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If you’re craving that irresistible, restaurant-style fried rice that’s bursting with flavor and just the right amount of garlic butter richness, you’ve come to the right place! This Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice Recipe captures the magic of Benihana’s famous side dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. With simple ingredients and a handful of easy steps, you’ll have a golden, fragrant fried rice that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing, perfect for any weeknight dinner or when you want to impress without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to nailing this dish. Each one plays a vital role: from the texture of cold day-old rice to the aromatic pop of fresh garlic and green onions, and the creamy richness of homemade garlic butter that truly elevates the flavor.
- 2 cups cold, day-old white rice: The key to non-mushy fried rice is using rice that has dried out a bit overnight.
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil: Provides a neutral base for cooking and helps achieve that slight crisp on the rice.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the oil with a fragrant backbone that carries through every bite.
- ½ cup chopped white onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and crunch to the fried rice.
- 1 medium carrot, diced: Brings a touch of color, natural sweetness, and a bit of healthy crunch.
- 3 green onions, sliced thin: Offers a fresh, mild onion flavor and a vibrant green pop.
- 2 large eggs: Scrambled into the rice for added richness and texture contrast.
- 2 tablespoons garlic butter: This rich butter, made with garlic and soy sauce, is the star that sets this recipe apart.
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: Balances salty umami flavors without overwhelming the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper: Adds a gentle heat and subtle spiciness without darkening the rice.
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar: Just a touch to round out and balance the savory flavors.
- ½ cup salted butter (softened): Used to make the garlic butter that brings richness and depth.
- 3 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce: Incorporated into the garlic butter for extra savory punch.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (for garlic butter): Intensifies the butter’s flavor, making each bite irresistibly fragrant.
How to Make Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter
Start by whisking together the softened salted butter, soy sauce, and fresh minced garlic in a small bowl. This garlic butter is what makes this fried rice truly special, infusing every grain with rich, garlicky goodness. Cover it and pop it in the fridge to chill until it’s time to add it to the rice.
Step 2: Prep Your Rice and Veggies
Make sure your white rice was cooked the day before and chilled overnight—this drying step is essential for that perfect fried rice texture. While it’s resting, chop your onions, dice the carrots, and slice the green onions thinly. Fresh veggies add color, crunch, and a pleasant sweetness that balances the savory elements.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook just until it becomes fragrant—don’t let it burn! Next, add the chopped white onions, diced carrots, and green onions. Stir everything together and cook until the vegetables are crisp-tender, which usually takes just a few minutes. This step builds layers of flavor and vibrant texture.
Step 4: Add and Fry the Rice
Dump the cold rice into the skillet. Keep stirring and pressing it gently against the pan for about two minutes to allow it to warm up and achieve a slight crisp—the hallmark of great fried rice. This is where you start seeing it come together.
Step 5: Scramble the Eggs in the Pan
Push the rice to one side of the skillet, creating an open spot for the eggs. Crack both eggs into this space and scramble them until they’re 90% cooked, soft, and fluffy. Then combine the eggs with the rice, mixing everything thoroughly so that eggs pop up in every bite.
Step 6: Season and Finish with Garlic Butter
Season the rice-egg mixture with soy sauce, white pepper, and a pinch of sugar. The sugar helps balance the salty and savory notes perfectly. Finally, stir in two to three tablespoons of the chilled garlic butter. Keep cooking and mixing for another two minutes so the butter melts into the rice, coating every grain in that luxurious garlicky goodness.
How to Serve Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of additional sliced green onions right before serving adds fresh color and a mild crunch that wakes up your palate. For a little extra flair, some toasted sesame seeds or a tiny drizzle of toasted sesame oil elevate the aroma and texture beautifully.
Side Dishes
This fried rice is a perfect partner for grilled or sautéed meats, like teriyaki chicken, hibachi steak, or seared shrimp. It also pairs wonderfully with vegetable stir-fries or miso soup if you want to keep things light and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, mold the fried rice into a dome using a small bowl or ramekin when plating, then gently flip onto the plate. You can also serve it inside lightly charred pineapple halves for a tropical twist, or add a fried egg on top for a brunch-worthy dish that feels extravagant yet simple.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, store leftover fried rice in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and delicious for up to three days, making it great for quick lunches or dinners during the week.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but not ideal for maintaining texture. If you want to freeze, portion the rice into freezer-safe containers and use within one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to keep it as close to fresh as possible.
Reheating
To reheat, use a skillet on medium heat with a splash of oil or water, stirring frequently to revive the fluffy texture and incorporate any separated ingredients. Avoid microwaving if you can, as the rice can become dry or rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use freshly cooked rice instead of day-old rice?
While it’s possible, freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and sticky, which can lead to clumpy fried rice. Day-old cold rice dries out slightly and helps achieve those coveted separate grains and a perfect texture.
What can I substitute for the garlic butter?
If you don’t want to make garlic butter, melted butter combined with a little minced garlic and a splash of soy sauce works as a quick alternative, but the homemade garlic butter really gives this recipe its signature touch.
Is it okay to use brown rice instead of white rice?
You can use brown rice, but it will change the texture and flavor slightly. Brown rice is heartier and less fluffy, so the fried rice might be denser. Adjust cooking times accordingly and expect a nuttier taste.
Can I add protein directly to the fried rice?
Absolutely! Diced chicken, shrimp, or tofu can be cooked alongside the veggies or separately and folded in at the end. Just make sure proteins are pre-cooked to keep cooking times short and the flavors balanced.
Why do we use white pepper instead of black pepper?
White pepper provides a milder heat and a more subtle spiciness that won’t darken or alter the appearance of the rice. It’s commonly used in Asian cooking for this reason.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice Recipe is a true gem for anyone who loves bold flavors wrapped in a simple, fuss-free cooking process. Whether you’re craving that nostalgic hibachi side dish or just want an easy meal that feels special, this recipe delivers every single time. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll quickly become a favorite in your home cooking rotation!
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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
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice recipe replicates the delicious, savory flavors of the famous restaurant dish. Made with day-old rice, fresh vegetables, scrambled eggs, and a special garlic butter sauce, it’s a quick and flavorful fried rice perfect for a simple weeknight meal or a tasty side dish.
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, 3 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce, and minced garlic. Stir well until blended. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the garlic butter to chill until ready to use.
- Prepare the Rice and Vegetables: Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the chopped white onion, diced carrot, and sliced green onions. Stir and cook the veggies until they become crisp-tender, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Rice: Add the cold, day-old white rice to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir well and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 2 minutes to warm through and start frying the rice.
- Cook the Eggs: Push the rice mixture to one side of the skillet to create space. Crack the 2 eggs into the empty side and scramble them until they are about 90% cooked but still slightly soft. Then, mix the eggs into the rice mixture evenly.
- Season and Finish Cooking: Season the rice and egg mixture by adding 2 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce, ¼ teaspoon white pepper, ½ teaspoon granulated sugar, and 2 to 3 tablespoons of the prepared garlic butter. Stir thoroughly and continue frying everything together for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors and finish cooking. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Benihana-style fried rice!
Notes
- Use day-old rice that has been refrigerated overnight for the best texture. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too soft and sticky for fried rice recipes.
- You can adjust the garlic butter quantity to taste depending on how strong you prefer the garlic flavor.
- Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended to control the saltiness of the dish. Adjust to taste.
- Add your choice of protein like cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu for a heartier meal.
- For extra vegetables, peas or corn can also be incorporated.
