Few dishes capture the magic of Japanese hibachi dining quite like Benihana chicken fried rice. The irresistible combination of fluffy rice, tender chicken, and bold umami flavors makes it a fan-favorite at teppanyaki restaurants worldwide. But did you know you can easily recreate this dish at home, no hibachi grill required?
This guide will teach you how to master the Benihana-style fried rice recipe, from selecting the best ingredients to using the right cooking techniques. Plus, you’ll learn the secret ingredient that gives restaurant-style fried rice its unique depth of flavor. By the end, you’ll have a perfectly seasoned, smoky, and authentic hibachi fried rice that tastes just like the one served at Benihana.
Let’s dive in and bring restaurant-quality fried rice straight to your kitchen!
Table of Contents
What Makes Benihana Chicken Fried Rice So Delicious?
Hibachi fried rice isn’t just about tossing ingredients together in a pan. The magic lies in the technique, heat control, and seasoning. Benihana chefs use high heat cooking, precisely balanced sauces, and signature garlic butter to elevate their fried rice to perfection.
Here’s why Benihana-style chicken fried rice is special:
- Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice contains too much moisture, leading to mushy fried rice. Using chilled, day-old rice ensures each grain remains separate.
- Garlic Butter: A blend of butter, garlic, and soy sauce infuses the rice with rich, savory depth.
- High Heat & Quick Stirring: Cooking at high heat sears the rice, adding slight crispness and a smoky aroma.
- Hibachi-Style Sauce Blend: A precise mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, and mirin creates the perfect balance of umami and slight sweetness.
Want to recreate this at home? Let’s go step by step.
Ingredients for Benihana-Style Chicken Fried Rice
Before you start, gather all ingredients for smooth and efficient cooking.
Full Ingredient List
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked Jasmine Rice | 3 cups | Day-old rice for best texture |
| Chicken Breast | 1 cup (cubed) | Boneless, skinless |
| Eggs | 2 | Lightly beaten |
| Soy Sauce | 3 tbsp | Low-sodium preferred |
| Sesame Oil | 1 tbsp | Adds nutty flavor |
| Garlic Butter | 2 tbsp | The secret ingredient |
| Green Onions | 2 stalks | Finely chopped |
| Carrots | ¼ cup | Diced small |
| Peas | ¼ cup | Optional |
| Salt & Pepper | To taste | Adjust as needed |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking Perfect Fried Rice
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
- Cook the Rice in Advance: If you don’t have day-old rice, spread freshly cooked jasmine rice on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This helps remove excess moisture.
- Dice the Chicken: Cut boneless, skinless chicken into small cubes so it cooks evenly.
- Chop the Vegetables: Finely dice carrots, green onions, and any other add-ins to ensure even distribution.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken cubes and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown.
- Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Move the cooked chicken to the side of the pan.
Step 3: Scramble the Eggs
- Push the cooked chicken to one side of the wok.
- Pour beaten eggs into the empty space.
- Stir quickly to scramble, then mix with the chicken once fully cooked.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
- Add carrots and peas, stirring for 2 minutes until softened.
- Mix in chopped green onions for extra freshness.
Step 5: Add the Rice and Flavorings
- Add chilled rice, breaking up any clumps.
- Pour in soy sauce and garlic butter for deep umami flavor.
- Stir continuously for 3-4 minutes over high heat to blend flavors.
Step 6: Serve Hot
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with extra green onions for freshness.
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Secret Ingredients That Make This Fried Rice Irresistible
Garlic Butter: The Key to Restaurant Flavor
One of the biggest secrets behind Benihana’s rich fried rice is garlic butter. This simple blend enhances the savory depth and umami of the dish.
To Make Garlic Butter:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp soy sauce
Mix until smooth, then add to fried rice for unparalleled flavor.
Soy Sauce & Mirin Blend
- Low-sodium soy sauce provides the signature salty umami flavor.
- Mirin (a sweet Japanese cooking wine) balances the saltiness with mild sweetness.
Using both ingredients creates authentic Benihana-style taste.
Why You Should Make This Recipe at Home
- Healthier than takeout: You control the ingredients and sodium levels.
- Fast & easy: The whole dish comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable: Add shrimp, steak, or tofu for variations.
Perfecting the Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe (Step-by-Step)
Mastering the Benihana chicken fried rice recipe requires more than just following a basic set of instructions. The real secret lies in precision, ingredient selection, and technique. Now that we’ve covered the fundamental steps, let’s refine the process further to achieve that true hibachi-style texture and flavor at home.
