As I stood in my kitchen, the tantalizing aroma of sizzling garlic and soy sauce wafted through the air, instantly transporting me to the vibrant atmosphere of a hibachi restaurant. This Copycat Benihana Fried Rice captures that exact magic, delivering the slightly crisped texture and savory flavors right to your dinner table. Perfect for busy weeknights, this quick-and-easy recipe not only saves you from takeout temptations but also invites endless personalization based on whatever ingredients you have on hand. Whether it’s a satisfying side dish or a stand-alone meal, you’ll cherish this comforting delight that’s deliciously simple to whip up. Curious about the secrets behind making it just right? Let’s dive in!
Why is Benihana Fried Rice So Special?
Bold flavors: The rich combination of soy sauce and sesame oil creates a mouthwatering profile that mimics your favorite hibachi-style dishes.
Quick and easy: This recipe is perfect for weeknights, making it a convenient option when you’re short on time but still want a homemade meal.
Endlessly versatile: Customize it with whatever veggies or proteins you have on hand, just like I do when making my Corn Chicken Rice or French Onion Casserole.
Crowd-pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual gathering, this fried rice is sure to impress your guests with its delightful taste and beautiful presentation.
Textural perfection: Enjoy the fluffy rice with a slight crisp around the edges, creating a perfect bite every time.
Benihana Fried Rice Ingredients
• Here’s everything you need for this flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night!
For the Fried Rice
- Day-Old Cooked White Rice – Essential for achieving that perfect texture; cold and clump-free rice prevents stickiness.
- Eggs (2 large) – Brings fluffiness and protein; beat them well before adding to the mix.
- Diced Carrots (½ cup) – Provides sweetness and color; bell peppers can be a tasty substitute.
- Green Peas (½ cup) – Adds a pop of color and slight sweetness; edamame can be swapped for a lovely twist.
- Corn Kernels (¼ cup) – Contributes sweetness and a delightful crunch; feel free to use frozen corn for convenience.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Enhances the depth of flavor; always opt for fresh garlic for the best results.
- Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons) – The key for that savory Benihana fried rice flavor; low-sodium varieties are healthier.
- Butter (1 tablespoon) – Adds richness; can easily be replaced with plant-based butter for a vegan option.
- Sesame Oil (1 teaspoon) – For an authentic taste; toasted sesame oil is highly recommended for intensified aroma.
- Salt and Pepper – Adjust for seasoning to your taste.
- Vegetable Oil (1 tablespoon) – Necessary for stir-frying; ensures everything cooks perfectly.
Let the cooking adventure begin!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Benihana Fried Rice
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Begin by preparing your ingredients: dice the carrots finely, mince the garlic, and ensure your day-old cooked white rice is cold and clump-free. This step is crucial for achieving that ideal texture in your Benihana Fried Rice. Beat the two large eggs in a bowl and set aside, ready for adding creaminess to the dish.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and pour in one tablespoon of vegetable oil. Allow the oil to heat for about 1-2 minutes until shimmering but not smoking. This high temperature is essential for stir-frying the vegetables quickly, ensuring they remain tender-crisp and vibrant in color.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add the diced carrots, green peas, and corn to the hot skillet. Stir-fry these colorful veggies for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are tender yet still just bright. This vibrant mix will form the base layer of flavors in your Benihana Fried Rice, enhancing both texture and taste.
Step 4: Incorporate the Garlic
Once the vegetables are ready, add the minced garlic to the pan. Stir it all together and cook for an additional 30 seconds, watching closely to prevent burning. The garlic should become fragrant, adding a mouthwatering depth to your dish, setting the stage for the beloved Benihana flavors.
Step 5: Scramble the Eggs
Push the cooked veggies to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty space and stir gently with a spatula. Scramble the eggs for about 1-2 minutes until they are just set but still soft. This fluffy egg mixture will blend beautifully with the other flavors in your fried rice.
Step 6: Add the Rice
Now, it’s time to add your cold, day-old rice into the skillet. Break up any clumps gently with your spatula and stir to combine it with the vegetables and eggs. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, ensuring the rice is heated through and mixing in those delightful flavors from the rest of the ingredients.
Step 7: Crisp the Rice
After the rice has been mixed, stir-fry the entire mixture for another 4-5 minutes. Press down gently with your spatula to achieve a slight crispness on the edges of the rice. This creates that signature texture associated with authentic Benihana Fried Rice, giving you that irresistible balance of fluffy and crispy bits.
Step 8: Season the Rice
Drizzle in the soy sauce, add the butter, and pour in the sesame oil. Stir everything together for about 1-2 minutes or until the sauce is evenly distributed and the butter is melted. Enjoy the sight of the glossy rice, beautifully coated in rich flavors, almost sparkling with that signature sheen.
Step 9: Final Touches and Serve
Season your Benihana Fried Rice with salt and pepper to taste; adjust according to your preference. Remove it from heat and consider garnishing with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal. Serve hot, and enjoy a delightful homemade version of this beloved dish!
Expert Tips for Benihana Fried Rice
- Use Cold Rice: Always use day-old cooked rice for the best texture; freshly made rice can become clumpy and sticky, ruining your fried rice.
- High Heat Cooking: Stir-fry ingredients quickly over high heat. This helps lock in flavors and keeps the veggies vibrant and tender-crisp.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper frying. If necessary, cook in batches to maintain that delightful fried rice texture.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go when adding soy sauce and other seasonings. This ensures a balanced flavor tailored to your liking.
- Customize Freely: Feel free to add proteins like chicken or shrimp or swap veggies for what you have on hand, creating your unique take on this Benihana Fried Rice!
