When I think of Benihana recipe, the first thing that comes to mind is their sizzling fried rice. It’s the perfect side dish to any hibachi meal, and there’s just something about the flavors, the texture, and the way it’s prepared right in front of you that makes it so irresistible. The best part? You can recreate this delicious fried rice at home with just a few simple ingredients!
This Benihana fried rice recipe brings that hibachi-style magic straight to your kitchen. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend cookout, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s quick, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with anything from grilled shrimp to juicy steak. Best of all, you can customize it based on what you’ve got on hand, making it as flexible as it is tasty.
Table of contents
Why This Benihana Fried Rice Recipe Work
What makes this Benihana fried rice recipe so special is the combination of simplicity and bold flavor. The key to making fried rice that’s just like what you get at the restaurant is to cook everything in a hot pan, high heat is essential for creating that crispy, slightly charred texture that’s characteristic of hibachi-style cooking.
Using day-old rice is another essential tip. Fresh rice can turn mushy when fried, but day-old rice, with its firmer texture, fries up beautifully without losing its bite. The addition of garlic, soy sauce, and butter gives the rice that rich, savory flavor you know and love from Benihana, while the scrambled eggs add a creamy contrast.
This recipe is incredibly customizable. You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or even vegetables to give it more substance. Plus, if you’re looking to make it a bit lighter, you can always swap out the butter for olive oil or coconut oil to suit your dietary preferences.
Recipe Card
Benihana fried rice recipe
4
servings10
minutes15
minutes350
kcalA delicious Benihana fried rice recipe packed with flavors inspired by Japanese teppanyaki restaurants. Quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight dinners!
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Ingredients
- For the Fried Rice
2 cups cold, cooked jasmine rice (day-old rice works best)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons garlic butter (recipe below)
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup carrots, finely diced
1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced (optional)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
3 tablespoons soy sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Garlic Butter
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
Directions
- Prepare the Garlic Butter
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, and soy sauce until smooth. Set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables & Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add onions and carrots, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add peas and cook for another 2 minutes.
- If using, stir in the diced chicken and cook until warmed through.
- Cook the Rice
- Push the vegetables and chicken to one side of the pan. Add the remaining oil.
- Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble until fully cooked.
- Add the cold rice to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Stir in the garlic butter and soy sauce.
- Mix everything together and cook for 5-7 minutes until the rice is heated through and slightly crispy.
- Serve & Enjoy
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy your Benihana-style fried rice!
Notes
- Day-Old Rice: Using cold, day-old rice prevents it from becoming mushy when frying.
- Garlic Butter Storage: Extra garlic butter can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit chicken and add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
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Tips for perfect Benihana Fried Rice
- Use Day-Old Rice: Fresh rice is too soft and can turn mushy when fried. Day-old rice is ideal because it’s drier and the grains stay separated.
- High Heat Is Key: You want your pan or wok to be sizzling hot. This will give the rice that crispy, slightly browned texture that’s signature to Benihana-style fried rice.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a large batch, it’s better to fry the rice in two batches. Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature, causing the rice to steam instead of fry.
- Keep the Veggies Small: When chopping the vegetables, make sure they’re cut small so they cook evenly and mix well with the rice.
Fun Variations of Benihana Fried Rice You Can Try
Chicken Benihana Fried Rice
For a more filling option, you can add diced cooked chicken. Simply sauté it in the pan before adding the rice and continue with the recipe as usual. The chicken adds a savory, protein-packed boost to your fried rice.
Shrimp Fried Rice
For a seafood twist, try adding shrimp. Sauté the shrimp in butter with a bit of garlic before adding the rice to the pan. The shrimp adds a delicate sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory rice.
Vegetarian Fried Rice
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, skip the meat and focus on the vegetables. Mushrooms, peas, and carrots are classic choices, but feel free to throw in whatever veggies you have on hand, like bell peppers or zucchini.
Bacon Fried Rice
Want to make it extra indulgent? Add crumbled bacon to the mix. The smoky, crispy bacon adds a whole new depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. Just be sure to use a little less soy sauce since bacon is already salty.
FAQs
Yes, but let it cool completely before frying to prevent it from turning mushy.
The garlic butter adds richness and that restaurant-quality flavor.
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu.
Use brown rice and reduce the amount of butter for a lighter version.
Time to Cook Your Own Benihana Fried Rice!
Now that you have the perfect Benihana fried rice recipe, it’s time to get cooking! Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight meal or a special dinner, this dish will always be a hit. The beauty of fried rice is that it’s easily adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand, so feel free to experiment and make it your own.
If you loved this Benihana chicken fried rice recipe, try our Chicken and Saffron Rice Recipe for another delicious Asian-inspired dish that’s perfect for dinner parties!
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