Are you a fan of Benihana? Ever wanted to make their famous chicken fried rice at home? Your wish is coming true. We’ll show you how to make the best Benihana chicken fried rice recipe that’s delicious and just like the real thing.
Whether you’re a pro in the kitchen or just starting out, we’ve got you covered. This guide will teach you how to make authentic Benihana-style chicken fried rice. It’s sure to wow your family and friends. Get ready to cook like a pro and enjoy the flavors of Benihana at home.
Key Takeaways
- Learn the history and origins of Benihana’s famous chicken fried rice recipe
- Discover the essential ingredients and specialized tools needed to recreate this restaurant favorite
- Master the professional cooking techniques and timing required for perfect Benihana-style fried rice
- Explore customization options and common mistakes to avoid for your homemade chicken fried rice
- Pair your Benihana-inspired fried rice with the perfect complementary dishes and beverages
The History Behind Benihana’s Famous Chicken Fried Rice
The benihana chicken fried rice recipe comes from Japan’s rich cooking traditions. Teppanyaki cooking, known for its show and interaction, has shaped this dish for centuries.
Origins of Teppanyaki-Style Cooking
Teppanyaki, grilling on a flat iron griddle, started in Japan in the 1940s. It was first for simple dishes like okonomiyaki and yakisoba. Benihana, founded in 1964, was the first to bring it to the U.S.
Evolution of Benihana’s Signature Recipe
Benihana’s perfect benihana chicken fried rice recipe has changed over time. It started with simple fried rice but now has a richer flavor. Today, it’s known for its savory, sweet, and umami taste.
Benihana’s chicken fried rice has a long history and has become a favorite. From its teppanyaki roots to its current form, it’s a key part of Benihana’s menu.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Benihana Chicken Fried Rice
To make Benihana chicken fried rice at home, you need the right ingredients. You’ll want specific rice, veggies, proteins, and seasonings. Let’s look at what makes this dish so special.
The Foundation: Choosing the Right Rice
The rice is the heart of Benihana’s chicken fried rice. Traditional chefs use short-grain Japanese rice like Calrose or sushi rice. This rice makes the dish sticky and perfect.
Vegetable Medley
Benihana’s fried rice is full of colorful veggies. You’ll need:
- Carrots, diced into small pieces
- Peas, fresh or frozen
- Onions, finely chopped
- Scallions, thinly sliced
These veggies add color, crunch, and flavor to the dish.
Protein Powerhouse
Benihana’s chicken fried rice also has tender chicken. Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They stay juicy and flavorful.
Seasoning Secrets
The seasonings make Benihana’s rice special. You’ll need soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper. They add a savory taste and aroma.
With the right ingredients, you can make Benihana’s chicken fried rice at home. It’s delicious and easy to make.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment You’ll Need
To make Benihana chicken fried rice at home, you need some key kitchen tools. The benihana chicken fried rice recipe is easy, but the right tools are crucial. They help you get that special flavor and texture.
Recommended Cookware
A large, flat-top griddle or heavy-duty skillet is essential. It gives you a big, even surface for quick cooking. A wok works too, but a flat-top or skillet is better for authentic results.
Having strong tongs or chopsticks is important for moving ingredients. A quality rice cooker is also a must for perfectly fluffy rice.
Optional Specialized Tools
- Benihana-style tabletop grill or griddle: For an interactive cooking experience and showmanship, consider investing in a specialized teppanyaki-style grill.
- Japanese chef’s knife: A sharp, high-quality knife will make quick work of chopping vegetables and proteins.
- Squeeze bottles: Small squeeze bottles can help you precisely apply sauces and seasonings for that signature Benihana flair.
While these tools are not essential, they can make your best benihana chicken fried rice recipe even better. They bring the Benihana restaurant feel right into your kitchen.
Preparing Your Ingredients Like a Benihana Chef
Making the perfect Benihana chicken fried rice recipe begins with careful ingredient prep. Follow these tips to chop, slice, and dice like Benihana’s expert chefs.
Cutting Chicken the Benihana Way
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into thin, even strips. This helps them cook evenly and lets flavors spread. Use a sharp knife and make clean cuts, keeping your fingers away from the blade.
Vegetable Chopping Techniques
- Onions: Slice the onion in half from root to stem, then thinly slice each half.
- Carrots: Peel the carrots, then julienne them into thin matchstick-like pieces.
- Scallions: Slice the scallions on the diagonal, creating angled cuts for a more visually appealing presentation.
Keep your ingredients in separate piles on your cutting board or in prep bowls. This keeps your workspace organized and efficient while cooking.
| Ingredient | Preparation |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breasts | Slice into thin, even strips |
| Onions | Slice in half, then thinly slice each half |
| Carrots | Peel, then julienne into matchsticks |
| Scallions | Slice on the diagonal for angled cuts |
By preparing your ingredients with precision and care, you’ll be well on your way to creating an authentic Benihana-style chicken fried rice that’s easy and delicious.
