Benihana’s chicken fried rice is a classic that has captured the hearts of food lovers everywhere. With its perfectly cooked rice, tender chicken, and a hint of garlic butter, it’s no wonder this Benihana fried rice recipe is such a hit. Recreating this restaurant favorite at home might seem like a challenge, but the truth is, you don’t need a teppanyaki grill or a professional chef’s expertise to make it happen. With a few key ingredients, simple steps, and some cooking tips, you can prepare a delicious copycat version that rivals the original.
This Benihana fried rice recipe is not only incredibly flavorful but also versatile and budget-friendly. It’s an excellent way to use up leftover rice and chicken, turning them into a crowd-pleasing dinner in less than 30 minutes. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, this step-by-step guide will help you make a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your kitchen.
What Makes Benihana Fried Rice Recipe So Special?
The magic of this Benihana fried rice recipe lies in its simplicity. The dish uses common ingredients like rice, chicken, vegetables, and eggs, yet delivers complex flavors that are both comforting and satisfying. The key ingredient that sets this recipe apart is the garlic butter, which adds a rich, savory depth to the dish. This butter, combined with soy sauce and sesame oil, transforms plain rice into a flavorful masterpiece.
Texture is another hallmark of this Benihana fried rice recipe. By using day-old rice, you achieve the perfect balance of slightly crispy grains that are neither too dry nor too sticky. Additionally, the inclusion of a medley of colorful vegetables, fluffy scrambled eggs, and juicy chicken ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor and texture. It’s a dish that brings together the best elements of Japanese comfort food and hibachi-style cooking.
Essential Ingredients for the Best Homemade Benihana Fried Rice
To make this dish at home, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Core Ingredients:
- Day-old rice: Day-old rice is essential for the right texture. Its reduced moisture content ensures the grains remain separate and don’t clump together during cooking.
- Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is an excellent option for convenience, but baked, grilled, or even leftover chicken works just as well.
- Eggs: These are scrambled and mixed into the dish to add richness and extra protein.
- Onion and garlic: These aromatics form the flavor base of the dish, lending a savory depth.
- Frozen mixed vegetables: A combination of peas, carrots, and corn is classic, but feel free to experiment with broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Soy sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended to balance flavor without overwhelming the dish with salt.
- Sesame oil: This gives the rice a nutty, aromatic finish.
- Butter: Unsalted butter works best to control the seasoning.
Optional Add-Ins and Substitutions:
You can customize the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs. Substitute tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version, or swap chicken for shrimp or tofu to change up the protein. If you’re looking to add a bit of spice, a drizzle of sriracha or chili oil can elevate the flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Benihana Chicken Fried Rice
Preparing Day-Old Rice:
Day-old rice is the secret to perfect fried rice. It’s drier than freshly cooked rice, which prevents clumping and ensures a light, fluffy texture. If you don’t have leftover rice, cook a fresh batch, spread it out on a baking sheet, and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours to remove excess moisture.
Making the Garlic Butter:
The garlic butter is a star ingredient in this recipe, so don’t skip it. To make it, combine softened butter with finely minced garlic and a pinch of salt. For an extra layer of flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice. Store the garlic butter in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Cooking the Chicken:
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Heat a tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the chicken and sauté until it’s golden and heated through. Remove it from the pan and set it aside for later.
Sautéing the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, heat a little more sesame oil and add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Toss in the frozen vegetables and stir-fry until they’re tender but still slightly crisp. This ensures the vegetables retain their vibrant color and don’t turn mushy.
Scrambling the Eggs:
Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and crack the eggs into the empty space. Scramble them gently, breaking them up with a spatula as they cook. Once they’re fully cooked, mix them with the vegetables.
Stir-Frying the Rice:
Add the day-old rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with your hands or a spatula. Drizzle the rice with soy sauce and sesame oil, then add the garlic butter. Stir everything together, making sure each grain of rice is coated in the sauce and butter. Let the rice cook for 3–5 minutes over high heat, allowing it to crisp up slightly.
Adding the Chicken Back:
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and mix it into the rice. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to ensure everything is evenly heated and well combined. Taste the rice and adjust the seasoning with more soy sauce or a pinch of salt if needed.
Serving and Garnishing Tips
For an authentic Benihana experience, garnish the fried rice with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. These toppings add a burst of freshness and a nutty crunch to the dish. Serve the fried rice as a standalone meal or alongside other hibachi-style dishes like teriyaki chicken, sautéed shrimp, or grilled vegetables.
This fried rice pairs beautifully with a simple cucumber salad or miso soup for a complete Japanese-inspired dinner.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
If you have leftovers, don’t worry—this dish stores and reheats beautifully. Transfer the rice to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. For longer storage, portion the rice into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze it for up to 3 months.
To reheat, warm the rice in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to restore its moisture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave the rice in a covered dish with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out.
Expert Tips for Nailing the Benihana Experience
Achieving restaurant-quality fried rice at home is all about technique. Use a flat-top grill if you have one, as it mimics the high heat and even cooking of a teppanyaki grill. For a detailed guide, check out this step-by-step guide to making fried rice on a flat-top grill.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when stir-frying, as this can cause the rice to steam instead of crisp. If you’re cooking a large batch, work in smaller portions. Finally, let the rice sit undisturbed for a minute or two while cooking to develop a slightly crispy texture at the bottom.
Nutritional Information and Adjustments
Each serving of Benihana chicken fried rice contains approximately 410 calories, 29g of carbohydrates, 25g of protein, and 21g of fat. To make the dish lighter, reduce the amount of butter or opt for brown rice instead of white rice. You can also use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a lower-sodium alternative.
Why Use Leftover Rice?
Day-old rice is drier and holds its shape better during stir-frying, making it an essential ingredient for this dish. Freshly cooked rice tends to clump together and can become mushy. If you’re unsure how to store rice safely, this guide—How long does rice last in the fridge?—offers useful tips.
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh rice for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to cool it completely and spread it out on a baking sheet to dry before using.
What’s the best substitute for sesame oil?
You can use avocado or vegetable oil, though sesame oil provides a distinctive nutty flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply replace the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
How do I make this dish spicy?
Add a splash of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the rice for a spicy kick.
What proteins can I use instead of chicken?
Shrimp, beef, or tofu are great alternatives that work well with this recipe.