Walking into a Benihana restaurant, you’re greeted by the sizzle and aroma of their famous fried rice, a perfect balance of savory garlic flavors and tender chicken. This iconic dish captures the essence of Japanese culinary traditions, where each ingredient is treated with care.
Today, I’m thrilled to bring you a Benihana chicken fried rice recipe that allows you to recreate this delicious experience at home. It’s a flavorful treat for your taste buds and a nod to the skill and artistry that make Benihana so special.
Key Takeaways
- Discover the secret behind Benihana’s signature garlic butter that elevates their fried rice
- Learn the traditional Japanese steakhouse techniques that ensure restaurant-quality results
- Recognize how crucial it is to prepare rice correctly to achieve the true Benihana flavor.
- Explore customization options and variations to make the dish your own
- For a genuinely remarkable Benihana chicken fried rice experience, learn the exact steps involved in the cooking process.
Table of Contents
The Secret Behind Benihana’s Famous Fried Rice
The Benihana chicken fried rice recipe is renowned for its incredible flavor. The secret lies in their special garlic butter, which, combined with Japanese cooking techniques, elevates this simple dish to something extraordinary.
The Signature Garlic Butter
The garlic butter in Benihana’s fried rice is a game-changer. It’s made from fresh garlic, butter, and a few special seasonings. This mix creates a rich, fragrant flavor that makes the dish unforgettable.
Traditional Japanese Steakhouse Techniques
Benihana’s fried rice also uses traditional Japanese cooking. They cook at high heat and prepare ingredients just right. This ensures the dish has the same texture and taste as in the restaurant.
Why This Recipe Works
This copycat recipe works because it captures Benihana’s unique flavors and techniques. The garlic butter and proper cooking make it taste just like Benihana’s. Now, you can enjoy this delicious teriyaki chicken fried rice at home.
Ingredients You Must Have for a Real Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Making the perfect Benihana chicken fried rice at home needs the right ingredients. The secret to Benihana’s flavor comes from these key parts.
The dish starts with 4 cups of day-old white rice. Using day-old rice is key because it dries out well for stir-frying. Then, 1 large chicken breast, cut into small pieces, adds protein.
To make it taste like Benihana, you’ll use 2-3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of butter, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. These ingredients blend to give the dish its Benihana flavor.
Other important ingredients include ⅓ cup of finely diced yellow onion, ⅓ cup of finely diced carrot, and ⅓ cup of sliced green onions. These add texture, color, and flavor.
You can also add frozen peas, a bit of sesame oil, or some grated ginger for extra taste. By carefully selecting and combining these ingredients, you can create an authentic Benihana chicken fried rice recipe at home.
The Importance of Rice Preparation
Creating the perfect fried rice is more than just mixing ingredients. The key to Benihana’s fried rice recipe is in how the rice is prepared. Learning to use day-old rice and how to wash and store it properly will help you make authentic Japanese fried rice at home.
Day-Old Rice Benefits
Day-old, chilled rice is essential for homemade fried rice with the right texture. It dries out and becomes firmer, avoiding the mushiness of fresh rice. This dryness is key for fluffy, separate grains during stir-frying.
Proper Rice Washing Methods for Perfect Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Washing the rice well before cooking is vital. It removes excess starch that can make the rice sticky and clumpy. Rinsing the rice gently under water helps achieve perfectly separated grains.
Ideal Rice Storage Tips
After washing, store the rice in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. The cool temperature dries the grains further, preventing clumping during stir-frying. Proper storage is key for the perfect fried rice recipe texture.
A delightful bowl of Benihana chicken fried rice, featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, vibrant bell peppers, green onions, and sliced boiled eggs for a complete meal.
| Rice Variety | Characteristics | Recommended Brands |
|---|---|---|
| Short-Grain Rice | Slightly sticky, absorbs flavors well | Nishiki, Calrose, Kokuho Rose |
| Medium-Grain Rice | Balanced starch content, consistent cooking | Nishiki, Calrose, Kokuho Rose |
Mastering rice preparation will help you make the signature Benihana fried rice in your kitchen.
