Want to make Benihana chicken fried rice at home? Now you can with this authentic recipe. The secret is Benihana’s garlic butter. It brings the Benihana taste to your dinner.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Discover the secret to Benihana’s famous fried rice recipe
- Learn the proper techniques for preparing and cooking the rice
- Understand the importance of the signature garlic butter in the dish
- Explore essential cooking equipment and ingredients for authentic flavor
- Maximize storage and reheating methods to enjoy leftovers
The Secret Behind Benihana’s Famous Fried Rice
Benihana’s fried rice has won over many with its tasty mix of flavors and perfect texture. The secret to this dish is the restaurant’s focus on detail and special ingredients and techniques.
Understanding the Signature Garlic Butter
The heart of Benihana’s fried rice is its signature garlic butter. It’s made from softened butter, minced garlic, and a bit of light soy sauce. This mix adds a rich, aromatic flavor that makes the dish stand out.
The Importance of Rice Quality and Preparation
Benihana uses top-quality, day-old rice for its fried rice. This rice is slightly dry, making it perfect for soaking up flavors. The way the rice is prepared is key to getting that authentic Benihana taste.
Essential Cooking Equipment
To make Benihana-style fried rice at home, you need the right tools. A big, non-stick skillet or wok is crucial for stir-frying. It ensures even heat and prevents sticking. The high heat of a wok or skillet gives the rice its signature seared flavor.
Learning the secrets of Benihana’s fried rice lets home cooks make a delicious version of this favorite dish.
Key Ingredients for Authentic Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
To make perfect Benihana-style chicken fried rice at home, you need the right ingredients. This includes garlic butter and high-quality white rice. Each part is important for the Benihana taste.
The base of this dish is cooked white rice, best if it’s a day old. It gives the right texture and soaks up the sauce well. You’ll also need avocado or vegetable oil for frying. Plus, diced onion and minced garlic add a great smell.
The protein is cooked cubed chicken, seasoned with salt and black pepper. Frozen mixed vegetables like carrots, peas, and corn add color and crunch. Beaten eggs and soy sauce or tamari give the fried rice its unique flavor.
To make the Benihana garlic butter, you’ll need softened butter, light soy sauce, and grated garlic cloves. A sprinkle of toasted sesame oil and sliced green onions as a garnish finish this hibachi-style fried rice recipe.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked white rice (preferably day-old) | 3 cups |
| Avocado or vegetable oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Diced onion | 1 cup |
| Minced garlic | 3 cloves |
| Cooked cubed chicken | 1 pound |
| Salt and black pepper | to taste |
| Frozen mixed vegetables | 1 cup |
| Beaten eggs | 4 large |
| Soy sauce or tamari | 2 tablespoons |
| Toasted sesame oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Sliced green onions | 1/2 cup |
| Butter (for garlic butter) | 4 tablespoons |
| Light soy sauce (for garlic butter) | 1 tablespoon |
| Grated garlic (for garlic butter) | 2 cloves |
With these ingredients, you can make the authentic Benihana chicken fried rice at home.
The Perfect Rice Preparation Method
To make authentic Benihana fried rice at home, the rice preparation is key. By following the right steps, you can get the signature texture and flavor of Benihana’s fried rice.
Day-Old Rice Technique
The secret to Benihana’s fried rice is using day-old rice. Cook the rice the night before and leave it uncovered in the fridge overnight. This makes the rice dry out, preventing it from becoming clumpy or sticky during frying.
The dehydrated rice grains will stay separate and fluffy. This is just like the fried rice you’d find at Benihana restaurants.
Proper Rice Washing and Cooking Steps
Before cooking the rice, wash it well under running water. This removes excess starch, which can make the rice mushy. Cook the rice with a pinch of salt to add flavor.
Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and spread it out in a shallow container or large baking dish. Then, refrigerate it overnight.
Cooling and Storage Process
Letting the cooked rice cool and dehydrate overnight is key. The chilled, dried-out rice grains will fry up beautifully. They will keep their individual texture and prevent clumping.
Alternatively, you can use leftover takeout white rice for a convenient option.
“The secret to Benihana’s fried rice is using day-old rice. Cook the rice the night before and leave it uncovered in the refrigerator overnight.”
Making Benihana’s Signature Garlic Butter
The secret to making Benihana-style dishes at home is the garlic butter. This simple yet tasty condiment is key to getting the Benihana taste in your fried rice.
To make Benihana’s signature garlic butter, you need just a few things:
- Softened butter – 1/2 cup
- Light soy sauce – 3 teaspoons
- Grated garlic – 3 cloves
First, mix softened butter, light soy sauce, and grated garlic in a bowl. Stir until everything is well mixed. Then, put the garlic butter in a container and chill it for 30 minutes to an hour.
This garlic butter is essential for the Benihana garlic butter taste. You can use it to coat chicken or mix it into hibachi fried rice for more flavor. It’s a versatile condiment that opens up many cooking possibilities.
“The secret to Benihana’s iconic fried rice lies in their signature garlic butter – a must-have for any home chef looking to recreate the Benihana experience.”
