Make Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe at Home Today

Have you ever watched the hibachi chefs at Benihana? They make chicken fried rice right before your eyes, sizzling in the wok with flashing knives. The Benihana chicken fried rice is not just a dish; it’s an experience. You can make this flavorful fried rice at home too, using their techniques and ingredients to impress your family and friends.

Enjoy the taste of authentic Japanese hibachi-style chicken fried rice with this simple recipe !

The History Behind Benihana’s Famous Chicken Fried Rice

The Benihana restaurant chain was started by Rocky Aoki in 1964. It has a rich history that shaped its famous dish, the benihana fried rice. Aoki was inspired by Japanese teppanyaki-style cooking. He wanted to bring an exciting dining experience to the United States.

The Birth of Benihana Restaurant Chain

Aoki, a former Olympic wrestler, opened the first Benihana in New York City. He amazed diners with chefs cooking right at their tables. The restaurant became known for its great Japanese food, especially the hibachi rice dish.

Evolution of Their Signature Rice Dish

Over time, Benihana’s chicken fried rice got better. Chefs kept working on the recipe and cooking methods. Now, it has tender chicken, crisp veggies, and fluffy Japanese rice. It’s a favorite on the Benihana menu, loved by many.

Today, the benihana fried rice is still a key dish at Benihana worldwide. It shows the restaurant’s dedication to its heritage and culinary traditions. It’s been a favorite for over 50 years.

Essential Ingredients for Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Making the famous Benihana chicken fried rice at home needs the right ingredients. You’ll need a few key things to get the real taste of this Japanese dish. Let’s look at what makes this recipe stand out.

The Japanese rice is the main ingredient. Benihana uses a special short-grain rice that’s sticky and tender. This rice is key for the dish’s unique taste and feel. Alongside the rice, you’ll add fresh vegetables like carrots, peas, and scallions. They add color and crunch.

The protein is usually chicken, but you can try shrimp or both. Seasoning the protein with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger makes it taste better. To finish, you’ll use soy sauce, sesame oil, and eggs. These add the savory and umami flavors.

Choosing and preparing these Japanese rice recipe ingredients well lets you make the real Benihana chicken fried rice at home. You’ll wow your family and friends with this tasty dish.

1. Short-grain Japanese rice
2. Chicken or shrimp (or a combination)
3. Carrots, peas, scallions, and other fresh vegetables
4. Soy sauce, sesame oil, and eggs
5. Garlic, ginger, and other seasonings

Required Kitchen Equipment and Tools

To make Benihana-style hibachi chicken fried rice at home, you need some key tools. You’ll need the right cooking surface and utensils. Let’s look at what you need to make perfect restaurant-style fried rice.

Choosing the Right Cooking Surface

The secret to Benihana’s flavor is the cooking surface. A hibachi grill or cast-iron griddle is best. They help you get the intense heat and sear needed for hibachi chicken fried rice and restaurant style fried rice.

If you don’t have a hibachi grill, a heavy-duty nonstick skillet or Dutch oven works too.

Essential Utensils for Perfect Rice

• A long, sturdy spatula or chopsticks for tossing and stirring the rice
• A wok or high-sided skillet to accommodate the large volume of rice
• A rice cooker or saucepan to ensure perfectly cooked grains
• A sharp knife for dicing vegetables and proteins
• A cutting board for prep work

With the right tools and equipment, you can make the authentic hibachi chicken fried rice and restaurant style fried rice at home.

Preparing Your Ingredients Like a Hibachi Chef

To make a real benihana chicken fried rice recipe or any hibachi rice dish at home, you need to prepare your ingredients right. Be like a hibachi chef and follow these steps. This will make sure your ingredients are ready for the hot cooking.

Chopping with Precision

Start by chopping your veggies carefully. You want them all the same size for even cooking and flavor. Cut the onions, carrots, and scallions into small pieces. Slice the mushrooms and zucchini into thin strips.

