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
Scale
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.
