Get ready to enjoy a tasty and quick benihana chicken fried rice recipe. It’s perfect for a fast dinner or lunch. This dish is full of nutrients, with 410 kcal per serving1, 25g of protein1, and 29g of carbs1. You’ll need 2 cups of cooked white rice1 and some key ingredients like chicken, veggies, and soy sauce.
This recipe makes 4 servings2 and is ready in 45 minutes2 to cook. Each serving has 617 kcal2, 27g of fat2, and 46.1g of protein2. You can also add your favorite veggies and oils like sesame or olive3.
Key Takeaways
- Benihana-style chicken fried rice is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
- The recipe serves 4 people and has a prep time of 45 minutes2.
- You can customize the recipe by adding different vegetables and using various oils3.
- The dish is packed with nutrients, including 410 kcal of calories per serving1 and 25g of protein1.
- Benihana chicken fried rice recipe is a great option for a quick dinner or lunch, with a cooking time of 15 minutes2.
- You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days3 or freeze them for up to 3 months3.
- Benihana fried rice recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be prepared in no time.
Introduction to Benihana-Style Chicken Fried Rice
Benihana is famous for its teppanyaki cooking, which makes dishes like benihana copycat recipes and benihana rice special4. This cooking method uses a large steel grill to grill ingredients, making meals interactive. Fried rice, a key dish in Japanese food, is served with toppings and seasonings, making it tasty and versatile.
Benihana started in 1964 in New York City by Hiroaki “Rocky” Aoki4. Aoki introduced the theatrical hibachi dining experience. This cooking style is now linked with Japanese food, with benihana rice being a key part. To make real benihana copycat recipes, using day-old cooked rice is crucial for the right texture4.
What Makes It Special?
Benihana-style chicken fried rice is unique and full of flavor. It combines chicken, soy sauce, and vegetables for a delicious taste. The use of day-old rice gives it a firm texture, important for this dish4. The grilling method also keeps vegetables’ nutrients and adds a smoky flavor, typical of teppanyaki cooking5.
A Brief History of Benihana
Benihana began in 1964 in New York City4. Today, it’s a global brand with over 20 countries having a Benihana. Its success comes from its unique dining experience, blending teppanyaki cooking with a fun atmosphere.
The Importance of Fried Rice in Japanese Cuisine
Fried rice is a big deal in Japanese food, often topped with various ingredients6. It has a long history, starting in China’s Sui dynasty. In Japan, it’s served with dishes like benihana copycat recipes, aiming to match the original Benihana’s flavors and textures.
Benihana-style chicken fried rice is a special dish, mixing chicken, soy sauce, and vegetables. The use of day-old rice is key for its firm texture4. If you’re looking to try something new or learn about Japanese food, benihana copycat recipes are a great starting point.
Essential Ingredients for the Recipe
To make delicious Benihana-style chicken fried rice, you’ll need the right ingredients. Garlic butter is often said to be the secret ingredient7. Day-old rice is best because it’s drier and easier to stir-fry8.
Chicken is a key protein in this dish. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped into small pieces9. For vegetables, peas, carrots, and green onions add flavor to your benihana rice.
You’ll need a wok or large skillet to cook this dish. Sesame oil is used to prevent ingredients from sticking7. With these ingredients and tools, you’re ready to make a tasty Benihana-style chicken fried rice.
Chicken: Choosing the Best Cuts
Choose 12 ounces of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped into small pieces9. This ensures the right texture and flavor in your dish.
Rice: Why Day-Old Works Best
Day-old rice is key for great benihana rice because it’s drier and easier to stir-fry8. It prevents the rice from becoming soggy or sticky, allowing it to soak up all the flavors.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
To make a tasty benihana chicken fried rice recipe, follow these steps. Start by getting your ingredients ready. You’ll need 1.5 cups of rice, 1 cup of frozen carrot & pea mix, 1 medium onion, and 3 cloves of garlic10. Also, prepare 1 pound of chicken tenders, cut into small pieces, and season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of ground pepper10.
Next, cook the chicken. Use 1 tablespoon of neutral oil, like avocado oil, for cooking10. Then, stir-fry the onion, carrot, and pea mix for 1-2 minutes10. After that, add the cooked rice to the pan and stir-fry until it’s dry, about 2-3 minutes10.
Now, let’s organize the ingredients and steps:
- 1.5 cups of rice
- 1 cup of frozen carrot & pea combination
- 1 medium onion
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 pound of chicken tenders
- 1 tablespoon of neutral oil
These ingredients are key for a benihana chicken fried rice recipe, a favorite among benihana copycat recipes11. By following these steps and using the right ingredients, you can make a delicious, authentic benihana-style dish.
Remember to cook at high heat and stir-fry quickly for the best texture and flavor12. With these steps and ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering benihana chicken fried rice recipe that everyone will love.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice | 1.5 cups |
| Carrot & pea combination | 1 cup |
| Onion | 1 medium |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
Tips for Authentic Flavor
To get the real taste of Benihana’s fried rice, you need the right ingredients and cooking methods. The key is the oil used. Benihana mixes sesame oil and vegetable oil8. The right oil changes the flavor and texture a lot.
