Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe – Step-by-Step Guide
Benihana’s famous chicken fried rice is a culinary experience that’s much more than just a side dish. Known for its buttery, garlicky flavor and the mesmerizing way it’s cooked on a hot Teppanyaki grill, this Japanese-style fried rice has a dedicated fan base. Fortunately, you don’t need special equipment to bring the taste of Benihana into your home. With the right ingredients and a few restaurant-style techniques, you can recreate this flavorful fried rice, capturing the essence of Benihana right in your kitchen. This Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe lets you enjoy the iconic flavors in the comfort of your own home.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step, covering everything from essential ingredients to pro tips that guarantee a delicious outcome. Let’s jump in and make Benihana-style fried rice a staple in your own recipe collection.
Table of Contents
What Sets Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Apart?
The distinctive taste of Benihana’s fried rice is achieved through specific ingredients and cooking techniques that give it a unique flavor and texture. Unlike ordinary fried rice, Benihana’s version uses a delicate blend of buttery garlic and soy sauce, with each grain of rice retaining its own light crispiness.
Cooking Technique: The Teppanyaki Touch
The secret lies in the Teppanyaki cooking method, which uses high heat to sear each ingredient, creating a toasted and slightly smoky flavor. Even without a Teppanyaki grill, a large frying pan or wok heated over high heat can provide a similar outcome.
Garlic Butter: The Flavor Enhancer
The use of garlic butter—a rich, savory addition unique to this dish—gives the rice its signature creamy richness. Another critical factor is the pre-cooked rice, which should be cooled completely to keep it fluffy and prevent clumping during cooking.
Equipment Needed for Cooking the Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Essential Cooking Tools
- Large Frying Pan or Wok: Provides space for even cooking.
- Wide, Flat Spatula: For easy tossing and mixing.
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping chicken and vegetables.
With these basic tools, you’ll have everything necessary to recreate this restaurant-style dish at home.
Tips for Perfecting Your Benihana-Style Fried Rice
Achieving restaurant-quality fried rice at home requires some attention to technique.
Use High Heat
High heat prevents the rice from steaming and helps achieve a slight char that enhances the flavor.
Use Chilled, Pre-cooked Rice
Freshly cooked rice will be too moist and may clump together. Using rice that’s cooked and then cooled (preferably overnight) gives the best texture.
Stir Gently and Frequently
Frequent, gentle stirring prevents burning and ensures even cooking, while keeping the rice grains intact for a perfect texture.
Garlic Butter Recipe for Benihana Chicken Fried Rice
A key component in the Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is garlic butter, which adds a smooth richness that elevates the dish. To make it, mix softened butter with finely minced garlic and a small pinch of salt. Blend until the garlic is fully incorporated. Adding this to your fried rice infuses each grain with a delightful, garlicky creaminess, mimicking the authentic restaurant flavor.
Choosing the Right Type of Rice
For the best results, use medium- or long-grain white rice. This type of rice has the right balance of fluffiness and firmness, holding its shape while allowing the grains to remain separate.
Rice Preparation Tips
Preparing your rice a day ahead and storing it in the fridge also helps achieve that perfect texture. Avoid short-grain rice as it tends to clump, which can alter the texture of the fried rice.
Variations on the Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
This recipe can be adapted to suit different tastes or dietary needs.
Healthier Variations
For a healthier version, try swapping in brown rice, which adds more fiber and nutrients, or use a leaner cut of protein.
Vegetarian Options
Vegetarians can replace the chicken with tofu or add extra vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers for variety.
Spicy Variants
If you prefer a bit of spice, add a touch of Sriracha or some chili flakes for a subtle heat that enhances the dish’s flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Benihana Chicken Fried Rice
For a complete meal, pair this fried rice with other Japanese-inspired dishes.
Complementary Dishes
- Hibachi-style Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, mushrooms, and onions complement the fried rice with charred, slightly sweet flavors.
- Miso Soup: A warm, savory soup provides a satisfying contrast.
- Japanese Cucumber Salad: Adds a refreshing crunch for a balanced and satisfying meal.
Together, these dishes create a balanced and satisfying meal.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheating Tips
When reheating, add a splash of water or soy sauce to the pan to prevent the rice from drying out. Warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s evenly heated. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the rice rubbery or unevenly heated.
benihana chicken fried rice recipe FAQ
Can I make this without a Teppanyaki grill?
Absolutely. While a Teppanyaki grill gives a unique experience, a large frying pan or wok on high heat works just as well. Just ensure you maintain high heat to achieve the desired flavor and texture.
What other proteins can I use?
You can easily substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu to customize the recipe. Just adjust the cooking time for each protein to ensure it’s fully cooked.
How do I make this gluten-free?
To make the dish gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it an easy substitution.
Final Thoughts on Benihana Chicken Fried Rice
Creating the Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe at home is a fun way to experience the flavors of Japanese Teppanyaki cooking. This dish is both versatile and flavorful, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special weekend treat. Enjoy the process and experiment with different variations, and you’ll soon have your own signature version of this iconic fried rice.
benihana chicken fried rice recipe
Ingredients
- Chicken Breast – 1 cup diced into small pieces
- Cooked White Rice – 4 cups chilled
- Eggs – 2 lightly beaten
- Vegetables – ½ cup peas ½ cup diced carrots, ½ cup diced onions
- Butter – 3 tablespoons
- Soy Sauce – 2 tablespoons
- Sesame Oil – 1 tablespoon
- Minced Garlic – 2 cloves
- Salt and Pepper – to taste
- Scallions and Sesame Seeds optional – for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the Chicken – Heat a small amount of oil in your preheated pan. Add diced chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.
- Scramble the Eggs – In the same pan, add a little oil. Crack eggs into the pan and scramble lightly. Once cooked, set aside with the chicken.
- Cook the Vegetables – Add butter to the pan, then add onions, peas, and carrots. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Combine Ingredients – Return chicken and eggs to the pan with the vegetables, stirring to mix.
- Add the Rice and Seasonings – Add chilled rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir-fry, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors and get lightly toasted.
- Finish with Garlic Butter – If using, add garlic butter and stir until it melts, coating each grain of rice.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning – Add salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds (optional) before serving.
