A bowl of freshly prepared Benihana chicken fried rice garnished with green onions and sesame seeds

Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe: A Complete Guide to Making It at Home

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Discover the secrets behind the famous Benihana chicken fried rice recipe! This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions, pro tips, and everything you need to know to recreate this beloved dish in your own kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to impress.

Benihana chicken fried rice is a staple dish at the renowned Japanese steakhouse chain. Its unique flavor comes from fresh ingredients, hibachi-style cooking techniques, and a signature garlic butter that adds an irresistible richness. Recreating this dish at home lets you enjoy the same restaurant-quality flavor without leaving your kitchen.

External Resources for Hibachi Cooking:

  • Guide to Hibachi Grills for choosing the right equipment.
  • Soy Sauce 101 to understand the different types of soy sauce.
  • Benefits of Garlic for health insights on this key ingredient.

Ingredients for Benihana Chicken Fried Rice

Hibachi grill with chicken, vegetables, and rice being cooked
Experience the authentic hibachi cooking technique with this vibrant setup

Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect Benihana chicken fried rice:

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
  • 1 cup diced chicken breast
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1/2 cup diced carrots
  • 1/2 cup peas
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil

Signature Garlic Butter

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1/2 tsp soy sauce

Optional Garnishes

  • Sliced green onions
  • Sesame seeds

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Garlic Butter

  1. Soften the butter and mix it with minced garlic and soy sauce.
  2. Set aside to let the flavors meld.

2. Cook the Chicken

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the diced chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Chicken pieces being stir-fried in a wok with sesame oil
Golden-brown diced chicken sizzling in sesame oil, ready to be mixed with vegetables and rice

3. Sauté the Vegetables

  1. Add another tablespoon of sesame oil to the pan.
  2. Add diced onion, carrots, and peas. Cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Scramble the Eggs

  1. Push the vegetables to one side of the pan.
  2. Crack the eggs into the empty space and scramble them until fully cooked.
  3. Mix the eggs with the vegetables.

5. Combine Everything

  1. Add the cooked rice to the pan and stir well to combine with vegetables and eggs.
  2. Add the chicken back to the pan.
  3. Drizzle soy sauce over the mixture and stir until evenly coated.
  4. Add the garlic butter and mix until fully melted and incorporated.

6. Serve and Enjoy

  1. Plate the fried rice and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
  2. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Benihana chicken fried rice!

Tips for Perfect Fried Rice

  • Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice can be too moist. Day-old rice has a firmer texture, making it ideal for frying.
  • High Heat: Cooking on high heat ensures the rice doesn’t become soggy.
  • Even Chopping: Uniformly cut vegetables and chicken for consistent cooking.

The History of Fried Rice

Fried rice has a long history that traces back to the Sui Dynasty in China (589–618 AD). Originally, it was a dish meant to repurpose leftover rice and ingredients, turning them into something flavorful and satisfying. The simplicity of its preparation and the adaptability of ingredients made it a universal favorite. Over time, the dish evolved and spread across Asia, inspiring countless regional adaptations, including the beloved Benihana chicken fried rice recipe. Its journey reflects the cultural exchange and ingenuity that food embodies.

The Japanese version of fried rice, particularly hibachi-style fried rice as served at Benihana, incorporates influences from both traditional Japanese cuisine and Western flavors. The use of garlic butter, for example, is a uniquely modern touch that enhances the dish’s appeal.

The Art of Hibachi Cooking

What is Hibachi Cooking?

Hibachi cooking involves grilling meat, vegetables, and rice on a high-heat metal surface. This technique allows ingredients to cook quickly while preserving their natural flavors and textures.

Essential Equipment for Hibachi Cooking

  • Hibachi Grill: A flat, open cooking surface.
  • Spatula: For flipping and mixing ingredients.
  • Heat Source: Propane or electric burners.

Hibachi vs. Teppanyaki

While the terms are often used interchangeably, hibachi and teppanyaki differ slightly. Hibachi refers to a traditional Japanese heating device, while teppanyaki involves cooking on an iron griddle.

How to Customize Your Fried Rice

Protein Options

  • Chicken: The classic choice for Benihana fried rice.
  • Shrimp: Adds a seafood twist.
  • Tofu: A vegetarian-friendly alternative.