Marinating the Chicken

For a great benihana chicken fried rice recipe, marinate the chicken. Use soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a bit of sugar. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to soak up the flavors.

Pre-Cooking the Rice

• Cook the rice before and spread it on a baking sheet to cool.
• Cool, dry rice is key for the right texture in your hibachi rice dish.

Remember, the secret to a great benihana chicken fried rice recipe is in the prep. Spend time chopping, marinating, and pre-cooking your ingredients. This will help you make a tasty, restaurant-quality hibachi rice dish at home.

Secret Techniques for Perfect Japanese Fried Rice

Making Japanese fried rice like a pro at home needs focus and a few special tricks. Choosing the right rice, controlling heat, and seasoning are key. These secrets can make your homemade rice as good as Benihana’s.

Rice Selection and Preparation

The right rice is the base of great Japanese fried rice. Use medium or short-grain rice for its sticky texture. Rinse the rice well to avoid clumps. Let it cool down before frying for the best texture.

Proper Temperature Control

Heat is crucial for Japanese fried rice. The pan or wok must be very hot. This helps sear the rice and adds flavor. Don’t fill the pan too much to keep the heat up.

Seasoning Methods

• Add umami with soy sauce, MSG, or sesame oil to your Japanese fried rice.
• Try garlic, ginger, and white pepper for a flavor like Benihana fried rice.
• Season well but remember, bold flavors are okay.

Learn these secrets to make Japanese fried rice as good as Benihana’s. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can enjoy hibachi flavors at home.

Step-by-Step Benihana Style Cooking Process

Want to make Benihana chicken fried rice at home? Follow this guide to bring the Benihana dining experience to your kitchen.

First, make sure your cooking surface is very hot. Use a heavy-duty skillet or wok for that sizzle. Add high-heat oil and let it shimmer.

1. Carefully add your diced chicken and stir-fry until lightly browned, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Toss in your diced onions, carrots, and peas, and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
3. Add your cooked and chilled rice, breaking up any clumps with your spatula as you stir.
4. Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of white pepper, tossing everything together until the rice is evenly coated and heated through.
5. Finally, create a well in the center of the pan and crack in a couple of eggs. Let them set for a minute before folding them into the fried rice.

The secret to great fried rice is high heat and constant motion. With practice, you’ll make Benihana-style hibachi chicken fried rice at home.

Mastering the Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Making the perfect chicken fried rice like Benihana takes focus and special techniques. You’ll learn how to prepare the protein and mix in the veggies for a great taste.

Protein Preparation Techniques

The protein is key in a benihana copycat recipe for chicken fried rice. Here are some tips for the best texture and even cooking:

• Cut the chicken into small pieces for even cooking.
• Marinate the chicken in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil for flavor.
• Seal the chicken in hot oil for a tasty outside and juicy inside.

Vegetable Integration Tips

Adding veggies to your chicken fried rice is important for taste and looks. Here’s how to mix them in right:

1. Cut the veggies like carrots, peas, and scallions into small pieces.
2. Heat the veggies quickly to keep their color and crunch.
3. Add the cooked veggies to the rice and protein for a balanced taste.

With practice in protein and veggie mixing, you’ll make the famous chicken fried rice from Benihana.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Hibachi Rice

Making hibachi rice at home can be fun. But, there are mistakes that can mess up your dish. Knowing these mistakes helps you make great hibachi rice like Benihana’s.

Overcrowding the Cooking Surface

Don’t cook too much rice at once. This makes the rice steam instead of sear. Make sure to spread the rice evenly for the best results.

Incorrect Rice Selection

The right rice is key. Use short-grain Japanese rice like sushi rice. Long-grain rice won’t give you the same taste and texture.

Undercooked or Overcooked Rice

Cooking the rice right is important. Undercooked rice is hard and bad-tasting. Overcooked rice is mushy and loses its flavor. Find the perfect cooking time and temperature for great Japanese rice.

