If you’ve ever dined at Benihana, you know their signature chicken fried rice is a fan favorite. The rich, savory flavors and perfect combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh vegetables have made it a must-try dish for hibachi lovers. But what if you could recreate that iconic Benihana chicken fried rice at home? Well, now you can! With this easy recipe, you’ll learn how to make restaurant-quality fried rice that’s packed with flavor and quick to prepare. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this step-by-step guide will help you master the art of hibachi-style chicken fried rice in no time. Ready to elevate your at-home cooking? Let’s get started!
Prep Time: 10 mins/ Cook Time: 15 mins/ Total Time: 25 mins
Ingredients Needed for Benihana Chicken Fried Rice
To make Benihana’s famous chicken fried rice at home, you’ll need a few key ingredients that bring the dish to life. While the recipe is simple, each ingredient plays an important role in achieving that signature hibachi flavor you love. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to get started:
Chicken (Breast or Thighs)
For the protein in your fried rice, you’ll want to use tender chicken breast or thighs. Chicken breast is a lean option that cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the seasonings beautifully. However, chicken thighs add a bit more richness and juiciness to the dish. Either choice will work, so feel free to use what you have on hand or what you prefer. The key is to dice the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Rice
When it comes to fried rice, the type of rice matters. For the best results, you’ll want to use a long-grain rice like jasmine rice or short-grain rice, which has the perfect texture for frying. Jasmine rice adds a subtle floral fragrance, while short-grain rice gives a slightly sticky texture that helps the grains hold together. If possible, use day-old rice—it’s drier and less sticky than freshly cooked rice, making it ideal for stir-frying. If you don’t have leftover rice, make sure to let your freshly cooked rice cool down before using it.
Vegetables
Benihana’s chicken fried rice wouldn’t be the same without a handful of fresh, colorful vegetables. The classic combo includes green onions, carrots, peas, and onions. The green onions add a mild, fresh kick, while the carrots bring a touch of sweetness and vibrant color. Frozen peas are perfect for this dish, offering a pop of color and texture. Finally, diced onions give the rice a bit of sharpness and depth of flavor. These vegetables not only make the dish more nutritious but also contribute to its signature taste.
Seasonings and Sauces: perfect for Benihana Chicken Fried Rice
The secret to the rich, savory flavor of Benihana fried rice lies in the sauces and seasonings you use. Soy sauce is a must—it adds that unmistakable umami depth and a touch of saltiness. Sesame oil is another essential ingredient, imparting a nutty, aromatic flavor that’s the hallmark of hibachi cooking. You’ll also need garlic, which adds an earthy, fragrant layer to the dish, and black pepper for a hint of spice. Together, these seasonings create the perfect balance of savory, salty, and aromatic flavors.
Optional Add-ins
While this recipe captures the essence of Benihana’s fried rice, feel free to customize it based on your taste preferences. Some like to add scrambled eggs for an extra layer of richness and texture, or even some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor. The beauty of this dish is that you can adjust it to your liking while still keeping that signature hibachi essence.
By gathering these simple ingredients, you’re well on your way to making the perfect Benihana-inspired chicken fried rice. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish will transport you to the hibachi grill in no time!
How to Prepare the Chicken for the Fried Rice
The chicken is the star of this dish, so it’s important to prepare it in a way that ensures it’s tender, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. Don’t worry—it’s easy! Let’s walk through the steps to get your chicken ready for the fried rice.
Step 1: Cooking the Chicken
First, you’ll need to decide how you want to cook your chicken. The easiest method is to stir-fry the chicken in a hot pan or wok. Heat a little sesame oil in your pan over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. You want the chicken to sizzle as it hits the pan, so make sure your pan is hot enough. Stir it around often to ensure it cooks evenly and gets that beautiful golden-brown color. You can also grill or bake the chicken if you prefer, but stir-frying gives it that signature hibachi-style sear that adds extra flavor.
Step 2: Dicing the Chicken
Once the chicken is fully cooked through—no pink inside!—it’s time to dice it. Cut your chicken into small, bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch pieces. This is key because it allows the chicken to blend seamlessly into the fried rice, making sure every bite has a little bit of everything. Plus, smaller pieces cook faster and evenly absorb the delicious seasonings.
Step 3: Seasoning the Chicken
Now comes the fun part: seasoning your chicken. To really infuse flavor, you’ll want to coat the chicken in a little bit of soy sauce and sesame oil before cooking. This step ensures the chicken is savory and aromatic. You can also add a pinch of salt and pepper at this stage to enhance the natural flavors. Allowing the chicken to marinate for a few minutes in these seasonings will help the flavors penetrate deeper, making each piece more delicious. If you have the time, you can even let the chicken sit in the marinade for 10-15 minutes to really soak up the flavors, but don’t worry if you’re short on time—a quick marinate still works wonders.
Pro Tip:
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a small splash of garlic powder or onion powder to your chicken before cooking. This gives it that extra hint of savory goodness that’s just irresistible!
