The smell of sizzling garlic fills the air. The salty-sweet mix of soy and butter is a treat. And the crunch of fresh rice is unbeatable. These are the signs of Benihana’s famous chicken fried rice.
For many, this dish is the best part of the Benihana experience. It takes you to the lively world of a Japanese hibachi grill. But you don’t have to go to the restaurant to enjoy it. Follow this guide to make Benihana’s chicken fried rice in your kitchen.
Table of Contents
Recreate the Iconic Hibachi Experience
Learning to make restaurant-style fried rice at home is key to enjoying the Benihana hibachi experience at home. By mastering the secrets of their signature fried rice, you can make your own version just as tasty. This will give you the same delicious flavors and satisfying texture that Benihana is famous for.
Unlock the Secrets to Restaurant-Style Fried Rice
The secret to perfect Benihana-style fried rice is in the details. It’s all about the right mix of soy sauce and garlic, and how you stir-fry the rice. Each step is important for a dish that looks as good as it tastes. With a few simple tips, you can turn your fried rice into a dish that rivals the restaurant’s.
Tips for Flawless Execution Every Time
- Use day-old, cold rice for the best texture and flavor.
- Stir-fry the rice over high heat for that perfect seared, crispy exterior.
- Use the right mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic to get that authentic Benihana taste.
- Feel free to add different veggies or proteins to make your restaurant-style fried rice your own.
Mastering these simple techniques will help you make a benihana fried rice dish that feels like a trip to Benihana. You’ll impress your friends and family with your copycat benihana fried rice skills.
“The secret to achieving the perfect Benihana-style fried rice lies in the details.”
Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Bring the Benihana dining experience to your kitchen with this benihana chicken fried rice recipe. Follow this guide to make a fried rice dish that’s full of flavor and perfectly seasoned.
Begin by cooking the chicken in a skillet with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, garlic, and ginger. Once it’s done, set it aside. Then, sauté the vegetables – carrots, mushrooms, onions, and zucchini – until they’re tender. Add the cooked rice, soy sauce, and a bit of garlic butter to mix everything well.
- Cook 2 cups of white rice as the package says and let it cool completely.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the cold cooked rice to the skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, letting the rice crisp up a bit.
- Crack 1 egg into the skillet and scramble it into the rice, mixing well.
- Stir in 3 tablespoons of soy sauce and 2 tablespoons of Benihana garlic butter. Mix until the rice is evenly coated.
- Finally, fold in 4 sliced green onions and serve hot.
With this benihana fried rice recipe, you can make Benihana’s famous dish at home. Enjoy your homemade chicken fried rice with family and friends for a memorable meal.
Key Ingredients for Authentic Flavor
To get the benihana fried rice taste right, you need the right ingredients. Day-old rice and a great garlic butter sauce are key. The sauce is what makes the dish truly special.
Mastering the Garlic Butter Sauce
The garlic butter sauce is the heart of authentic fried rice flavor. You’ll need unsalted butter, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and white pepper. Mix these to create a sauce that adds depth and complexity to your rice.
This sauce is crucial. It gives your fried rice a taste that’s just like Benihana’s. Your homemade version will taste amazing.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter | 4 tablespoons |
| Soy Sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Shaoxing Wine | 1 tablespoon |
| White Pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
Learning to make the garlic butter sauce is the first step to making great benihana fried rice ingredients.
Essential Cooking Techniques
Making perfect Benihana chicken fried rice needs some key cooking skills. You’ll learn how to prepare the rice and use high heat. These steps help you make fried rice just like in restaurants, at home.
Preparing the Rice
Begin with the right rice – Botan Calrose or medium grain white rice. Rinse it well to get rid of extra starch. Cook it with 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of rice. Spread it out on a baking sheet and chill it for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Cold, day-old rice is key for the best fried rice texture.
High-Heat Cooking
For Benihana’s unique taste and texture, use a wok or large skillet. Heat it up high. Safflower oil is best for stir-frying because it has a high smoke point.
Sauté veggies and protein separately. Scramble the eggs before mixing everything together. This way, each part is cooked just right.
Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if you have to. Stir and toss the fried rice constantly to cook evenly and prevent sticking.
