Benihana-style fried rice. It’s filled with garlic butter’s sizzling aroma and a mix of savory and umami flavors. Impress your loved ones with your new Benihana-style fried rice skills.

Key Takeaways

Benihana’s fried rice is a beloved American dish that combines the allure of showmanship and the unmistakable scent of sizzling soy sauce.
The recipe utilizes a special roasted garlic butter for flavor enhancement, as well as a variety of vegetables, eggs, and protein options.
Cold day-old rice is a key ingredient, providing the perfect texture for the fried rice.
Cooking the fried rice on a smoking hot wok or cast iron skillet is crucial for achieving the desired texture and smokiness.
The recipe can be customized with various protein and vegetable additions to suit personal preferences.

What is Benihana Fried Rice?

The Iconic Japanese Steakhouse Experience

Benihana fried rice is a famous dish from the Japanese steakhouse chain. It’s known for its teppanyaki-style cooking done right in front of you. Watching chefs perform with sharp knives makes the meal special.

This communal dining experience is what makes Benihana’s fried rice unforgettable. It’s a mix of Japanese and American tastes, made with top ingredients.

The dish uses steamed Botan Calrose rice mixed with fresh veggies, chicken, and a tasty soy sauce. The hibachi-style cooking makes the meal exciting and fun.

Recipe Attributes	Details
Recipe Rating	5 out of 5 stars (based on 2 votes)
Cuisine	Japanese
Serving Size	8 servings
Preparation Time	35 minutes (5 minutes prep, 30 minutes cook)

If you love Benihana’s or Japanese food, try their fried rice. It’s a dish that brings the lively Japanese steakhouse experience right to your plate.

Recreating the Benihana Magic at Home

You don’t need a teppanyaki table to make benihana fried rice at home. Just follow their recipe and use some teppanyaki style cooking techniques. You’ll amaze your family and friends with your cooking skills.

First, cook 4 cups of white rice. Then, sauté 1/2 a yellow onion and 1 tablespoon of garlic. Add 2 large eggs and 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots. Mix in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 2 tablespoons of butter, salt, and pepper.

The secret to recreating japanese restaurant dishes is in the technique. Cook the ingredients together over high heat. This will give you the same flame-kissed flavors as the teppanyaki grill. When the rice is hot and well mixed, you’re almost there.

Ingredient	Amount
Cooked White Rice	4 cups
Yellow Onion, chopped	1/2 medium
Minced Garlic	1 tablespoon
Eggs, Large	2
Frozen Peas and Carrots	1 cup
Soy Sauce	2 tablespoons
Sugar	1 tablespoon
Butter	2 tablespoons
Salt and Pepper	To taste

With a few simple techniques and the right ingredients, you can bring the Benihana magic to your home kitchen. Enjoy a taste of Japan’s famous teppanyaki experience. Impress your guests with your benihana fried rice at home that rivals the real thing.

Ingredients for Authentic Flavor

Building Blocks of Benihana Fried Rice

The secret to perfect Benihana fried rice is in its ingredients. From fluffy long-grain rice to aromatic garlic butter, each part is key. They all work together to bring out the dish’s unique flavors.

The benihana fried rice ingredients are at the heart of it. They include Jasmine rice, safflower oil, eggs, onions, carrots, scallions, soy sauce, and sesame seeds. These japanese cooking staples are the essential fried rice components that give it its authentic taste.

Long-grain Jasmine rice: It gives the rice a fluffy texture and beautiful grains.
Safflower oil: Benihana chefs use it because it has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor.
Eggs: Whisked and added to make a delicate, scrambled egg part.
Onions, carrots, and scallions: They add flavor, color, and crunch.
Soy sauce: It’s a key seasoning that adds the signature umami notes.
Sesame seeds: Toasted to give a nutty aroma and visual appeal.

The aromatic garlic butter is another key ingredient. It’s simple yet makes a big difference in the flavor. By knowing the ingredients of Benihana fried rice, you can make it at home.

Preparation Techniques

To master Benihana-style fried rice, it’s not just about the ingredients. It’s also about the benihana fried rice cooking methods. These methods give the dish its unique texture and flavor. Each step, from chilling the rice to the teppanyaki style preparation, is crucial for success.

By learning and using these stir fry techniques, you can make a dish as delicious as Benihana’s. You’ll get to enjoy the culinary showmanship and tasty results.