The Secret to Getting That Authentic Benihana Flavor
To get Benihana’s famous chicken fried rice, you need to know the secret ingredients and techniques. Chefs use special seasonings and control the temperature just right. These steps make the Benihana flavor that fans love.
Special Seasonings and Sauces
The secret to Benihana’s chicken fried rice is in the seasonings and sauces. Chefs add soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, but also some special ingredients. These make their recipe stand out.
- Toasted sesame oil – This oil gives a deep, nutty flavor that’s key to Benihana fried rice.
- Oyster sauce – This sauce adds a savory, umami taste that boosts the flavor.
- Benihana Hibachi Sauce – A special mix of spices and seasonings that gives it the Benihana taste.
Cooking Temperature Tips
Getting the right temperature is key for Benihana chicken fried rice. Chefs use very high heat, up to 500°F, for that seared flavor and texture. This heat makes the rice crispy and the chicken juicy.
With the right seasonings and cooking technique, you can make the benihana chicken fried rice recipe at home. Enjoy the best benihana chicken fried rice right in your kitchen.
Step-by-Step Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Get ready to enjoy Benihana’s famous chicken fried rice at home. Follow these easy steps to make a dish that tastes like a Japanese steakhouse.
- Start by heating a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of sesame oil and swirl it around.
- Add 2 eggs to the hot wok and scramble them until they’re fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes. Take the eggs out and set them aside.
- In the same wok, add 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces. Stir-fry the chicken until it’s fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- After the chicken is done, move it to the side of the wok. Add 2 tablespoons of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of minced ginger. Sauté for 1 minute, until they smell great.
- Add 4 cups of cooked and chilled white rice to the wok. Mix in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and a pinch of white pepper. Stir until the rice is well coated and heated.
- Mix in the reserved scrambled eggs and 1 cup of frozen peas. Make sure everything is well combined.
- Try the benihana chicken fried rice and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more soy sauce or white pepper to taste.
- Serve the easy benihana chicken fried rice hot. You can garnish it with sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds, if you like.
Enjoy Benihana’s signature benihana chicken fried rice in your own home. This recipe will impress your family and friends with its restaurant-quality taste and look.
Mastering the Benihana Cooking Technique
To make the perfect benihana chicken fried rice recipe or the best benihana chicken fried rice recipe, you need to learn the Benihana cooking method. This Japanese technique uses special cooking methods and careful timing and temperature control. It helps achieve the Benihana flavor and texture.
Professional Cooking Methods
The Benihana cooking technique uses several professional methods. These methods make their fried rice unique. They include:
- Rapid high-heat searing to lock in juices and achieve a crispy, caramelized exterior
- Stir-frying ingredients in a specific order to ensure even cooking
- Tossing and flipping the rice to create a light, fluffy texture
- Skillful use of a flat-top grill or large skillet to simulate the Benihana teppanyaki experience
Timing and Temperature Control
Getting the perfect benihana chicken fried rice recipe at home needs precise timing and temperature control. Benihana chefs watch the cooking closely. They adjust the heat and pace to get the right flavors and textures. Here are some tips:
- Preheating the cooking surface to the optimal temperature before adding ingredients
- Maintaining a high, consistent heat throughout the stir-frying process
- Allowing the rice to sizzle and char slightly before adding other components
- Carefully timing the addition of sauces and seasonings to prevent burning or overcooking
By learning these cooking methods and timing techniques, you can make the Benihana experience at home. Enjoy the best benihana chicken fried rice recipe in your kitchen.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Chicken Fried Rice
Making the perfect easy benihana chicken fried rice recipe is a fun challenge. But, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. As you try to make the delicious benihana chicken fried rice recipe at home, watch out for these errors. This way, you’ll always get great results.
One big mistake is overcooking the rice. Benihana-style fried rice should be light and fluffy, not mushy. Make sure to cook the rice right to get the perfect texture.
Another mistake is not seasoning the dish well. The secret to Benihana’s flavor is in the right mix of seasonings and sauces. Use the right amount of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and other key ingredients to get the authentic taste.
- Failing to use high enough heat can result in a lackluster fried rice texture.
- Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of frying, compromising the desired crispy edges.
- Neglecting to thoroughly cook the eggs can result in a disjointed, unappetizing final dish.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll get better at making the easy benihana chicken fried rice recipe. You’ll serve a delicious benihana chicken fried rice that’s just as good as Benihana’s.
Customizing Your Benihana Style Fried Rice
The benihana chicken fried rice recipe is very versatile. You can make it your own by adding your favorite ingredients. This way, you can enjoy a dish that’s tailored just for you.
Vegetable Variations
Want to add more veggies to your perfect benihana chicken fried rice recipe? There are so many choices. Try adding:
- Diced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
- Sliced mushrooms
- Shredded carrots
- Frozen peas
- Chopped broccoli florets
- Thinly sliced snow peas or snap peas
These veggies will make your fried rice colorful and nutritious.
