Description

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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Ingredients

Scale

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

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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.

Notes

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.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Japanese-American