Start with perfectly cooked and chilled rice. Spread the rice on a baking sheet and cool it in the freezer for 15-20 minutes. This makes the rice fluffy and separate.
Use a high-heat oil like toasted sesame oil or avocado oil for stir-frying. This method ensures the teppanyaki style preparation of searing and browning the ingredients.
Sauté the aromatics like onions, garlic, and scallions first. This creates a flavorful base. Then, add the cooked rice and toss it to coat the grains evenly.
Add scrambled eggs, a Benihana signature, by cooking them separately. Fold them into the rice for extra protein and creamy texture.
Season generously with garlic butter, soy sauce, and other desired seasonings. This will give you the iconic Benihana benihana fried rice cooking methods.

Mastering these techniques lets you enjoy Benihana-style fried rice at home. You can make the flavorful benihana fried rice in your own kitchen.

“The secret to the perfect Benihana fried rice lies in the precision of each step, from chilling the rice to the dynamic tossing and searing on the griddle.”

Benihana Fried Rice Recipe

Making Benihana fried rice at home is simpler than you think. With the right ingredients and steps, you can enjoy this restaurant-style fried rice in your own kitchen. Get ready to make Benihana’s signature fried rice!

Ingredients:

9 cups of cooked Botan Calrose Rice (ideally leftover from the day before)
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2-inch pieces
¼ cup safflower oil
¾ cup minced yellow onion
¾ cup grated carrots
3 sliced green onions
4 eggs, lightly beaten
1 to 2 tablespoons soy sauce, or to taste
1 and a half sticks of softened butter
2 cloves of minced garlic
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

First, cook the rice. If using leftover rice, let it cool down. If fresh, cook it using a rice cooker, steamer, or stovetop.
In a large skillet or wok, heat the safflower oil over medium-high. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Set the chicken aside.
In the same pan, sauté the onion and carrots for 3-4 minutes, until tender.
Push the vegetables to one side. Pour in the eggs and scramble them. Then, mix the eggs with the vegetables.
Add the chicken, rice, green onions, and soy sauce to the pan. Stir until everything is well mixed and heated.
In a small bowl, mix the butter and garlic. This is the Benihana hibachi garlic butter. Drizzle it over the rice and stir to coat.
Season the Benihana fried rice with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot and enjoy your homemade restaurant-style fried rice!

Now, you can make the authentic Benihana fried rice at home. Enjoy the delicious flavors and textures of this Japanese steakhouse dish.

Variations and Customizations

Benihana fried rice is a treat, but you can make it even better. Try out different benihana fried rice variations and customizable fried rice recipes. Add chicken or shrimp, unique veggies, or special seasonings. This way, you can make the dish your own.

Putting Your Own Spin on Benihana Fried Rice

Benihana fried rice is very flexible. Here are some ideas for adding personal touches to japanese dishes:

Swap out the protein – Try using shrimp, chicken, or even a combination of proteins for a heartier dish.
Incorporate seasonal veggies – Add in diced bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, or whatever fresh produce is in season.
Experiment with seasonings – Explore different spices, herbs, or condiments to give the fried rice your own signature flavor.
Use brown rice for a healthier alternative – Brown rice adds more fiber and nutrients compared to white rice.
Make it vegetarian or vegan – Omit the meat and use tofu or leave it as a veggie-only dish.

Have fun and let your creativity shine. With a few simple tweaks, you can turn the classic Benihana fried rice into a dish that’s all your own.

Benihana Fried Rice Variations	Nutritional Value (per serving)
Chicken Fried Rice	Calories: 379, Carbs: 58g, Protein: 12g, Fat: 11g, Sodium: 767mg
Shrimp Fried Rice	Calories: 367, Carbs: 46g, Protein: 10g, Fat: 16g, Sodium: 969mg
Vegetable Fried Rice	Calories: 320, Carbs: 52g, Protein: 8g, Fat: 9g, Sodium: 680mg
Tofu Fried Rice	Calories: 340, Carbs: 48g, Protein: 14g, Fat: 12g, Sodium: 750mg

Benihana fried rice is all about personal taste. Try different flavors to make it your own. It’s a fun way to enjoy this Japanese-American classic.

Serving Suggestions

Benihana fried rice is more than a side dish. It can be the main attraction. This dish pairs well with many flavors and textures. It makes for a satisfying meal at home.

Try pairing it with grilled or stir-fried meats and seafood. The savory rice goes well with char-grilled flavors. It also pairs well with sautéed or roasted vegetables, adding depth.

For a full Benihana meal, serve it with Japanese sides like miso soup or seaweed salad. The mix of temperatures and flavors makes for a great presentation. It brings the Benihana dining experience to your table.

