Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Imagine this: you’re gathered around a hot teppanyaki grill, watching the chef work his magic, flipping spatulas like a pro, catching shrimp tails in his hat, and chopping veggies at lightning speed. Then, that rich, buttery garlic aroma fills the air, and you know exactly what’s coming: Benihana chicken fried rice. It’s simple, comforting, and packed with that signature restaurant flavour.

Here’s the best part: you don’t need a fancy hibachi grill or a chef’s coat to recreate this at home. With a handful of key ingredients and the right techniques, I’ll Walk you through how to make the Benihana chicken fried rice recipe right in your kitchen. Trust me, it’ll taste just as good, minus the flying shrimp! Ready to fire up your stovetop? Let’s do this.

Benihana chicken fried rice isn’t just delicious, it’s packed with essential nutrients. Chicken and eggs provide high-quality protein, aiding muscle repair and metabolism American Heart Association. The vegetables add fiber and vitamins for digestion and immunity, while brown rice offers complex carbs for steady energy. Using healthy oils like sesame or avocado keeps the fats heart-friendly. When made with wholesome ingredients, this dish can be both flavorful and nutritious!

Benihana chicken fried rice recipe

Benihana chicken fried rice isn’t just any side dish; it’s an experience. It’s a perfect harmony of fluffy white rice, juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and scrambled eggs, all tossed in savory soy sauce and infused with that unmistakable buttery garlic goodness. It’s no wonder this dish has become a standout favourite at Benihana restaurants, where it’s cooked to perfection right in front of you on a sizzling teppanyaki grill.

So, what makes it special? It’s all about the details, perfectly balanced flavours, that slight crispiness in the rice, and the rich, buttery finish that brings it all together. Whether serving it as the meal’s star or pairing it with your favourite dishes, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit every single time.

Benihana Chicken Fried Rice

Benihana chicken fried rice recipe Ingredients

Rice & Protein:

• 2 cups cooked white rice: The key to the perfect fried rice is using day-old rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and sticky, while day-old rice has dried out slightly, giving it that signature restaurant-style texture. If you’re short on time, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes before using.
• 1 cup chicken breast: Diced into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking. You can swap this with chicken thighs for extra juiciness or go for shrimp if you feel fancy.

Vegetables:

• ½ cup carrots: Finely diced for even distribution. Carrots add a hint of sweetness and crunch. Want a shortcut? Frozen diced carrots work great, too!
• ½ cup peas: Fresh or frozen, but avoid canned peas; they tend to get mushy.
• ½ cup onion: Diced for that subtle sweetness. Yellow or white onions work best, but if you love a stronger kick, go for red onions.
• ¼ cup green onions: Chopped and used as a garnish for a pop of freshness and colour.

Egg & Seasonings:

• 2 whole eggs: Lightly beaten before adding them to the pan. Scrambling them separately before mixing them with the rice ensures fluffy, well-distributed eggs.
• 2 tablespoons garlic butter: This secret ingredient makes Benihana’s fried rice so rich and flavorful. You can make your own by mixing softened butter with minced garlic or grab a pre-made version.
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adjust to taste. Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended to keep the salt level in check. If you want a deeper umami flavour, swap in dark soy sauce or add a splash of oyster sauce.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Start light, taste, and adjust as needed. White pepper works well if you want that extra depth of flavour.
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: These are optional, but they add a subtle nuttiness and crunch. Lightly toasting them before garnishing makes a big difference.

Cooking Oil & Extras:

• 2 tablespoons oil: Use a neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or avocado oil. Avoid olive oil; it has too strong a flavour.
• Optional Add-ins: Want to customize? Add a splash of sesame oil for a more authentic hibachi-style flavour or a dash of mirin for mild sweetness.

Benihana chicken fried rice recipe Instructions:

Recreating the Benihana chicken fried rice recipe at home is easier than you think! Follow these step-by-step instructions, and soon, your kitchen will smell like a teppanyaki grill.

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter

That rich, buttery garlic flavour is what makes this dish irresistible. Here’s how to make it:

In a small bowl, combine:

• 2 tablespoons softened butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Mix everything until smooth and well combined. Set it aside; this will take your fried rice to the next level!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

• Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the diced chicken and season it with salt and pepper. Stir-fry for 5–7 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly golden brown.
• Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

• In the same pan, add the remaining one tablespoon of vegetable oil.
• Toss in the diced onions and carrots and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften.
• Add the peas and cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 4: Scramble the Eggs

• Push the vegetables to one side of the pan, creating a space.
• Pour in the lightly beaten eggs and scramble them until fully cooked.
• Once the eggs are ready, mix them in with the sautéed vegetables.

