benihana chicken fried rice recipe

Walking into Benihana, I was hit with the excitement of sizzling food and the showmanship of the chefs. The smell of garlic butter, soy sauce, and cooked rice filled the air. It brought back memories of sharing meals with loved ones.

Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that brings Benihana’s famous fried rice to your home. It’s easy to make and full of flavor.

The Secret Behind Benihana’s Legendary Fried Rice

Imagine a show where a chef tosses ingredients high in the air. This creates a dance of flavors that amazes everyone. Benihana’s hibachi-style cooking is all about this magic. It makes their authentic Japanese cuisine and famous restaurant-style fried rice unforgettable.

Understanding the Hibachi-Style Cooking Method

Benihana’s fried rice is all about the hibachi-style cooking. Chefs use a special grill to cook right before your eyes. The quick cooking and high heat give the rice a smoky taste and a unique flavor.

Why Benihana’s Recipe Stands Out

Benihana’s fried rice is special because of its focus on quality. Chefs pick the best ingredients and cook with care. This mix of top ingredients and hibachi flair makes the rice both beautiful and full of flavor.

“The secret to Benihana’s legendary fried rice lies in the perfect balance of heat, technique, and premium ingredients.”

Essential Ingredients for Authentic Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

If you’re craving Benihana’s famous chicken fried rice, start with the right ingredients. This Japanese dish is known for its perfect mix of textures and flavors. It’s a true culinary delight.

The recipe calls for high-quality, short-grain white rice. Use Botan Calrose or a medium-grain variety. It’s important to use chilled, day-old rice. This prevents the rice from becoming mushy during stir-frying.

You’ll also need boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into small pieces. For the vegetables, a mix of carrots, peas, onions, and scallions is perfect. They add great flavors and textures.

To season it all, use soy sauce, sesame oil, butter, and minced garlic. This blend is the secret to the Benihana flavor.

Here’s a quick list of what you need for authentic teriyaki chicken fried rice:

• 4 cups chilled, cooked white rice (preferably Botan Calrose or medium grain)
• 1 cup diced boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup each of diced carrots, peas, and onions
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped scallions for garnish (optional)

With these ingredients, you’ll be on your way to making a real japanese rice dish. It will have the Benihana flavor and texture you love.

The Magic of Benihana’s Signature Garlic Butter

The secret to Benihana’s benihana chicken fried rice recipe is their signature garlic butter. This rich, flavorful condiment makes the japanese fried rice truly special.

How to Make Perfect Garlic Butter

Making Benihana’s garlic butter is easy. Soften 1/4 cup of butter until it’s room temperature. Then, mince 2 small cloves of garlic and mix it with 1 teaspoon of light soy sauce. Stir until everything is well combined.

Proper Storage and Usage Tips

After making the garlic butter, put it in an airtight container and chill it for 30 minutes to an hour. When you’re ready, take out 2-3 tablespoons and add it to your benihana chicken fried rice recipe. It will melt and add a savory, garlicky flavor.

For the best taste, keep the leftover garlic butter in the fridge for up to a week. Use it on japanese fried rice, grilled meats, roasted veggies, or even a baguette.

With the right garlic butter, you can make Benihana’s benihana chicken fried rice recipe at home. Enjoy the magic of this special condiment in your japanese fried rice and more.

Preparing the Perfect Rice Base

Mastering fried rice, like hibachi fried rice or a classic Japanese rice dish, begins with the rice. To get that Benihana perfection, let’s explore the secrets of the perfect rice base.

Day-old rice is key for fluffy, distinct grains. Cook it the night before, then spread it out in a shallow container. Let it dry in the fridge overnight. This dries out the rice, making it perfect for stir-frying.

Before cooking, rinse the rice to remove starch. Use 1.5 cups of uncooked rice with 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon of water. After cooking, fluff the rice and spread it out to cool and dry in the fridge.

