Introduction
Benihana Chicken Fried Rice is a fan favorite for its smoky aroma, buttery richness, and perfectly seasoned chicken. With this Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe, you can recreate the iconic hibachi-style dish in your own kitchen. Perfect as a quick dinner or a side for a larger meal, this recipe delivers the same delicious flavors you love from the restaurant—no hibachi grill required!
Ingredients for Benihana Chicken Fried Rice
Core Ingredients
To recreate the signature flavor of Benihana chicken fried rice, you’ll need these essential ingredients:
- Cooked and chilled rice: 4 cups of day-old rice for the perfect texture.
- Chicken breast: 1 large, diced into bite-sized pieces.
- Soy sauce: 2-3 tablespoons for that signature umami flavor.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons, for richness.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, for aromatic flavor.
- Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons, for frying the ingredients.
- Eggs: 2 large, lightly beaten, for that classic fried rice addition.
- Frozen peas and carrots: 1 cup, thawed, for color and sweetness.
- Green onions: 2, finely chopped, for garnish.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
Optional Additions for Extra Flavor
Customize your Benihana chicken fried rice with these additions:
- Sesame oil: A few drops for a nutty, aromatic boost.
- Hibachi-style garlic butter: Use this for an even more authentic taste.
- Ginger: Finely grated, for a hint of spice.
- Protein variations: Swap chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu for variety.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Benihana Chicken Fried Rice
Now that you have your tools and ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe. Follow these detailed steps to recreate the flavors of your favorite hibachi-style fried rice at home.
1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Cook and Chill the Rice
- Use leftover rice or cook a fresh batch. Once cooked, spread the rice on a tray and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to dry it out. This step is crucial for preventing soggy fried rice.
- Dice the Chicken
- Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Prep Vegetables and Garlic
- Thaw frozen peas and carrots, mince the garlic, and chop the green onions.
- Beat the Eggs
- Lightly beat 2 eggs in a small bowl and set aside.
2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat the Skillet
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in your skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Chicken
- Add the diced chicken to the skillet. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside in a bowl.
3: Scramble the Eggs
- Add More Oil
- Add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet and pour in the beaten eggs.
- Scramble Lightly
- Stir the eggs gently as they cook, breaking them into small pieces. Once cooked, push them to one side of the skillet.
4: Fry the Rice
- Add Garlic and Rice
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and stir until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Then, add the chilled rice to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Season the Rice
- Drizzle the soy sauce over the rice and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes to coat the rice evenly and develop a smoky flavor.
5: Combine Everything
- Mix in Vegetables and Chicken
- Add the cooked chicken, thawed peas and carrots, and scrambled eggs to the rice. Toss everything together to distribute evenly.
- Finish with Butter and Green Onions
- Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and stir until melted, coating the rice for a rich flavor. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top and stir again.
6: Serve and Enjoy
- Taste and Adjust
- Taste the rice and adjust seasoning with additional soy sauce, salt, or pepper if needed.
- Plate and Serve
- Serve your Benihana chicken fried rice hot as a main dish or side, paired with your favorite Japanese-inspired recipes.
Tips for Perfect Benihana-Style Fried Rice
Recreating authentic Benihana Chicken Fried Rice at home is all about paying attention to the small details. These tips will help you achieve that smoky, buttery flavor and restaurant-quality texture.
1. Use Day-Old Rice
- Why It Matters: Chilled, day-old rice has less moisture, making it ideal for fried rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to clump and turn mushy.
- Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to dry it out quickly.
2. Cook Over High Heat
- Why It Matters: High heat mimics the hibachi grill style, helping you achieve a smoky flavor while preventing the rice from steaming.
- Pro Tip: Use a cast-iron skillet or wok for even heat distribution.
3. Don’t Overload the Pan
- Why It Matters: Adding too many ingredients at once lowers the pan’s temperature, leading to soggy rice.
- Pro Tip: Cook in batches if necessary, especially when frying the rice.
4. Master the Soy Sauce Ratio
- Why It Matters: Too much soy sauce can overpower the rice, while too little may leave it bland.
- Pro Tip: Start with 2 tablespoons, taste, and add more as needed for a balanced umami flavor.
5. Add Butter for Authentic Flavor
- Why It Matters: Benihana’s signature buttery flavor is a must-have in this recipe.
- Pro Tip: Stir in the butter at the end to coat the rice evenly and enhance richness.
6. Use Fresh Ingredients
- Why It Matters: Fresh vegetables, garlic, and high-quality chicken enhance the dish’s flavor.
- Pro Tip: Prep all ingredients ahead of time for a smooth cooking process, as fried rice cooks quickly.
7. Customize Your Recipe
- Why It Matters: Personalizing the dish allows you to enjoy your preferred flavors.
