👨‍🍳 Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe | Cook Like a Chef

Ever thought about making Benihana’s famous chicken fried rice at home? This guide will show you how. With a Benihana fried rice copycat recipe, you can turn your kitchen into a five-star restaurant. You’ll learn all the secrets, from special techniques to the key ingredients you need.

Key Takeaways

• Learn how to replicate the authentic Benihana chicken fried rice recipe at home.
• Discover the essential ingredients and cooking techniques used by Benihana chefs.
• Understand the importance of using day-old rice to achieve the perfect texture.
• Find out how to make a delicious garlic butter that elevates your dish.
• Get tips on creating a restaurant-like experience in your own kitchen.
• Explore the option of using gluten-free soy sauce for dietary preferences.

Introduction to Benihana Chicken Fried Rice

Picture the excitement of a teppanyaki grill, with its sizzling delights and alluring smells. You’re about to learn how to make Benihana chicken fried rice. Get ready for a cooking journey that brings the famous restaurant dish into your home.

Benihana is a leader in teppanyaki dining, loved by people worldwide. It’s all about the unique experience of having your meal cooked right in front of you. This creates a fun and memorable time for all.

To begin, the top Benihana chicken fried rice recipe includes key items. You’ll need chicken, rice or cauliflower rice, eggs, and various fresh veggies. Choose from carrots, onions, scallions, and maybe even zucchini or mushrooms. Don’t forget coconut aminos or soy sauce, which adds the perfect flavor.

Benihana likes using safflower oil for its cooking, showing a preference for better oil choices. They also include garlic butter for a rich flavor. This rice dish is tasty and nutritious. It offers 370 calories and covers 26% of your daily protein needs in one serving.

Ingredients for Authentic Benihana Chicken Fried Rice

Authentic Benihana chicken fried rice ingredients are carefully chosen and prepared. This makes a dish that tastes just like in the restaurant, at home. Every element is key to the rich and satisfying flavor.

Main Ingredients

• 1.5 cups of rice
• 1 cup of frozen carrot & pea combo
• 1 medium chopped onion
• 3 cloves of minced garlic
• 1 lb of chicken tenders cut into bite-sized pieces, seasoned with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp ground pepper
• 1/2 cup of softened butter
• 3 tsp of light soy sauce
• 1 tsp of neutral oil
• 1 tbsp of garlic butter (optional)

Optional Add-ons

• 1 zucchini
• 8oz mushrooms
• 1/4 cup corn
• 1 cup peas
• 2 tsp ginger
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1.5 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp water

Substitute Options

For those who need changes or have diets to meet, there are options for Benihana chicken fried rice ingredients:

• Sunflower oil or safflower oil for sautéing instead of neutral oil.
• Vegan butter can replace regular butter for dairy-free people.
• Use gluten-free soy sauce for those avoiding gluten.
• To keep it authentic with a difference, try using Botan rice, found at HEB and Kroger supermarkets.

It’s also good to plan ahead. For example, leaving cooked rice uncovered in the fridge overnight helps it dry. This is perfect for fried rice because it keeps the right texture.

Preparation Tips for Perfect Benihana Fried Rice

To make Benihana chicken fried rice taste great, it’s key to follow certain steps. This includes pre-cooking the rice and marinating the chicken. Each step plays a big part in getting that true Benihana flavor just right.

Pre-Cooking the Rice

Cooking the rice early is crucial for Benihana chicken fried rice. Basmati rice adds a nice smell to your dish. It’s best to cook the rice the day before and let it cool. This step helps the rice get the perfect texture for frying. Spread it out thinly in a pan to cool faster.

Chopping and Prepping Vegetables

Chopping veggies right is very important. Chop onions small, slice onions thin, and dice carrots. This makes sure all flavors mix evenly. Keep all your ingredients ready before cooking to keep up the high heat needed for fast cooking.

Marinating the Chicken

Marinating the chicken is a must for great Benihana chicken fried rice. Flavor the chicken with soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Adding garlic butter to the marinade makes the chicken really flavorful. This step helps every bit of chicken taste delicious.