Crafting the Perfect Garlic Butter Blend
To make Benihana’s famous flavor, the secret is in the garlic butter blend. It’s a mix of softened butter, minced garlic, and light soy sauce. This blend is key to getting the real taste of Benihana’s chicken fried rice. By making the garlic butter ahead of time and chilling it, you can make your benihana chicken fried rice recipe taste just like the restaurant’s.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter, softened | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Light soy sauce | 1 tsp |
In a bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, and light soy sauce to create the ideal garlic butter. Make sure to mix well until everything is fully combined. Then, put the garlic butter in a container that seals well and chill it until you’re ready to use it in your copycat benihana recipe.
“The garlic butter is the secret weapon that takes this benihana chicken fried rice recipe to the next level. It adds an incredible depth of flavor that truly captures the essence of Benihana’s signature dish.”
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making the perfect fried rice recipe at home is simple. Just follow these steps to make hibachi fried rice like your favorite Japanese steakhouse.
Protein Preparation
Start by getting your protein ready. We’re using chicken for this homemade fried rice recipe. Cut the chicken into small pieces, add a bit of soy sauce, and set it aside.
Vegetable Handling
Then, chop your veggies into small pieces. This helps them cook evenly and mix well with the fried rice. Cut the onion, garlic, carrots, mushrooms, and zucchini into small sizes.
Rice Frying Technique
- Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat and add sesame oil.
- Cook the seasoned chicken until it’s done and lightly browned.
- Add the chopped vegetables after putting the chicken aside. Stir-fry until they are crisp-tender.
- Make a well in the pan and crack in eggs. Scramble them, then mix them with the veggies.
- Add the cooked rice and soy sauce. Toss everything together, letting the rice crisp up.
- Finish with green onions and garlic butter for that Benihana fried rice taste.
A savory plate of Benihana chicken fried rice, featuring perfectly seasoned rice, tender chicken, green onions, and diced carrots, is served in a stylish kitchen.
Follow these steps to make a fried rice recipe as good as your local Japanese steakhouse. Enjoy your homemade dish!
Essential Cooking Tools and Equipment
Making the perfect fried rice recipe at home needs the right tools. To cook like Japanese hibachi fried rice and restaurant fried rice, you’ll need a few key items.
A large non-stick skillet or wok is a must. These can handle the high heat needed for stir-frying. A sharp knife is also key for quickly chopping veggies and meat.
A sturdy spatula is another must-have. It helps stir, flip, and toss the fried rice evenly. This ensures it cooks perfectly.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large Non-Stick Skillet or Wok | High-heat cooking for stir-frying |
| Sharp Knife | Precise ingredient preparation |
| Sturdy Spatula | Stirring, flipping, and tossing the rice |
| Mixing Bowls | Holding prepped ingredients |
| Rice Cooker (optional) | Ensuring perfectly cooked rice |
With these tools, you’ll be ready to make amazing fried rice at home. You’ll get results that rival those from restaurants.
Tips for Achieving Restaurant-Quality Results
To make the perfect copycat Benihana recipe or restaurant fried rice at home, focus on details and key techniques. The secret to a great homemade fried rice flavor is keeping the temperature just right and following the cooking steps carefully.
Temperature Control
High heat is key for that Benihana texture. Make sure your wok or skillet is scorching hot, about 375°F (190°C), before adding anything. This heat quickly sears proteins and veggies, keeping their flavors and juices in.
Don’t lower the heat while cooking. Doing so can make the dish soggy and tasteless.
Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe: Timing and Sequence
The order and timing of adding ingredients are crucial for achieving the authentic flavors of a Benihana chicken fried rice recipe. Begin with the protein, followed by the veggies, and finish with the pre-cooked rice. Allow each component to sear and caramelize before mixing them.
By mastering temperature control and precise timing, you can recreate restaurant-quality fried rice at home. With a little practice, your Benihana chicken fried rice recipe will be just as delicious as the
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories per Serving | 705 |
| Servings per Recipe | 4 |
| Air Frying Time | 10 minutes |
| Rice Options | White or Brown |
| Leftover Storage | 3-4 days in the fridge |
| Protein Substitution | Shrimp |
| Cooking Method | Air Frying |
| Recipe Rating | 5.00 out of 5 (1 rating) |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Calories per Serving | 350 |
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Storing and reheating your homemade fried rice right is key. This keeps its taste and texture just right. Follow these tips to keep your fried rice recipe fresh and tasty, even after it’s cooled down.
