“`html
There is something truly magical about a bowl of perfectly seasoned fried rice that makes you want to dive in fork first, and nothing hits that spot quite like this Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice Recipe. It captures the savory, buttery goodness and subtle hints of garlic and soy that make the original Benihana fried rice so unforgettable. Whether you’re craving a quick meal or trying to impress your friends with something homemade, this recipe brings restaurant-quality fried rice right to your kitchen table with minimal fuss and a whole lot of flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients make up this Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice Recipe, each playing a key role in bringing the dish to life. From the tender crunch of diced carrots to the rich depth of our homemade garlic butter, these elements combine perfectly to achieve that vibrant color, texture, and unmistakable taste.
- 2 cups cold, day-old white rice: Using day-old rice ensures your fried rice has the perfect texture—fluffy and separate, not mushy.
- 3 Tablespoons vegetable oil: Provides the ideal non-stick base for cooking without overpowering flavors.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic infuses the dish with a fragrant, savory punch that’s essential.
- ½ cup chopped white onion: Adds subtle sweetness and crunch to balance the rice.
- 1 medium carrot (diced): For color, natural sweetness, and a tender bite.
- 3 green onions (sliced thin): These bring a fresh, slightly sharp note and vibrant green color.
- 2 large eggs: Eggs add protein and a silky, cohesive texture throughout the rice.
- 2 Tablespoons garlic butter (see recipe below): Elevates the flavor with rich, garlicky creaminess.
- 2 Tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: Delivers the backbone of umami without overpowering saltiness.
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper: Provides a gentle heat and complexity that black pepper doesn’t.
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar: Balances the savory and salty ingredients with a hint of sweetness.
- ½ cup salted butter (softened): Key ingredient for the garlic butter, adding lush richness.
- 3 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce: Mixed into garlic butter for deep flavor layering.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Also folded into the garlic butter to amplify that irresistible garlicky goodness.
How to Make Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter
This homemade garlic butter is the secret weapon of this recipe. In a small bowl, stir together the softened salted butter, minced garlic, and soy sauce until fully combined. Cover it tightly and chill in the fridge to let the flavors meld beautifully while you prep the rest of your ingredients.
Step 2: Cook Your Rice the Night Before
For the best results, cook your white rice ahead of time—ideally the night before. Refrigerate it uncovered so it dries out a bit, which prevents clumping and helps those beautiful fluffy grains you want in your fried rice.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and cook just until you smell that wonderful fragrance—don’t let it brown. Toss in chopped white onions, diced carrots, and sliced green onions. Stir and cook for a few minutes until veggies turn crisp-tender, locking in freshness and a slight crunch to contrast the softness of the rice.
Step 4: Add the Rice
Next, throw in the cold, day-old rice. Stir well to break apart any clumps and mix with the veggies. Keep cooking and stirring for about 2 minutes, allowing the rice to warm up and get lightly toasted on the edges, which adds an amazing texture and flavor dimension.
Step 5: Cook the Eggs
Push the rice mixture to one side of the skillet to create space. Pour the eggs on the empty side and scramble them until they are about 90% cooked. Then fold the eggs gently into the rice, ensuring the fluffy eggs are evenly distributed throughout the dish.
Step 6: Season and Finish Cooking
Sprinkle the mixture with soy sauce, white pepper, and granulated sugar, then add 2 to 3 tablespoons of the chilled garlic butter. Keep stirring and frying for another 2 minutes so the flavors fully incorporate and the garlic butter melts into every grain of rice and vegetable. Serve immediately for that restaurant-fresh feeling!
How to Serve Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of this rice is that it’s a feast for the eyes and taste buds on its own. However, freshly chopped green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can enhance both presentation and flavor, adding a subtle crunch and a pop of brightness.
Side Dishes
This Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice Recipe pairs perfectly with grilled meats like teriyaki chicken, hibachi steak, or even tempura-style shrimp. A crisp Asian-inspired salad or steamed edamame also balances this rich and savory rice beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun dinner party twist, try serving the fried rice in individual ramekins, flipped upside down onto plates for a nice molded shape. Another idea is using edible lettuce cups to scoop up the rice, adding refreshing crunch and a lighter touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. This lets you enjoy that irresistible flavor again, whether as a quick lunch or a speedy dinner base.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freeze the fried rice in freezer-safe containers or bags. It freezes well for up to 2 months. Just be sure to let it thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, sprinkle a tiny bit of water over the rice and cover with a microwave-safe lid or wrap. Microwave in bursts, stirring occasionally, or heat gently in a skillet with a little oil over medium heat until warmed through and fluffy again.
FAQs
Can I use freshly cooked rice instead of day-old rice?
While it’s tempting to use freshly made rice, day-old rice is drier and less sticky, which helps achieve that perfect fried rice texture. If you must use fresh rice, spread it out on a tray to cool and dry before cooking.
What if I don’t have garlic butter on hand?
You can still make this recipe without the garlic butter, but it truly elevates the flavor. As a quick substitute, mix softened butter with minced garlic and a splash of soy sauce right before adding it to the rice.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use a tamari or gluten-free soy sauce. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a versatile and inclusive dish.
Can I add other vegetables or proteins?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu will turn this into an even heartier meal.
Why is white pepper used instead of black pepper?
White pepper has a milder, earthier heat and a different aroma than black pepper. It blends more seamlessly into dishes like fried rice without darkening the color or overpowering the other flavors.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of making a restaurant favorite like fried rice right in your own kitchen, and this Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice Recipe delivers that joy and flavor in every bite. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to dishes for quick dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort. So grab your garlic butter and day-old rice, and get ready to create your new favorite fried rice masterpiece!
“`
Print
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 replicates the delicious, flavorful fried rice you love from Benihana restaurants, made simple and fast at home. Utilizing day-old rice for perfect texture and a homemade garlic butter for that signature taste, this skillet-cooked dish comes together in just 15 minutes, delivering a savory, satisfying side or main dish.
Ingredients
For the 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
For the Garlic Butter
- ½ cup salted butter, softened
- 3 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened salted butter, minced garlic, and soy sauce. Stir well until evenly mixed, then cover and refrigerate until ready to use, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Prepare Vegetables and Rice: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add chopped white onion, diced carrot, and sliced green onions. Stir and cook for a few minutes until the vegetables become crisp-tender.
- Add Rice: Add the cold, day-old white rice to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir and cook for about 2 minutes, ensuring the rice heats through and absorbs the flavors from the aromatics and vegetables.
- Cook Eggs: Push the rice and vegetables to one side of the skillet. Crack the two eggs on the empty side and scramble them until about 90% cooked. Then mix the eggs thoroughly into the rice and vegetables.
- Season and Finish: Season the rice mixture with low-sodium soy sauce, white pepper, and granulated sugar. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of the prepared garlic butter. Continue stirring and frying the mixture for another 2 minutes to allow flavors to blend and the rice to get slightly crispy if desired.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the fried rice warm as a delightful side or main dish.
Notes
- For best results, cook the white rice the night before and refrigerate uncovered to dry slightly; this prevents clumping and produces the desired fried rice texture.
- Use day-old rice because freshly cooked rice is too moist and leads to soggy fried rice.
- Adjust soy sauce and garlic butter amounts to taste based on your preferred saltiness and garlic intensity.
- You can add additional proteins like shrimp, chicken, or tofu if desired, but this recipe keeps it simple and classic.
- Use a large nonstick or cast iron skillet for even heat distribution and easy stirring.
