Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe – Easy Copycat

Walking into Benihana, the famous Japanese steakhouse, brings back memories. You think of sizzling teppanyaki grills and skilled chefs. And, of course, the delicious smell of their chicken fried rice.

This dish is a favorite for many who visit Benihana. But, what if you could make it at home? This easy recipe lets you bring Benihana’s magic to your kitchen.

The Secret Behind Benihana’s Famous Fried Rice

History of Benihana’s Signature Dish

Benihana’s chicken fried rice is a favorite, but it has a long history. The dish started in 1964 in New York City. Over time, it became a key part of Benihana’s menu.

What Makes It Special

The secret to Benihana’s fried rice is its garlic butter. This special ingredient makes the dish stand out. The teppanyaki cooking style, where chefs cook in front of guests, adds to the dish’s charm.

For the best fried rice, use day-old jasmine or medium-grain rice. The garlic butter mix includes butter, garlic, soy sauce, and lemon juice. You can add chicken, shrimp, tofu, carrots, onions, and green onions too.

“The garlic soy butter adds an extra dimension of flavor to the fried rice, making it truly unique.”

Seasonings like soy sauce, garlic butter, and sesame oil are crucial. Cold, dry rice is essential for crispiness. Avoid too much soy sauce to keep the rice from being too salty.

Benihana’s fried rice can be made vegetarian or vegan. Use tofu or other plant-based proteins. It’s a dish that everyone loves.

Essential Ingredients for Authentic Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

To make the famous Benihana chicken fried rice, you need the right ingredients. Day-old white rice is key for the perfect texture. Avocado or vegetable oil helps the rice get crispy.

Diced onions, minced garlic, and cubed chicken add flavor. Black pepper gives it a hint of heat. Frozen mixed veggies like peas, carrots, and corn add color and crunch.

Beaten eggs help everything stick together. Soy sauce and toasted sesame oil bring the Benihana taste. A bit of butter makes it richer. Green onions on top add a fresh touch.

With these ingredients, you can make a dish just like Benihana. It’s a chicken fried rice with egg or chicken fried rice with vegetables that tastes amazing.

The Importance of Day-Old Rice in Japanese Fried Rice

Authentic Japanese fried rice, like japanese restaurant chicken fried rice and authentic japanese chicken fried rice, needs day-old rice. Fresh, hot rice turns mushy and clumps when fried. This makes the dish less than perfect.

Proper Rice Preparation Methods

To get the best fried rice, cook the rice a day ahead. Cook it like you normally do, then spread it out thinly on a baking sheet or large plate. Let it dry out in the fridge overnight.

Why Fresh Rice Doesn’t Work Well

Fresh rice has too much moisture. When you fry it, the grains stick together, making a gloopy mess. Drying the rice overnight helps it separate better, leading to fluffy, distinct grains.

Using day-old rice gives you the fluffy, separate grains that make japanese restaurant chicken fried rice and authentic japanese chicken fried rice stand out. This simple trick is the secret to making restaurant-quality fried rice at home.

Benihana’s Special Garlic Butter Technique

The secret to Benihana’s famous hibachi-style chicken fried rice is a mix of heat, skill, and top-notch ingredients. A key part of this dish is Benihana’s special garlic butter. This flavorful mix makes the dish taste better and feel richer.

Benihana’s garlic butter is made with simple yet effective ingredients. Chefs mix softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, and a bit of light soy sauce. The butter makes it creamy, the garlic adds a strong aroma, and the soy sauce brings a savory taste.

When cooking, this garlic butter is added to the benihana restaurant copycat recipe. It coats the rice and other ingredients. This creates a harmonious fusion of flavors. The garlic butter blends perfectly with the other ingredients, making the dish unforgettable.

Learning Benihana’s garlic butter technique is key to making their hibachi-style chicken fried rice at home. By adding this simple yet powerful step, you can make your fried rice taste like Benihana’s. Enjoy a taste of Benihana in your own kitchen.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Hibachi-Style Rice

Ready to make the delicious hibachi-style chicken fried rice like Benihana’s? Follow these easy steps to make a dish that tastes like it came from a restaurant. Let’s begin!

Preparing the Vegetables

Start by cooking diced onions and carrots in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Cook them until they’re golden brown, about 5 minutes. Then, add sliced green onions and cook for another minute, stirring often.

Cooking the Chicken

While the veggies cook, season your benihana chicken fried rice recipe with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken in a separate pan until it’s fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. For extra taste, toss the chicken in garlic butter during the last minute.

Final Assembly Process

In the same skillet as the veggies, make a well in the center. Crack a few eggs into it and scramble them gently. Then, mix the eggs into the veggies. Add the cooked rice, a bit of oil, and a tablespoon of garlic butter. Toss everything together until it’s well mixed.

Next, add the cooked chicken, soy sauce, and more salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Your hibachi-style chicken fried rice is now ready to serve!

With these easy steps, you can make Benihana’s flavors at home. Enjoy your homemade benihana chicken fried rice recipe with family and friends for a real Japanese steakhouse taste.

Tips for Achieving Restaurant-Quality Results at Home

Making Benihana chicken fried rice at home is easier than you think. A few simple tips can help you get that restaurant taste and texture. The secret is in the preparation of the fried rice.