Avoid these mistakes and you’ll make amazing hibachi rice. With the right steps, you can make your kitchen feel like a Japanese steakhouse.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Making Benihana-style fried rice with chicken is fun. But what about leftovers? It’s important to store and reheat them right. This keeps the dish’s great taste and texture. Follow these tips to enjoy your fried rice again.

Proper Storage Methods

To keep your fried rice fresh, follow these storage tips:

• Put leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking.
• Fried rice stays good in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Freeze it in portions for up to 2-3 months.
• Keep fried rice away from cooked chicken to avoid contamination.

Best Reheating Practices

To make your Benihana-style fried rice taste like new, follow these reheating tips:

1. Reheat refrigerated leftovers on the stovetop with a bit of water or broth.
2. Thaw frozen fried rice in the fridge before reheating.
3. Don’t use the microwave, as it can make the rice hard. Stovetop reheating is best.
4. After reheating, add seasoning if needed and enjoy your fried rice.

By storing and reheating your fried rice right, you can enjoy Benihana’s taste at home. Enjoy your restaurant-style fried rice with chicken whenever you want.

Pairing Suggestions and Serving Ideas

Make your benihana chicken fried rice recipe even better by adding the right sides and drinks. Serve your Japanese fried rice with classic izakaya appetizers for a real Japanese feel.

Begin with a green salad, dressed in a ginger vinaigrette. Grilled or teriyaki chicken skewers make a great side. For drinks, try Sapporo or Asahi beer, or a Lychee Martini or Sake Mojito.

Present your benihana chicken fried rice recipe like a Benihana teppanyaki table. Use a large bowl and add sides around it. Top with scallions, sesame seeds, and furikake for extra flavor and looks.

The secret to a memorable benihana chicken fried rice recipe is balance. With these tips, you’ll create a Japanese feast that impresses everyone.

Conclusion

We’ve learned how to make Benihana-style chicken fried rice at home. We’ve looked at its history, the key ingredients, and the secret techniques. These make the dish special.

Now, you can make this dish in your kitchen. It’s perfect for both experienced cooks and beginners. This recipe will wow your loved ones, making them feel like they’re at a Hibachi grill.

Keep improving your cooking skills and try new things. Always focus on the rice, chicken, and veggies. With practice, your benihana chicken fried rice recipe will get even better. You’ll enjoy the real hibachi chicken fried rice taste at home.

FAQ

What is the Benihana chicken fried rice recipe?

The Benihana chicken fried rice recipe is a tasty dish from Japan. It has tender chicken, veggies, and a yummy sauce. It’s inspired by Benihana, famous for its teppanyaki cooking and fun hibachi shows.

What are the key ingredients in Benihana chicken fried rice?

Key ingredients are Japanese rice, chicken thighs, carrots, green onions, peas, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Choosing and preparing these ingredients right is key for the Benihana taste.

What type of cooking surface is best for making Benihana-style fried rice?

For a Benihana-like dish at home, use a flat-top griddle or a big cast-iron skillet. These surfaces are great for the high-heat cooking Benihana is known for.

How do I properly prepare the ingredients for Benihana chicken fried rice?

It’s important to chop veggies evenly, marinate the chicken, and cool the rice before stir-frying. Having all ingredients ready, or mise en place, helps a lot.

What are the secret techniques for making the perfect Benihana-style fried rice?

Secrets include using Japanese rice, keeping the right cooking temperature, and layering and tossing to add flavor. Adding soy sauce and sesame oil at the right time is also key.

How do I avoid common mistakes when making Benihana chicken fried rice at home?

Avoid using the wrong rice, overcrowding the pan, and not heating the rice enough. Control the heat and don’t overload the pan for the best results.

How should I store and reheat leftover Benihana chicken fried rice?

Cool the rice completely, then put it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet or wok with a bit of oil or water to keep it moist.

What dishes or beverages pair well with Benihana chicken fried rice?

It goes well with teriyaki salmon, grilled or steamed veggies, and miso soup. Try it with green tea, Japanese beer, or a sake cocktail for a nice match.