The Samurai Treat from Benihana features tender grilled steak, succulent shrimp, and fresh vegetables, all artistically arranged and drizzled with a savory teriyaki glaze, offering a delicious harmony of smoky, sweet, and umami flavors.
Equipments
- Hibachi grill (teppan grill)
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Spatula
- Tongs
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle or sauce brush
- Serving platters
- Squeeze bottles (for sauces)
- Plates for serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) sirloin steak
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 zucchini
- 1 onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 red bell pepper
- 8 oz (225g) mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 2 tablespoons sake
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
When preparing the Samurai Treat from Benihana, use fresh sirloin steak and large shrimp for optimal texture and flavor. Fresh vegetables such as zucchini, onion, carrot, red bell pepper, and mushrooms contribute essential nutrients and vibrant colors to the dish. To achieve the signature teriyaki glaze, balance soy sauce with mirin, sake, sugar, and a cornstarch-water slurry for perfect thickness. Properly seasoning with salt and black pepper enhances the overall taste without overpowering the glaze. Your homemade Samurai Treat from Benihana copycat menu will deliver the authentic savory, sweet, and smoky experience right at home.
Instructions
- Preheat the hibachi grill or teppan grill.
- Cut the steak into bite-sized cubes.
- Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done.
- Slice zucchini, onion, carrot, bell pepper, and mushrooms into bite-sized pieces.
- In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar to make teriyaki sauce.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
- Add slurry to the simmering sauce to thicken slightly; remove from heat.
- Toss vegetables in a mixing bowl with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, salt, and pepper.
- Season steak and shrimp with salt and pepper.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil onto the preheated grill.
- Sear steak cubes on the grill until desired doneness; set aside.
- Grill shrimp until pink and opaque; set aside.
- Grill vegetables until tender-crisp.
- Return steak and shrimp to the grill and briefly toss with grilled vegetables.
- Drizzle teriyaki sauce over steak, shrimp, and vegetables; toss to coat.
- Arrange steak, shrimp, and vegetables artistically on serving platters.
- Garnish as desired and serve immediately.
Substitution
The Samurai Treat from Benihana copycat menu combines grilled sirloin steak, shrimp, and assorted vegetables with a rich teriyaki glaze for an authentic hibachi experience. If you don't have access to a hibachi or teppan grill, a cast iron skillet or grill pan can replicate similar searing and flavor development. When substituting vegetables, bell peppers can be swapped with snap peas or broccoli for varied texture and nutrition. Mirin can be replaced with a mixture of dry sherry and sugar if unavailable, maintaining the sweet, umami profile of the sauce. Be sure to adjust cooking times when using different equipment to ensure your steak and shrimp remain tender and flavorful.
Tips
Ensure your hibachi grill is properly preheated to achieve a perfect sear on the sirloin steak and shrimp, locking in their natural juices and flavors. When slicing vegetables, maintain uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking and a balanced texture in your Samurai Treat. Prepare the teriyaki sauce carefully by dissolving sugar fully and thickening with a cornstarch slurry to avoid lumps and a runny consistency. Seasoning the steak and shrimp just before grilling ensures your dish retains its savory depth without becoming overly salty.
Nutritions
The Samurai Treat from Benihana offers a balanced combination of protein from sirloin steak and shrimp, which supports muscle repair and growth. Fresh vegetables like zucchini, onion, carrot, bell pepper, and mushrooms provide essential vitamins, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, promoting overall digestive health. The teriyaki glaze, made with soy sauce, mirin, sake, and a touch of sugar, adds flavor with some sodium and carbohydrates, so be mindful if you are watching your sodium intake. Your meal delivers a satisfying mix of macronutrients and micronutrients, ideal for a tasty yet nutritious dining experience.
Storage
Store any leftovers of the Samurai Treat in airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Use plastic wrap or foil to cover the containers tightly, ensuring the teriyaki-glazed steak, shrimp, and vegetables stay moist and flavorful. Consume refrigerated leftovers within 3 to 4 days, reheating gently to avoid overcooking the delicate shrimp and vegetables.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute sirloin steak with ribeye or filet mignon for a richer flavor and more tender texture. Swap the shrimp for scallops or firm white fish like cod to vary the seafood component. Instead of grilling, sear the ingredients in a hot cast-iron skillet to achieve a similar caramelization if a hibachi grill is unavailable. Consider adding a splash of fresh lemon juice or grated ginger to the teriyaki sauce for an extra layer of brightness and zing.
Allergies
The Samurai Treat from Benihana contains common allergens such as shellfish from the shrimp and soy from the soy sauce, which may trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. You should be cautious if you have seafood allergies or soy intolerance as these ingredients are prominent in the dish. Cross-contamination risks could also be present due to the variety of proteins and vegetables cooked together.
Why this recipe?
The Samurai Treat menu at Benihana restaurant is beloved for its authentic Japanese flavors, high-quality ingredients, and skillful teppanyaki cooking techniques. It features a unique blend of savory sauces, fresh vegetables, and expertly grilled meats that create a satisfying and memorable dining experience. Making a copycat version allows you to enjoy the complex taste and artistry of the meal in your own home, saving money while customizing ingredients to your preference. Your effort to recreate the dish captures the essence of Benihana's culinary craftsmanship and brings a restaurant-quality meal to your table.