Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe at home

Ever wondered how to make Benihana’s fried rice at home? It’s like bringing the authentic Japanese flavors of hibachi cooking right into your kitchen. No need to go to a restaurant for this.

I’m about to share the secrets of Benihana chicken fried rice. With a few simple techniques and the right ingredients, you can make Japanese cuisine that wows your family and friends.

Key Takeaways

• Master the authentic Benihana fried rice technique
• Learn professional hibachi cooking methods
• Discover the secret garlic butter ingredient
• Create restaurant-quality chicken fried rice at home
• Understand the importance of rice preparation

The Secret Behind Authentic Benihana Style Rice

Trying to make restaurant copycat recipes at home can be tough. But, knowing the secrets of Benihana’s chicken fried rice makes it easier. It’s all about traditional Japanese cooking and a few special tricks that turn simple ingredients into a great homemade meal.

What Makes Benihana Rice Unique

Benihana’s rice is special for a few reasons:

• High-heat cooking method
• Using day-old cold rice
• Precise ingredient preparation
• Signature flavor enhancement techniques

The Role of Garlic Butter

Garlic butter is the key to these easy dinner ideas. The recipe includes:

Traditional Japanese Cooking Techniques

For family meals that capture authentic flavors, follow these cooking tutorials. The main thing is to keep extremely high heat and use a big cooking surface. These methods make sure each grain of rice is crispy and has a deep, complex flavor, just like traditional Japanese stir-fries.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

To make authentic hibachi chicken fried rice, you need the right ingredients. Let’s explore the key components that make a Benihana copycat recipe stand out.

The base of great Japanese fried rice is the rice. Use 1.5 cups of day-old rice for the best texture. Fresh rice gets mushy, but day-old rice gives crispy edges.

Key Ingredients List:

• 2 cups cooked white rice
• ½ pound boneless chicken (breasts or thighs)
• 2 large eggs
• Mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, onions)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• Garlic butter

Choosing the right protein is key for authentic chicken fried rice. I like using boneless chicken breasts or thighs. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side to get them tender.

Think about nutrition too. This hibachi chicken fried rice has about 410 calories per serving. It’s a good mix of carbs, protein, and fat. The secret is using top-notch ingredients and cooking techniques.

Kitchen Equipment and Tools You’ll Need

When making hibachi-style fried rice, the right kitchen tools are key. I’ll show you the must-haves for cooking tasty Japanese dishes like a pro.

Choosing the Right Cooking Surface

For top-notch hibachi recipes, choose the right cooking gear. A carbon steel wok is best, but you have other great options too:

• Carbon steel wok (ideal for high-heat cooking)
• Large cast iron skillet
• Extra-large 12″ non-stick skillet
• Flat top griddle for pro-style cooking

Temperature Control Essentials

Getting the temperature right is key for fried rice. You need a cooking surface that heats evenly and lets you adjust the heat fast.

Must-Have Utensils

For authentic hibachi-style fried rice, you’ll need these tools:

• Large spatula or turner
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or rice paddle

Pro tip: Use a wide, flat cooking surface for fried rice. It helps ingredients spread and get that crispy texture. Practice makes perfect in mastering these techniques!

Preparing the Perfect Rice Base

To make authentic Benihana fried rice with egg, start with the rice. The secret is using day-old rice that’s a bit dry. Fresh, moist rice makes the dish soggy, so plan.

For the best results, use Jasmine or medium-grain white rice. Here are my top tips for the perfect rice base:

• Cook 4 cups of rice the day before your cooking
• Spread rice on a baking sheet to cool completely
• Leave uncovered in the refrigerator overnight
• Ensure rice is cold and slightly dried before frying

When making fried rice with vegetables, the rice texture is key. Cold rice cooks well in the wok, making each grain crispy. I aim for a 3:1 rice-to-vegetable ratio for the real Benihana taste.

For fried rice with soy sauce, pat the rice dry before cooking. This helps prevent moisture and gives the rice a golden-brown color. It also stops clumping.

Remember, patience is key. Letting your rice dry overnight makes it perfect for Benihana-style fried rice.

Making the Signature Garlic Butter Blend

Making the perfect garlic butter is key to a great Japanese restaurant fried rice. It turns a simple chicken rice dish into a special treat.

The secret to amazing copycat fried rice is the garlic butter. I’ll show you how to make this blend. It will make your cooking stand out.

Butter Selection Secrets

Choose high-quality unsalted butter for your garlic blend. Look for:

• Creamy texture
• Pure, fresh flavor
• Preferably organic
• Room temperature for easy mixing

Mastering Garlic Preparation

The garlic prep is critical. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Use fresh garlic cloves
2. Peel and finely mince or grate
3. Let garlic sit for 10-15 minutes to maximize flavor compounds

Garlic Butter Blend Recipe

Here’s the exact recipe for your garlic butter:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
• 3 teaspoons light soy sauce

Storage and Preservation

Keep your garlic butter fresh and tasty:

• Refrigerate immediately after preparation
• Store in an airtight container
• Consume within 7 days
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months

Pro tip: Roasting the garlic butter boosts the flavor. It makes your fried rice taste like a pro’s dish.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Making homemade hibachi-style rice needs precision and skill. I’ll show you how to turn simple ingredients into a meal fit for a restaurant.

