If you have ever savored the flavors of Benihana’s fried rice and wished you could recreate that mouthwatering experience right in your own kitchen, you are in for a treat. This Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice Recipe captures all the savory, buttery goodness and the perfect texture that makes the restaurant’s version so addictive, all without stepping foot outside. Perfectly seasoned, loaded with fresh veggies and buttery garlic flavor, it comes together quickly and easily, so you’ll want to make it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this dish just right means using simple ingredients that each add their own magic, from texture and color to rich, savory flavor. Using day-old rice helps achieve that classic fried rice consistency without mushiness, while the garlic butter makes it irresistible.
- 2 cups cold, day-old white rice: Leftover rice works best to keep it light and fluffy rather than soggy.
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil: A neutral oil for perfect frying without overpowering flavors.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic provides aromatic depth that wakes up the dish.
- ½ cup chopped white onion: Adds a slight crunch and a touch of sweetness.
- 1 medium carrot, diced: For subtle sweetness and vibrant color contrast.
- 3 green onions, sliced thin: Adds a mild oniony brightness and freshness at the end.
- 2 large eggs: Gives the rice protein and a lovely silky texture when scrambled in.
- 2 tablespoons garlic butter: See recipe below; this buttery garlic sauce is the heart of the dish.
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: Balances salty and umami flavors without overwhelming.
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper: Adds a gentle heat that blends seamlessly.
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar: Just a hint to round out the savory notes.
- ½ cup salted butter, softened: The base for homemade garlic butter that elevates the rice.
- 3 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce (for garlic butter): Infuses the butter with that savory taste.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (for garlic butter): Ensures the garlic butter is intensely flavorful.
How to Make Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter
Start by mixing your softened salted butter with the minced garlic and soy sauce in a small bowl. Stir it well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. This garlic butter is essential; its rich, savory flavor will infuse your rice and give you that unmistakable Benihana taste. Pop it in the fridge to chill and keep it fresh while you cook the rest.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables and Garlic
Heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Start by sautéing the minced garlic just until fragrant—watch carefully so it doesn’t burn! Next, toss in the chopped white onion, diced carrot, and sliced green onions. Stir them around for a few minutes until they’re tender but still have a nice crisp bite. This step builds the fresh, colorful base of your fried rice.
Step 3: Add the Rice
Once your veggies are ready, add the cold, day-old rice straight from the fridge. This step is crucial: using rice that’s slightly dried out helps keep everything from turning mushy when you fry it. Stir and cook the rice with the veggies for a couple of minutes, making sure it gets heated through and starts to pick up a bit of that skillet aroma.
Step 4: Cook the Eggs
Push the rice mixture over to one side of the pan to clear some space. Crack in the eggs on the free side and scramble gently until they are about 90% cooked. Then, fold the eggs into the rice to combine everything harmoniously. The eggs add a velvety texture and a mild richness that’s pure comfort.
Step 5: Season and Finish
Now comes the magic seasoning: drizzle the soy sauce, sprinkle the white pepper and sugar, and generously add 2 to 3 tablespoons of that luscious garlic butter you prepared earlier. Stir everything constantly for another two minutes so all the flavors marry perfectly, and the garlic butter melts into every grain of rice. Your Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice is now ready to serve!
How to Serve Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
To keep things fresh and authentic, top your fried rice with a few additional sliced green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that lovely nutty crunch and visual appeal. If you want a little heat, a drizzle of sriracha or a pinch of crushed red pepper works beautifully.
Side Dishes
This fried rice shines as a star side or main course. It pairs wonderfully with grilled steak, teriyaki chicken, or sizzling shrimp. For a veggie boost, steamed broccoli or sautéed snow peas will complement the flavors without overwhelming the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve the rice molded in small ramekins or bowls, then invert onto plates for attractive individual portions. You can even add a fried egg on top for a decadent touch that feels way fancier than it really is.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover fried rice in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining its flavor and texture nicely, making it a perfect quick lunch or dinner option.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze this fried rice in freezer-safe bags or containers. Flatten the bag for easy storage and freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, the stovetop method is your best friend: heat a bit of oil in a pan and toss in the rice, stirring often to revive that fresh-from-the-wok flavor and texture. A quick microwave zap works too but stirring halfway through prevents cold spots.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
You can absolutely try brown rice, but keep in mind its texture and moisture level differ, so the cooking time and moisture balance may need slight adjustments to avoid mushy results.
Is garlic butter necessary?
Garlic butter is what sets this recipe apart from typical fried rice. It adds the rich, buttery, garlicky punch that makes it taste like Benihana’s version, so it’s highly recommended for authenticity.
Can I add protein like chicken or shrimp?
Definitely! To turn this into a heartier meal, cook diced chicken or shrimp separately, then add them in during the final stages of cooking your rice for a delicious complete dish.
Why use day-old rice?
Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and sticky for stir-frying. Chilled, day-old rice has dried slightly, making it easier to fry and giving you that fluffy, separated grain texture.
How spicy is this dish?
This Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice Recipe is mild by default, but you can easily add chili flakes or hot sauce to suit your favorite spice level without overpowering the delicate balance of flavors.
Final Thoughts
This recipe truly brings the magic of Benihana’s famous fried rice right to your kitchen table with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. The beauty of this Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice Recipe lies in its perfect blend of buttery, garlicky flavors and satisfying textures — so don’t hesitate to dive in and make it part of your favorite meals. Once you try it, I promise it will become a delicious go-to that feels like a special treat every time.
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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 recreates the beloved Japanese steakhouse side dish at home in just 15 minutes. Made with day-old rice, fresh vegetables, scrambled eggs, and a flavorful homemade garlic butter, this fried rice is savory, aromatic, and perfectly seasoned with low-sodium soy sauce, white pepper, and a touch of sugar. Quick to prepare and delicious, it’s a fantastic side or main dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Rice and Vegetable Ingredients
- 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
Eggs
- 2 large eggs
Garlic Butter
- ½ cup salted butter, softened
- 3 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning
- 2 Tablespoons garlic butter (from above)
- 2 Tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: Cook white rice the night before and refrigerate to allow it to dry out overnight for best texture in fried rice.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine softened salted butter, 3 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Mix thoroughly, cover, and chill in the fridge until ready to use.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add ½ cup chopped white onion, 1 diced medium carrot, and 3 thinly sliced green onions. Stir and cook for a few minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Add Rice: Add the 2 cups cold, day-old rice to the skillet with the vegetables. Cook while stirring for about 2 minutes, breaking up any clumps to ensure the rice heats evenly.
- Cook Eggs: Push the rice mixture to one side of the skillet. Crack 2 large eggs on the empty side. Scramble the eggs until about 90% cooked, then mix them into the rice and vegetables.
- Season and Finish: Season the rice with 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, ¼ teaspoon white pepper, ½ teaspoon granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons of the prepared garlic butter. Stir thoroughly and continue frying for an additional 2 minutes to meld flavors and heat through.
- Serve: Serve the fried rice warm as a side dish or main meal. Enjoy the authentic Benihana taste at home!
Notes
- Using day-old rice is critical to achieving the best texture; freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and sticky.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with sesame oil for a nuttier flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the eggs or replace with tofu scramble.
- Adjust soy sauce quantity to taste to control sodium level.
- Leftover fried rice stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheats on the stovetop or microwave.
