Benihana, renowned for its captivating teppanyaki dining experience, has made its chicken fried rice a culinary legend. The sizzling grills, the flying spatulas, and the flavorful explosion of ingredients create a meal that’s more than just food; it’s an event. Now, you can bring that same excitement and deliciousness into your own kitchen. This comprehensive guide will equip you with everything you need to make authentic Benihana chicken fried rice at home.
Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure as we delve into the secrets of this iconic dish. From selecting the perfect ingredients to mastering the cooking techniques, you’ll learn how to create a Benihana chicken fried rice recipe that rivals the restaurant experience. Get ready to wow your family and friends with your newfound culinary prowess! You’ll find that making this dish is surprisingly simple, allowing you to enjoy the flavors of Benihana anytime you desire.
This Hawaiian teriyaki chicken recipe also offers delicious flavors that can complete your meal. Check out our sidewinder fries recipe for a perfect side dish. This chicken with peppers and onions recipe also pairs perfectly with rice.
Unveiling the Secrets: Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Ingredients
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The Core Ingredients for Benihana Chicken Fried Rice
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, day-old long-grain rice
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep: Dice the onion and carrots. Thaw frozen peas if using. Marinate the chicken in soy sauce and sesame oil for at least 30 minutes. If the rice isn’t day-old, spread it on a baking sheet to air dry for a few hours.
- Heat: Heat vegetable oil and butter in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onions and carrots and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Cook Chicken: Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Scramble Eggs: Push the chicken and vegetables to one side of the wok. Add the beaten eggs to the other side. Scramble until cooked and incorporate into the chicken and vegetable mixture.
- Add Rice: Add the cooked rice and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, breaking up any clumps, ensuring it is coated with the oil and other ingredients.
- Add Marinade: Pour the remaining marinade over the rice and continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add Peas: Add the peas and stir-fry for 1 minute.
- Season & Finish: Drizzle with sesame oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
- Using day-old rice is crucial for the correct texture.
- High heat and quick cooking are essential for the authentic Benihana flavor.
- Taste and adjust seasonings throughout the cooking process.
- The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and butter is key to the distinctive flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Japanese
Selecting the Right Ingredients for Your Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Using day-old rice is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. Freshly cooked rice contains too much moisture, resulting in a sticky, mushy fried rice. Day-old rice has dried out slightly, allowing it to absorb the flavors and fry evenly.
For the chicken, boneless, skinless thighs offer the best flavor and tenderness. However, you can also use chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option. Ensure the chicken is cut into small, uniform pieces for even cooking. Fresh, vibrant vegetables are key to a flavorful Benihana chicken fried rice recipe. Look for crisp carrots, bright green peas, and firm onions.
Prepping Your Ingredients for Benihana Chicken Fried Rice
Begin by dicing the onion and carrots. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly. If using frozen peas, thaw them before cooking. Marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce and sesame oil for at least 30 minutes. This adds flavor and keeps the chicken moist during cooking.
Properly preparing the rice is essential for achieving the desired texture. If your rice isn’t day-old, spread it out on a baking sheet and let it air dry for a few hours. This will remove excess moisture and help it fry more evenly. This step is crucial for avoiding sticky fried rice.
Mastering the Technique: Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Step-by-Step
Setting the Stage for Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Perfection
The key to Benihana-style cooking is high heat and rapid movement. A large flat-top grill or wok is ideal, but a large skillet will also work. Ensure your cooking surface is hot before adding any ingredients. This ensures the rice and vegetables sear quickly, creating that signature smoky flavor.
Have all your ingredients prepped and within easy reach before you begin cooking. Benihana cooking is all about speed and precision. Having everything ready will help you maintain the fast pace needed to create this delicious dish. Remember, timing is key!
Decoding the Deliciousness: The Secrets of Benihana Fried Rice
What Sets Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Apart?
Benihana fried rice’s deliciousness comes from a trifecta: high-heat, teppan grilling creates a smoky flavor; precisely balanced ingredients and sauces deliver a rich, savory profile (enhanced by butter and soy sauce); and the theatrical cooking experience elevates the dish beyond a simple meal. While other fried rice variations exist, few achieve Benihana’s depth of flavor and unique dining experience.