Seasoning for Flavor
Seasoning is crucial for Benihana-style fried rice. Use just the right amount of soy sauce for savory flavor without being too salty. Add garlic butter, sesame seeds, salt, and pepper for more taste.
Try adding garlic powder, ginger, or red pepper flakes to make it your own.
Mastering these cooking techniques lets you make Benihana chicken fried rice at home. With the right methods and care, you’ll get restaurant-quality results every time.
Customize with Your Favorite Add-Ins
This Benihana chicken fried rice recipe is super versatile. You can add your favorite ingredients, like fresh veggies or tasty proteins. This way, you can make a meal that’s just right for you.
Protein Options to Level Up Your Dish
To make your Benihana-inspired fried rice even better, try adding different proteins. Here are some great choices:
- Grilled Chicken: Tender, juicy grilled chicken is a classic addition that complements the fried rice perfectly.
- Sautéed Shrimp: Plump, succulent shrimp add a touch of seafood elegance to the dish.
- Beef Tenderloin: Bite-sized pieces of tender beef steak provide a heartier protein boost.
- Scrambled Eggs: Simple scrambled eggs add texture and a touch of richness to the fried rice.
Choosing any protein, make sure it’s cooked just right. It should blend well with the fried rice, creating a perfect mix of flavors and textures.
Remember, this recipe is all about being flexible. Don’t be afraid to try different proteins and find the combo that you love the most.
Meal Prep and Leftover Hacks
Preparing the perfect fried rice meal prep can be time-consuming. But, this Benihana-inspired recipe has clever hacks to make it easier. By preparing ahead and using leftover ideas, you can enjoy hibachi-style fried rice with little effort.
Fried Rice Meal Prep Tips
- Cook the rice in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prepare the vegetables and protein components ahead of time, keeping them in separate containers for easy assembly.
- Make a big batch of the garlic butter sauce and store it in the fridge, ready to be added when cooking.
- Cook the entire recipe in advance and portion it out for quick reheating throughout the week.
Fried Rice Leftover Ideas
- Transform leftover fried rice into fried rice egg cups by baking it in a muffin tin.
- Use up any extra rice in a stir-fry, burrito bowl, or as a base for a Buddha bowl.
- Freeze leftover Benihana fried rice in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.
- Repurpose the rice into a breakfast hash by sautéing it with eggs, veggies, and your choice of protein.
| Meal Prep Time | Cooking Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 15 minutes | 25 minutes | 6 |
“Meal prepping the components of this fried rice dish makes it so easy to whip up a delicious, restaurant-quality meal any night of the week.”
With these fried rice meal prep and leftover hacks, you can enjoy Benihana fried rice with minimal effort. Embrace the convenience of advance preparation and creative repurposing. This way, you can savor this flavorful dish whenever you want.
Serve It Up Restaurant-Style
Turning your homemade Benihana chicken fried rice into a restaurant-style dish is more than just cooking. Learn how to add the Benihana touch to your kitchen with these plating and presentation tips.
Plating and Presentation Tips
Presenting your Benihana chicken fried rice in a way that looks great can make it even better. Here are some ideas to try:
- Make the fried rice into a circle or half-moon on the plate for a neat look.
- Use a round bowl or ring mold to shape the rice for a professional look.
- Add garnishes like scallions, sesame seeds, or garlic butter sauce for flavor and looks.
- Pair the fried rice with grilled chicken, veggies, or a salad for a full meal.
- For a fun touch, serve it in a hot skillet or on a hibachi-style griddle, just like Benihana.
By focusing on how you present your Benihana chicken fried rice, you can make it look and feel like a restaurant-style meal at home.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 15 minutes | 25 minutes | 6 servings |
Nutritional Benefits of Homemade Fried Rice
Fried rice is often seen as a treat, but this Benihana-inspired recipe is healthier. It uses top-notch ingredients and lets you manage how much you eat. Making fried rice nutritional benefits at home means you can add a nutritious dish to your meals.
