Can you make a Benihana chicken fried rice at home? Yes, you can! With the right ingredients and techniques, you can make a delicious homemade version. The secret is using day-old rice and garlic butter. This easy recipe will make a dish that everyone will love.
Key Takeaways
- Use day-old rice for the best results in your homemade benihana chicken fried rice
- Garlic butter is the secret ingredient that makes benihana chicken fried rice recipe so delicious
- Cooking with the right oil, such as avocado or vegetable oil, is essential for a great benihana chicken fried rice
- Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can lead to uneven cooking and mushy rice in your homemade benihana chicken – rice
- Experiment with different ingredients, such as frozen mixed vegetables, to make your benihana chicken fried rice recipe your own
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 4 months, making homemade benihana’s chicken fried rice a great meal prep option
- Reheat your homemade benihana’s chicken fried rice to an internal temperature of at least 140ºF (60ºC) for food safety
The Story Behind Benihana Chicken Fried Rice
Benihana’s chicken fried rice has been a favorite for decades. It’s a dish that many love. To understand its story, we need to look at Benihana’s history.
Rocky Aoki started Benihana in 1964. He wanted to mix Japanese food with what Americans like. This idea was key to Benihana’s success.
Teppanyaki cooking, a big part of Benihana, comes from Japan. Misono in Kobe, Japan, started it in the 1940s. But Rocky Aoki made it popular in the U.S., changing it for American tastes.
History of Benihana Restaurants
Rocky Aoki’s vision shaped Benihana. He wanted to attract Americans with Japanese food. The first Benihana in Manhattan looked like a Japanese farmhouse.
What Makes Their Fried Rice Special
So, why is Benihana’s fried rice so loved? It’s because of top-notch ingredients, careful making, and a special cooking way. Day-old rice, fresh veggies, and a bit of oil make it tasty and healthy. Garlic and soy sauce add a rich flavor.
Want to make this dish at home? Use the right rice and high heat. These tips help you make a dish as good as Benihana chicken fried rice.
Essential Equipment for Making Benihana Chicken Fried Rice
To make authentic benihana’s chicken fried rice, you need the right tools. A wok or large skillet is key for cooking Hibachi-style fried rice. These pans are great for high-heat cooking and quick stir-frying.
You’ll also need a rice cooker, a sharp knife for chopping, and a spatula for scraping the pan. A good-quality wok or skillet makes a big difference in taste and texture.
Here are some key equipment pieces to get you started:
- A large wok or skillet with a non-stick surface
- A rice cooker for cooking perfect jasmine rice
- A sharp knife for chopping vegetables and meat
- A spatula for scraping the bottom of the pan and serving
Using the right equipment helps you make authentic benihana’s chicken fried rice. Choose durable, easy-to-clean tools since you’ll use them often.
With the right tools and a bit of practice, you’ll be making benihana style fried rice like a pro. So, why not start today and see how authentic equipment improves your cooking?
Key Ingredients for Authentic Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
To make delicious Benihana chicken fried rice at home, you need the right ingredients. The recipe calls for rice, protein, veggies, and special seasonings. Use day-old cooked white rice, like Jasmine or Basmati, for the best results.
The main ingredients are rice, chicken, veggies, butter, garlic, lemon juice, soy sauce, eggs, and canola oil. Garlic butter in the chicken adds a rich flavor. Add 1 tbsp of garlic butter in the last minute of cooking.
Rice Selection and Preparation
Choosing the right rice is key for Benihana chicken fried rice. You’ll need 3-4 cups of day-old cooked white rice. Cook the rice with 1 cup rice to 2 1/4 cups water, making 4 cups of cooked rice.
Protein Components
The recipe includes chicken cooked with 1 tbsp of canola oil. Adding scrambled eggs to the rice boosts protein.
Vegetables and Aromatics
The recipe uses green onions, diced and used partly in the veggies and as a topping. You’ll need 1/2 bunch of green onions.
Signature Seasonings
The recipe uses soy sauce for its salty flavor. You’ll need 5 tablespoons of soy sauce.