Refrigerating Leftover Fried Rice
Leftover fried rice can stay in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools down first. This stops it from getting soggy.
Reheating Fried Rice
To reheat your homemade fried rice, use a skillet on medium heat. Add a bit of water or oil to keep it moist. Stir it often until it’s hot all the way through.
You can also reheat it in the microwave. Put it in a microwave-safe bowl, and cover it with a damp paper towel. Stirring constantly, heat in 30-second increments until hot.
Freezing Fried Rice
To store it longer, fried rice can be frozen for up to 3 months. Cool it down first, then put it in an airtight container or bag. Before reheating, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your fried rice recipe for a long time. Proper storage and reheating keep your chicken fried rice or other dishes tasting great.
Customization Options and Variations
Benihana’s famous fried rice recipe is super versatile. You can swap the chicken for shrimp, beef, or tofu to make it your own. This makes it easy to try different proteins and find your favorite.
Protein Alternatives
- Shrimp: Succulent shrimp add a sweet and ocean-fresh flavor to the fried rice.
- Beef: Thinly sliced beef makes the dish heartier and pairs well with soy sauce and garlic.
- Tofu: Vegetarians and vegans can enjoy it with firm tofu, which absorbs all the tasty seasonings.
Vegetable Combinations
The classic recipe includes onions, peas, and carrots. But you can add your favorite veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini. This way, you can make it healthier and tastier.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked Long-Grain White Rice (Ideally Day-Old) | 8 cups |
| Salted Butter | 8 tablespoons |
| Large Eggs | 3 |
| Diced Sweet Yellow Onion | 1 cup |
| Minced Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Fresh Grated Ginger | 1 tablespoon |
| Soy Sauce | 3 tablespoons |
| Mirin (Japanese Rice Wine) | 2 tablespoons |
| Toasted Sesame Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Chopped Green Onions | 1/2 cup |
Try different proteins and veggies to make your own version of the fried rice recipe, teriyaki chicken fried rice, or Japanese fried rice. The options are endless, so feel free to get creative!
Final Thoughts
The Benihana chicken fried rice recipe is a true culinary delight. It lets you bring the flavors of the renowned Japanese steakhouse into your kitchen. By mastering garlic butter, traditional Japanese cooking, and perfect rice, you can make a dish that will wow your family and friends.
If you’re craving the authentic Benihana experience or just want to satisfy your fried rice cravings, this recipe is for you. It offers a detailed guide to achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures. With step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, you can make Benihana’s teppanyaki-style fried rice at home. This saves you time and money while enjoying a truly exceptional homemade benihana chicken fried rice recipe.
So, get ready to impress your taste buds and take a trip to the vibrant ambiance of a Japanese steakhouse. Enjoy the mouthwatering flavors of this homemade fried rice inspired by Benihana. Embrace the art of copycat benihana recipe and take your cooking skills to new heights with this amazing fried rice dish.
FAQ
What makes Benihana’s chicken fried rice unique?
Benihana’s chicken fried rice stands out because of its garlic butter. This adds a special flavor. The recipe uses Japanese steakhouse techniques for an authentic taste at home.
What are the key ingredients in this copycat Benihana chicken fried rice recipe?
The main ingredients are day-old white rice, avocado or oil, and diced onion. You also need minced garlic, cubed chicken, and frozen mixed veggies. Eggs, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, butter, and green onions for garnish are also used.
Why is using day-old rice important for this recipe?
Day-old rice is key for the right texture. It prevents mushiness and helps grains separate well. This is vital for the Benihana fried rice texture.
How do you prepare the signature garlic butter for this recipe?
To make the garlic butter, mix softened butter, minced garlic, and light soy sauce. This blend is essential for the Benihana flavor. It’s best to make it ahead and chill it until ready.
What is the importance of maintaining high heat during the cooking process?
Keeping the heat high is vital for the Benihana texture. Adding ingredients in the right order and timing each step is key. This ensures the dish’s authentic flavor and consistency.
Can this recipe be customized with different proteins and vegetables?
Yes, you can use different proteins like shrimp or beef. You can also add veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini. This adds nutrition and flavor.