If you’ve ever dined at Benihana, you know that their garlic butter is nothing short of legendary. That rich, savory, slightly tangy butter elevates every dish it touches—from sizzling steaks to fresh seafood and even vegetables. The good news? You can easily make this delicious Benihana garlic butter right at home with just a few simple ingredients and steps. Let’s dive into how to recreate that iconic flavor in your own kitchen!
What Is Benihana Garlic Butter?
Benihana garlic butter is a compound butter that combines roasted garlic, butter, soy sauce, lemon juice, and a touch of black pepper. It’s beloved for its deep umami flavor, creamy texture, and the perfect balance of savory and tangy notes. This butter is what gives Benihana’s dishes their signature taste and can transform any meal into a restaurant-quality experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make authentic-tasting Benihana garlic butter, gather these simple ingredients:
– Garlic bulbs (usually roasted for mellow, sweet flavor)
– Unsalted or lightly salted butter (softened to room temperature)
– Soy sauce (preferably low sodium for better salt control)
– Fresh lemon juice (adds brightness and tang)
– Freshly ground black pepper (for subtle heat and depth)
Typical proportions for a batch might be around 5 heads of garlic, 8 ounces of butter, 3 to 4 tablespoons of soy sauce, about 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and a splash of lemon juice.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Benihana Garlic Butter
1. Roast the Garlic
Start by roasting whole garlic bulbs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes. Roasting softens the garlic cloves and brings out a sweet, caramelized flavor that’s essential to the butter’s richness. Once roasted, let the garlic cool, then squeeze the cloves out of their skins and mash them into a smooth paste.
2. Soften the Butter
While the garlic roasts, take your butter out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature. Softened butter blends more easily and creates a smooth, creamy texture.
3. Combine Ingredients
In a bowl, add the mashed roasted garlic to the softened butter. Mix gently but thoroughly until fully combined. Then, gradually stir in the soy sauce and lemon juice. Add freshly ground black pepper last, adjusting the amount to your taste. Some recipes suggest folding the ingredients gently to maintain a fluffy consistency.
4. Adjust Seasoning and Store
Taste your garlic butter and add a pinch of salt if needed, especially if you used unsalted butter and low-sodium soy sauce. Transfer the finished butter to an airtight container and refrigerate. It’s ready to use immediately but flavors deepen after a few hours or overnight.
Tips for Perfect Benihana Garlic Butter
– Use roasted garlic: Raw garlic won’t give you the same mellow, rich flavor. Roasting is key to unlocking that sweet, buttery garlic taste.
– Butter choice matters: Unsalted or lightly salted butter lets you control the saltiness. Whipped butter can make mixing easier but softened regular butter works fine too.
– Soy sauce selection: Low-sodium soy sauce is best to avoid over-salting. Kikkoman brand is a popular choice for authenticity.
– Lemon juice adds brightness: Don’t skip it! The lemon juice cuts through the richness and adds a fresh zing.
– Black pepper for subtle heat: Freshly ground black pepper is preferred over pre-ground for better aroma and flavor.
How to Use Benihana Garlic Butter
This garlic butter is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:
– Spread on warm bread or garlic bread for an irresistible appetizer.
– Melt over steaks, seafood, or grilled chicken to add a burst of flavor.
– Toss with steamed or roasted vegetables for a savory finish.
– Stir into fried rice or noodles for a rich, umami-packed dish.
– Use as a finishing butter on baked potatoes or corn on the cob.
Why Make Benihana Garlic Butter at Home?
Making this garlic butter yourself means you can enjoy the iconic Benihana flavor anytime without dining out. It’s budget-friendly, customizable, and a fun way to impress family and friends. Plus, homemade garlic butter tastes fresher and more vibrant than store-bought versions.
Benihana garlic butter is a simple yet magical condiment that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen. With roasted garlic, butter, soy sauce, lemon juice, and black pepper, you can whip up this savory spread in under an hour and elevate your meals instantly. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without it!