Doing these steps just right ensures your Benihana chicken fried rice is top-notch. It’s the little things in pre-cooking, chopping, and marinating that matter most.

Cooking Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Step-by-Step

To make Benihana style chicken fried rice, you need to follow each step with care. We’ll show you how to get that perfect restaurant taste right at home. This will help you make a delicious meal that everyone will love.

Cooking the Chicken

First, heat some sesame oil in a big wok. Then, toss in the chicken cubes and season them with salt and black pepper. Cook the chicken until it’s a beautiful golden color and cooked all the way through. Make sure you keep the pieces spread out for even cooking.

Scrambling the Eggs

Take the cooked chicken out of the wok and save it for later. If the wok looks dry, pour in a little more oil and crack the eggs in. Scramble them until they’re slightly golden, this step makes the taste even better.

Combining Components

Now, it’s time to add more to the wok. Toss in onions, carrots, and scallions and cook until they’re soft. Then, put the chicken back in along with soy sauce and garlic butter. Add in the rice you cooked the day before. Mix everything well so the rice soaks up all the flavors. Don’t forget to stir often to mix it all evenly.

Follow these steps for a tasty Benihana chicken fried rice at home. You can also add spices like garlic powder, ginger, or red pepper flakes. Keep any leftovers in the fridge in a sealed container for 3-4 days. Just heat it up again before eating.

How to Make Garlic Butter for Benihana Fried Rice

The secret to Benihana chicken fried rice’s great taste is its garlic butter. This homemade butter is full of flavor. It gives the dish the real taste fans love.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter

• 8 ounces of sweet whipped butter
• 2 cloves of garlic (use less for a lighter garlic flavor)
• 4 tablespoons of soy sauce (low sodium options available)
• ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon of lemon juice
• Optional: Use garlic paste, garlic powder, or granulated garlic to extend shelf life

Steps to Prepare Garlic Butter

1. Start by softening 8 ounces of sweet whipped butter.
2. Mince 2 cloves of garlic finely, or squash them into a paste.
3. Put the softened butter, garlic, black pepper, and lemon juice in a bowl.
4. Slowly mix in the soy sauce until smooth.
5. Mix everything well to make garlic butter.
6. To prepare ahead, keep the garlic butter in the fridge for 2 weeks. Or freeze it for 3 months.

Tips for Using Gluten-Free Soy Sauce

Selecting the right gluten-free soy sauce is key when making fried rice. Traditional soy sauce has wheat, making it a no-go for those avoiding gluten. Yet, gluten-free variations offer the same umami flavor to your dishes.

1. Flavor Balance: Using gluten-free soy sauce in your fried rice can still create rich flavors. It’s important to mix it well with other ingredients.
2. Quality Selection: Choose top brands like Kikkoman or San-J for the best results. These kinds maintain the authentic taste you’re looking for.
3. Consistency: Gluten-free soy sauce might not be the same as regular. You may need to tweak your recipe, especially with the amount of liquid seasoning.

Consider these points to make your gluten-free soy sauce better for you:

Using this sauce lets everyone enjoy fried rice, even those with gluten allergies. It’s perfect for dishes like hibachi-style fried rice or the ones with white onions, carrots, peas, and eggs. A great gluten-free soy sauce will take your meal to the next level.

Why Using Day-Old Rice is Essential

To make your Benihana chicken fried rice just right, it’s key to cook it one day before. When rice is freshly made, it has too much water. This makes it soft and sticky. By using rice made a day earlier, you avoid this problem.

By putting the rice in the fridge, it loses moisture and becomes perfect for fried rice. The rice becomes dry, but still each grain is its own. This means when you cook it with flavors and sauces, they stick better. The result? A dish that’s not sticky but full of flavor.

For the best results, use long grain rice such as jasmine or basmati. They are not as sticky because they have less starch. But remember, no matter the type, it must be from the day before.

• Enhanced Absorption: Day-old rice absorbs seasonings and sauces better.
• Non-Clumpy: Each grain stays separate, ensuring a fluffy texture.
• Optimal Moisture: The reduction in moisture prevents a mushy outcome.

