Introduction
Benihana is famous not only for its entertaining hibachi chefs but also for its perfectly cooked fried rice, leading many to ask, “What rice brand does Benihana use?” It’s buttery, fluffy, and flavorful—leaving diners wondering what type of rice gives it that perfect texture. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What rice brand does Benihana use?”, you’re not alone. Choosing the right rice is essential for recreating this iconic dish at home.
In this article, we’ll explore the type of rice Benihana uses, what makes it unique, and how you can select the best rice for your hibachi-style dishes. Whether you’re a home chef perfecting your fried rice or simply curious about Benihana’s methods, this guide has all the answers.
What Rice Brand Does Benihana Use?
The Rice Benihana Prefers
If you’re wondering, “What rice brand does Benihana use?”, the answer lies in its choice of short-grain or medium-grain white rice, which is slightly sticky and holds together well during cooking. While the restaurant hasn’t officially disclosed a specific brand, popular choices like Calrose and Nishiki are commonly used by chefs to replicate their style.
- Short-Grain Rice: Known for its soft, plump texture, it’s ideal for dishes where rice needs to cling together without becoming mushy.
- Medium-Grain Rice: Offers a slightly less sticky texture than short-grain but still works perfectly for fried rice.
These types of rice ensure that Benihana’s fried rice maintains the ideal balance of chewiness and separability, making it easy to stir-fry while absorbing all the flavorful seasonings.
Popular Brands Similar to Benihana’s Style
While Benihana hasn’t revealed its rice supplier, these brands closely mimic the type of rice they use:
- Nishiki: A premium medium-grain rice popular for Japanese cooking and hibachi-style recipes.
- Calrose: A versatile medium-grain rice grown in California, perfect for fried rice dishes.
- Kokuho Rose: A high-quality short-grain rice that delivers the perfect balance of stickiness and fluffiness.
Characteristics of Benihana-Style Rice
Benihana’s fried rice stands out for its unique texture, taste, and ability to absorb seasonings while maintaining its structure. To achieve these qualities, the type of rice plays a critical role. Let’s break down the characteristics that define Benihana-style rice and why short-grain or medium-grain rice works so well.
1. Texture: Soft Yet Slightly Chewy
- Why It’s Important: The perfect hibachi rice strikes a balance between softness and chewiness. The grains should stick together slightly for easy handling during stir-frying but still remain distinct.
- How It’s Achieved: Short-grain and medium-grain rice varieties are naturally slightly sticky due to their higher starch content. This makes them ideal for stir-frying, as they don’t crumble or break apart easily.
2. Absorptive Quality: Soaking Up Flavor
- Why It’s Important: A good fried rice absorbs the flavors of soy sauce, garlic butter, and seasonings without becoming soggy.
- How It’s Achieved: Medium-grain rice like Calrose and Nishiki has a structure that allows it to take in sauces and spices evenly, giving each bite a burst of flavor.
3. Cooking Consistency: Even and Predictable
- Why It’s Important: For hibachi cooking, rice needs to cook evenly, ensuring no undercooked or mushy grains.
- How It’s Achieved: Premium short-grain and medium-grain rice varieties, such as Kokuho Rose, cook uniformly, producing consistent results with every batch.
4. Stickiness: Just the Right Amount
- Why It’s Important: While the rice needs to hold together during stir-frying, it shouldn’t clump excessively or feel gummy.
- How It’s Achieved: The balance of starch in short-grain and medium-grain rice ensures the perfect level of stickiness for hibachi dishes.
5. Taste: Mild and Neutral
- Why It’s Important: Hibachi rice needs a neutral base flavor to complement the rich garlic butter, soy sauce, and other seasonings.
- How It’s Achieved: Short-grain and medium-grain white rice varieties have a mild, clean taste that enhances the overall dish without overpowering it.
Why Short-Grain and Medium-Grain Rice Are Ideal for Hibachi
Short-grain and medium-grain rice are preferred for hibachi-style cooking because of their:
- Balanced starch content for the right stickiness.
- Consistent cooking results.
- Neutral flavor that complements seasonings.
These characteristics make them the best choice for replicating Benihana’s fried rice at home.
How to Choose the Best Rice for Hibachi
If you’re asking yourself, “What rice brand does Benihana use?”, the answer lies in choosing high-quality short-grain or medium-grain rice varieties like Nishiki or Calrose. These rice types match Benihana’s standards for hibachi cooking.