Vegetable Variations

  • Add broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.

Spice It Up

  • Add a pinch of chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.

Nutritional Information

Benihana chicken fried rice is not only delicious but also provides a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables. Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving:

  • Calories: 400-450
  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fat: 12g

Techniques for Achieving Perfect Texture

The Role of Wok Hei

Wok hei, or “breath of the wok,” is essential in achieving authentic fried rice, especially in the iconic Benihana chicken fried rice recipe. This smoky, charred flavor is created by cooking ingredients at extremely high heat in a well-seasoned wok. While this might be challenging to replicate at home, using a cast iron skillet and cooking over high heat can yield similar results, bringing the magic of hibachi-style cooking to your own kitchen.

The Importance of Timing

Cooking each ingredient separately before combining them ensures optimal texture and flavor. For example:

  • Proteins: Sear to lock in juices.
  • Vegetables: Sauté quickly to retain crunch.
  • Rice: Fry last to absorb all the flavors.

Maintaining Moisture Balance

Avoid overloading the pan, as this can steam the ingredients instead of frying them. Cooking in small batches helps maintain the right moisture balance.

The Science Behind Fried Rice Flavor

Fried rice gets its depth of flavor from a combination of chemical reactions and ingredient interactions:

Maillard Reaction

  • Occurs when proteins and sugars in the rice and ingredients interact at high heat.
  • Creates a rich, savory flavor that’s key to great fried rice.

Umami Enhancement

  • Ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil provide umami, the “fifth taste.”
  • Umami gives fried rice its savory and satisfying profile.

Balancing Sweet, Salty, and Sour

  • Soy sauce provides saltiness, while vegetables like carrots add sweetness.
  • Adding a splash of rice vinegar can balance the dish with a subtle tang.

Creating a Complete Hibachi Experience at Home

Recreating Benihana chicken fried rice is just the beginning. For a full hibachi-style meal, consider adding:

  • Hibachi Vegetables: Sauté zucchini, onions, and mushrooms with soy sauce and sesame oil.
  • Yum Yum Sauce: A creamy dipping sauce made from mayonnaise, ketchup, and spices.
  • Hibachi Steak: Seared steak bites seasoned with soy sauce and garlic butter.

Set up a communal table and cook in front of your family or guests for an interactive dining experience.

Exploring Global Variations of Fried Rice

Classic Chinese Fried Rice

  • Features char siu pork, eggs, and green onions.
  • Seasoned with light and dark soy sauce for depth.

Thai Basil Fried Rice

  • Made with fragrant Thai basil and chili peppers.
  • Often includes seafood like shrimp or squid.

Indonesian Nasi Goreng

  • Uses kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) and is topped with a fried egg.
  • Accompanied by prawn crackers for texture.

Caribbean Fried Rice

  • Incorporates jerk seasoning, beans, and fresh thyme for bold flavors.

Indian Fried Rice (Pulao)

  • Spiced with cumin, turmeric, and garam masala.
  • Often includes vegetables like peas and potatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you cook hibachi chicken rice at Benihana?

At Benihana, chefs use a hibachi grill, combining high heat, garlic butter, and fresh ingredients to create flavorful fried rice. They cook everything in stages, ensuring each ingredient is perfectly done before combining them.

What is the secret ingredient to restaurant fried rice?

The secret is garlic butter, which adds depth and richness to the dish. Soy sauce and sesame oil also play a significant role in enhancing the flavor.

What kind of oil is used at Benihana?

Benihana typically uses a combination of sesame oil and vegetable oil. Sesame oil adds a nutty aroma, while vegetable oil provides a neutral base.

How do Chinese restaurants make fried rice taste so good?

Chinese restaurants use high heat, wok hei (the “breath of the wok”), and umami-rich ingredients like soy sauce and oyster sauce to elevate the flavor.

More Recipes to Try

If you loved this Benihana Chicken Fried Rice, be sure to check out some of our other delicious and creative recipes:

  • Sub in a Tub Recipe: A healthy and flavorful twist on the traditional sandwich, perfect for a low-carb meal.
  • Crab Brulee Recipe: An elegant and savory dish that’s perfect for special occasions or impressing guests.

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