In conclusion, cooking your rice a day early for fried rice is a smart move. It helps the rice soak up flavors well and keeps the dish from getting mushy. This makes your own stir-fry taste as good as the one at Benihana.

Creating a Restaurant-Like Experience at Home

Turn your kitchen into a stage for a Benihana-like experience at home. Learn how to set up your space and do teppanyaki techniques. This will make your dining time special.

Setting Up Your Cooking Space

To make a Benihana experience at home, organize your space well. Have all you need close by. You’ll want a cast iron skillet, griddle, wok, or pan. This lets you cook easily and makes it fun like at a teppanyaki place.

Imitating Teppanyaki Techniques

Act like a teppanyaki chef to add fun to your Benihana experience at home. Use spatulas with skill. Try simple moves like flipping shrimp or creating an onion volcano. Your audience will love it. Whether it’s hibachi chicken, shrimp, or steak, these tricks will make your meal special.

By mastering these skills and tips, you can create a Benihana-like experience at home. Your guests will enjoy the taste and the fun show.

Essential Equipment for Making Benihana Fried Rice

Making Benihana Chicken Fried Rice at home needs the proper tools. Just like cooking on a teppanyaki grill, the right equipment for Benihana fried rice matters a lot. You first need a good carbon steel wok. It keeps the heat well for even cooking and a great texture.

If you can’t find a carbon steel wok, a large skillet or a cast iron pan works too. A Dutch oven is another option. Don’t forget a strong spatula for mixing your rice. You might also want a rice cooker, but cooking rice on the stove is fine too.

Use special oils like toasted sesame oil and avocado oil to season your rice. These oils give it a deep, smoky flavor. Adding frozen peas, carrots, and scrambled eggs gives your dish more protein and color.

For a more authentic touch, a big griddle is great for hibachi-style cooking. In a restaurant setting, they use large griddles with lots of power. A big foreman grill or a good outdoor grill can work at home. Use sauces like soy, oyster, or fish sauce for real flavors, making sure to meet any diet needs.

For leftovers, keep cooked rice in the fridge for five days or freeze it for three months. You can make hibachi fried rice without a wok. Just use a large skillet, griddle, or grill. This way, you can still enjoy restaurant-quality food at home.

For more advice, visit this hibachi fried rice recipe. With the right equipment for Benihana fried rice, you’ll get delicious flavors and a texture that everyone will love. Your family and friends will be truly impressed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making your Benihana Chicken Fried Rice perfect means paying close attention to detail and key techniques. By avoiding these common mistakes, you get a restaurant-quality dish right at your home. This way, you’ll enjoy a delicious meal without the need to order out.

Overcooking the Rice

If you want to make great fried rice, it’s important not to overcook the rice. Each grain should keep its texture. Mushy rice doesn’t give the right fried rice feel.

To make sure each grain is separate and firm, cook the rice well. Then, let it dry. This simple step makes a big difference.

When frying rice, ensure it’s spread out in the pan. Avoid piling it up. Spreading it helps fry the rice and not just steam it.

Use safflower oil to prevent the rice from getting oily. This oil’s mild taste is perfect for fried rice.

Using Freshly Cooked Rice

The key to great fried rice is using rice that’s a day old. Freshly cooked rice is too wet and sticky. This makes the dish clumpy. So, cook the rice the day before and put it in the fridge.

Do this, and the rice will be nice and firm, just how you want it.

Hibachi garlic butter and caramelizing soy sauce make your dish even better. They add authentic flavors. By avoiding simple mistakes and following tips, making Benihana Chicken Fried Rice at home is easy. Enjoy it just like in the restaurant.

Serving Suggestions for Benihana Chicken Fried Rice

Turning your Benihana chicken fried rice into a fancy meal is easy. Just choose the right side dishes and present it nicely. This boosts how special the meal feels.

Complementary Dishes

The perfect match for Benihana chicken fried rice is hibachi steak or a tasty salad. The steak’s meaty taste with mustard sauce is a hit. A salad with vibrant greens also works well. It balances the rich taste of the fried rice. Find more tips at hibachi chicken suggestions.

