Benihana Fried Rice (VIDEO)

INTRODUCTION
If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and a perfect addition to your weeknight meals, then you’re in for a treat with Benihana Fried Rice! This delightful recipe captures the authentic flavors of Japanese hibachi-style cooking, making it a fantastic way to elevate your home-cooked meals. Packed with plump shrimp and colorful veggies, this fried rice brings a vibrant and delicious experience to your table. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or a festive get-together, this dish is effortless yet impressive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes Benihana Fried Rice truly special is its versatility and the explosive flavors that can take any meal from ordinary to extraordinary. Not only is it quick to make, but it’s also budget-friendly and packed with nutrients. You can whip it up in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or unexpected guests. Plus, who doesn’t love a dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike?

“This fried rice is now a staple in our house! It’s so easy to make, and the kids gobble it up every time!” – A Satisfied Home Cook

How to Make Benihana Fried Rice (VIDEO)

Creating this dish is a straightforward process that combines all the essential elements of a great fried rice: protein, veggies, and aromatic flavors. First, we’ll prepare a mouthwatering garlic butter, marinate our shrimp, and then bring everything together in a sizzling pan or wok. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Ingredients

Gather these items for your Benihana Fried Rice:

• 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 carrot (medium, 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)

Tip: Feel free to customize the protein! Chicken or tofu makes a fantastic substitution.

Directions

1. To prepare your garlic butter, combine the softened butter, grated garlic, and light soy sauce in a small bowl. Mix well and let it firm up in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
2. In a separate bowl, marinate the shrimp (or your protein of choice) with 1/2 tbsp soy sauce, salt, white pepper, and 1 tsp of neutral oil while you chop the vegetables.
3. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large pan or wok over high heat. Add your marinated shrimp and cook for about 1 minute. Then, add 1 tablespoon of garlic butter and cook for another minute until the shrimp turns pink and is fully cooked. Set aside.
4. Use your hands to separate the dried-out cooked rice grains. Wipe out the pan and heat another tablespoon of oil. Add the minced garlic and fry for about 15 seconds.
5. Toss in the chopped carrots, onions, and scallions, cooking for 1-2 minutes until softened and slightly charred.
6. Add in the rice, breaking it apart as you mix everything together. Fry for another 2-3 minutes until the rice is heated through and relatively dry.
7. Push the rice to one side of the pan, and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Pour in the beaten eggs and let them cook for about 75% of the way. Mix them into the rice.
8. Season the fried rice with the remaining light soy sauce, white pepper, sugar, salt, msg (if using), and 2 tablespoons of the reserved garlic butter. Combine thoroughly and fry for another 1-2 minutes. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

Benihana Fried Rice is delicious on its own, but you can elevate your meal by pairing it with some fresh salads like a cucumber salad or a tangy Asian slaw. To add some variety, serve it alongside crispy spring rolls or topped with sesame seeds and extra scallions. This dish is perfect for casual weeknight dinners or entertaining friends and family on special occasions.

Storage & Reheating

To store your leftover Benihana Fried Rice, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it for up to a month. When reheating, simply microwave it until heated through, or toss it back in a hot skillet for best results.

Pro Tips

• For the best flavor, ensure your rice is cold and slightly dry from being in the fridge overnight. This prevents clumping and allows for that perfect fried texture.
• Experiment with the add-ins! Try adding peas, bell peppers, or even a splash of chili sauce for some heat.
• If you’re a fan of umami flavors, a light drizzle of toasted sesame oil just before serving can enhance the dish splendidly.

Variations

Don’t hesitate to get creative with your fried rice! Switch up the protein by using chicken, beef, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. If you enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a splash of sriracha. You could also swap in brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier alternative.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating.

What’s the best type of rice for fried rice?
Day-old cooked rice is best, as it is dryer and helps achieve that perfect fried texture. Jasmine or basmati rice works wonderfully as well!

Is it necessary to use MSG?
MSG is optional and can enhance the flavor, but feel free to leave it out if you prefer not to use it.

• Recipe variations for fried rice
• Best ways to enjoy fried rice

Benihana Fried Rice

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• Author: jake-hollander
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Pescatarian

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Description

A delightful Japanese hibachi-style fried rice recipe packed with shrimp and colorful veggies, perfect for weeknight meals and gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 tsp light soy sauce
• 1/2 cup butter (softened)
• 3 cloves garlic (grated)
• 1/2 lb shrimp (can substitute with any protein)
• 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp white pepper
• 1 tsp + 3 tbsp neutral oil (e.g., 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)
• 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)

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Instructions

1. Prepare garlic butter by mixing softened butter, grated garlic, and light soy sauce. Chill until firm.
2. Marinate shrimp (or your chosen protein) with 1/2 tbsp soy sauce, salt, white pepper, and 1 tsp neutral oil.
3. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large pan over high heat, add marinated shrimp, and cook for about 1 minute.
4. Add 1 tablespoon of garlic butter and cook until shrimp is pink; set aside.
5. Separate dried-out rice grains and wipe out the pan. Heat another tbsp of oil, add minced garlic, and fry for about 15 seconds.
6. Add chopped carrots, onions, and scallions, cooking for 1-2 minutes until softened.
7. Add the rice, breaking it apart and frying for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
8. Push rice to one side, add 1 tbsp oil, and pour in beaten eggs. Cook until 75% done, then mix with rice.
9. Season with remaining soy sauce, white pepper, sugar, salt, and 2 tbsp of reserved garlic butter; fry for another 1-2 minutes.

Notes

For best flavor, use overnight chilled rice and feel free to customize protein options.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stir-Frying
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 210mg