With your chicken now perfectly cooked, diced, and seasoned, it’s ready to be added to your fried rice. The chicken will be tender, flavorful, and complement the other ingredients beautifully. Now, it’s time to bring everything together and get frying!
Preparing the Rice for Benihana Fried Rice
Now that you’ve got your chicken ready, it’s time to focus on the rice—the foundation of any great fried rice. To get that perfect texture and flavor you love from Benihana, the way you prepare and cook the rice is key. Let’s break it down step by step.
Step 1: Cooking the Rice
If you’re starting with fresh rice, the first step is cooking it. For the best fried rice, you want to use long-grain rice like jasmine or short-grain rice. Jasmine rice is light, fluffy, and slightly fragrant, making it perfect for fried rice. Short-grain rice has a slightly sticky texture that helps the grains hold together, which is another great option. No matter which type you choose, be sure to cook it according to the package instructions. The goal is to have cooked rice that’s tender but not mushy.
If you’re using freshly cooked rice, here’s a tip: let it cool completely before frying. Fresh rice has too much moisture, making it harder to fry evenly. Spread it out on a baking sheet to cool, or let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. But if you have leftover rice from the day before, that’s even better! Day-old rice is the ideal consistency for fried rice—it’s firmer and less sticky, making it easier to toss in the pan without clumping.
Step 2: Fluffing the Rice
Before you start frying, it’s important to fluff the rice. This step helps to separate the grains, which is key for achieving that light, airy texture that makes fried rice so delicious. Use a fork to gently fluff the rice, breaking up any clumps and ensuring the grains are evenly spaced. This will give you that perfect, non-sticky fried rice you’re aiming for.
Step 3: Stir-Frying the Rice
Once your rice is ready, it’s time to stir-fry. This is where the magic happens! In a hot wok or large frying pan, add a little sesame oil (about a tablespoon or so) and let it heat up. You’ll want the pan to be nice and hot before adding the rice. If your pan is too cool, the rice won’t crisp up and will become soggy.
Add the rice to the pan in batches, spreading it out evenly. Let it sit for a few seconds before stirring to allow some of the grains to get a little crispy and golden brown. This is one of the secrets to Benihana-style fried rice—the perfect balance of crispy and tender grains. Keep stirring the rice constantly to make sure it fries evenly, and don’t forget to scrape up any bits that may stick to the pan for added flavor.
Pro Tip:
For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of soy sauce or a dash of sesame oil to the rice while it’s frying. This will give it a subtle, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken and vegetables.
With your rice prepared and ready to go, you’re one step closer to that delicious Benihana chicken fried rice. Now it’s time to bring everything together and finish off the dish with the veggies and seasonings. It’s all about that perfect balance of flavors and textures, and the rice sets the stage for a meal that’s sure to impress!
The Secret to Making Authentic Hibachi Fried Rice
If you’ve ever had hibachi-style fried rice at Benihana, you know that it’s more than just a side dish—it’s an experience. The rich, savory flavors, the perfect balance of textures, and that iconic smoky flavor all come together in a magical way. So, what’s the secret to making authentic hibachi fried rice at home? It all comes down to technique, timing, and a few key ingredients. Let’s dive into the steps that will help you achieve that delicious hibachi flavor in your own kitchen.
Step 1: Cooking the Vegetables
The first step to unlocking that hibachi fried rice flavor is cooking the vegetables just right. Start by sautéing the diced onions, peas, and carrots in a hot pan with a bit of sesame oil. The oil adds that unmistakable nutty aroma that’s a hallmark of hibachi cooking. The onions should soften and become slightly translucent, while the carrots should maintain a little crunch and sweetness.
You don’t want to overcook the vegetables, though. The goal is to keep them tender-crisp, which ensures they’ll still add that burst of freshness and texture to the fried rice. Once the vegetables are cooked to perfection, transfer them to a plate and set them aside. This will make room for the rice and chicken to shine.
Step 2: Combining the Chicken and Vegetables
Now that your chicken is diced and your vegetables are cooked, it’s time to bring everything together. In the same pan (or wok, if you’re using one), add a little more sesame oil if necessary, and toss in the rice. Let it fry for a minute or two, allowing some of the grains to get crispy and golden brown—this is where you get that signature “hibachi” texture.
Once the rice starts to crisp up a little, add the cooked chicken and vegetables back into the pan. Stir everything together so that the rice absorbs the flavors of the chicken and vegetables. The chicken should be warm and juicy, while the veggies will add sweetness and crunch. This is where the dish really starts to come together, and you’ll begin to smell that irresistible hibachi aroma filling your kitchen.
Step 3: Adding the Soy Sauce and Sesame Oil
Now for the magic touch—soy sauce and sesame oil. Add a generous splash of soy sauce to the rice and toss everything together. The soy sauce gives the dish that deep umami flavor that makes hibachi fried rice so irresistible. Be careful not to overdo it, though; you want the soy sauce to enhance the rice, not overpower it. A little goes a long way!
