Benihana Fried Rice

Make delicious fried rice just like the cooks at Benihana with this terrific copycat. You can have a professional-quality meal made right in your own kitchen.

Benihana Fried Rice is a popular dish served at Benihana, a Japanese teppanyaki restaurant chain known for its interactive cooking style. This fried rice is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines fluffy rice with a variety of vegetables and proteins.

The dish starts with cooked rice, which is stir-fried in a hot griddle or teppan with a blend of vegetables, such as onions, carrots, and green onions. These vegetables add a delightful crunch and vibrant colors to the dish. The rice is then seasoned with soy sauce, which imparts a savory and slightly salty flavor.

To enhance the taste and texture, Benihana Fried Rice often includes additional ingredients like scrambled eggs, diced chicken, shrimp, or beef. These proteins are cooked alongside the rice, adding richness and protein to the dish.

One of the highlights of Benihana Fried Rice is the theatrical cooking technique used by the skilled teppanyaki chefs. They perform impressive knife skills, tossing the ingredients in the air and creating sizzling sounds on the hot griddle, creating an entertaining and interactive dining experience.

The result is a delicious and flavorful fried rice dish that is both satisfying and enjoyable. Benihana Fried Rice is often served as a side dish with other main courses or enjoyed as a standalone meal. It pairs well with various Japanese dishes, such as teriyaki chicken or hibachi steak.

Overall, Benihana Fried Rice is a beloved dish known for its delicious flavors, vibrant presentation, and lively cooking style. It offers a unique dining experience that combines tasty food with entertaining culinary skills.

SERVES: 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 5 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 2/3 cup chopped green onions
• 3 teaspoons sesame seeds
• 5 eggs
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 5 tablespoons soy sauce
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and green onions to the skillet. Sauté the vegetables for 2-3 minutes, or until the carrots become translucent. Set aside.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sesame seeds in a shallow pan and bake them for 10-15 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until they turn golden brown.
3. Lightly grease another skillet and scramble the eggs until they are fully cooked.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed vegetables, toasted sesame seeds, and scrambled eggs. Mix well.
5. Add the soy sauce to the mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve the fried rice warm as a delicious side dish or as a main course. Enjoy!

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

• Main Course: Serve Benihana Fried Rice as a standalone main course. Plate a generous portion of fried rice on each plate and garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added visual appeal. Pair it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or beef to add protein to the meal. You can also serve it with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.
• Side Dish: Benihana Fried Rice makes a delicious side dish that complements a variety of Asian-inspired dishes. Serve it alongside grilled teriyaki chicken, hibachi steak, or sesame-ginger glazed salmon. It can also be served with Japanese-style appetizers like gyoza (dumplings) or spring rolls.
• Rice Bowl: Transform the fried rice into a hearty rice bowl by topping it with additional ingredients. Add sliced grilled chicken, shrimp, or beef, along with sautéed vegetables such as broccoli, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Drizzle some teriyaki sauce or spicy mayo on top for extra flavor. This creates a satisfying and customizable meal in a bowl.
• Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Modify the recipe to suit vegetarian or vegan preferences. Omit the scrambled eggs and choose vegetable-based protein options like tofu or tempeh. Increase the variety of vegetables, such as adding broccoli, snap peas, or water chestnuts, to enhance the flavors and textures.