Imagine the sizzle of a teppanyaki grill, the rich aroma of garlic butter wafting through the air, and the sight of perfectly fried rice dancing across a hot surface. That’s the magic of dining at Benihana, where their chicken fried rice steals the show. For fans of Japanese cuisine or anyone craving a restaurant-style meal, recreating the Benihana chicken fried rice recipe at home is a game-changer. This dish combines fluffy rice, tender chicken, and a symphony of savory flavors—without the hibachi chef theatrics.
In this guide, you’ll get a step-by-step walkthrough to nail that iconic Benihana taste. From the secret to their garlic butter sauce to the best rice and cooking techniques, we’ve got you covered. Plus, we’ll answer burning questions like what oil Benihana uses and how to mimic their hibachi flair. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself, this article will equip you with everything you need to whip up hibachi-style rice that rivals the pros. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
What Makes Benihana’s Fried Rice Special?
Benihana’s fried rice isn’t just a side dish—it’s a star. What sets it apart? Let’s break it down.
The Teppanyaki Cooking Experience
At Benihana, the teppanyaki grill is key. Chefs cook on a flat-top surface, tossing ingredients with flair. This high-heat method sears flavors into every grain of medium-grain rice, giving it that unmistakable texture. The open grill also adds a subtle smokiness you won’t get from a regular pan. It’s pure hibachi cooking magic.
At Benihana, the sizzling teppanyaki grill isn’t just a cooking tool—it’s a performance, as you can see when you explore Benihana’s teppanyaki dining experience.
Unique Ingredients in Benihana’s Dish
The ingredients elevate this Japanese fried rice. Think garlic butter—a rich blend of butter, garlic, and a splash of soy sauce. It’s the backbone of that umami flavor. Fresh veggies like onions, carrots, and scallions add crunch, while scrambled eggs bring creaminess. The soy sauce seasoning ties it all together, making every bite burst with savory goodness.
Why Chicken Fried Rice Stands Out
Among Benihana’s offerings, the chicken fried rice shines for its balance. Tender, juicy chicken pairs perfectly with the fluffy rice and crisp vegetables. It’s hearty yet light, versatile enough to stand alone or complement hibachi steak. For home cooks, it’s the ultimate restaurant-style fried rice to master. Next, we’ll dive into the ingredients you’ll need to recreate this masterpiece.
Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe: Ingredients
Ready to cook? Here’s what you’ll need for an authentic Benihana chicken fried rice recipe. These ingredients capture that hibachi essence.
Essential Components for Authenticity
- Rice: 2 cups of cooked, day-old medium-grain rice (preferably Calrose).
- Chicken: 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced.
- Eggs: 2 large eggs for that scrambled egg texture.
- Vegetables: ½ cup each of diced onions, carrots, and chopped scallions.
- Garlic Butter: 4 tablespoons butter, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, splash of lemon juice.
- Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons for seasoning.
- Oil: 2 tablespoons safflower oil (Benihana’s choice).
- Salt & Pepper: To taste.
These are the building blocks of hibachi chicken rice.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
No chicken? Try shrimp or steak for a twist on this teppanyaki rice recipe. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and double the veggies. Swap safflower oil with vegetable oil if needed—it still works for high-heat cooking. If medium-grain rice isn’t handy, jasmine rice can step in, though the texture might differ slightly.
Sourcing Tips for Quality
For the best results, use day-old rice—freshly cooked rice gets mushy. Hit up an Asian market for Calrose rice, a Benihana-style rice favorite. Fresh garlic and high-quality butter make the garlic butter sauce sing. Opt for organic chicken and crisp veggies to mimic that fresh ingredients vibe. With your ingredients prepped, let’s move to the cooking process!
Step-by-Step Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Here’s how to bring Benihana’s chicken fried rice to your kitchen. Follow these steps for a foolproof dish.
Preparing the Rice
Start with rice—it’s the foundation; learn how to cook rice for perfect fried rice to get it just right. Cook 2 cups of medium-grain rice a day ahead and refrigerate it. Why day-old rice? It dries out, preventing clumps and ensuring that fluffy fried rice texture. Spread it on a tray to cool completely before cooking. This prep is a texture secret from the pros.
Making the Signature Garlic Butter
Next, craft the garlic butter—the heart of Benihana’s flavor. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a small pan over low heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of soy sauce, and a splash of lemon juice. Stir until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Set aside. This umami flavor booster transforms your savory rice dish.
Cooking the Chicken and Vegetables
Heat 1 tablespoon of safflower oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden—about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil, then toss in diced onions and carrots. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender. Push veggies to one side.
Bringing It All Together
Now, the magic happens. Crack 2 eggs into the empty side of the pan and scramble until just set. Mix with the veggies. Add the chilled rice, breaking up clumps as you stir-fry. Pour in 3 tablespoons of soy sauce and the prepared garlic butter. Toss everything—chicken included—for 5 minutes on high heat. The stir-fry technique ensures even flavor. Finish with chopped scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seed garnish.
Quick Recipe Table:
| Step | Time | Key Action |
|---|---|---|
| Prep Rice | Day Before | Cook and chill rice |
| Garlic Butter | 2 min | Melt butter, mix with garlic |
| Cook Chicken | 7 min | Sauté until golden |
| Veggies & Eggs | 5 min | Stir-fry veggies, scramble eggs |
| Combine & Fry | 5 min | Toss with sauces and chicken |
This homemade hibachi dish is ready to impress. Let’s explore the tools to make it even better.