Presentation Tips

How you present food makes a big difference. Try sprinkling sesame seeds and green onions on the dish. It adds a bit of class and flavor.

Use a shallow, wide bowl for the rice. It shows off the meal’s beautiful colors. Arranging the food neatly matters too. Placing the chicken pieces on top looks great. You can learn more about this from this Benihana chicken fried rice recipe.

Adding veggies like sautéed carrots and zucchini boosts the look and taste of your meal. This makes it more nutritious and tasty. Following these tips guarantees a fantastic meal. For extra advice, check out other Benihana chicken fried rice ideas.

Health Benefits of Homemade Benihana Chicken Fried Rice

Making your own Benihana Chicken Fried Rice at home brings lots of health bonuses. You get to pick which ingredients to use. This means you can make it much healthier than what you’d get at a restaurant.

Control over Ingredients

Making Benihana Chicken Fried Rice at home lets you control what goes into it. Use fresh veggies and choose lean chicken. Add extra veggies if you like or try it without meat for vegetarian diets. You can also go easy on carbs if needed.

Lower Sodium Options

With homemade Benihana Chicken Fried Rice, you can cut down on salt. Just pick low-sodium soy sauce and skip the extra salt. This is great for anyone watching their salt, especially if they have high blood pressure.

You can make your fried rice healthier by making smart swaps. Use oils that are better for your heart and choose brown rice for more fiber. Healthy homemade fried rice is all about the right choices in ingredients and how much you eat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have queries about Benihana Chicken Fried Rice? We’ve got you! Below are answers to common questions on making this tasty dish.

What makes Benihana Chicken Fried Rice so special?

Benihana’s recipe mixes savory and sweet tastes with fresh veggies and a special sauce. This combo has won hearts worldwide.

How long does it take to make Benihana Chicken Fried Rice?

It’s ready in about 35 minutes. Here’s the time it takes to make each part:

• Hibachi chicken cooking time: 6-8 minutes
• Hibachi vegetables cooking time: 6-8 minutes
• Hibachi fried rice cooking time: 5 minutes
• Cooking bean sprouts: 1-2 minutes
• Sauté onions for fried rice: 3-4 minutes
• Sauté bean sprouts for fried rice: 1-2 minutes

Can I make Benihana Fried Rice at home?

Definitely! You can whip up this flavorful rice at home in no time. You’ll need some basic ingredients and about says co it.

Is it necessary to use day-old rice?

Using rice from the day before is best. It’s drier and doesn’t clump like freshly made rice.

What can I add to my Benihana Fried Rice for variety?

You can mix it up with different rice types, meats, veggies, and seasonings. You could even try adding fruits or toppings.

Are there health benefits to making Benihana Fried Rice at home?

Making it at home lets you pick the ingredients. This means you can make it healthier with less salt and more nutrient-rich add-ins.

What’s the story behind Benihana’s popularity?

Rocky Aoki started Benihana in 1964, which won over Americans in Japan after the war. They loved the unique food and dining experience.

Have any famous personalities mentioned Benihana Fried Rice?

Indeed. Donald Trump Jr. shared a photo on Instagram of fried rice writing “I <3 U,” showing how popular it is.

Conclusion

Making Benihana chicken fried rice at home is more than cooking. It’s about bringing an iconic dining experience to your table. Benihana has been a favorite for nearly 60 years, wowing people worldwide. It mixes great taste with a fun show while cooking.

When you make Benihana teriyaki chicken, you get a dish full of flavor and good stuff. It has 690 calories, 41 grams of protein, plus lots of nutrients. You need to be careful with the steps, like cooking the rice just right and adding eggs well. Then there’s the tasty teriyaki sauce made from soy sauce, sake, and mirin. It’s all about getting the flavors to blend just perfectly.

Sharing this dish with loved ones is the best part. You give them a taste of Benihana’s famous flavors at home. Use the advice in this guide, like setting up your cooking area to be more like a restaurant. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be a master at making Benihana chicken fried rice. You’ll create a dinner that everyone will remember.