What to Serve with Copycat Benihana Fried Rice
Imagine creating a vibrant meal that balances flavors and textures alongside your delightful fried rice.
-
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken: This sweet and savory dish brings a juicy, tender complement to the slightly crispy fried rice that captivates the palate.
-
Fresh Cucumber Salad: A refreshing side, the crisp cucumbers and tangy dressing brighten up the rich flavors of the fried rice, adding a crisp contrast.
-
Steamed Broccoli: Tender broccoli florets add a pop of color and a nutritious touch, enhancing the meal with delightful crunch and flavor.
-
Miso Soup: Enjoy warm and comforting miso soup as a light starter, perfectly contrasting the heartiness of the fried rice with its earthy flavors.
-
Spring Rolls: These crispy delights filled with fresh veggies are a perfect appetizer or side, offering a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with the rice.
-
Sesame Noodles: The nutty flavors of sesame noodles provide an intriguing twist while maintaining a lightness that complements the rich fried rice.
-
Peanut Sauce Dipping Sauce: Serve alongside fresh veggies or grilled meats. The creamy, nutty sauce offers a delightful dip that enhances the overall meal experience.
-
Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits offers a sweet note to round out the meal, balancing savory flavors with natural sugars.
-
Green Tea: This soothing beverage enhances the meal’s flavors while offering a delicate finish, making it an ideal drink to accompany your bite of Benihana fried rice.
Make Ahead Options
These Copycat Benihana Fried Rice are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare all your vegetables and even scramble the eggs up to 24 hours in advance. Simply chop the carrots, peas, and corn, placing them in airtight containers and refrigerating to keep them fresh. Cooked, cooled rice can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. This ensures you’re ready to whip up your authentic Benihana Fried Rice in no time. When you’re ready to serve, just stir-fry the prepped ingredients with the rice and seasonings, and you’ll enjoy delicious, restaurant-quality results with minimal effort!
Variations & Substitutions for Benihana Fried Rice
Feel free to explore and personalize this beloved dish according to your taste and pantry staples!
- Brown Rice: Swap white rice for brown rice for added fiber and a nuttier flavor, making your meal a bit heartier.
- Protein-Packed: Mix in diced chicken, shrimp, or tofu for an extra punch of protein, transforming the fried rice into a satisfying main dish. Cooking protein separately first ensures it’s thoroughly cooked before adding to the mix.
- Vegan Twist: Substitute eggs with scrambled tofu to create a delightful vegan-friendly version of this dish; it blends smoothly with the other ingredients.
- Flavorful Add-ins: Toss in some cooked bok choy, bell peppers, or snap peas to increase vegetable variety; it’s a colorful way to enhance nutrient content and taste.
- Spice It Up: For a kick of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add chili sauce to the soy sauce; a touch of cayenne can also elevate the flavors beautifully.
- Sesame Variations: Consider using garlic or chili-infused oil instead of regular vegetable oil for an extra layer of flavor; this delightful twist will make your fried rice sing!
- Herb Freshness: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for garnish to brighten up the dish with a burst of freshness, creating a lovely contrast to the warm, savory rice.
- Similar Dishes: If you’re eager to explore more rice recipes, don’t forget to check out my delightful Pineapple Fried Rice or the comforting Chicken Fried Chicken.
How to Store and Freeze Benihana Fried Rice
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: If you want to keep your Benihana Fried Rice for longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat the fried rice in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to keep it moist, or use the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Portioning: Consider dividing the rice into individual servings before freezing for convenient meal options on busy days.
Benihana Fried Rice Recipe FAQs
How should I select the right rice for Benihana Fried Rice?
Absolutely, the best choice is day-old cooked white rice! Freshly cooked rice can become too sticky, which isn’t ideal for achieving that fluffy texture. Make sure the rice is cold and clump-free before you start cooking; this will make a huge difference in your final dish.
How should I store leftover Benihana Fried Rice?
Very easy! Simply place any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to retain moisture, or use the microwave for a quick fix.
Can I freeze Benihana Fried Rice?
Sure! You can freeze your fried rice in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For best results, let it cool entirely before freezing. When reheating, it’s best to thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat in a skillet or microwave. This method helps keep the rice from becoming mushy.
What if my fried rice turns out too sticky?
Not a problem! If your fried rice is sticky, it may be due to using freshly cooked rice instead of day-old rice. No worries if that happens; just try adding a little extra soy sauce or sesame oil while you’re reheating to help separate the grains. Also, stir-frying on high heat helps reduce stickiness by allowing moisture to evaporate.
Are there any dietary considerations for Benihana Fried Rice?
Yes, absolutely! If you’re preparing this dish for someone with allergies, be cautious with the soy sauce as it contains wheat, which can be an allergen. For a gluten-free option, use tamari. If you’re making it vegan, simply swap the butter for plant-based butter, ensuring all ingredients align with dietary needs.
Delicious Benihana Fried Rice Made Easy at Home
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prep the ingredients: dice the carrots, mince the garlic, and ensure the rice is cold and clump-free.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Allow it to heat for 1-2 minutes.
- Add diced carrots, green peas, and corn to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until tender but bright.
- Add minced garlic to the pan and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Push veggies to one side, pour in beaten eggs, and scramble for 1-2 minutes until just set.
- Add the cold rice, break clumps gently, and stir to combine. Cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
- Stir-fry the mixture for 4-5 minutes to achieve slight crispness on the rice edges.
- Drizzle soy sauce, add butter and sesame oil. Stir for 1-2 minutes until evenly distributed.
- Season with salt and pepper, garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired, and serve hot.