- Pro Tip: Try variations like shrimp fried rice, vegetarian fried rice with tofu, or spicy fried rice with chili oil.
Serving Suggestions for Benihana Chicken Fried Rice
This Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and main courses. Whether you’re creating a full Japanese-inspired meal or enjoying it as a standalone dish, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.
1. As a Main Dish
- Serve the chicken fried rice as a hearty main course.
- Pair it with a refreshing side salad, such as a Japanese cucumber salad or a sesame-dressed greens mix.
- Add a bowl of miso soup to complete the meal.
2. As a Side Dish
Benihana chicken fried rice pairs beautifully with other Japanese-inspired dishes:
- Hibachi-Style Grilled Steak or Shrimp: The smoky, buttery flavors of grilled proteins complement the rice perfectly.
- Teriyaki Chicken or Beef: Sweet and savory teriyaki sauce pairs harmoniously with the umami-rich rice.
- Vegetable Tempura: Crispy tempura veggies add a delightful contrast in texture.
3. Garnish for Extra Flavor
Add finishing touches to enhance both flavor and presentation:
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the rice for a nutty crunch.
- Drizzle a small amount of sesame oil for an aromatic kick.
- Top with extra chopped green onions for a burst of freshness.
4. Pairing with Drinks
Complete the meal with the perfect drink pairing:
- Japanese Green Tea: A warm, earthy beverage that balances the richness of the rice.
- Sake: For a more traditional pairing, serve warm or cold sake.
- Sparkling Water with Citrus: A refreshing non-alcoholic option to cleanse the palate.
5. Kid-Friendly Option
Make the dish appealing for younger eaters:
- Reduce the amount of soy sauce for a milder flavor.
- Serve with chicken nuggets or plain grilled chicken as a side for a kid-friendly twist.
Pro Tips for Perfect Fried Rice
- Use Day-Old Rice: Cooked and cooled rice prevents the dish from becoming mushy. If you’re short on time, pair it with Chicken Broth in a Rice Cooker for added flavor.
- Enhance with Protein: Add grilled chicken or steak to transform this side dish into a hearty meal. For a creamy complement, consider pairing it with Longhorn Potato Soup.
Serving Suggestions
- With Appetizers: Start your meal with light options like Edamame Egg Salad for a nutritious appetizer.
- As Part of a Spread: Combine the fried rice with Grilled Chicken Alfredo for a diverse menu.
- For Dessert: Complete your meal with sweet options like Earl Grey Cookies for a refined finish.
FAQs About Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
1. How do you cook hibachi chicken rice at Benihana?
At Benihana, hibachi chicken rice is cooked on a flat-top grill, also known as a teppanyaki grill. Here’s how they prepare it:
- Cook Chicken First: Bite-sized chicken pieces are stir-fried with garlic butter and seasoned with salt and pepper.
- Add Chilled Rice: Day-old rice is added to the grill and stir-fried to separate the grains.
- Incorporate Flavors: Soy sauce, garlic butter, and eggs are mixed in for flavor.
- Finish with Veggies: Thawed peas, carrots, and green onions are added for color and texture.
This process creates the smoky, buttery flavor Benihana is famous for.
2. What rice brand does Benihana use?
Benihana typically uses short-grain or medium-grain white rice, which has a slightly sticky texture that works well for hibachi-style fried rice. While the exact brand may vary, Japanese-style sushi rice or brands like Kokuho Rose or Nishiki are excellent choices to recreate the dish at home.
3. What oil do they use at Benihana?
Benihana uses a combination of vegetable oil and sesame oil for cooking. Vegetable oil is used as the base because of its high smoke point, while sesame oil is added in smaller amounts for its nutty aroma and flavor. Garlic butter is also a key ingredient for frying, adding richness to the rice.
4. What is the secret ingredient to restaurant fried rice?
The secret ingredient in restaurant-style fried rice, including Benihana’s, is butter! Adding butter at the end gives the rice its signature richness and enhances its flavor. Another secret is using day-old rice, as it has a firmer texture that’s perfect for stir-frying. Additionally, the high heat and quick cooking process on a flat-top grill contribute to the signature smoky flavor.
Conclusion
This Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe brings the magic of restaurant-style hibachi cooking right into your kitchen. With its buttery richness, perfectly seasoned chicken, and colorful vegetables, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress your family and guests alike.
By following the steps in this guide and incorporating the tips for achieving authentic flavors, you can recreate the beloved Benihana experience at home. Whether served as a main dish or a side, this fried rice is as versatile as it is delicious.
So grab your skillet, prepare your ingredients, and give this recipe a try. You’ll soon discover why Benihana’s chicken fried rice is such a fan favorite. Enjoy every bite and don’t forget to share this recipe with others who love a good hibachi-style meal!