1. Prioritize Short-Grain or Medium-Grain Rice
- Why It’s Important: Short-grain and medium-grain rice varieties provide the ideal balance of stickiness and fluffiness for stir-frying.
- Best Options:
- Nishiki: A premium medium-grain rice often used in Japanese and hibachi-style dishes.
- Calrose: Known for its slightly sticky texture and versatility in fried rice recipes.
- Kokuho Rose: A short-grain rice that’s perfect for achieving the chewiness needed for hibachi rice.
2. Look for High-Quality Brands
- Why It’s Important: Premium rice brands are polished and processed carefully, ensuring consistent cooking and excellent flavor.
- Recommended Brands Available in Stores:
- Nishiki Premium Rice: Found in most grocery stores and Asian markets.
- Lundberg Organic California White Rice: An organic medium-grain option that’s eco-friendly and delicious.
- Tamanishiki Super Premium Rice: A short-grain rice known for its exceptional quality.
3. Check the Label for “Sushi Rice”
- Why It’s Important: Many high-quality short-grain and medium-grain rice varieties are labeled as “sushi rice,” which works perfectly for hibachi dishes.
- Pro Tip: If labeled as sushi rice, ensure it’s plain (not pre-seasoned) to avoid conflicting flavors.
4. Avoid Long-Grain Varieties
- Why It’s Important: Long-grain rice like basmati or jasmine has a low starch content, resulting in a dry texture unsuitable for hibachi cooking.
- Pro Tip: Stick to shorter grains for the authentic chewy texture that Benihana achieves.
5. Opt for Parboiled Rice for Convenience
- Why It’s Important: Parboiled medium-grain rice is partially cooked during processing, which saves time and ensures even results.
- Pro Tip: Brands like Uncle Ben’s Converted Rice can work in a pinch if short-grain or medium-grain rice isn’t available.
6. Consider Your Budget
- Why It’s Important: While premium rice brands deliver better quality, they can be more expensive.
- Budget-Friendly Options:
- Store-brand medium-grain rice often works well for hibachi dishes.
- Buy in bulk at Asian grocery stores to save on premium brands.
Popular Store-Bought Brands That Work for Hibachi
Here’s a quick reference for rice brands that closely match what Benihana uses:
- Nishiki Medium-Grain Rice
- Kokuho Rose Short-Grain Rice
- Calrose Medium-Grain Rice
- Lundberg Organic Medium-Grain Rice
- Tamanishiki Premium Short-Grain Rice
With these tips and options, you’re well on your way to choosing the perfect rice to recreate Benihana’s hibachi fried rice at home.
Cooking Benihana-Style Rice at Home
Recreating Benihana’s hibachi fried rice requires not only the right rice but also proper preparation and cooking techniques. Follow these steps to achieve the perfect texture and flavor that mimics the restaurant’s signature dish.
1. Preparing the Rice for Cooking
The way you prepare your rice before stir-frying is crucial for the final dish’s quality.
- Use Day-Old Rice
- Day-old rice is slightly dry, which prevents it from clumping or turning mushy when stir-fried.
- If you don’t have day-old rice, cook fresh rice and spread it out on a baking sheet to cool and dry in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Rinse the Rice (If Needed)
- If using a starchy variety like short-grain or medium-grain rice, rinse it thoroughly under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch.
- Cook the Rice Properly
- Use the 1:1.25 ratio of rice to water for medium-grain rice or follow the instructions on your rice packaging. This ensures the grains are cooked evenly without being overhydrated.
2. Cooking the Rice Benihana-Style
Now that your rice is ready, it’s time to prepare the fried rice itself.
- Step 1: Heat Your Skillet or Wok
- Use a large skillet or wok and heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add 1 minced garlic clove for a fragrant base.
- Step 2: Scramble the Eggs
- Push the garlic to one side of the skillet. Crack 2 eggs into the skillet and scramble them lightly. Push them aside when cooked.
- Step 3: Add the Rice
- Toss in the day-old rice and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, breaking up any clumps as you go.
- Step 4: Season the Rice
- Add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 2 tablespoons of garlic butter. Toss the rice to coat it evenly.
- Stir in thawed peas and carrots (1 cup) for sweetness and color.
