Benihana Fried Rice

Bring the flavors of your favorite Japanese steakhouse home with this Benihana Fried Rice recipe! Made with simple ingredients like day-old rice, scrambled eggs, garlic butter, and tender vegetables, this fried rice is deliciously savory and perfectly seasoned. It’s fast, flexible, and the ideal side or main dish for your homemade hibachi night.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hibachi-Style at Home – Just like what you get at Benihana, without the teppanyaki table.
Ready in 20 Minutes – Quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Garlic Butter Magic – The secret to rich, savory flavor.
Customizable – Add chicken, steak, shrimp, or tofu for a complete meal.
Great for Leftovers – Use up that extra rice in the tastiest way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Garlic Butter:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp lemon juice

For the Fried Rice:

• 4 cups day-old cooked white rice (jasmine or long-grain works best)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2–3 tbsp soy sauce (to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins:

• Diced cooked chicken, steak, or shrimp
• Extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms
• A splash of sesame oil for depth

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or wok
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Mixing bowls
• Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, soy sauce, and lemon juice.
Set aside to use later—it adds richness and signature Benihana flavor.

Step 2: Scramble the Eggs
Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
Add beaten eggs and scramble until just set.
Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Add remaining oil to the same skillet.
Sauté chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 2–3 minutes.
Add peas and carrots and cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring often.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Rice
Add day-old rice to the pan, breaking up clumps with a spatula.
Stir-fry for 3–5 minutes until heated through and lightly crisped.
Return the scrambled eggs to the pan.

Step 5: Season & Finish
Stir in soy sauce and the prepared garlic butter.
Mix well until everything is coated evenly.
Add chopped green onions and toss for 1 more minute.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve & Garnish
Transfer to bowls and sprinkle with sesame seeds or extra green onions if desired.
Serve hot as a side or main dish.

Tips for the Best Benihana Fried Rice
Use Day-Old Rice – Fresh rice is too sticky; chilled rice gives that perfect texture.
Don’t Skimp on Garlic Butter – It’s the flavor backbone of this recipe.
High Heat = Better Fry – A hot pan helps ingredients crisp, not steam.
Mix in Protein – Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or steak to make it a full meal.
Chop Veggies Small – Keeps everything evenly cooked and bite-sized.

Serving Suggestions
With Hibachi Chicken or Steak – Just like the restaurant.
Add Yum Yum Sauce – A creamy dip takes it over the top.
Side of Miso Soup – Light and warming.
Cucumber Salad – A fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich rice.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Portion into containers and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Skillet: Reheat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce.
• Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What type of rice is best for fried rice?
Day-old jasmine or long-grain white rice is ideal. It’s dry and separates easily.

2. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes—just skip the meat and ensure the butter is plant-based if needed.

3. What’s the key difference in Benihana fried rice?
It’s all about the garlic butter and the balance of soy sauce and lemon. Simple but deeply flavorful.

4. Can I use brown rice?
Yes! It’ll be slightly chewier but still delicious.

5. How do I avoid soggy fried rice?
Use cold, dry rice and high heat. Avoid adding too much soy sauce or liquids at once.

Final Thoughts
This Benihana Fried Rice recipe brings bold, buttery, savory flavor straight to your kitchen in just minutes. With garlic butter as the star and your favorite add-ins as the supporting cast, you’ve got a meal that rivals any restaurant version—no hibachi grill required.

Give it a try tonight and tag your homemade fried rice creations—I’d love to see your skillet skills in action!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Japanese-American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 380 | Protein: 9g | Carbohydrates: 45g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Sodium: 680mg

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