Step 5: Combine the Rice and Chicken

• Add the cooked white rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps. (Tip: Cold, day-old rice is best to avoid mushy fried rice!)
• Return the cooked chicken to the pan.
• Pour in the soy sauce and garlic butter. Stir everything together, ensuring the rice is evenly coated and soaking up all the flavours.

Step 6: Final Touches

• Stir-fry for another 3–4 minutes, letting the rice get slightly crispy for that authentic Benihana-style texture.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or soy sauce.

Step 7: Serve and enjoy!

• Transfer the fried rice to serving plates.
• Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds (optional, but worth it).
• Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Benihana-style chicken fried rice!

Pro Tips for the Best Fried Rice

• Use cold rice: Freshly cooked rice is too moist; day-old rice gives the perfect texture.
• High heat is key: Cooking on medium-high to high heat prevents sogginess and gives you that light, crispy finish.
• Don’t skimp on the garlic butter: It makes this fried rice taste just like Benihana’s!

5 Creative Ways to Serve Benihana Chicken Fried Rice

Who says fried rice must be served in a bowl? Shake things up with these unique and delicious serving ideas!

1. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Turn your fried rice into a show-stopping meal by stuffing it with hollowed-out bell peppers. Bake them until tender, and you have a portable, flavour-packed dish with a built-in edible bowl! Want to add extra flair? Sprinkle some shredded cheese before baking for a crispy, melty finish.
2. Lettuce Wraps: If you want a lighter, low-carb option, try scooping the fried rice into crisp iceberg or butter lettuce leaves. This handheld twist has a perfect party appetizer or refreshing weeknight meal. Bonus: Drizzle with sriracha or hoisin sauce for extra flavour!
3. Fried Rice Omelette (Omurice): Take your Benihana-style chicken fried rice to the next level by wrapping it in a fluffy, golden omelette, a Japanese classic known as omurice. Drizzle with ketchup, teriyaki sauce, or even spicy mayo for a fusion-style, comforting and impressive dish.
4. Rice-Stuffed Sushi Rolls: Feeling adventurous? Use fried rice instead of plain rice as a sushi roll filling! Roll it up in nori seaweed, along with slices of cucumber, avocado, or even grilled shrimp, for a fusion-style sushi experience. Serve with soy sauce and wasabi for an extra punch.
5. Waffle Iron Crispy Rice Cakes: Yes, you read that right: fried rice in a waffle iron! Press portions of the rice into a preheated waffle iron to create crispy, golden-brown rice cakes. Serve them with a soy-based dipping sauce or a drizzle of sesame oil for an unexpected but delicious side dish or snack.

5 Perfect Pairings for Benihana Chicken Fried Rice

Complete your meal with these delicious pairings complementing fried rice’s rich, savoury flavours!

1. Hibachi Vegetables: Nothing completes a teppanyaki-style meal like a side of hibachi vegetables! Sauté a mix of zucchini, mushrooms, and onions in garlic butter and soy sauce for an authentic steakhouse experience at home.
2. Miso Soup: A classic Japanese miso soup adds warmth and umami goodness to balance out the fried rice. Made with dashi broth, miso paste, tofu, and seaweed, it’s light yet packed with flavour, the perfect starter!
3. Shrimp or Steak Skewers: Grilled shrimp or steak skewers add variety to your meal while packing in extra protein. Season with teriyaki or soy sauce, and grill them over high heat for that smoky, caramelized flavour. Serve alongside your fried rice for a restaurant-style feast!
4. Crispy Spring Rolls: Pairing crispy vegetables or chicken spring rolls with fried rice gives you the best of both textures: a crispy crunch on the outside and a soft and flavorful inside. Serve with sweet chili sauce or a soy-based dipping sauce for extra deliciousness.
5. Cucumber Salad: Need something fresh to cut through the richness of fried rice? A light and refreshing cucumber salad does the trick. Toss thinly sliced cucumbers with rice vinegar, sesame seeds, and a pinch of sugar for a cool, tangy contrast to the warm, buttery rice.

Bringing Benihana to Your Kitchen

For a bold and flavorful meal, this Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is a must-try! If you’re looking to add a unique twist to your dishes, pair it with this Easy Blue Jam Garlic Aioli Recipe, a sweet-savory condiment that works as a dipping sauce or drizzle to enhance your fried rice experience. Give it a try and elevate your homemade hibachi-style meal!

Tried this recipe? Please drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out! Don’t forget to share your creative serving ideas; I’d love to hear how you’re making this dish your own!

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