The Benihana Experience: Beyond the Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
The Benihana dining experience goes beyond just the food. It’s a performance, a culinary spectacle orchestrated by the teppanyaki chef. The chef’s skillful manipulation of ingredients, combined with the rhythmic clatter of spatulas and the sizzle of the grill, creates a mesmerizing display. This interactive dining experience is a major part of Benihana’s appeal. The teppanyaki chef not only cooks your meal but also entertains you with their culinary skills.
Elevating Your Benihana Chicken Fried Rice: Tips and Tricks
Achieving Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Perfection: Expert Tips
For perfect Benihana-style fried rice, use a screaming hot wok or large pan. Don’t overcrowd; cook in batches for even searing and prevent sticking. If rice is sticky, air dry it on a baking sheet. For bland rice, adjust with soy sauce, sesame oil, or salt. Boost flavor with garlic, ginger, or chili garlic sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings throughout.
Customizing Your Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Feel free to experiment with different vegetables. Mushrooms, broccoli, and zucchini are all excellent additions. You can also substitute the chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu for a different protein source. For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and add more vegetables. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for additional flavor.
For a vegan version, use tofu as your protein and replace the eggs with scrambled tofu. You can also omit the butter and use a vegan butter substitute or more vegetable oil. Be sure to adjust the seasonings accordingly, as vegan alternatives may have different flavor profiles. This allows you to enjoy the flavors of Benihana while adhering to your dietary restrictions.
Benihana Chicken Fried Rice FAQs: Your Questions Answered
What type of oil does Benihana use?
Benihana typically uses a blend of soybean and canola oil for its high smoke point and neutral flavor. At home, you can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. Avoid olive oil, as it has a lower smoke point and can impart a strong flavor. The choice of oil influences the final flavor of the fried rice.
What is the secret ingredient in fried rice?
There’s no single secret ingredient in fried rice. The real secret lies in the technique: using high heat, properly prepared rice, and fresh ingredients. Day-old rice is essential for avoiding a sticky texture. Properly seasoning and incorporating the sauces also plays a crucial role in creating a flavorful dish. This ensures the rice absorbs the flavors and maintains its texture.
What’s the difference between hibachi fried rice and regular fried rice?
Hibachi fried rice, often referred to as teppanyaki fried rice, is cooked on a large, flat-top grill at very high heat. This cooking method imparts a unique smoky flavor. Regular fried rice can be cooked in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat and may not have the same smoky flavor. Hibachi also involves a theatrical cooking performance, adding to the dining experience.
How many calories are in Benihana fried rice?
A typical serving of Benihana chicken fried rice contains approximately 500-700 calories. The calorie content can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion size. Adding more vegetables or using leaner protein can reduce the calorie count. You can also control portion sizes to manage calorie intake. Consider these factors when planning your meal.
Enjoy and Preserve: Serving and Storing Benihana Chicken Fried Rice
Serving Your Benihana Chicken Fried Rice in Style
Present your Benihana chicken fried rice in a stylish bowl or plate. Garnish with extra chopped green onions for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve alongside other Japanese-inspired dishes such as teriyaki chicken or shrimp tempura. You can also add a side of pickled ginger or sriracha for a spicy kick.
Consider serving your fried rice with a side of hibachi vegetables or grilled shrimp. A simple salad with a ginger dressing can also complement the richness of the fried rice. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also add a bright, citrusy note to the dish. These options can enhance your dining experience and add variety to your meal. Check out this sausage and broccoli stir-fry for another flavorful side dish option.
Storing Your Benihana Chicken Fried Rice for Later
Store leftover Benihana chicken fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the rice in a skillet with a little bit of oil or butter over medium heat. Stir-fry until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out.
Avoid reheating the rice multiple times, as this can increase the risk of bacterial growth. It’s best to reheat only the portion you intend to eat. If you have a large amount of leftover rice, you can freeze it in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw the rice completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
Your Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Journey Begins!
Now that you’ve learned the secrets to creating amazing Benihana chicken fried rice, it’s time to put your skills to the test. Gather your ingredients, fire up your wok, and embark on your own culinary adventure. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make the recipe your own. Impress your family and friends with your newfound teppanyaki talents. We’re confident you’ll love the results! Share your Benihana chicken fried rice creations with us. Happy cooking!
We encourage you to explore more delicious recipes on our site. Discover new culinary adventures and expand your cooking repertoire. We’re always adding new and exciting dishes for you to try. We hope you continue to enjoy our recipes and share your culinary creations with us.
Used resources link: Benihana Restaurant