Seasoning is also key. Soy sauce, garlic, and onion add a rich taste. Cooking chicken for 2-3 minutes and then adding it makes the dish better13. Also, using leftover rice helps avoid sogginess and gets the right texture2.
Here are some tips for authentic Benihana fried rice:
- Use a mix of sesame oil and vegetable oil8
- Cook chicken for 2-3 minutes until just cooked through13
- Use leftover rice to avoid sogginess2
- Add soy sauce, garlic, and onion for flavor
By using these tips and the right ingredients, you can make a tasty Benihana fried rice. It will wow your family and friends.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked white rice | 2-3 cups13 |
| Chicken breast | 1/2 lb13 |
| Sesame oil | 2 tablespoons8 |
Variations on the Classic Recipe
Benihana copycat recipes offer endless possibilities. You can make your benihana rice your own by adding different ingredients. Try adding shrimp or other meats for a protein boost14. Or, choose vegetarian fried rice by using more vegetables15.
To make your benihana rice more interesting, add nuts or fruits. This gives a unique taste and texture. Diced apples or chopped walnuts are great choices15. You can also try different seasonings like soy sauce or garlic powder to improve the flavor14.
- Add cooked chicken or beef for a meat-based option15
- Use different types of vegetables, such as carrots or peas, to add color and flavor14
- Experiment with various seasonings, such as sea salt or black pepper, to enhance the flavor15
Remember, the secret to amazing benihana copycat recipes is to experiment and have fun. Don’t hesitate to try new ingredients and seasonings. Adjust the recipe to fit your taste14.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a benihana chicken fried rice recipe, it’s key to avoid common mistakes. Overcooking the chicken can make it dry and tough8. Also, using the wrong temperature for cooking the rice can lead to a mushy or undercooked texture16.
To get the perfect benihana fried rice, use day-old rice. It has less moisture than freshly cooked rice8. Cooking on high heat helps prevent the rice from becoming gooey16. Adjusting the soy sauce and oil amounts is also important to avoid overpowering flavors8.
Some common mistakes to watch out for when making benihana chicken fried rice include:
- Overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry and tough8
- Using the wrong temperature for cooking the rice, which can result in a mushy or undercooked texture16
- Under-seasoning the dish, which can make it bland and unappetizing8
- Not using day-old rice, which can make the dish too moist and sticky8
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a delicious and authentic benihana chicken fried rice recipe. It’s sure to impress your family and friends16.
Serving Suggestions
When serving your benihana copycat recipes, how you present it matters a lot. You want it to look as good as it tastes. Serve your benihana rice in a big bowl or on a platter. Add green onions, soy sauce, and pickled ginger17 for color and flavor.
To make it look like a pro did it, start with a scoop of rice in the middle. Place your protein, like chicken or shrimp, on top. Add stir-fried veggies like carrots and peas around it. Finish with soy sauce, sesame oil, green onions, and sesame seeds18.
For drinks, sake or green tea are great choices. They match the flavors of benihana copycat recipes well19. You can also offer soft drinks or juice for different tastes.
- Stir-fried vegetables, such as carrots and peas
- Grilled or sautéed protein, like chicken or shrimp
- Pickled ginger and wasabi for added flavor
These pairings make a complete and enjoyable meal. They highlight the flavors and textures of benihana copycat recipes.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storing and reheating your benihana fried rice recipe right is key. It keeps the dish tasting great and feeling just right. Leftover fried rice can stay in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container20. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 4 months20.
To reheat your dish safely, make sure it hits 140°F (60°C)20. You can use the microwave or stir-fry it. Here are some helpful tips:
- Use a microwave-safe container to reheat the fried rice, and cover it with a microwave-safe lid21.
- Add a small amount of water or soy sauce to the rice before reheating to maintain its moisture and flavor21.
- Stir-fry the rice in a wok or large skillet with some oil to restore its crispy texture and flavor20.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your benihana fried rice recipe for a longer time. It will still taste delicious and feel great.
Final Thoughts and Additional Resources
Making Benihana-style chicken fried rice at home is easy. You just need the right ingredients and a bit of practice. This recipe will quickly become a favorite in your family.
Recipes to Try Alongside Fried Rice
Want to make your meal complete? Try pairing your fried rice with dishes like teriyaki-glazed salmon or miso soup. A fresh green salad is also a great choice. These dishes together will give you a full Japanese dining experience.
Where to Find Authentic Benihana Experiences
For a real Benihana experience, visit one of their restaurants9. You can find the nearest one on their website or by searching online. Enjoy the unique atmosphere and watch the chefs cook right at your table.
Joining the Benihana Community Online
Join the Benihana online community for more inspiration and to meet other fans22. On their website and social media, you’ll find lots of recipes and cooking tips. Share your dishes, learn new techniques, and become part of the Benihana family.