This homemade fried rice health recipe makes about 6 servings. Here’s what each serving has:
- Calories: 871
- Protein: 33g
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 148mg
- Sodium: 1586mg
- Potassium: 834mg
- Total Carbs: 113g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Net Carbs: 109g
- Vitamin A: 2151IU
- Vitamin C: 13mg
- Calcium: 119mg
- Iron: 3mg
Compared to Benihana or Teppanyaki, this recipe has fewer calories. With smart meal planning and portion control, it’s a healthy choice for your diet.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 871 | – |
| Protein | 33g | 66% |
| Fat | 31g | 37% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 44% |
| Cholesterol | 148mg | 44% |
| Sodium | 1586mg | 92% |
| Potassium | 834mg | 24% |
| Total Carbs | 113g | 12% |
| Fiber | 4g | 13% |
| Sugar | 5g | 9% |
| Vitamin A | 2151IU | 61% |
| Vitamin C | 13mg | 19% |
| Calcium | 119mg | 5% |
| Iron | 3mg | 11% |
Enjoy the fried rice nutritional benefits of this homemade version. You can adjust ingredients and portion sizes. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Starting your homemade fried rice adventure? You might have some questions. Don’t worry, we’ve got answers! We’ve gathered info on ingredients, cooking methods, and more about the Benihana chicken fried rice recipe.
Can I use a different type of protein?
Yes, you can! The Benihana recipe uses chicken, but you can swap it with shrimp, beef, or tofu. Just remember to adjust the cooking time.
How can I make the fried rice gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce. You can also try tamari or coconut aminos. These options are safe for those with gluten issues.
What can I do if the rice turns out too mushy?
Too mushy rice? Use day-old, chilled rice for a better texture. If it’s still too soft, cook it a bit longer to dry it out.
Can I prepare the fried rice in advance?
Yes, you can make it ahead of time! It often tastes better after the flavors have mixed. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
| Common Fried Rice Questions | Tips and Answers |
|---|---|
| Can I use brown rice instead of white? | Yes, you can use brown rice, but the texture may be slightly different. Adjust cooking time as needed. |
| How do I prevent the rice from sticking together? | Use chilled, day-old rice and make sure to fluff it thoroughly before adding to the wok. |
| What’s the best way to reheat leftover fried rice? | For best results, reheat in a skillet on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. |
Mastering Benihana-style fried rice takes practice. But with these tips, you’ll soon be making restaurant-quality fried rice at home. Happy cooking!
Conclusion
In this guide, you’ve learned how to make Benihana chicken fried rice at home. You now know the cooking techniques and flavor balance needed. This lets you enjoy the Benihana experience from your kitchen.
This benihana fried rice recipe is for everyone, whether you’re experienced or new to cooking. You’ve got the skills to make homemade fried rice that rivals restaurants. You can make the garlic butter sauce and add your favorite ingredients to get that Benihana taste.
Keep improving your restaurant-style fried rice skills. Enjoy the process and try new things. Share this tasty dish with your loved ones. You’ll feel proud of making a Benihana-inspired meal at home.
FAQ
Can I use freshly cooked rice for this Benihana chicken fried rice recipe?
No, it’s best to use day-old or chilled rice. Fresh rice is too soft and sticky. This can make the fried rice mushy.
The drier, firmer texture of day-old rice is key. It helps achieve the perfect fried rice consistency.
What type of rice should I use for the Benihana chicken fried rice?
Choose medium-grain or short-grain Japanese rice for Benihana-style fried rice. But, long-grain white rice or brown rice works too. The important thing is the rice holds its shape well when stir-frying.
Can I substitute the chicken with a different protein?
Absolutely! You can swap the chicken with shrimp, beef, pork, or vegetables for a vegetarian option. The recipe is very versatile.
How can I reheat leftover Benihana chicken fried rice?
Reheat leftover fried rice in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add oil or butter first. Stir-fry until heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
You can also microwave it, stirring occasionally, until warmed up. But avoid reheating in the oven to prevent drying out the rice.
Can I make the Benihana garlic butter sauce in advance?
Yes, make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it before adding it to the fried rice during cooking.
How can I adjust the spice level of the Benihana chicken fried rice?
For spicier fried rice, add more crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce. For milder flavor, use less red pepper flakes or omit it.
What are some tips for achieving the perfect texture in the Benihana chicken fried rice?
Use day-old rice and cook it over high heat for the right texture. Avoid overcrowding the pan during stir-frying. Be gentle when mixing to prevent the rice from breaking down too much.