Protein Options
The traditional benihana chicken fried rice recipe uses chicken. But you can also use other proteins. Consider:
- Shrimp
- Beef or pork, diced or shredded
- Tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian/vegan option
- Scrambled eggs or egg whites
To get that Benihana taste, make sure your additions fit well with the dish. A bit of creativity can turn the benihana chicken fried rice recipe into a dish that’s uniquely yours.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Learning to store and reheat your best benihana chicken fried rice recipe and easy benihana chicken fried rice recipe is key. After enjoying your Benihana dish, follow these easy steps. They help keep your leftovers tasting great and feeling fresh.
Storing Leftover Benihana Chicken Fried Rice
To keep your best benihana chicken fried rice recipe fresh, follow these steps:
- Let the fried rice cool down before putting it in an airtight container.
- Choose glass or BPA-free plastic containers to avoid bad tastes or smells.
- Make sure the container is sealed well to keep it fresh and moist.
- Put the leftover easy benihana chicken fried rice recipe in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Reheating Benihana-Style Fried Rice
Ready to enjoy your leftover Benihana fried rice? Here’s how to reheat it right:
- Open the lid or cover a bit to let steam out.
- Heat the fried rice in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until it’s hot.
- Or, you can reheat it in a skillet or wok over medium heat. Add a little water or broth to keep it moist.
- Check the seasoning and add soy sauce or sesame oil if you need to get that Benihana taste back.
By storing and reheating your best benihana chicken fried rice recipe and easy benihana chicken fried rice recipe right, you can enjoy it even after the first time. Make the most of your Benihana fried rice experience!
Pairing Suggestions for Your Benihana Chicken Fried Rice
Make your Benihana-style chicken fried rice even better by adding the right dishes and drinks. Here are some tasty options to enhance your meal and excite your taste buds.
Complementary Dishes
Pair your perfect benihana chicken fried rice recipe with these classic Japanese dishes for a balanced meal:
- Crisp, fresh edamame for a light and healthy appetizer
- Tender teriyaki-glazed beef or chicken for a protein-packed pairing
- Steaming miso soup to balance the richness of the fried rice
- Refreshing seaweed salad to provide a burst of flavor and crunch
Beverage Recommendations
Choose these drinks to match the flavors of your delicious benihana chicken fried rice recipe:
- Crisp and clean Japanese beer for a classic pairing
- Smooth and fragrant green tea to aid digestion
- Lively and tangy Japanese plum wine for a touch of sweetness
- Invigorating coconut water for a hydrating, tropical twist
By choosing the right dishes and drinks, you can enjoy a full Benihana-inspired meal at home. Your delicious benihana chicken fried rice recipe will shine with the perfect mix of flavors and textures.
Conclusion
Creating Benihana-style chicken fried rice at home is a fun and rewarding journey. You’ve learned the key ingredients, techniques, and flavors. Now, you can make this beloved dish in your kitchen.
The secret to Benihana’s taste is in the ingredients, cooking temperatures, and teppanyaki methods. With practice, you’ll make benihana chicken fried rice recipe that wows everyone.
Feel free to add your own twist to the best benihana chicken fried rice recipe. Try new proteins, veggies, and spices to find your favorite mix. Cooking is all about exploring and improving, and with each dish, you’ll get better at teppanyaki.
For more Lovey Recipes: loveyrecipes.com/category/lunch
FAQ
What makes Benihana’s chicken fried rice so special?
Benihana’s chicken fried rice is special because of its authentic teppanyaki-style cooking. This method gives the dish a unique flavor and texture. The combination of high-heat cooking, expert knife work, and a blend of seasonings and sauces makes it unforgettable.
What are the key ingredients in Benihana’s chicken fried rice?
The key ingredients include short-grain Japanese rice, diced chicken, and onions. Carrots, peas, scrambled eggs, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a special seasoning blend are also used.
Do I need any special equipment to make Benihana chicken fried rice at home?
You can use a flat-top grill or a large skillet to get the Benihana style. A rice cooker, sharp knife, and metal spatulas can also enhance your experience.
How do I get the perfect Benihana flavor in my homemade chicken fried rice?
To get the Benihana flavor, use soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and a special seasoning mix. Keep the cooking temperature high and toss the ingredients quickly for that Benihana flair.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when making Benihana-style chicken fried rice?
Avoid using the wrong rice, overcrowding the pan, and not preheating the surface. Don’t use too much oil or let the ingredients sit too long to prevent a greasy or mushy texture.
Can I customize the Benihana chicken fried rice recipe to my personal preferences?
Yes, you can! Try different proteins like shrimp or tofu and add various vegetables. Just keep the core flavor and cooking techniques to stay true to Benihana.
How should I store and reheat leftover Benihana chicken fried rice?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add water or broth to keep the rice moist.