By following these steps, you’ll have the perfect rice for your hibachi fried rice or Japanese rice dish. The dry, separate grains will absorb flavors, making your fried rice a true masterpiece.

“The secret to great fried rice is using day-old rice. The drier the rice, the better it will fry up.”

Mastering the Protein: Chicken Preparation Techniques

To make your teriyaki chicken fried rice as good as Benihana’s, focus on how you prepare the chicken. Use these tips to make sure your chicken is the highlight of the dish.

Cutting and Seasoning Guidelines

Begin by cutting your chicken breasts into small, uniform cubes. This helps them cook evenly and soak up flavors better. Season the chicken well with salt and freshly ground hibachi-style cooking black pepper. Let the seasonings stick to the meat.

Cooking Temperature and Timing

• Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a few tablespoons of high-heat oil, like safflower or canola oil.
• When the oil starts shimmering, add the seasoned chicken cubes in a single layer. Work in batches if needed to prevent overcrowding.
• Sauté the chicken, stirring now and then, until it’s golden brown and fully cooked. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
• For an extra flavor boost, add a tablespoon of Benihana’s garlic butter to the chicken just before taking it off the heat.

By following these chicken preparation tips, you’ll be close to making the delicious teriyaki chicken fried rice that Benihana is famous for in hibachi-style cooking.

Vegetable Selection and Preparation

Creating the perfect Japanese fried rice or restaurant-style fried rice starts with the right vegetables. Benihana’s famous recipe uses diced carrots, sweet peas, and onions. These ingredients mix flavors and textures beautifully.

Frozen vegetable mixes are great for this dish. They offer a mix of fresh-tasting produce easily. Start by cooking the onions until they’re clear. Then, add the other veggies and cook until they’re tender.

For more nutrition, add broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini. These can make your dish even healthier.

Choosing and preparing these vibrant vegetables can make your Japanese fried rice or restaurant-style fried rice stand out. It becomes a dish that looks good and is full of nutrients and delicious flavors.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Want to make Benihana’s famous hibachi-style chicken fried rice at home? It’s simpler than you think. The secret is in the cooking method. Follow this step-by-step guide to make it just like Benihana’s.

Heat Management Tips

High heat is crucial for great hibachi fried rice. Make sure your wok or skillet is very hot before adding anything. This heat gives the dish its unique “wok hei” flavor.

Proper Stirring Techniques

• Constant stirring is key to evenly cooking all the ingredients and preventing sticking or burning.
• Use a spatula or wooden spoon to toss and fold the rice, vegetables, and protein together continuously.
• Be mindful of the order in which you add the ingredients, allowing each element to cook properly before incorporating the next.

Mastering high-heat cooking and stirring techniques will help you make Benihana’s hibachi fried rice at home. Enjoy the real flavors and the joy of making this dish yourself.

Seasoning Secrets and Flavor Enhancement

Improving your benihana chicken fried rice recipe is about finding the right balance. Soy sauce adds depth, but use it lightly to keep the flavors balanced. A small amount is key to getting that Benihana taste right.

Adding a drizzle of sesame oil is also crucial. Its nutty flavor is vital for authentic Japanese fried rice.

The secret ingredient is Benihana’s garlic butter. This butter makes every grain of rice taste amazing. Learning to make this butter is essential for Benihana’s famous fried rice at home.

1. Season the rice with a sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
2. Finish the dish by garnishing with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a pop of color and texture.

“The key to fried rice perfection is in the balance of flavors – a light touch of soy, the nutty essence of sesame, and the irresistible richness of garlic butter.”

By controlling the seasoning and using Benihana’s signature ingredients, you’ll get the true taste of their chicken fried rice recipe. Enjoy each bite as the flavors come together beautifully.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Enjoying chicken fried rice doesn’t have to stop when you’re done eating. You can enjoy the flavors of this copycat Benihana recipe for days. Just follow the right storage and reheating tips.

