Benihana Fried Rice from Benihana features savory fried rice tossed with fresh vegetables, scrambled eggs, and succulent pieces of chicken or shrimp, all stir-fried to golden perfection and garnished with green onions for a flavorful and colorful presentation.
Equipments
- Wok or large skillet
- Spatula or wok turner
- Rice cooker or pot (for cooking rice)
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl (for beaten eggs)
- Ladle or serving spoon
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken breast or shrimp, diced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic butter
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
Using day-old jasmine rice is crucial for achieving the ideal texture in Benihana Fried Rice, as freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and clumps together. Vegetable oil with a high smoke point ensures even frying without burning the ingredients, while garlic butter adds a rich, savory depth unique to this recipe. Fresh or fully thawed frozen vegetables like peas and carrots maintain vibrant color and flavor during stir-frying. You should carefully control seasoning by adjusting soy sauce, salt, and black pepper to balance the dish without overpowering the delicate poultry or shrimp flavors. Benihana Fried Rice from Benihana copycat menu replicates the restaurant's signature taste by combining perfectly cooked jasmine rice with fresh veggies, tender chicken or shrimp, and aromatic green onions for an authentic dining experience at home.
Instructions
- Cook jasmine rice ahead of time and chill (preferably use day-old rice).
- Dice onion, carrots, and cooked chicken (or peel/devein shrimp, if using shrimp).
- Slice green onions.
- Heat wok or large skillet over medium-high heat; add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil.
- Add diced onions and carrots; stir-fry until softened.
- Add frozen peas; stir-fry for 1-2 minutes.
- Push vegetables to one side of the wok.
- Add a little oil if needed, then pour in beaten eggs.
- Scramble eggs gently until just set, then mix with vegetables.
- Add diced chicken or shrimp; stir-fry until heated through.
- Add cooked rice, breaking up clumps; stir-fry to mix well.
- Pour soy sauce and garlic butter over mixture; toss to combine.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Continue stir-frying until everything is hot and evenly coated.
- Transfer to serving dish and garnish with sliced green onions.
Substitution
Benihana Fried Rice from the Benihana copycat menu pairs jasmine rice with fresh vegetables, scrambled eggs, and your choice of chicken or shrimp for an authentic stir-fried taste. If you don't have jasmine rice, substitute with long-grain rice or basmati, ensuring it's cooked and cooled to prevent clumping. Frozen peas can be replaced with fresh green peas or edamame for a similar texture and flavor. Use tamari or coconut aminos as gluten-free alternatives to soy sauce without compromising the savory taste. To maintain the signature buttery richness, garlic butter can be swapped with a mixture of garlic and regular butter or oil.
Tips
Use day-old jasmine rice to prevent sogginess and achieve the ideal fried rice texture. Make sure the wok or skillet is properly preheated to high heat before adding ingredients to ensure quick cooking and a desirable smoky flavor. When scrambling eggs, cook them gently to avoid overcooking and maintain creaminess, then mix immediately with the vegetables to incorporate flavors. Adjust soy sauce and seasoning last, tasting as you go, so your dish is perfectly balanced for your palate.
Nutritions
Benihana Fried Rice provides a balanced source of macronutrients with protein from chicken or shrimp and eggs, carbohydrates primarily from jasmine rice, and healthy fats from vegetable oil and garlic butter. The inclusion of diced carrots, onions, and peas adds dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and essential minerals supporting overall health. Soy sauce contributes sodium, so you may want to adjust seasoning to fit your dietary sodium needs. By customizing portion sizes and ingredient amounts, you can tailor your serving to meet specific calorie and nutrient goals.
Storage
To store Benihana Fried Rice properly, allow it to cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent moisture buildup. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking and consume within 3-4 days to ensure optimal flavor and food safety. When reheating, use a microwave or skillet to heat thoroughly until steaming hot, preserving the texture of the vegetables and protein for your enjoyment.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute jasmine rice with brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist. Try using tofu or diced pork as alternative protein options to chicken or shrimp. Stir-fry the vegetables separately to maintain their crispness before combining with rice and eggs. For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of sesame oil or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Allergies
Benihana Fried Rice contains common allergens such as eggs, soy (from soy sauce), shellfish (if shrimp is included), and possibly dairy (from garlic butter). Cross-contact with peanuts or tree nuts could occur depending on kitchen practices, so inform your server if you have nut allergies. Your sensitivity to these ingredients should be carefully considered before consuming this dish to avoid allergic reactions.
Why this recipe?
Benihana Fried Rice is beloved for its perfect balance of savory soy sauce, tender vegetables, and expertly cooked eggs, creating a rich and satisfying flavor profile. The dish's distinctive hibachi-style preparation offers a smoky, char-grilled taste that enhances the overall dining experience. Making a copycat version allows you to enjoy the restaurant-quality taste at home, customizing ingredients to your preference while capturing the authentic Benihana flavor. Your kitchen can become the stage for creating this iconic, crowd-pleasing fried rice that brings excitement and comfort in every bite.