To bring out that rich, smoky hibachi flavor, drizzle a little extra sesame oil over the rice and stir it in. This is the secret ingredient that will give your fried rice that authentic taste you know and love from the hibachi grill. The sesame oil not only adds flavor but also helps coat the rice, giving it that glossy, delicious sheen.
Step 4: Stirring in the Eggs
What makes hibachi fried rice so unique is the fluffy eggs that get scrambled into the rice at the last minute. To do this, simply push the rice to one side of the pan and crack a couple of eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs until they’re just set, then mix them into the rice. The eggs add richness and a creamy texture that balances out the savory flavors of the soy sauce and sesame oil.
If you love your fried rice with a bit of extra flavor, you can add a dash of garlic powder, onion powder, or even a sprinkle of black pepper at this stage. The eggs will soak up all those delicious seasonings, making every bite even more flavorful.
By following these steps, you’re well on your way to making a restaurant-quality hibachi fried rice at home. The key is in the details: high heat, the right amount of oil, and the perfect timing for adding your ingredients. With these tips, you’ll be able to recreate the beloved flavors of Benihana’s fried rice and enjoy a hibachi meal right in the comfort of your own kitchen!
Tips for Perfecting Your Benihana Chicken Fried Rice at Home
Making Benihana’s chicken fried rice at home is a fun and rewarding experience, but like any great dish, it’s all about the little details. If you want your fried rice to taste just like the one served at the hibachi grill, there are a few tips and tricks you can use to make sure everything comes out perfectly. Let’s go over some expert tips to elevate your homemade fried rice and make it truly stand out.
Tip 1: Use High Heat for the Best Texture
One of the most important tips for making perfect fried rice is to cook everything over high heat. This may seem like a small detail, but it’s crucial for achieving that signature crispy texture you find in hibachi fried rice. When the pan or wok is hot, the rice fries quickly without becoming soggy. This high heat also helps create those lovely, slightly charred bits of rice that add flavor and texture to each bite. So don’t be afraid to turn up the heat—just make sure to keep stirring the rice to avoid burning.
Tip 2: Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
When stir-frying, less is more. Overcrowding the pan can lead to uneven cooking and steamed rice instead of crispy, fried rice. If you’re making a large batch, it’s better to cook the rice in batches, giving each portion enough space to fry properly. If your pan or wok isn’t large enough, divide the rice and cook it in two or more stages. This might take a little extra time, but it’s worth it for that perfectly crispy texture.
Tip 3: Customize with Your Favorite Ingredients
While Benihana’s chicken fried rice is delicious as is, don’t be afraid to get creative and add your own twist. You can easily make this recipe your own by adding in different proteins like shrimp, beef, or even tofu. You could also experiment with different vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or even corn, to suit your tastes. Just remember that the key to making it feel like Benihana’s is to maintain that balance of textures—tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and fluffy rice.
Tip 4: Serve with Hibachi-Style Sides
To really recreate the Benihana experience, think about what you want to serve alongside your chicken fried rice. A classic hibachi meal often comes with a side of miso soup and a light, refreshing salad. The miso soup adds a savory, umami-packed start to the meal, while the salad, often dressed with a simple ginger vinaigrette, helps balance the richness of the fried rice. If you’re going for a full hibachi feast at home, these sides will take your meal to the next level.
Tip 5: Pay Attention to Presentation
We eat with our eyes first, and when it comes to hibachi-style dishes, presentation is key. Once your fried rice is ready, take a moment to make it look as good as it tastes. Garnish your rice with freshly chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra touch of color and flavor. You can even add a few lemon wedges on the side to mimic the Benihana experience, where the hibachi chef often spritzes a little fresh lemon on the rice for a zesty finish.
By following these tips, you’ll not only get closer to replicating the flavors of Benihana’s chicken fried rice but also bring the fun of hibachi cooking right into your own kitchen. Whether it’s the high heat for that crispy texture, the ability to customize the dish, or the little touches that make the meal feel like an experience, these tips will help you take your fried rice to the next level. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, enjoy the delicious results!
Ready to Cook? Enjoy Your Homemade Benihana Chicken Fried Rice!
There you have it—your very own Benihana-inspired chicken fried rice, made right at home! With just a few simple ingredients and a little attention to detail, you can recreate the iconic hibachi experience without ever leaving your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a special dinner or simply craving a delicious, satisfying meal, this recipe brings all the flavors of your favorite hibachi grill into one comforting dish.
Remember, the key to perfect fried rice is all about using high heat, having the right ingredients, and following a few simple techniques to get that crispy, flavorful texture you love. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make the recipe your own by adding in your favorite proteins or vegetables. It’s a dish that’s versatile, fun to make, and guaranteed to impress!
Now that you’ve mastered the art of Benihana-style chicken fried rice, you’re ready to enjoy a homemade hibachi feast that tastes just as good (if not better!) than what you’d find at the restaurant. So gather your ingredients, heat up your pan, and get ready to serve up a plate of fried rice that will have everyone coming back for more.
Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
