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If you’ve ever been to Benihana or craved their flavorful sides, you know their fried rice is a standout. This Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice Recipe captures that beloved restaurant taste in your own kitchen, with simple ingredients and a quick cooking process. The buttery garlic notes combined with tender veggies and perfectly scrambled eggs over fluffy day-old rice make it irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re aiming to recreate a nostalgic restaurant meal or just want a fast, comforting side dish, this recipe is a trusty go-to that delivers all the authentic flavor you want without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, yet each one plays a vital role in building that amazing texture, color, and classic Benihana taste in your fried rice. From the essential garlic butter that creates a rich aroma to the crisp-tender vegetables and day-old rice that keeps everything perfectly fluffy, these basics are straightforward but make all the difference.
- 2 cups cold, day-old white rice: Using day-old rice prevents clumping and ensures a light, fluffy texture ideal for fried rice.
- 3 Tablespoons vegetable oil: This neutral oil is perfect for stir-frying without overpowering other flavors.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic brings a fragrant, savory depth essential to Benihana’s signature flavor.
- ½ cup chopped white onion: Adds subtle sweetness and crunch that brighten the dish.
- 1 medium carrot (diced): Brings a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color to the mix.
- 3 green onions (sliced thin): Offers a fresh, mild bite and added texture.
- 2 large eggs: Scrambled into the rice to add richness and a silky, soft contrast to the veggies.
- 2 Tablespoons garlic butter: (See recipe below) – the secret weapon for that irresistibly buttery, garlicky finish.
- 2 Tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: Balances the flavors with umami and slight saltiness without overwhelming the other ingredients.
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper: Adds subtle warmth without the visible black specks.
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar: Just a pinch to round out the savory flavors smoothly.
- ½ cup salted butter (softened): Used to make the garlic butter that elevates the richness.
- 3 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce: Mixed into the garlic butter for extra savory dimension.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Combined into the garlic butter for concentrated flavor punch.
How to Make Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter
This garlic butter is the magic behind that distinctive Benihana fried rice flavor. In a small bowl, mix the softened salted butter with minced garlic and soy sauce until well combined. Cover and chill it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. This mix will melt into the rice later, infusing every bite with rich, garlicky goodness.
Step 2: Prep Your Rice and Veggies
The all-important step for perfect texture is using cold, day-old rice, which you can prepare the night before and refrigerate. This dries out the rice so it won’t turn mushy when stir-fried. Then roughly chop the garlic, white onions, diced carrot, and thinly slice the green onions—each contributing their crunch and subtle sweetness.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—this releases the essential oils that carry flavor. Toss in the chopped onion, carrot, and green onions, cooking until they soften slightly but remain crisp-tender. This step ensures your veggies stay vibrant and full of texture, just like the original.
Step 4: Add Rice and Scramble the Eggs
Stir in the cold rice, breaking up any clumps, and cook for a couple of minutes while stirring to heat through. Push the rice mixture to one side of the skillet, then pour the eggs on the empty side. Gently scramble until about 90% cooked, then mix the eggs thoroughly into the rice. This method keeps the eggs tender and well distributed.
Step 5: Season and Combine with Garlic Butter
Sprinkle the white pepper and granulated sugar over the rice and stir well. Then add 2 to 3 tablespoons of your chilled garlic butter, along with the soy sauce. Toss everything together and continue cooking for another couple of minutes, allowing the butter to melt and coat every grain, locking in that iconic flavor you’re after.
How to Serve Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your dish with a sprinkle of freshly sliced green onions or even a few sesame seeds for extra texture and visual appeal. A side of pickled ginger can also brighten and complement the savory richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This fried rice pairs wonderfully with classic Japanese steakhouse options like hibachi chicken or shrimp, making for a complete, restaurant-style dinner right at home. Alternatively, a simple cucumber salad or steamed edamame adds refreshing balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the fried rice inside a carved-out tomato or bell pepper for colorful presentation. You can also shape the rice into neat mounds using a small bowl or mold to impress your guests while keeping it authentic and approachable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover fried rice in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled helps maintain texture and prevents sogginess, so it reheats nicely.
Freezing
While fresh is best for this Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice Recipe, you can freeze leftovers in a sealed freezer bag for up to 1 month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat your fried rice in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if it feels dry. This helps restore the moisture and brings back some of the fluffy texture, making each serving just as delicious the next day.
FAQs
Can I use freshly cooked rice instead of day-old rice?
Fresh rice tends to be too moist and sticky for fried rice, leading to clumpy, mushy results. Day-old rice dries out, allowing each grain to fry up nicely, so it’s best to prepare rice the night before for perfect texture.
What if I don’t have white pepper—can I substitute black pepper?
Black pepper can be used in a pinch, but it has a stronger, more pungent taste and visible specks that alter the authentic look. White pepper offers a milder warmth that’s signature to this dish.
Is the garlic butter necessary? Can I skip it?
The garlic butter is key to replicating the rich, buttery flavor that Benihana’s fried rice is known for. Skipping it will still yield tasty rice, but it won’t have that full depth and authentic richness.
Can I add protein like chicken or shrimp?
Absolutely! Adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or even tofu is a great way to turn this side into a main dish. Just cook the protein separately and fold it in during the final stages.
How spicy is this recipe?
This fried rice is mild and savory with no heat unless you add it. Feel free to sprinkle in a bit of chili flakes or Sriracha sauce if you want a spicy kick.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats recreating a favorite restaurant classic right at home, and this Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice Recipe does just that effortlessly. Its simple, well-balanced ingredients come together fast, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without stress. Once you try it, this recipe might just become a staple in your kitchen, bringing the joy of hibachi magic to your plate any day you desire.
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Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese-American
Description
This Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice recipe recreates the iconic Japanese steakhouse side dish with a delicious garlic butter twist. Using day-old white rice, sautéed vegetables, scrambled eggs, and a flavorful soy garlic butter, this quick and simple recipe delivers restaurant-quality fried rice that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
For the Fried Rice
- 2 cups cold, day-old white rice
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chopped white onion
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 3 green onions, sliced thin
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons garlic butter (see below)
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
For the Garlic Butter
- ½ cup salted butter, softened
- 3 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened salted butter, low-sodium soy sauce, and minced garlic. Stir until well mixed. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the garlic butter until ready to use, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Rice and Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add the chopped white onion, diced carrot, and sliced green onions. Sauté and stir for a few minutes until the vegetables become crisp-tender.
- Add Rice: Incorporate the cold, day-old white rice into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir well and cook for about 2 minutes to warm the rice evenly and combine the flavors.
- Cook the Eggs: Push the rice mixture to one side of the skillet. Crack the eggs into the other side and scramble them, cooking until they are about 90% done but still slightly soft.
- Combine and Season: Mix the scrambled eggs into the rice and vegetables. Season the mixture by adding soy sauce, white pepper, granulated sugar, and 2 to 3 tablespoons of the prepared garlic butter. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Finish Cooking: Continue frying and stirring the entire mixture for an additional 2 minutes to ensure all ingredients are well combined and heated through.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the fried rice warm as a delicious side dish or main course. Enjoy your homemade copycat Benihana fried rice!
Notes
- For the best texture, use white rice cooked the night before and stored in the refrigerator to dry out.
- Day-old rice is key to prevent sogginess in fried rice, giving it a perfect fluffy texture.
- Adjust the amount of garlic butter according to personal taste preference for garlic intensity.
- You can add protein such as shrimp, chicken, or beef to customize this dish further.