Dish	Pairing Suggestions	Complementary Flavors and Textures
Benihana Fried Rice	Grilled or stir-fried meats (e.g., teriyaki chicken, beef yakitori) Garlic-butter shrimp Sautéed or roasted vegetables	Savory, umami-rich flavors Tender, charred textures of proteins Crisp, fresh vegetables

Pairing benihana fried rice with other dishes makes for a balanced meal. It brings the Benihana dining experience right to your home.

Tips and Tricks

Making the perfect benihana fried rice at home needs practice. But with the right tips and tricks, you’ll get it right soon. Using cold, day-old rice and the right searing and tossing methods are key. These secrets to perfect fried rice will make your homemade dish a hit every time.

Preparing the Perfect Rice

The base of great fried rice is the rice itself. Start with cold, day-old rice for a light, fluffy texture. Use 4 cups of cooked white rice, with 1 cup rice to 2 1/4 cups water for the best flavor.

Fried Rice Cooking Techniques

Sear the rice in a hot, oiled wok or skillet for that toasted flavor.
Toss and stir the rice constantly to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Add the vegetables and protein in stages, allowing each component to cook thoroughly.
Finish with a splash of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of green onions for that authentic Benihana taste.

Mastering these benihana fried rice tips lets you bring the Benihana magic home. Impress your friends and family with your fried rice skills!

“The true secret to great fried rice is all in the technique. With a few simple steps, you can transform ordinary ingredients into a flavor-packed, restaurant-worthy dish.”

The Benihana Experience at Home

Dining at Benihana is more than a meal; it’s a journey into Japanese culture. By following this Benihana fried rice recipe, you can recreate the magic in your kitchen. It’s all about the effort and heart you put into it.

The Benihana experience at home starts with detail. From chopping vegetables to Teppanyaki-style cooking, every step is designed to engage your senses. By mastering the art of benihana dining experience, you can recreate the japanese steakhouse at home and bring the teppanyaki style cooking to your kitchen.

The communal atmosphere at Benihana is unique. Shared tables and the chef’s show create a sense of camaraderie. By recreating this in your home, you can make any meal a special event for family and friends.

“The Benihana experience is not just about the food – it’s about the journey, the theater, and the shared connection with those around the table.”

To truly capture the essence of Benihana, focus on the details. From the grill’s sizzle to the chef’s knife rhythm, every moment matters. By immersing yourself in the Benihana fried rice recipe, you’ll create a memorable dining experience.

So, gather your loved ones, don your hibachi chef hat, and get ready for a Japanese culinary adventure. With this Benihana fried rice recipe, you can make your kitchen a place of magic and create lasting memories.

Conclusion

The homemade Benihana fried rice is more than a recipe. It’s a memory on a plate. It brings the joy and spirit of the Japanese steakhouse to your home.

By following this guide, you can make this beloved dish. Impress your family and friends with your cooking skills. So, get your ingredients ready, fire up the wok, and enjoy Benihana in your kitchen.

Learning to make Benihana fried rice is rewarding. It lets you bring a beloved dining experience home. With practice, you can create a memorable meal that will wow your guests.

This guide has everything you need to master Benihana fried rice. Embrace the process, try new things, and let your creativity shine. Bon appétit!

FAQ

What is Benihana Fried Rice?

Benihana fried rice is a favorite in America. It combines showmanship with the smell of sizzling soy sauce from Benihana Japanese steakhouse.

What makes Benihana Fried Rice so special?

Dining at Benihana is special. You watch chefs do amazing knife work while making the fried rice. This makes the dish unforgettable.

Can I recreate the Benihana Fried Rice at home?

Yes, you can make Benihana fried rice at home. Just follow their recipe and use the right ingredients. You’ll feel like you’re at the restaurant.

What are the key ingredients for authentic Benihana Fried Rice?

To get the real Benihana taste, choose the right ingredients. Use long-grain rice and garlic butter for the best flavor.

What are the important preparation techniques for Benihana Fried Rice?

Making Benihana fried rice is all about technique. Chill the rice, sear it right, and toss it well. Each step is crucial for the perfect dish.

Can I customize the Benihana Fried Rice recipe?

Yes, you can make Benihana fried rice your own. Try adding different proteins or unique vegetables and seasonings.

What goes well with Benihana Fried Rice?

Benihana fried rice goes great with many foods. Try it with stir-fried veggies, grilled meats, or seafood. Choose flavors and textures that match.

What are the tips and tricks for making the perfect Benihana Fried Rice?

Making perfect Benihana fried rice takes practice. Use cold rice and the right searing and tossing methods. This will make your dish a hit every time.