Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

If you’re craving a taste of the beloved Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe, you’re in luck! This dish not only brings the flavors of your favorite Japanese steakhouse into your home but also allows you to enjoy a delicious meal made with simple ingredients. In this article, we’ll explore how to create this iconic dish, its unique characteristics, and why it has become a staple in many households.

The allure of dining at Benihana lies not just in the food but in the entire experience. The chefs prepare meals right before your eyes, creating a captivating show while serving mouthwatering dishes. Among these, the Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe stands out for its rich flavors and satisfying texture. This recipe captures that essence, allowing you to recreate the magic of teppanyaki-style cooking in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With a preparation time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of 10 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Budget-Friendly: Utilizing leftover rice and chicken makes this dish economical without sacrificing flavor.
• Customizable: You may replace your preferable vegetables or protein source to create the dish of your taste.
• Deliciously Authentic: The secret ingredient—garlic butter—gives this fried rice its distinctive taste that rivals any restaurant version.

Recipe Card

Recipe Name:Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Description: A delightful copycat recipe for the famous chicken fried rice from Benihana, featuring garlic butter and fresh ingredients.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 410 kcal

Ingredients List:

• 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably leftover or day-old)
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or safflower/vegetable oil)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish; optional)

Instructions:

1. Add avocado oil in a large non-stick skillet and put it over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent (about 2-3 minutes).
3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until its aroma is released.
4. Add the cooked chicken and black pepper; cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
5. Incorporate the frozen mixed vegetables and cook until thawed (about 1-2 minutes).
6. Form a clear margin on one side of the skillet and then using the spatula push the chicken and the vegetables to one side.
7. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side and scramble until fully cooked (about 1-2 minutes).
8. Pour the rice into the skillet and using the spatula spread it out evenly.
9. Stir everything together, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until well combined.
10. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil; stir and cook for an additional minute before adding in the butter.
11. Mix until the butter has completely melted and is evenly blended with the fried rice.
12. Top with sliced green onions if preferred, serve warm, and enjoy!

Notes:

• For best results, use day-old rice as it is less moist and fries better than freshly cooked rice.
• Customize the dish with extra vegetables or proteins to suit your taste.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 410 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 901 mg
Fat: 21 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 29 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 161 mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation

This Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe can be whipped up in just about twenty minutes! It’s perfect for those nights when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Budget-Friendly

Using leftover rice and chicken means you can create a fantastic meal without breaking the bank. This Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe not only helps minimize food waste but also maximizes flavor, making it a perfect choice for budget-conscious cooks. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the ability to use what you already have on hand.

Customizable Options

One of the best aspects of this Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is its versatility. Whether you want to throw in some bell peppers, swap out chicken for shrimp, or even use tofu, you can easily adapt it to suit your taste. This adaptability makes it a great option for those looking to experiment with different flavors while keeping the core of the Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe intact. You can mix and match ingredients based on what you have in your fridge, ensuring that every meal is unique and satisfying

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Rice

The foundation of any great fried rice is quality rice. While standard white rice works well, consider using jasmine or basmati for added fragrance. Remember that day-old rice is ideal as it’s drier and less sticky.

Chicken

This recipe shines when using leftover cooked chicken—be it rotisserie or homemade roast chicken. If you’re looking for alternatives, shrimp or tofu can be excellent substitutes.

Garlic Butter

The signature garlic butter is what sets this Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe apart from others. While you can make a homemade version by mixing softened butter with minced garlic, using regular salted butter will still yield delicious results.

How to Make Benihana Chicken Fried Rice (Step-by-Step)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat Your Skillet:
   Start by pouring avocado oil into a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
   Add diced onion first; allow it to soften before introducing minced garlic—cook until fragrant.
3. Add Chicken:
   Toss in cubed chicken along with black pepper; stir frequently until heated through.
4. Incorporate Vegetables:
   Add frozen mixed vegetables next; cook until they are bright in color and thawed.
5. Scramble Eggs:
   Push everything to one side of the skillet to create space for scrambled eggs on the other side.
6. Combine Ingredients:
   Once eggs are cooked through, mix them with chicken and vegetables before adding cold rice.
7. Seasoning:
   Pour soy sauce and sesame oil over everything; stir well to ensure even distribution.
8. Finish with Butter:
   Finally, add butter into the mixture—stir until melted and incorporated throughout.
9. Serve:
   Garnish with sliced green onions if desired before serving hot!