By using these ingredients and following the recipe, you can make delicious Benihana chicken fried rice at home. The key is to use the right ingredients and cook the rice and chicken perfectly.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice | 3-4 cups |
| Chicken | 1 cup |
| Vegetables | 1 cup |
| Garlic Butter | 1 tbsp |
| Soy Sauce | 5 tablespoons |
Pre-Cooking Rice Preparation Techniques
To make delicious homemade benihana chicken fried rice, it’s key to prepare your rice right. Day-old rice is best because it’s drier. This helps avoid a wet and mushy dish. If using fresh rice, let it cool and dry out first.
Spread the cooked rice on a plate or fan it for about an hour. This helps get rid of excess moisture.
Remember, long-grain white rice has 19 to 23 percent amylose. This affects its texture. Cook it with a 1:1.5 water-to-rice ratio. Always cool cooked rice to room temperature and refrigerate it within 1 hour. Chilled rice should be eaten within 24 hours.
Here are some tips for pre-cooking rice preparation:
- Use day-old rice for optimal texture
- Cook rice with a 1:1.5 water-to-rice ratio
- Cool cooked rice to room temperature and store it in the refrigerator
- Consume chilled cooked rice within 24 hours
By following these steps, you’ll make a delicious and authentic easy benihana chicken fried rice. Proper handling of rice prevents clumping and ensures the best taste.
With the right rice preparation, you’ll be one step closer to making a mouth-watering homemade benihana chicken fried rice. It’s sure to impress your family and friends.
| Rice Type | Amylose Content | Water-to-Rice Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Long-grain white rice | 19-23% | 1:1.5 |
| Glutinous rice | 1% max | Varies |
Proper Chicken Preparation Methods
To make authentic benihana chicken fried rice, it’s key to prepare the chicken right. This means cutting, seasoning, and cooking it to the perfect temperature. Always use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best taste.
Cutting and Seasoning
Cut the chicken into small pieces and season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. For benihana style fried rice, marinate the chicken with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
Marination Tips
Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to soak up the flavors. You can also add onions, carrots, and bell peppers to the marinade for extra taste.
Temperature Considerations
Cook the chicken to 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat. Use a thermometer to check the temperature, especially when cooking chicken for benihana chicken fried rice.
Here are some tips for cooking chicken:
- Cook the chicken in a wok or large skillet with some oil over high heat.
- Add aromatics like garlic, ginger, and onions to the pan for added flavor.
- Stir-fry the chicken and vegetables quickly to prevent overcooking.
By following these proper chicken preparation methods, you can create delicious and authentic benihana style fried rice at home.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast | 1 pound |
| Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Ginger | 1 tablespoon |
The Secret Behind Benihana’s Garlic Butter
To make delicious benihana chicken fried rice at home, you need to know Benihana’s garlic butter secret. This special ingredient makes their chicken fried rice stand out. By mixing unsalted butter, garlic, and soy sauce, you can make a flavorful garlic butter.
The garlic butter ingredients are easy: 1 stick of unsalted butter, 2 cloves of garlic, and 2 teaspoons of low sodium soy sauce. Soften the butter at room temperature for 30-45 minutes or in the microwave for 5-second increments. Then, mix in the minced garlic and soy sauce until well combined.
Here are some key points to keep in mind when making garlic butter:
- Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh garlic and low sodium soy sauce, to ensure the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of garlic to your taste, but keep in mind that Benihana’s garlic butter is known for its strong flavor.
- Store the garlic butter in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for later use.
By following these tips and using the right ingredients, you can create delicious garlic butter. This will make your Benihana chicken fried rice at home taste like it was made at a Benihana restaurant.
For more cooking tips and recipes, visit The Quicky Recipes website.
To make the most of your garlic butter, use it to make benihana chicken fried rice at home. This dish is a classic for a reason. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a delicious and authentic benihana. It will impress your family and friends.
Mastering the High-Heat Cooking Process
To make perfect easy benihana chicken fried rice, mastering high-heat cooking is key. You need to control the temperature, use the right wok or pan techniques, and know when to move ingredients. This way, you’ll get a dish that tastes just like Benihana’s.
Cooking time is important for hibachi fried rice. It should take about 15 minutes. Make sure you have all your ingredients ready. You’ll need less than 10 items, including leftover rice that’s already cooked and cooled.
