If you love the buttery, savory, and slightly crispy fried rice served at Benihana, you’re in for a treat! Making Benihana fried rice at home is easier than you think, and with the right ingredients and technique, you can recreate that iconic flavor and texture in your own kitchen. Let’s dive into how to make Benihana fried rice step-by-step, with tips to get it just right.
What Makes Benihana Fried Rice So Special?
Benihana’s fried rice is famous for its rich, buttery flavor combined with a perfect balance of soy sauce, garlic, and fresh vegetables. The secret lies in the use of garlic butter, day-old rice, and a high-heat cooking method that crisps the rice just enough without burning it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make authentic Benihana fried rice, gather these ingredients:
– 4 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old and chilled)
– 4 eggs
– 1 chicken breast or thighs, diced (optional for chicken fried rice)
– 4 tablespoons soy sauce, divided
– 4 tablespoons butter, divided
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, diced small
– 1/2 yellow onion, diced small
– 4 scallions, sliced
– 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
– 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
– 4 teaspoons avocado oil or vegetable oil
Vegan option: Substitute mushrooms for chicken and sesame oil for butter.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Benihana Fried Rice
1. Prepare Your Rice
Cook jasmine rice according to package instructions and let it cool completely. For best results, cook the rice a day ahead and refrigerate it overnight. This helps the grains dry out slightly, preventing clumping and ensuring each grain fries evenly.
2. Scramble the Eggs
Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a wok or large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Whisk the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper, then scramble them quickly until just cooked. Remove the eggs from the pan and set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken (Optional)
Add the remaining 2 teaspoons of oil to the pan. Stir-fry the diced chicken with a sprinkle of salt and pepper until nearly cooked through, about 2 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and stir to coat the chicken evenly.
4. Sauté the Vegetables and Garlic Butter
Add the diced carrot, onion, and minced garlic to the pan along with 2 tablespoons of butter. Cook until the onions become translucent and the vegetables soften, about 3 minutes. This step infuses the dish with the signature buttery garlic flavor.
5. Combine Rice and Seasonings
Add the chilled rice, remaining 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, sesame seeds, black pepper, and salt. Stir-fry everything together for about 2 minutes, making sure the rice is evenly coated and heated through.
6. Crisp the Rice with Butter
Make a well in the center of the rice and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt and allow the rice to fry undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to develop crispy, buttery bits. Stir and toss the rice a couple of times to distribute the crispiness evenly.
7. Finish with Eggs and Scallions
Return the scrambled eggs to the pan, breaking them into smaller pieces as you mix them through the rice. Finally, add the sliced scallions and toss everything together for another minute. Your Benihana fried rice is ready to serve!
Tips for Perfect Benihana Fried Rice
– Use day-old rice: Freshly cooked rice is too moist and can become mushy. Chilled, day-old rice fries better and separates easily.
– High heat is key: Cooking on medium-high heat helps to get that slightly crispy texture and deep flavor.
– Don’t overcrowd the pan: Stir-fry in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
– Butter and garlic: The combination of butter and garlic is what gives Benihana fried rice its rich, savory aroma and taste.
– Add sesame seeds: They add a subtle nutty flavor and texture that rounds out the dish.
Why Make Benihana Fried Rice at Home?
Making Benihana fried rice at home lets you enjoy restaurant-quality flavor without the wait or expense. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite proteins or keep it vegetarian. It’s a great way to impress family and friends with a delicious, satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor and texture.
Benihana fried rice is a perfect blend of buttery richness, savory soy, and fresh vegetables with a hint of crispiness that keeps you coming back for more. Now that you know how to make it, why not give it a try tonight? Your taste buds will thank you!