Expert Tips for Success

1. Use Leftover Rice:
   Day-old rice is crucial for achieving that perfect fried texture—freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist.
2. Don’t Skip on Oil:
   A high smoke point oil like avocado or safflower ensures that you can achieve that signature fried texture without burning anything.
3. Taste as You Go:
   When adding soy sauce or salt, do so incrementally—taste as you go to avoid overpowering your dish.
4. Keep It Moving:
   Stirring continuously while cooking helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking throughout all ingredients.

Variations and Customizations

Vegetarian Option

For a vegetarian twist on this dish, simply omit chicken altogether and increase vegetable content—mushrooms or tofu make excellent substitutes!

Spicy Kick

If you enjoy heat in your meals, consider adding sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes during cooking for an extra kick!

Fried Rice Bowls

Transform this fried rice into a bowl meal by serving it over fresh greens or alongside grilled vegetables for added nutrition.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

To store leftovers:

• Transfer cooled fried rice into an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to four months.

When reheating:

1. Place in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add a splash of water or oil to prevent drying out.
3. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of at least 140∘F140∘F (60°C).

Serving Suggestions

Pairing your Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe with complementary sides can enhance your meal:

• Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup complements fried rice perfectly.
• Japanese Salad: A light salad topped with ginger dressing offers a refreshing contrast.
• Grilled Meats or Seafood: Serve alongside grilled chicken skewers or shrimp for an elevated dining experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is Benihana rice so good?

The rice at Benihana is renowned for its exceptional flavor and texture, primarily due to the use of day-old rice and the addition of garlic butter. This combination creates a rich, savory taste that elevates the Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe beyond typical fried rice. The cooking method, which involves high heat and quick frying, also helps achieve that desirable slightly crispy texture.

Do you cover fried rice when cooking?

No, you do not cover fried rice while cooking. Covering it can trap steam and moisture, leading to soggy rice. For the Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe, it’s important to keep the rice uncovered during cooking to allow for evaporation and to achieve that ideal fluffy texture. Stirring frequently over high heat also helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking.

What type of rice is used at Benihana?

At Benihana, they typically use medium-grain rice, such as Calrose or Jasmine rice, for their fried rice dishes. This type of rice holds moisture well and provides a perfect texture for the Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe. The choice of rice contributes significantly to the overall flavor and mouthfeel of the dish.

What is the secret to authentic fried rice?

The secret to authentic fried rice lies in a few key factors: using day-old, cold rice to prevent clumping, cooking over high heat for a quick fry, and incorporating flavorful ingredients like soy sauce and garlic butter. In the Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe, the unique addition of garlic butter is what truly sets it apart, giving it that signature taste found in Benihana restaurants.

Can I use uncooked rice?

No! It’s essential to use pre-cooked or leftover rice as uncooked grains will not yield the desired texture when frying.

What if I don’t have sesame oil?

While sesame oil adds unique flavor notes typical of Asian cuisine, you can substitute it with more neutral oils if necessary—but try not to skip it entirely!

Can I freeze fried rice?

Yes! Just ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Related Recipes

If you enjoyed making this Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe, here are some other recipes you might like:

• Benihana Fried Rice Recipe
• Homemade Fried Rice
• Japanese Fried Rice
• Garlic Butter Rice
• Teppanyaki-style Fried Rice

The Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings joy to any dining table—whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying dinner at home on a busy weeknight. With its easy preparation steps and customizable ingredients, this recipe allows everyone from novice cooks to seasoned chefs alike to indulge in their favorite flavors from Benihana right at home!So why wait? Gather your ingredients today and embark on this culinary adventure that promises not only deliciousness but also cherished memories around your dining table!