When cooking, using the right techniques is crucial. Start by sautéing onions for 3-4 minutes until they’re soft. Then, add the protein and veggies, and stir-fry them together. Remember to add 2 tablespoons of low sodium soy sauce for flavor. Let the rice sit for 30 seconds before stirring, doing this twice for the right texture.
Temperature Control and Wok or Pan Techniques
Temperature control is vital for easy benihana chicken fried rice. Use 1 tablespoon each of grapeseed oil (or avocado oil) and butter for high-heat cooking. This mix gives the perfect texture and taste. Heat your wok or pan well before adding ingredients. This ensures even cooking, just like Benihana’s.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
To make authentic benihana chicken fried rice, start by preparing your ingredients. You’ll need 1.5 cups of day-old rice, 1 cup of frozen carrot & pea combo, 1 medium onion, 3 cloves of garlic, and 2 tablespoons of garlic butter. For the chicken, use 1 pound of chicken tenders, cut into bite-sized pieces, and season with 0.5 teaspoons of salt and 0.25 teaspoons of ground pepper.
Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat for at least 5 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon of neutral oil, such as avocado oil, and swirl it around to coat the pan. Then, add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Add the minced garlic to the pan and fry for 15 seconds, followed by the carrots, onions, and peas for 1-2 minutes. Then, add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry the rice for 2-3 minutes, until it is relatively dry and starting to brown. Add the cooked chicken back into the pan, along with 0.5 tablespoons of soy sauce, and stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes.
The result should be a delicious and authentic benihana style fried rice, with a perfect balance of flavors and textures. By following these step-by-step cooking instructions, you can create a mouth-watering dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Achieving the Perfect Rice Texture
To make delicious benihana chicken fried rice at home, getting the right rice texture is key. You need to control moisture, separate the grains, and check if it’s done. These steps help you get a dish that’s both tasty and textured just right.
Moisture control is crucial for benihana chicken fried rice. It’s best to use day-old rice, as it’s drier than fresh rice. This prevents it from getting soggy. Adding soy sauce and sesame oil also adds flavor and keeps it moist.
Grain Separation and Testing for Doneness
Getting the rice grains to separate is important for the perfect texture. Use the right amount of oil and stir-fry the rice quickly. To check if it’s done, look for a crispy texture and a golden color.
By following these tips, you can make delicious benihana chicken fried rice at home. Use the right ingredients, control moisture, and check for doneness for the best results.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked white rice | 2 cups |
| Diced chicken breast | 1 cup |
| Soy sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Sesame oil | 2 tablespoons |
Signature Benihana Plating Techniques
To make your homemade Benihana chicken fried rice look great, focus on how it’s presented. Benihana’s plating tricks can make your dish stand out. Start by shaping the fried rice into a neat, rounded mound on the plate.
Then, add garnishes like sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or grated daikon radish. These add color and texture. Place cooked chicken on top in a pattern to make the dish more interesting. You can also serve steamed veggies or miso soup on the side.
When plating, mix colors and textures for a nice look. Balance the dish to make it visually appealing. By using Benihana’s plating tips, your dish will be both tasty and beautiful. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Here are more tips to improve your plating:
- Use a large, flat plate to make the dish look more generous.
- Drizzle soy sauce or sesame oil around the plate’s edge for flavor and color.
- Add pickled ginger or wasabi on the side for extra taste and texture.
By using Benihana’s plating techniques, your homemade Benihana chicken fried rice will impress everyone. It’s great for any meal, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. These tips will help you create a dish that’s both beautiful and delicious.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making authentic benihana chicken fried rice, it’s key to know common mistakes. These can ruin the dish’s quality. To get it right, avoid rice issues, temperature problems, and seasoning mistakes.
Some common mistakes include:
- Using freshly cooked rice, which can lead to a sticky and clumpy texture
- Not heating the wok or pan sufficiently, resulting in a lack of wok hay
- Overseasoning or underseasoning the dish, which can affect the overall flavor
To avoid these mistakes, use day-old rice and heat the wok or pan right. Also, balance the seasonings well. By doing this, you can make a delicious and authentic benihana.
