Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe – Quick & Easy
Walking into the kitchen, I was hit with the smell of garlic and rice. It reminded me of Benihana restaurants. Those places were always a hit with my family, especially the fried rice.
Now, I’m excited to share a recipe that lets you make Benihana’s chicken fried rice at home (benihana chicken fried rice recipe). It’s simple yet authentic.
Key Takeaways
- Discover the secret to Benihana’s famous fried rice, including the use of day-old rice and a signature garlic butter compound.
- Learn the essential ingredients and techniques for achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your homemade Benihana-style fried rice.
- Explore pro tips and variations to customize the dish to your taste preferences, whether you prefer a vegetarian option or a shrimp-based version.
- Understand the importance of proper storage and reheating methods to ensure your leftover fried rice stays fresh and delicious.
- Dive into the nutritional breakdown of this beloved Japanese-American dish, including calorie counts, macronutrient ratios, and more.
The Secret Behind Benihana’s Famous Fried Rice
Benihana’s fried rice is loved for its amazing taste. The secret is their special garlic butter. This mix of softened butter, minced garlic, and light soy sauce gives the rice a unique flavor.
Understanding the Signature Garlic Butter
The garlic butter is what makes Benihana’s fried rice so good. Chefs mix softened butter, grated garlic, and a bit of light soy sauce. This blend is added throughout cooking, making every bite taste great.
Why Day-Old Rice Makes a Difference
Benihana’s chefs use day-old rice for their fried rice. This rice is drier and firmer, preventing it from becoming mushy. It also browns better, adding to the dish’s texture.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
To make Benihana-style fried rice, chefs use a carbon steel wok or a large skillet. The wok’s shape and heat properties are perfect for quick frying. Benihana also uses avocado oil or other neutral oils for the best taste.
Benihana’s secret to great fried rice is their garlic butter, day-old rice, and the right tools. These elements come together to make a dish that’s both tasty and satisfying.
Essential Ingredients for Authentic Benihana Style Rice
Making the perfect Benihana-style fried rice needs the right ingredients. At its core is day-old white rice, giving it a unique taste and texture. Alongside the rice, chicken, eggs, onions, carrots, and peas are added. Each plays a key role in the dish’s balance.
Garlic and butter are key for flavor. They create a rich base. Soy sauce and sesame oil add depth. Green onions bring freshness, and a bit of MSG can enhance the umami.
This recipe makes 4-6 servings, pleasing many. It’s also flexible, allowing you to change proteins or vegetables to your liking.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked white rice, day-old | 4 cups |
| Chicken, boneless and skinless | 1 lb |
| Eggs | 3 |
| Onion, white | 1/2 (diced) |
| Carrot, diced | 1 large |
| Peas | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Butter, salted | 1/2 stick |
| Soy sauce | 1 tsp |
| Sesame oil | 1 tsp |
| Green onions, diced | 1/2 bunch |
| MSG (optional) | Pinch |
| Sesame seeds (optional) | 3 tbsp |
The Ben’s Original White Rice brand is a favorite for Benihana fans. It offers the perfect texture and taste for this classic fried rice.
Making the Signature Garlic Butter Compound
To make the famous Benihana garlic butter, you need to follow a few steps. This butter is key to their benihana chicken recipe and best benihana chicken fried rice recipe. It adds a rich, aromatic flavor to their dishes.
Butter Selection and Preparation
Begin with 1/2 cup of softened, unsalted butter. Make sure the butter is at room temperature before mixing. This ensures it’s smooth and creamy, ready to mix with other ingredients.
Garlic Processing Techniques
Then, peel and mince 3 cloves of fresh garlic. Use a microplane or fine grater to make a garlic paste. This fine texture blends well into the butter, giving a strong garlic taste.
Storage Tips for Garlic Butter
After mixing the butter and garlic, add 3 teaspoons of light soy sauce. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated. Put the garlic butter in an airtight container and chill for 30 minutes. You can store it in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Learning this garlic butter recipe lets you bring Benihana’s signature flavor home. Use it in your benihana chicken recipe and best benihana chicken fried rice recipe for restaurant-quality dishes.
Protein and Vegetable Preparation Steps
To make the real Benihana chicken fried rice, you need to prepare the protein and veggies right. Start by cutting the chicken breast into small pieces. Then, marinate them in a mix of soy sauce, salt, white pepper, and oil. This makes the chicken juicy and full of flavor.
Next, chop the carrots, onions, and scallions into the same size. This makes sure they cook evenly and adds to the dish’s texture. If you’re using frozen vegetables, thaw them first.
To get the best taste, cook the chicken in garlic butter until it’s done. This adds a rich flavor to the chicken. Then, quickly cook the chopped veggies. Mix them with the cooked rice for a colorful and balanced Benihana-style fried rice.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breast | 300g (10.5oz) |
| Carrots, finely diced | 1/3 cup |
| Yellow Onion, finely diced | 1 onion |
| Green Onions, finely chopped (whites & greens separated) | 3 stalks |
| Soy Sauce | 4 tablespoons |
| Benihana Garlic Butter | 2 tablespoons |
By following these steps, you can make the Benihana chicken fried rice at home. The secret is to have all your ingredients ready. This makes cooking smooth and easy.
Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Get ready to make the famous Benihana chicken fried rice at home. The secret is in the right mix of ingredients and cooking method.
Rice Preparation Method
Begin with day-old or chilled rice. It’s drier and fluffier, perfect for fried rice. Use 1.5 cups of cooked Botan Calrose rice.
Cooking Sequence
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a big pan or wok. Cook 1 pound of chicken tenders until they’re done. Set the chicken aside.
- Keep the same pan and sauté 3 cloves of garlic for 15 seconds. Add 1 cup of frozen carrot and pea mix. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they’re tender.
- Move the veggies to the side. Scramble 4 eggs in the empty space.
- After the eggs are done, mix in the rice. Break up any clumps and fry for 2-3 minutes until it’s dry.
- Add the cooked chicken back in. Toss everything together.
Seasoning Balance
To get the seasoning right, drizzle 1/4 cup of light soy sauce, 1/4 teaspoon of white pepper, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and a pinch of salt over the rice. Add 2 tablespoons of garlic butter. Mix well. Taste and adjust the seasoning to get the perfect balance of flavors.
Follow these steps to make the real Benihana chicken fried rice at home. This dish will wow your family and friends.
Pro Tips for Restaurant-Quality Results
To get that Benihana taste at home, start with high heat. A 36-inch griddle with 4 burners and 60,000 BTUs is perfect. This heat helps sear and crisp the rice well.
Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook ingredients in batches to keep the heat intense. This ensures even cooking.
Before adding rice, crumble it between your fingers. This prevents clumps and helps each grain cook evenly. For vegetables, make sure they’re all the same size. This way, they cook perfectly together.
Adding a bit of MSG can boost the umami flavor. But use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.
Garlic butter is a secret to Benihana’s fried rice. Drizzle it over the rice as it cooks. Toss everything well to coat each grain evenly. This adds that special Benihana taste.
“The key to the perfect Benihana chicken fried rice is mastering the high-heat cooking technique and incorporating that heavenly garlic butter flavor throughout.”
Follow these tips to make Benihana chicken fried rice at home. You’ll enjoy the best benihana chicken fried rice recipe ever!
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Enjoying Benihana chicken fried rice doesn’t have to stop after dinner. With the right storage and reheating, you can enjoy its flavors for days.
Proper Storage Methods
Keep your Benihana fried rice fresh by storing leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps the rice moist and full of flavor. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 4 months.
Best Reheating Practices
To reheat your benihana chicken fried rice frozen leftovers, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a bit of water or oil to keep the rice moist. Stir often until it’s hot, making sure it reaches 140°F (60°C) for safety. Don’t leave cooked rice at room temperature for too long, as bacteria can grow.
By following these easy storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy Benihana’s chicken fried rice whenever you want. It’s like having a restaurant-quality meal at home every time.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
The classic benihana chicken fried rice recipe can be customized to fit your taste and dietary needs. You can try a teppanyaki chicken fried rice version or make it egg-free. The possibilities are endless.
Want more protein? Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu. For a chewier texture, use brown rice instead of white. Adding veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini makes it healthier.
To make an egg-free benihana chicken fried rice, just leave out the eggs or use plant-based options. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Try different oils like sesame or vegetable oil for unique flavors.
| Ingredient | Substitution |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Shrimp, Tofu |
| White Rice | Brown Rice |
| Eggs | Plant-based Alternatives |
| Soy Sauce | Tamari (Gluten-free) |
| Sesame Oil | Vegetable Oil |
The secret to great benihana chicken fried rice or teppanyaki chicken fried rice is in the garlic butter and how you cook it. By trying different variations and substitutions, you can make it your own.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
Enjoying benihana chicken fried rice or checking out the benihana fried rice menu? Knowing the nutritional facts is key. A standard serving, about 1 cup, has 410 calories, 29g carbs, 25g protein, and 21g fat.
The dish has a lot of sodium, thanks to soy sauce, with 901mg per serving. But it also has vitamins A, C, calcium, and iron. If you need to adjust your diet, tweaking portion sizes or ingredients can help.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 410 |
| Carbohydrates | 29g |
| Protein | 25g |
| Fat | 21g |
| Sodium | 901mg |
| Vitamin A | 148mcg |
| Vitamin C | 5mg |
| Calcium | 46mg |
| Iron | 1.8mg |
Understanding the nutritional details of benihana chicken fried rice and the benihana fried rice menu helps you make better choices. You can adjust portions and ingredients to fit your health goals.
Conclusion
Learning to make benihana chicken fried rice recipe at home is possible. You just need to know the right techniques and ingredients. This will help you make fried rice that tastes like it’s from a restaurant.
Start with day-old rice and make a special garlic butter compound. Follow the steps in this guide carefully. This will help you get the Benihana taste right.
With a bit of practice, you can make your kitchen feel like a hibachi restaurant. Feel free to add your own twist to the recipe. This way, you can make it your own.
Whether it’s a main dish or a side, this benihana chicken fried rice recipe will wow everyone. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
So, put on your apron and get ready to cook like a pro. With these tips, you’ll soon be making delicious teppanyaki chicken fried rice at home. It’s time to bring Benihana’s flavors into your kitchen.
