If you’ve ever found yourself craving the delightful flavors of the hibachi grill right at home, this Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice Recipe is exactly what you need. It perfectly captures that irresistible combination of savory garlic butter, tender vegetables, and fluffy rice with the right balance of seasoning to make each bite sing. This recipe is not only quick and simple but also transforms humble ingredients into something truly special and restaurant-worthy. Whether you want a fantastic side dish or a satisfying meal on its own, this fried rice will have you feeling like a top chef in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these straightforward ingredients together is the secret to nailing the authentic Benihana fried rice flavor with ease. Each component plays a crucial role: the day-old rice provides the perfect texture, while the garlic butter brings that rich, mouthwatering aroma that’s hard to resist.
- 2 cups cold, day-old white rice: Using rice that’s been cooked and chilled overnight helps prevent clumping and creates a fluffy, separate grain texture.
- 3 Tablespoons vegetable oil: This neutral oil is perfect for stir-frying without overpowering the other flavors.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic provides that zesty punch that Benihana’s fried rice is famous for.
- ½ cup chopped white onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the dish.
- 1 medium carrot (diced): Offers a pop of color and a mild natural sweetness.
- 3 green onions (sliced thin): Brings brightness and a delicate onion flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Scrambled into the rice for a soft, protein-packed addition.
- 2 Tablespoons garlic butter: This homemade butter blend infuses the rice with buttery garlic goodness.
- 2 Tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness without overwhelming the other flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper: Gives a subtle heat and complexity.
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar: Balances out the savory elements with a touch of sweetness.
- ½ cup salted butter (softened): Base for the garlic butter, ensuring the dish is luxuriously creamy.
- 3 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce: Mixed into the garlic butter for that special flavor boost.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced for garlic butter): Double the garlic means double the flavor.
How to Make Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter
Start by making the garlic butter, which is a total game-changer for this recipe. In a small bowl, combine the softened salted butter, minced garlic, and 3 teaspoons of low-sodium soy sauce. Mix until well blended, then cover and refrigerate to let those flavors meld while you prep the rest.
Step 2: Get the Rice Ready
For the best results with this Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice Recipe, use rice cooked the night before and chilled. This step is crucial because it prevents mushy rice and helps each grain stay distinct when stir-fried.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables and Rice
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant—the aroma will instantly fill your kitchen with warmth. Toss in the white onion, diced carrot, and green onion, stirring occasionally until the veggies become crisp-tender. Add the cold rice, breaking up any clumps, and continue stir-frying for about 2 minutes so everything gets nice and hot.
Step 4: Scramble the Eggs
Push the rice mixture to one side of the skillet. Crack in the eggs on the empty side and scramble them gently until mostly cooked through. Once the eggs are nearly set, fold them into the rice and vegetable mixture to combine everything beautifully.
Step 5: Season and Finish
Sprinkle the rice mix with the low-sodium soy sauce, white pepper, and granulated sugar. Then add 2 to 3 tablespoons of your prepared garlic butter, stirring well so all those flavors mingle and coat every bit of rice. Cook for an extra 2 minutes to let everything marry perfectly. Serve it warm and get ready to savor the magic.
How to Serve Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate this fried rice to another level. Sprinkle with extra sliced green onions or a small handful of chopped parsley for a fresh, herbaceous contrast. A few toasted sesame seeds add a delightful crunch and subtle nuttiness that make every bite sing.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled or pan-seared proteins like teriyaki chicken, shrimp, or steak — making your meal feel like a true restaurant experience at home. Soy sauce or a spicy dipping sauce on the side offers a fun punch to complement the fried rice flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the rice in hollowed-out bell peppers or small pineapple bowls — it’s festive and sure to impress guests. You can also garnish with thinly sliced cucumbers or radishes to add a fresh, crisp texture that balances the butteriness of the rice beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice Recipe holds up wonderfully. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making for even tastier meals throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this fried rice by portioning it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat fried rice gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. Stir frequently to heat evenly and refresh those flavors. A quick zap in the microwave also works, but stirring partway through is key to avoid hot spots.
FAQs
Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?
Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and sticky for fried rice. Using day-old rice that’s been refrigerated helps it dry out, resulting in a better texture where the grains stay separated and slightly chewy—just like the authentic Benihana style.
What can I substitute for garlic butter if I’m short on time?
If you don’t have time to make garlic butter, using regular butter with minced garlic sautéed briefly before adding rice can work well. However, the garlic butter is what makes this recipe truly special and gives it that rich, distinct flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This fried rice keeps well refrigerated and reheats nicely, making it a perfect option for meal prep lunches or dinners during busy weeks. Just pack it tightly to retain moisture and reheat with a little added liquid if needed.
Can I add other vegetables or proteins?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in peas, corn, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra veggies. You can also add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it more filling—just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly and add these after sautéing the vegetables.
Why do I need to push the rice to one side when cooking the eggs?
This technique lets you cook the eggs separately so they scramble nicely without overcooking the rice. Once the eggs are nearly done, you fold them back into the rice for that classic texture and flavor combination we all love in Benihana fried rice.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the comforting taste of this Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice Recipe to make your mealtime a little more exciting. It’s a wonderful blend of simple ingredients that come together in a way that feels truly special and indulgent. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your favorite go-to dishes—perfect for impressing friends or just treating yourself after a long day.
Print
Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese-American
Description
This Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice recipe offers a flavorful, restaurant-style fried rice made with day-old rice, fresh vegetables, scrambled eggs, and a savory garlic butter sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a quick and delicious side dish or main meal that replicates the beloved Benihana favorite right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
Rice and Vegetables
- 2 cups cold, day-old white rice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chopped white onion
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 3 green onions, sliced thin
Cooking Essentials
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (for rice seasoning)
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
Garlic Butter
- ½ cup salted butter, softened
- 3 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Prepare the garlic butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened salted butter, 3 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed, then cover and chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Cook the vegetables: Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the chopped white onion, diced carrot, and sliced green onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are crisp-tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the rice: Add the cold, day-old rice to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes to heat the rice through and combine the flavors evenly.
- Cook and scramble the eggs: Push the rice mixture to one side of the skillet to make space. On the empty side, crack the two eggs and scramble them gently until they are about 90% cooked, then mix them into the rice and vegetable mixture thoroughly.
- Season and finish frying the rice: Add 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, white pepper, granulated sugar, and 2 to 3 tablespoons of the prepared garlic butter into the skillet. Stir well to coat all ingredients. Continue cooking and stirring for another 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the garlic butter to melt completely into the rice.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve your homemade Benihana-style fried rice warm. Enjoy immediately for best taste.
Notes
- Cook the white rice the night before and refrigerate to allow it to dry out, which helps achieve the perfect fried rice texture.
- Use day-old rice that has been chilled as freshly cooked rice can be too soft and sticky for frying.
- You can adjust the amount of soy sauce and garlic butter based on your taste preference.
- If you prefer, substitute vegetable oil with a neutral oil such as canola or peanut oil for frying.
