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If you’ve ever craved that unmistakable, savory goodness of a restaurant-style fried rice, look no further than this Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice Recipe. It captures that perfect balance of fluffy rice, tender vegetables, and the rich, garlicky butter flavor that makes Benihana’s fried rice so addictive. Whether you’re recreating a favorite takeout meal or simply craving a quick, satisfying side, this recipe is a total winner and surprisingly simple to whip up at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays an important role, making the dish both satisfying and visually appealing.
- 2 cups cold, day-old white rice: Using pre-cooked and chilled rice ensures a perfect, non-mushy texture.
- 3 Tablespoons vegetable oil: Provides a neutral base for sautéing and achieving a light, crisp finish.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Delivers that signature aromatic punch everyone’s craving in fried rice.
- ½ cup chopped white onion: Adds sweetness and a bit of crunch to balance the soft rice.
- 1 medium carrot (diced): Brings subtle sweetness and a lovely touch of color.
- 3 green onions (sliced thin): Offers fresh, mild onion flavor and brightens the dish visually.
- 2 large eggs: Adds fluffiness and protein, making the fried rice more hearty.
- 2 Tablespoons garlic butter: (See recipe below) Infuses a deep, savory richness unique to Benihana’s style.
- 2 Tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: Enhances umami with just the right amount of saltiness.
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper: Lightly spices the rice without overpowering other flavors.
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar: Balances the savory elements with a hint of sweet.
- ½ cup salted butter (softened): Essential for making the garlic butter that elevates the dish.
- 3 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce: Used specifically in garlic butter for that extra savory kick.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Minced garlic in the butter intensifies the delicious garlicky aroma.
How to Make Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter
This is the magic ingredient that sets this fried rice apart from the rest. In a small bowl, combine the softened salted butter with 3 teaspoons of low-sodium soy sauce and 3 cloves of minced garlic. Stir it all together until smooth. Cover and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook. Chilling it lets the flavors meld and means you’ll have that perfect garlic butter ready to melt into your rice later.
Step 2: Cook and Prep the Rice
For best results, make your white rice the night before and refrigerate it uncovered. This drying step ensures your rice grains stay separate and get that ideal fried texture. No day-old rice? No worries — cook fresh rice and spread it out on a tray to cool and dry while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables and Garlic
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant—it should fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Next, toss in the chopped white onion, diced carrot, and sliced green onions. Stir and cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender but still maintain a little crispness, giving your fried rice a pleasant texture contrast.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Rice
Add the cold rice to the skillet with the vegetables, continuing to stir and cook for about 2 minutes. This helps the rice absorb the flavors and get a slight toasted edge. The trick is to keep mixing so nothing sticks or burns, and every grain is perfectly coated.
Step 5: Scramble the Eggs
Push all the rice and veggies to one side of the pan, then crack the eggs into the empty space. Lightly scramble them, cooking until they’re about 90% done—still slightly soft. Then mix the eggs gently into the rice mixture to combine everything evenly.
Step 6: Season and Finish with Garlic Butter
Sprinkle the rice mixture with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, white pepper, and granulated sugar. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of the chilled garlic butter you prepared earlier. Stir everything together and continue to fry for 2 more minutes, allowing all those rich flavors to blend and coat the rice beautifully. Serve this warm and watch your friends and family ask for seconds.
How to Serve Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
To finish your Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice Recipe with a flourish, consider sprinkling additional sliced green onions on top for freshness and a burst of color. A light dusting of toasted sesame seeds can add wonderful crunch and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the garlic butter beautifully.
