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The Ultimate Copycat Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Easy Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
If you’ve ever dined at Benihana, you know how addictive their fried rice is. The combination of fluffy rice, tender chicken, and savory garlic butter creates a dish that’s both comforting and unforgettable. The good news? You don’t need to visit the restaurant to enjoy this iconic dish. With this copycat Benihana chicken fried rice recipe, you can recreate the magic of Benihana’s hibachi griddle right in your own kitchen.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the best Benihana fried rice at home. From the secret ingredients to step-by-step instructions, you’ll be able to impress your family and friends with this restaurant-quality dish. Let’s dive in!
What Makes Benihana Fried Rice So Special?
Benihana’s fried rice is a standout dish for several reasons. First, it’s cooked on a hibachi griddle, which gives it a unique smoky flavor and slightly crispy texture. Second, the combination of garlic butter, soy sauce, and fresh vegetables creates a rich, savory taste that’s hard to resist. Finally, the chefs at Benihana have perfected the art of frying rice, ensuring that every grain is perfectly coated and flavorful.
This copycat Benihana fried rice recipe captures all those elements, so you can enjoy the same delicious flavors at home. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees fantastic results.
Ingredients for Benihana Chicken Fried Rice
To make the best copycat Benihana fried rice, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Fried Rice:
– 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 chicken breast, cut into small pieces
– 2 tablespoons safflower oil (or any neutral oil)
– 2 tablespoons garlic butter
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 carrot, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup green onion, sliced
– 1/4 cup frozen peas
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– A pinch of salt
– 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Optional Add-Ins:
– 1/2 cup diced zucchini
– 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
– 1/2 cup bell peppers
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
The key to perfect fried rice is using day-old white rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and sticky, which can result in clumpy fried rice. If you don’t have leftover rice, cook 2 cups of white rice and spread it out on a baking sheet to cool completely.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of safflower oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same wok, add another tablespoon of safflower oil. Toss in the onion, carrot, and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are softened. If you’re using additional vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms, add them at this stage.
Step 4: Fry the Rice
Push the vegetables to one side of the wok. Add the garlic butter and let it melt. Then, add 1 cup of cooked rice at a time, stirring to coat it in the butter. Fry the rice over high heat for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to crisp up slightly.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked chicken, frozen peas, and green onion to the wok. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil. Toss everything together until well combined. Season with black pepper and a pinch of salt to taste.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the fried rice with sesame seeds and extra green onion for garnish. Serve hot and enjoy your copycat Benihana fried rice!
Tips for Perfect Benihana Fried Rice
1. Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice can be too sticky. Day-old rice is drier and fries better.
2. Cook Over High Heat: This helps achieve the signature smoky flavor and slightly crispy texture.
3. Don’t Skip the Garlic Butter: It’s the secret ingredient that gives Benihana fried rice its rich, savory taste.
4. Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to add your favorite veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
5. Use a Wok or Griddle: A wok or hibachi griddle distributes heat evenly and helps replicate the restaurant experience.
Why This Recipe Works
This Benihana chicken fried rice recipe works because it stays true to the original dish while being easy to make at home. The combination of garlic butter, soy sauce, and fresh ingredients creates a flavor profile that’s both rich and balanced. Plus, the step-by-step instructions ensure that even beginners can achieve fantastic results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different. White rice is recommended for the most authentic Benihana fried rice experience.
2. What can I use instead of safflower oil?
You can substitute safflower oil with any neutral oil like vegetable oil or canola oil.
3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a wok or skillet over medium heat to retain the texture.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
Conclusion
This copycat Benihana chicken fried rice recipe is the ultimate way to bring the flavors of Benihana into your home. With its savory garlic butter, tender chicken, and perfectly fried rice, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re craving a taste of Benihana or just want to try something new, this recipe is a must-try.
So, grab your wok, fire up the stove, and get ready to make the best Benihana fried rice you’ve ever tasted. Your family and friends will be asking for seconds!
By following this guide, you’ll not only master the art of making Benihana chicken fried rice, but you’ll also gain the confidence to experiment with your own variations. Happy cooking!
benihana chicken fried rice recipe
Savor the flavors of Benihana with this easy copycat chicken fried rice recipe! Loaded with chicken, it's a quick and delicious fried rice delight you can make at home!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked white rice preferably day-old
- – 1 chicken breast cut into small pieces
- – 2 tablespoons safflower oil or any neutral oil
- – 2 tablespoons garlic butter
- – 1 small onion diced
- – 1 carrot finely chopped
- – 1/2 cup green onion sliced
- – 1/4 cup frozen peas
- – 2 cloves garlic minced
- – 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- – 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- – 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- – A pinch of salt
- – 1 teaspoon sesame seeds optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Rice
- The key to perfect fried rice is using day-old white rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and sticky, which can result in clumpy fried rice. If you don’t have leftover rice, cook 2 cups of white rice and spread it out on a baking sheet to cool completely.
- Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of safflower oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same wok, add another tablespoon of safflower oil. Toss in the onion, carrot, and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are softened. If you’re using additional vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms, add them at this stage.
- Step 4: Fry the Rice
- Push the vegetables to one side of the wok. Add the garlic butter and let it melt. Then, add 1 cup of cooked rice at a time, stirring to coat it in the butter. Fry the rice over high heat for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to crisp up slightly.
- Step 5: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked chicken, frozen peas, and green onion to the wok. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil. Toss everything together until well combined. Season with black pepper and a pinch of salt to taste.
- Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle the fried rice with sesame seeds and extra green onion for garnish. Serve hot and enjoy your copycat Benihana fried rice!
Notes
By following this guide, you’ll not only master the art of making Benihana chicken fried rice, but you’ll also gain the confidence to experiment with your own variations. Happy cooking!