For a perfect Japanese restaurant meal, cook in the right order. Start with your protein to get the best flavor.

1. Cook chicken first over high heat until golden brown and fully cooked
2. Remove chicken and set aside
3. Sauté vegetables until they’re slightly crisp
4. Push vegetables to one side of the pan
5. Scramble eggs in the cleared space
6. Add pre-cooked rice to the pan
7. Mix all ingredients

My easy fried rice recipe needs attention to detail. Keep the heat high and stir constantly. This creates the crispy rice edges that are a hallmark of hibachi cooking.

When adding seasonings, sprinkle them evenly and stir quickly. This ensures flavors are spread out. Add garlic butter to last for a rich, glossy finish.

Pro tip: Always keep your ingredients moving in the pan. This prevents burning and ensures even cooking. It’s the secret to authentic Japanese hibachi cooking.

Protein and Vegetable Preparation Techniques

To make a real Benihana chicken fried rice, you need to prepare your proteins and veggies well. The secret to a tasty Japanese dish is in choosing the right ingredients and how you cut them.

Chicken Cutting Guide

For hibachi chicken, use chicken thighs for the best taste and moisture. Cut the chicken into small cubes, about 1/2 inch each. This helps it cook evenly. A tip: Marinate the chicken in a mix of:

• Soy sauce
• Minced garlic
• White pepper
• A bit of sesame oil

Vegetable Sizing Tips

When chopping veggies for fried rice, keep them the same size. This ensures they cook evenly. My top picks are:

• Frozen peas
• Finely diced carrots
• Chopped green onions

Proper Seasoning Methods

Seasoning is key to making great fried rice. I mix soy sauce, garlic butter, and white pepper for flavor. The trick is to season at every step, not just at the end.

The aim is to make a Benihana chicken fried rice that’s true to Japanese hibachi. Each ingredient adds to the dish’s rich taste.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

After making your tasty Benihana-style chicken fried rice, it’s important to store it right. This keeps the flavor and quality of your dish. Here are my best tips for keeping your meals fresh and delicious.

Refrigeration Best Practices

For meals you want to enjoy later, follow these storage tips:

• Use an airtight container to prevent moisture loss
• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking
• Store for up to 3 days maximum
• Keep refrigerator temperature below 40°F

Reheating Techniques

My favorite cooking tutorials suggest these reheating methods to make your rice taste like new:

1. Use a skillet over medium heat
2. Add a tablespoon of water or oil to prevent drying
3. Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly
4. Heat until internal temperature reaches 140°F

Freezing Options

You can freeze your homemade takeout for up to 4 months. Wrap it tightly in freezer-safe containers to keep it fresh.

Pro tip: When reheating from frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This will help your dish taste even better in your restaurant copycat recipes.

Looking for more? Try these!

• Copycat Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup Recipe with Rice
• Smoked chicken thighs
• longhorn Parmesan chicken recipe
• Chicken and Cabbage Recipes

Conclusion

I’ve shown you how to make a Benihana copycat recipe. It turns your kitchen into a hibachi spot. Learning this Japanese fried rice recipe takes passion, practice, and detail.

The secret of this chicken fried rice is in its flavors and cooking. Choosing the right rice and making the garlic butter blend are key. Each step helps you get that Benihana taste you love.

Don’t get discouraged if it takes time to get it right. Every chef starts somewhere. Your skills will grow with each batch of homemade fried rice. Cooking is a journey that lets you explore global flavors from your kitchen.

Keep trying this recipe and you might add your twist to hibachi chicken fried rice. Cooking is all about creativity and expressing yourself.

FAQ

What type of rice works best for Benihana-style fried rice?

Day-old long-grain white rice is perfect. It’s drier, so it doesn’t clump. If you don’t have leftover rice, cook it ahead and cool it completely.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can! Use tofu or add more veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms. Keep the garlic butter and cooking method for that Benihana taste.

How important is the garlic butter in this recipe?

Garlic butter is key. It gives Benihana’s fried rice its unique flavor. Use good butter and fresh garlic for the best taste.

What if I don’t have a wok?

No problem! A large skillet or heavy pan works too. Just cook fast on high heat to keep the rice dry.

How long can I store leftover Benihana-style chicken fried rice?

Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat with a bit of oil or butter to keep it moist.

Can I freeze this fried rice?

Yes, freeze it for up to a month. It might change a bit when thawed. Reheat with oil to get the original texture back.

What kind of soy sauce works best for this recipe?

Use Japanese soy sauce like Kikkoman for the best taste. Low-sodium soy is okay if you’re watching salt, but it changes the flavor a bit.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add sriracha, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños while cooking. Start with a little and adjust to your liking.