Side Dishes
This fried rice shines as a star side dish alongside grilled or teriyaki steaks, succulent chicken hibachi, or even pan-seared shrimp. Its bold garlic butter flavor pairs perfectly with simple, grilled meats or fresh vegetables, balancing rich and fresh tastes effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, consider serving your fried rice molded into a dome shape using a small bowl, then invert it carefully onto plates. Alternatively, pack it into colorful lettuce cups or use it as a base for a donburi bowl topped with thinly sliced meats and pickled vegetables for a trendy, restaurant-worthy presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover fried rice (which is rare, but it happens!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days while maintaining most of its fresh flavors and texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze leftover fried rice in a freezer-safe container or bag. It’s best to consume it within 1 month to enjoy the best taste and texture. Make sure to cool the rice completely before freezing to prevent sogginess later on.
Reheating
To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice and warm it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. This helps restore moisture so it doesn’t dry out. Alternatively, use a microwave with a loosely covered dish, reheating in short intervals while stirring until piping hot throughout.
FAQs
Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?
For the best texture in your Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice Recipe, day-old rice works best because it’s drier and prevents clumping. If you must use fresh rice, spread it out to cool and dry slightly before using, but results may not be quite as fluffy.
Is there a substitute for garlic butter?
If you don’t have garlic butter on hand, you can make a quick substitute by sautéing some minced garlic in butter and then mixing in a little soy sauce. While it won’t be quite the same as the original garlic butter, it still adds a deliciously similar flavor.
Can I add protein like chicken or shrimp to this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe serves as a fantastic base. Simply cook your protein of choice separately and fold it in during the last step with the garlic butter. This turns your side dish into a meal on its own.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Use plain white long-grain rice for the most authentic texture. Jasmine rice is a great option because it has a lovely fragrance but avoid sticky or short-grain rice as they tend to clump when fried.
Why is white pepper used instead of black pepper?
White pepper blends seamlessly into the rice without dark specks, keeping the dish looking clean and authentic like the traditional Benihana style, while also providing a subtle heat that complements the soy and garlic.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice Recipe is truly a game-changer for anyone who loves that rich, buttery, garlicky fried rice from their favorite hibachi spot. It’s quick, approachable, and packed with flavor, making it a fantastic addition to your home cooking arsenal. I can’t wait for you to try it—you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly it transforms your weeknight dinners into something extraordinary!
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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 replicates the classic and beloved Japanese steakhouse fried rice, featuring aromatic garlic butter, fresh vegetables, and scrambled eggs all tossed with day-old rice for the perfect texture. Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish is a flavorful and simple side or main dish that can elevate any meal.
Ingredients
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
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 with 3 teaspoons of low-sodium soy sauce and minced garlic. Stir well until fully mixed. Cover and refrigerate the garlic butter until ready to use.
- Prep the Rice and Vegetables: Use cold, day-old white rice for best results, as it’s drier and fries better. Chop the white onion, dice the carrot, slice the green onions thinly, and mince the garlic cloves.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Then add the chopped white onion, diced carrot, and sliced green onions. Stir and cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Add the Rice: Add the cold, day-old rice to the skillet. Continue to cook and stir for about 2 minutes, breaking up any clumps and ensuring the rice heats through evenly.
- Cook and Scramble Eggs: Push the rice mixture to one side of the skillet. On the open side, crack and scramble the 2 large eggs until they are about 90% cooked. Then mix the eggs into the rice thoroughly.
- Season and Finish with Garlic Butter: Season the rice and egg mixture with 2 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce, ¼ teaspoon white pepper, and ½ teaspoon granulated sugar. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of the prepared garlic butter. Stir everything together and continue frying for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the garlic butter to infuse the fried rice.
- Serve Warm: Remove from heat and serve the fried rice warm. Enjoy this easy and flavorful copycat Benihana classic as a side dish or a satisfying meal on its own!
Notes
- For best texture and flavor, cook the white rice the night before and refrigerate it uncovered to dry out overnight.
- If you don’t have day-old rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a tray and refrigerate for at least an hour to reduce moisture.
- You can adjust the amount of garlic butter to taste or substitute with regular butter if preferred.
- This recipe serves 2 but can be multiplied easily for larger groups.
- Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended to control saltiness, but regular soy sauce can be used as well.