Cooking Tools and Techniques for Hibachi-Style Rice
The right tools and skills can elevate your Benihana chicken fried rice recipe. Here’s how.
Recommended Equipment
A teppanyaki grill is ideal, but a wok or large skillet works great at home. Woks excel at high-heat cooking, distributing heat evenly. A flat-top griddle mimics Benihana’s setup if you’ve got one. You’ll also need a spatula for tossing and a small bowl for the garlic butter sauce. Simple, right?
Mastering High-Heat Cooking
Benihana’s hibachi cooking relies on heat. Crank your stove to medium-high or high to mimic that griddle cooking effect. Keep ingredients moving with a stir-fry technique to avoid sticking and get that seared flavor. For example, don’t overcrowd the pan—it lowers the temperature and steams instead of fries.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Newbies often stumble here. Using freshly cooked rice? It’ll turn mushy. Skipping day-old rice is a no-go. Overloading the pan crowds ingredients, killing the crispiness. And don’t skimp on safflower oil—it’s key for that restaurant-style fried rice sheen. Avoid these pitfalls, and you’re golden.
With the right setup, your Japanese fried rice will shine. Up next: pro tips to perfect it.
Tips for Perfecting Your Hibachi Fried Rice
Want your hibachi chicken rice to taste like Benihana’s? These tips will get you there.
Enhancing Flavor Naturally
Boost taste with small tweaks. Add a dash of toasted sesame seed garnish for nuttiness. A splash of sake or mirin with the soy sauce seasoning adds depth—think Asian-inspired recipe vibes. Fresh scallions at the end keep it vibrant. Taste as you go to nail that umami flavor.
Texture Secrets from the Pros
Fluffy rice is non-negotiable. Use day-old rice and break clumps before frying. Don’t overmix after adding eggs—keep them distinct for that scrambled egg bite. High heat ensures grains stay separate, not sticky. It’s all about rice texture.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Got extras? Store your savory rice dish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a teaspoon of oil—not the microwave—to revive crispness. This keeps your homemade hibachi tasting fresh.
These tricks make your dish a standout. Let’s pair it next.
Pairing Your Fried Rice with Other Dishes
Your Benihana chicken fried rice recipe deserves great companions. Here’s how to round out the meal.
Complementary Benihana-Inspired Meals
Go full hibachi with hibachi steak or teriyaki chicken. Grill them with a touch of soy sauce and serve alongside. Shrimp skewers add a seafood twist, keeping that teppanyaki rice recipe vibe. It’s a Japanese cuisine feast at home.
Side Dishes and Sauces
Pair with vegetable stir-fry—zucchini and mushrooms work well. Benihana’s mustard sauce (a creamy, tangy dip) or ginger sauce complements the rice’s richness. A light miso soup balances the meal’s heartiness. Simple, yet delicious.
This spread turns your rice into a full-on restaurant-style experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Benihana Fried Rice
Curious about Benihana’s secrets? Here are answers to top questions.
What Type of Oil Does Benihana Use?
Benihana opts for safflower oil. Why? It has a high smoke point—perfect for high-heat cooking—and a neutral flavor that lets the garlic butter shine. You can find it at most grocery stores or swap it with vegetable oil in a pinch.
What Rice Brand Does Benihana Use?
They use California-grown medium-grain rice, often Calrose. It’s sticky enough to hold together but firm enough for frying. It’s a staple for Benihana-style rice and widely available—check the Asian aisle.
What Is the Secret Ingredient to Restaurant Fried Rice?
The secret ingredient? Garlic butter. This blend of butter, garlic, and soy sauce gives Benihana’s rice its signature umami flavor. It’s what makes restaurant-style fried rice unforgettable. Try it—you’ll taste the difference.
What Do They Squirt on Rice at Hibachi?
At the grill, chefs squirt soy sauce—sometimes mixed with sake or water—for flavor and flair. The liquid sizzling on the teppanyaki grill adds a smoky note. At home, drizzle soy sauce seasoning while tossing for that hibachi effect.
These insights unlock the Benihana fried rice mystery!
Why Make This Dish at Home?
Why bother with a homemade hibachi version? Here’s the case.
Cost and Convenience Benefits
A Benihana meal can cost $20+ per person. At home, this Benihana chicken fried rice recipe feeds four for under $10. Plus, no reservation needed—just your kitchen and 30 minutes.
Customizing to Your Taste
Make it yours. Swap chicken for shrimp, tweak the garlic butter sauce, or add extra veggies. Love spice? Toss in chili flakes. It’s your hibachi-style rice, tailored perfectly.
Cooking at home is practical and fun. Let’s wrap up!
Conclusion
Mastering the Benihana chicken fried rice recipe is within reach. With day-old rice, a killer garlic butter, and a hot pan, you’ve got the keys to hibachi cooking bliss. This guide walked you through ingredients, steps, tools, and pro tips to nail that restaurant-style fried rice. From the teppanyaki grill vibes to the FAQ secrets, you’re set to impress.
Now, fire up your stove and give it a shot! Experiment with protein variations or sauces—make it your own. Loved the result? Got a tweak to share? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your take. For more Asian-inspired recipes, stick around. Your kitchen’s about to become the hottest hibachi spot in town!