- Step 5: Incorporate Protein
- For Benihana’s signature chicken fried rice, add bite-sized pieces of cooked chicken breast. You can also use shrimp, beef, or tofu as alternatives.
- Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle chopped green onions over the rice before serving to enhance the flavor and presentation.
Why Day-Old Rice Works Best
Day-old rice is essential for achieving the perfect fried rice texture because it:
- Reduces Moisture: Dry rice grains fry better without clumping or becoming mushy.
- Separates Easily: Each grain remains distinct, giving you the fluffy texture you want in hibachi fried rice.
Pro Tips for Cooking Benihana-Style Rice
- Use High Heat: Mimic the intense heat of Benihana’s teppanyaki grill to achieve a smoky flavor.
- Work Quickly: Keep ingredients prepped and within reach since fried rice cooks fast.
- Adjust Seasonings: Add more soy sauce or garlic butter to suit your taste.
Pro Tips for Cooking Hibachi-Style Rice
Step 1: Use Day-Old Rice
For the best results in fried rice recipes, use cooked and cooled rice from the previous day. Day-old rice reduces moisture, preventing clumping.
Step 2: Enhance Flavor with Chicken Broth
Instead of plain water, cook the rice in Chicken Broth in a Rice Cooker to add depth to your dish.
Step 3: Choose the Right Oil
Benihana-style cooking often involves sesame oil or butter for added richness. Combine it with garlic for the signature hibachi flavor.
Recreate Benihana’s Recipes at Home
Want to make Benihana-style rice at home? Pair high-quality Japanese rice with classic hibachi recipes for an authentic experience. For a full hibachi-style meal, try the Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe and discover how to replicate the restaurant’s signature flavors.
For those looking to explore more, check out How Do You Cook Hibachi Chicken Rice at Benihana? for step-by-step guidance on making a complete hibachi meal.
Complementary Dishes and Sides
- With Vegetables: Pair hibachi rice with a light salad like Edamame Egg Salad for a balanced meal.
- With Protein: Add grilled chicken or steak for a hearty dish. Explore the Grilled Chicken Alfredo Recipe for another comforting, protein-rich meal.
FAQs About Benihana-Style Rice
1. What rice brand does Benihana use?
While Benihana hasn’t officially disclosed its rice supplier, the restaurant uses short-grain or medium-grain white rice for its hibachi-style fried rice. Popular brands like Nishiki, Calrose, and Kokuho Rose are excellent choices to replicate the texture and flavor at home. These rice types are slightly sticky, making them ideal for stir-frying.
2. Can I use long-grain rice for hibachi fried rice?
You can use long-grain rice like basmati or jasmine, but it won’t deliver the same texture as Benihana’s fried rice. Long-grain rice is less sticky and doesn’t clump together, which can make it harder to stir-fry and absorb flavors. For authentic results, stick to short-grain or medium-grain varieties.
3. Is jasmine or basmati rice a good option for hibachi rice?
Jasmine and basmati rice are not ideal for hibachi-style fried rice because they lack the starch content needed for the slight stickiness that Benihana’s rice has. However, if you prefer a fluffier texture and slightly different flavor, they can work as an alternative.
4. What’s the secret to making rice taste like Benihana’s?
The secret to Benihana’s fried rice lies in its seasoning and cooking techniques. Key ingredients include:
- Garlic Butter: Adds richness and depth of flavor.
- Soy Sauce: Provides a savory, umami flavor.
- Day-Old Rice: Ensures the right texture for stir-frying.
Using high heat and tossing the rice frequently are also essential to achieving the restaurant’s signature smoky aroma and buttery taste.
Conclusion
Choosing the right rice is essential to recreating the magic of Benihana’s hibachi chicken rice at home. While the exact brand Benihana uses remains undisclosed, short-grain and medium-grain varieties like Nishiki, Calrose, and Kokuho Rose are perfect for achieving the same texture and flavor. These types of rice provide the slight stickiness and fluffiness necessary for authentic hibachi-style fried rice.
By combining high-quality rice with essential techniques like using day-old rice, garlic butter, and high heat, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality dish from the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you’re making chicken fried rice or customizing it with shrimp, tofu, or vegetables, this guide ensures you’re equipped to master the art of hibachi cooking.
So, grab your favorite rice brand, fire up your skillet, and bring the Benihana experience to your dining table. Enjoy every bite of your homemade hibachi fried rice!