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
Scale
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.
