Benihana Fried Rice (VIDEO)

Cozy Benihana Fried Rice Recipe (VIDEO)

Imagine the warm glow of a kitchen filled with the tantalizing aroma of sizzling garlic and butter, the gentle crackle of rice hitting a hot pan, and the vibrant colors of fresh vegetables dancing around in harmony. There’s something incredibly nostalgic about a plate of fried rice that transports us back to adventurous family meals at cozy hibachi restaurants. This Benihana Fried Rice recipe is here to make that delicious experience come alive in your own home kitchen!

Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, this dish is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that everyone will love. Each bite feels like a warm hug, filled with tender shrimp (or your protein of choice), aromatic garlic butter, and perfectly cooked rice that’s just a little crispy. Trust me; this scrumptious recipe is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just about 20 minutes—perfect for those busy nights when you need a satisfying meal fast.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore this savory dish, making it a great option for family dinners.
• Customizable: With a few simple swaps, you can cater to your family’s tastes or dietary needs.
• Make-Ahead Potential: Prep the garlic butter and rice ahead of time, saving you even more time when you’re ready to cook!
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combo of garlic, butter, and soy sauce is universally loved—this is a recipe you can feel confident serving to guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Benihana Fried Rice (VIDEO)

• 3 tsp light soy sauce
• 1/2 cup butter (softened)
• 3 cloves garlic (grated)
• 1/2 lb shrimp (can sub with any protein of choice)
• 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp white pepper
• 1 tsp + 3 tbsp neutral oil (I used avocado oil)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 medium carrot (chopped)
• 1/4 onion (chopped)
• 3 scallions (chopped)
• 1.5 cups rice (cooked and dried out overnight uncovered in the fridge)
• 2 eggs (beaten)
• 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/4 tsp white pepper
• 1/4 tsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp MSG (optional)

Let’s Make It Together

1. To make the garlic butter, add the 1/2 cup of butter to a small bowl followed by the grated garlic and 3 tsp of light soy sauce. Mix to combine and keep in the fridge to firm up until ready to use.
2. In a bowl, marinate the shrimp (or other protein of choice) with 1/2 tbsp of soy sauce, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp white pepper, and 1 tsp of neutral oil while you prep the vegetables.
3. In a large pan or wok over high heat, add 1 tbsp of oil and cook your protein for one minute. Add 1 tbsp of garlic butter and cook for another minute until the protein is cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. Separate the dried-out cooked rice grains as much as possible with your hands.
5. In the same pan, heat 1 tbsp of oil and fry your minced garlic for 15 seconds, followed by your chopped carrots, onions, and scallions. Cook for 1-2 minutes until softened and slightly charred.
6. Add the rice to the pan and continue frying, separating and combining until relatively dry (about 2-3 minutes).
7. Push the rice to the side of the pan and add 1 tbsp of oil, then pour in the beaten eggs. Cook until about 75% done, then mix into the rice.
8. Season the mixture with 1/2 tbsp light soy sauce, 1/4 tsp white pepper, 1/4 tsp sugar, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp MSG (if using), and 2 tbsp of the reserved garlic butter.
9. Mix thoroughly and fry for an additional 1-2 minutes to combine the flavors, then enjoy this delicious fried rice!

Delicious Variations to Try

• Veggie-Packed Fried Rice: Add more colorful vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or broccoli for a fresh crunch.
• Spicy Kick: Toss in some chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up.
• Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a fragrant twist.
• Creamy Addition: Mix in a dollop of cream cheese for a rich, indulgent flavor.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

• Make-Ahead: Prepping your garlic butter and chilling your rice overnight will make cooking fast and easy.
• Rice Logic: Using day-old rice that’s been dried out helps prevent clumping and achieves the perfect texture.
• Protein Choices: Feel free to substitute shrimp with chicken, tofu, or any protein you have on hand—just adjust the cooking time to ensure it’s cooked through.
• Store Leftovers: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat in a pan to bring back that lovely texture.

What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown

• Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
• Calories: 340
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Sugar: 2g
• Fat: 21g
• Protein: 8g
• Sodium: 600mg

Reader FAQs About Benihana Fried Rice (VIDEO)

• Can I make this ahead? Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter and rice ahead of time for quick dinner prep later.
• Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! This recipe is versatile; feel free to substitute the protein and add any vegetables you prefer.
• How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• How long does it last? Leftovers are best eaten within three days for optimal taste and quality.

A Cozy Closing Note

This Benihana Fried Rice recipe brings that cherished hibachi flavor right into your kitchen, capturing the warmth and joy of sharing good food with loved ones. Its delightful combination of textures and flavors is sure to become a favorite for both family meals and entertaining guests. Save this Benihana Fried Rice (VIDEO) to your dinner inspiration board so it’s ready whenever you need a cozy treat! Enjoy every moment and every bite!