The Key to Achieving Perfectly Seared Fried Rice
Many home cooks struggle with soggy, mushy fried rice instead of the light, slightly crispy texture found at hibachi restaurants. This happens due to improper heat control and moisture levels.
How to Avoid Soggy Rice
- Use Day-Old Rice – Fresh rice contains too much moisture, which leads to a sticky, heavy texture.
- Spread Rice Evenly – When adding rice to the pan, spread it out to allow even heating and searing.
- Let It Sit – Instead of constantly stirring, allow the rice to sit undisturbed for 20-30 seconds at a time to develop a slight crisp.
The Importance of High Heat Cooking
- Hibachi chefs cook fried rice over high heat to evaporate excess moisture quickly.
- If your stove doesn’t get hot enough, preheat the pan for at least 2 minutes before adding ingredients.
- Using a cast iron skillet or wok helps retain heat better than nonstick pans.
This chicken taco soup is a cozy meal, especially when served with a side of French onion-flavored rice.
Customizing Your Fried Rice with Add-Ins
One of the best parts about homemade hibachi fried rice is the ability to customize it to your taste. Here are some creative ways to personalize your dish.
1. Protein Variations
- Shrimp Fried Rice – Cook shrimp separately in butter and garlic, then add it back at the final step to avoid overcooking.
- Steak Fried Rice – Use thinly sliced ribeye for an ultra-rich, restaurant-quality taste.
- Vegetarian Fried Rice – Swap chicken for tofu or extra vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms.
2. Unique Flavor Enhancers
- Oyster Sauce – Adds deep umami and richness to the rice.
- White Pepper – Used in many Asian recipes for a more complex spice profile.
- Sriracha or Chili Flakes – Elevate the heat level with a spicy kick.
Secrets to Getting the Smoky, Restaurant-Style Flavor
Hibachi fried rice has a distinctive smoky aroma and rich umami taste that’s difficult to achieve at home. Here’s how to mimic that authentic Benihana flavor.
1. Cooking with a Wok Over an Open Flame
- Professional hibachi grills operate at very high temperatures.
- Using a carbon steel wok over a gas stove mimics the effect, as it allows rice to pick up a light char.
2. The Garlic Butter Trick
- Homemade garlic butter makes all the difference.
- Combine ½ cup softened butter, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon soy sauce.
- Stir in right before serving for a glossy, flavorful finish.
3. Letting the Soy Sauce Caramelize
- Instead of mixing soy sauce in immediately, let it sear in the pan for 10-15 seconds before stirring.
- This technique creates a slight caramelization, enhancing depth of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Does Benihana Put in Their Fried Rice?
Benihana uses garlic butter, soy sauce, and fresh vegetables to create their signature flavor. The garlic butter is the key ingredient that gives it a rich, savory depth.
What Type of Oil Does Benihana Use?
They use a combination of sesame oil and vegetable oil. Sesame oil adds a nutty aroma, while vegetable oil withstands high heat.
What Is the Secret Ingredient in Restaurant Fried Rice?
The garlic butter is what makes restaurant fried rice stand out. It adds umami richness and a glossy finish.
What Sauce Do Hibachi Chefs Use for Fried Rice?
Most hibachi chefs use a blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and mirin. Some also add a splash of sake for extra depth.
What Sauce Does Benihana Serve with Fried Rice?
Benihana pairs their fried rice with Yum Yum Sauce and ginger sauce. Yum Yum Sauce is a sweet, creamy, mayo-based sauce, while ginger sauce is light, tangy, and slightly spicy.
What Do Hibachi Chefs Squirt on Rice While Cooking?
They use a blend of soy sauce, oil, and water to steam and season the rice while cooking. Some chefs also add a splash of sake.
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, but it will have a chewier texture. Brown rice takes longer to cook and absorb seasonings.
How Do I Store Leftover Fried Rice?
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To reheat, use a hot pan with a splash of water to revive the texture.
Conclusion
Recreating the Benihana chicken fried rice recipe at home is not only possible but also an exciting way to bring the flavors of hibachi-style cooking into your kitchen. By following the techniques, tips, and secrets outlined in this guide, you can achieve that perfectly seasoned, smoky, and restaurant-quality fried rice every time.
Now, it’s time to put your skills to the test—gather your ingredients, fire up your pan, and enjoy your homemade Benihana-style fried rice tonight!