Also, using the right tools, like a heavy wok or cast iron pan, helps. With practice and care, you can make great benihana chicken fried rice at home.
| Mistake | Consequence | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Using freshly cooked rice | Sticky and clumpy texture | Use day-old rice |
| Insufficient heat | Lack of wok hay | Heat the wok or pan to the correct temperature |
| Overseasoning or underseasoning | Affected flavor | Balanced seasonings |
Recipe Variations and Customizations
When you make delicious benihana chicken fried rice at home, you can try new things. You can add shrimp or tofu for different tastes. Customization lets you make it your own, with endless options.
To start making your benihana chicken fried rice special, try new seasonings. Add soy sauce or sesame oil for a unique taste. Here are some ideas for changing up the recipe:
- Add diced veggies like carrots or peas for more nutrients
- Try different rice types, like brown or jasmine, for texture and taste
- Experiment with proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu for different flavors
These simple tweaks can make your benihana’s chicken fried rice perfect for you. The secret to great benihana chicken at home is to have fun and try new things.
Pairing Suggestions and Side Dishes
There are many ways to serve easy benihana chicken fried rice. Try pairing it with edamame or miso soup for a complete meal. These sides bring out the flavors of the fried rice and add variety.
For drinks, green tea or sake are great choices. They match the Asian flavors of the dish. If you don’t like alcohol, fresh lemonade or iced tea are also good options.
Here are some popular pairing suggestions for copycat benihana chicken fried rice:
- Steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots
- Grilled meats, such as chicken or steak
- Fried wontons or egg rolls
You can also serve your copycat benihana with different sauces. Try soy sauce or teriyaki sauce for extra flavor. These sauces can make the dish even more enjoyable.
| Pairing Suggestions | Side Dishes | Beverage Pairings |
|---|---|---|
| Grilled meats | Steamed vegetables | Green tea |
| Fried wontons | Edamame | Sake |
| Egg rolls | Miso soup | Fresh lemonade |
Conclusion
Creating authentic Benihana-style chicken fried rice at home is easier than you think. With the right tools, ingredients, and techniques, you can make this dish just like Benihana. This easy copycat recipe is perfect for both new and experienced cooks.
The secret to great Benihana-style fried rice is in the rice, chicken, and cooking method. With a bit of practice, you’ll make delicious Benihana’s chicken fried rice. Serve it with your favorite sides and drinks for a Benihana dinner at home.
FAQ
What is Benihana-style chicken fried rice?
Why is day-old rice important for Benihana-style chicken fried rice?
What is the secret ingredient in Benihana’s chicken fried rice?
What equipment is needed to make authentic Benihana-style chicken fried rice at home?
How do I achieve the perfect rice texture for Benihana-style chicken fried rice?
What are some common mistakes to avoid when making Benihana-style chicken fried rice?
Can I customize the Benihana-style chicken fried rice recipe?
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How to Make Benihana Chicken Fried Rice at Home (Easy Copycat Recipe)
Benihana Chicken Fried Rice (Copycat)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3–4 cups day-old cooked white rice (Jasmine or Basmati)
- 1 pound chicken tenders, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup frozen carrot & pea combo
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons garlic butter (1 stick unsalted butter, 2 cloves garlic, 2 teaspoons soy sauce)
- 1 teaspoon neutral oil (avocado, vegetable)
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons ground pepper
- 0.5 tablespoons soy sauce (for chicken)
- 5 tablespoons soy sauce (for rice)
- Optional: Green onions (for garnish), sesame seeds, daikon radish, scrambled eggs
Instructions
See detailed steps in the article: cooking chicken, sautéing vegetables, frying rice, adding garlic butter
Notes
Authentic Benihana-style chicken fried rice made with day-old rice and garlic butter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Japanese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: ~2-4 grams
- Sodium: ~800–1,200 mg
- Fat: ~14–16 grams
- Saturated Fat: ~3–5 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: ~7–9 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: ~50–60 grams
- Fiber: ~3-4 grams
- Protein: ~25–30 grams
- Cholesterol: ~75–100 mg
Keywords: Benihana fried rice, chicken fried rice, copycat recipe, garlic butter fried rice, hibachi fried rice, easy fried rice
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