Start with cold, day-old rice for the best results. Day-old rice is drier and firmer, which makes it fry up perfectly. Avoid sogginess by using it. Also, rinse the rice to remove excess starch, which can make it gluey.

Don’t overdo the soy sauce when seasoning. A little soy sauce adds depth without making it too salty. Stick to basic ingredients and avoid too many flavors. Chicken, vegetables, and a few seasonings are usually the best mix.

1. Use oils like safflower or canola for frying. They handle high heat well, giving you that Benihana char and smoky flavor.
2. Stir-fry at high heat to get the right texture. This prevents the rice from becoming mushy.
3. Don’t overcrowd your wok. Cook in batches to ensure even cooking and flavor.

By following these tips, you’ll master the benihana restaurant copycat recipe. You’ll make an authentic japanese chicken fried rice that will impress your guests. They’ll think you’re a hibachi master.

“The secret to making the perfect Benihana fried rice at home is all about the rice preparation and cooking technique. Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to recreating that signature Benihana flavor in your own kitchen.”

Essential Kitchen Equipment and Tools

To make the perfect hibachi-style chicken fried rice or japanese restaurant chicken fried rice at home, you need the right tools. The right equipment is key to getting that special flavor and texture.

Recommended Wok Options

A wok or a large, deep frying pan is best for fried rice. Its round shape helps distribute heat evenly and makes tossing ingredients easy. Carbon steel woks are top picks because they heat up fast and brown well.

Non-stick pans can work too, but they might not sear and caramelize like a wok does.

Heat Source Considerations

High heat is essential for making hibachi-style chicken fried rice or japanese restaurant chicken fried rice at home. Make sure your stove or cooktop can get hot enough. This heat is needed to quickly sear ingredients and dry out excess moisture.

Gas burners are better than electric because they control temperature better and get hotter.

With the right wok and heat source, you’ll be on your way to making great hibachi-style chicken fried rice or japanese restaurant chicken fried rice at home.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Storing and reheating your leftover benihana chicken fried rice recipe right is key. It keeps the rice fresh and tasty. Here are some easy tips to keep your fried rice perfect.

Storing Leftover Fried Rice

After you’ve had your chicken fried rice with vegetables, put leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. This stops the rice from drying out or picking up bad smells. You can keep it for up to 3 days this way.

Never let cooked rice sit out. It can grow bacteria and be unsafe to eat. Always put it in the fridge right after you cook it.

Reheating Fried Rice

To reheat your leftover fried rice, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a bit of water or oil to keep the rice moist. Stir it often until it’s hot all the way through, making sure it’s at least 140°F (60°C).

You can also reheat it in the microwave. Put the rice in a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely, and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until it’s warm.

Freezing Fried Rice

To store it longer, freeze your leftover benihana chicken fried rice recipe. Put the rice in an airtight container or freezer bag, squeezing out air. You can freeze it for up to 4 months.

When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the frozen rice in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it as you would fresh rice.

By following these easy tips, you can enjoy Benihana’s famous fried rice at home, even with leftovers. Enjoy every bite of your homemade chicken fried rice with vegetables whenever you want.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Fried Rice

Making authentic japanese chicken fried rice or hibachi-style chicken fried rice at home is a fun challenge. But, there are mistakes to avoid for top-notch results.

Don’t use freshly cooked rice. It gets mushy and sticky. Day-old rice is best for the right texture.

Also, don’t overcrowd the pan. Too many ingredients can steam instead of fry. Cook in batches for the best results.

Be careful with soy sauce. Too much makes it too salty. Start with a little and add more if needed.

Lastly, prep all your ingredients before cooking. The authentic japanese chicken fried rice or hibachi-style chicken fried rice cooking is fast. Being ready helps a lot.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll get better at making authentic japanese chicken fried rice or hibachi-style chicken fried rice at home.

“The key to great fried rice is using the right technique and high-quality ingredients. With a little practice, you can achieve restaurant-worthy results at home.”

Variations and Customization Options

Benihana’s chicken fried rice is famous for its endless customization options. You can try different proteins and vegetables to make it your own. This way, you can enjoy a unique twist on this classic dish.

Protein Substitutions

While chicken fried rice is loved by many, you can try other proteins too. Shrimp or beef can add a new texture and taste. For a veggie option, tofu is a great choice. It soaks up the flavors and is a good plant-based protein.

Vegetable Combinations

Adding fresh veggies can make your chicken fried rice healthier and tastier. Try broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra color and crunch. You can also use brown rice for a healthier version of this Japanese dish.

Remember, you can adjust the seasonings to your liking. This makes fried rice a dish you can truly customize to your taste.

“Experimenting with different ingredients is the key to creating your own signature fried rice masterpiece.”

Conclusion

This Benihana chicken fried rice recipe lets you make Japanese restaurant chicken fried rice at home. Follow the tips and techniques to make a tasty, authentic hibachi-style dish. With practice, you can make it your own while keeping Benihana’s flavor.

The secret to great Benihana chicken fried rice is in the ingredients and how you prepare them. Choose the right rice and seasonings, and use the right cooking methods. This way, you can make a dish that tastes just like Benihana’s.

If you love Benihana or just enjoy a good fried rice, try this recipe. It’s full of veggies, proteins, and special seasonings. You can make it your own at home. Try different things and enjoy the yummy results of your cooking.