Best Practices for Leftovers

To keep your chicken fried rice fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat it again, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a bit of water or oil to keep it moist.

Make sure it heats up to a sizzling 140°F (60°C) before serving.

Freezing and Thawing Methods

• For longer storage, cool the copycat Benihana recipe completely before freezing. Use freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Properly sealed, the fried rice can be frozen for 3-4 months.
• When you’re ready to reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

With these easy storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy Benihana’s taste anytime. Enjoy the chicken fried rice masterpiece all week or save it for later.

Recipe Variations and Customization Options

Benihana’s teriyaki chicken fried rice is incredibly versatile. You can easily make it your own. Try new things and see what you like!

Want a seafood twist? Use shrimp or a mix of chicken and shrimp. For a healthier choice, pick brown rice. Add broccoli or bell peppers for color and crunch.

Vegetarians can make it meat-free by skipping the chicken and adding more veggies or tofu. Try beef or pork for a different protein. For a spicy touch, add sriracha or chili oil.

1. Substitute chicken with shrimp or a combination of both.
2. Use brown rice for a healthier option.
3. Add different vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers.
4. For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add extra vegetables or tofu.
5. Experiment with different proteins like beef or pork.
6. Adjust spice levels by adding sriracha or chili oil.

Customizing Benihana’s teriyaki chicken fried rice is fun. Let your creativity shine and find your own version. The only limit is your imagination!

Conclusion

Learning to make benihana chicken fried rice at home is a big win. It lets you enjoy this famous dish without the high cost of eating out. With the right ingredients and a little practice, you can make hibachi fried rice just like the pros. Try different flavors to make it your own and feel proud of your cooking skills.

Getting good at this dish means understanding hibachi cooking, making great garlic butter, and getting the rice just right. Follow the steps and use the right seasonings to get that Benihana taste. This recipe is perfect for when you want to impress friends or just enjoy a special meal at home.

Enjoy the thrill of making a dish that’s full of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and tasty veggies. It’s all mixed with Benihana’s famous garlic butter. When you share it with friends and family, you’ll see the smiles and hear the praise. It’s a true benihana chicken fried rice recipe experience.

FAQ

What makes Benihana’s chicken fried rice so unique?

Benihana’s chicken fried rice is special because of its hibachi cooking method. It also uses a garlic butter that makes the dish taste amazing.

What are the key ingredients for an authentic Benihana-style fried rice?

You’ll need cooked white rice, avocado or safflower oil, and onions. Garlic, cooked chicken, and frozen mixed vegetables are also key. Don’t forget eggs, soy sauce, sesame oil, butter, and green onions.

How do I make the signature Benihana garlic butter?

Mix softened butter, minced garlic, and a bit of light soy sauce. Stir well and chill until it’s firm. Use 2-3 tablespoons for each recipe.

What’s the secret to getting the perfect rice texture for this dish?

Use day-old cooked rice for the best texture. Rinse the rice to remove starch. Then, spread it out to cool and dry in the fridge.

How should I prepare the chicken for Benihana-style fried rice?

Cut the chicken into small cubes and season with salt and pepper. Cook in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat with oil until it’s golden and cooked, about 5-7 minutes.

What’s the best way to cook the vegetables for this recipe?

Start by sautéing the onions until they’re translucent. Then, add other vegetables like carrots, peas, broccoli, or bell peppers. Cook until they’re heated through.

What are the key tips for getting the fried rice texture and flavor right?

Cook over high heat and add ingredients in the right order. Stir constantly to avoid sticking. Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic butter lightly.

How can I store and reheat leftover Benihana-style fried rice?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a bit of water or oil. For freezing, cool completely and store in freezer bags for up to 3-4 months.

What are some variations I can try with this Benihana chicken fried rice recipe?

Try substituting chicken with shrimp or using brown rice for a healthier option. Add different vegetables or try beef or pork. Experiment to find your favorite combination.