With this garlic butter recipe, you’re closer to making Benihana-style fried rice at home. Try different ways to use this flavorful condiment in your cooking. Enjoy the authentic Benihana taste in your kitchen.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Make your meals special with this benihana chicken fried rice recipe. It’s inspired by the famous Japanese-American restaurant chain. It uses fresh ingredients and hibachi-style cooking for a delicious taste. Follow these steps to make Benihana magic in your kitchen.
Protein and Vegetable Preparation
Start by seasoning 1 pound of chicken tenders with salt and pepper. Cut the chicken into small pieces and set it aside. Then, sauté 1 cup of frozen carrot and pea combo in oil until tender.
Rice Frying Technique
The key to great benihana chicken fried rice is the rice. Use 1.5 cups of day-old rice for the best texture. Heat oil and garlic butter in a large wok or skillet. Fry the rice, stirring constantly, until it’s lightly toasted.
Final Seasoning and Assembly
Add sautéed vegetables, chicken, and 2 scrambled eggs to the fried rice. Season with soy sauce, black pepper, and more garlic butter. Toss everything together for 1-2 minutes to mix well.
To serve, top the benihana chicken fried rice with green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy this tasty, hibachi-style dish from your kitchen.
Storage Tips and Leftover Management
Storing leftover fried rice right is key for keeping it safe and tasty. Whether you made it at home or got it from a restaurant, these tips will help. They ensure your fried rice stays fresh and flavorful.
Refrigerator Storage
Put leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge. This stops the rice from drying out or picking up bad tastes. You can store it for 3-4 days.
Reheating Fried Rice
To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a bit of water or oil to keep the rice moist. Heat it until it’s at least 140°F (60°C) for safety.
Freezing Fried Rice
Freezing is great for longer storage. Cool the rice first, then put it in an airtight container or bag. It can stay frozen for 3-4 months. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
Always keep cooked fried rice cold within 2 hours. Using the right storage and reheating methods keeps your fried rice safe and tasty.
“Storing and reheating fried rice the right way can make all the difference in maintaining its quality and flavor.”
Conclusion
Making homemade Benihana fried rice at home lets you enjoy the real taste of this hibachi-style cooking without the high cost. Just follow the steps in this guide and use the special garlic butter. You can then make the Benihana experience in your kitchen.
This recipe is great because you can change it up with different proteins or veggies. You can use chicken, shrimp, or even go for a veggie option. The key is to use top-notch ingredients and cook it just right to get that authentic flavors Benihana is known for.
This dish is not only tasty but also good for you. It has about 450 calories, 28g of protein, 52g of carbs, and 15g of fat per serving. It’s a fulfilling and healthy choice for your meals. Enjoy making this restaurant-quality fried rice at home and relish the flavors of Benihana.
FAQ
What is the secret ingredient that gives Benihana fried rice its signature flavor?
The secret is garlic butter. It’s made from softened butter, minced garlic, and light soy sauce.
Why is it important to use day-old rice for this recipe?
Day-old rice is best because it’s drier. This prevents the fried rice from becoming wet and clumpy.
What essential equipment is needed to make Benihana-style fried rice?
You’ll need a large non-stick skillet or wok.
What are the key ingredients in the Benihana chicken fried rice recipe?
Key ingredients include cooked white rice, avocado or oil, diced onion, and minced garlic. Also, cooked chicken, black pepper, frozen mixed vegetables, eggs, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, butter, and green onions for garnish.
How do you properly prepare the rice for Benihana fried rice?
Cook the rice the night before and let it dry in the fridge. Wash the rice well before cooking. Cook with a pinch of salt, then spread it out to dry. This prevents wet and clumpy fried rice.
How do you make the signature garlic butter for Benihana fried rice?
Mix 1/2 cup softened butter with 3 teaspoons light soy sauce and 3 grated garlic cloves. Refrigerate until firm.
How should you store and reheat leftover Benihana chicken fried rice?
Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding water or oil to prevent drying out. Ensure a minimum internal temperature of 140ºF (60ºC) is reached. For freezing, transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3-4 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Benihana Chicken Fried Rice
Equipment
- Large non-stick skillet or wok
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spatula or cooking spoon
Ingredients
For the Fried Rice:
- 3 cups cooked white rice preferably day-old
- 2 tablespoons avocado or vegetable oil
- 1 cup diced onion
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 pound cooked cubed chicken
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables carrots, peas, and corn
- 4 large eggs beaten
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
For the Garlic Butter:
- 4 tablespoons butter softened
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic grated
Instructions
Make the Garlic Butter:
- In a bowl, mix softened butter, light soy sauce, and grated garlic until well combined. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour.
Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables:
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cut it into small pieces. Sauté the mixed vegetables in oil until tender.
Fry the Rice:
- Heat the garlic butter in a large skillet or wok. Add day-old rice and stir-fry until lightly toasted.
Add Chicken, Vegetables, and Eggs:
- Add sautéed vegetables, chicken, and beaten eggs to the rice. Season with soy sauce, black pepper, and more garlic butter. Toss everything together for 1-2 minutes.
Serve:
- Top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy your homemade Benihana chicken fried rice!
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