Description
This easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice recipe delivers the iconic restaurant flavor right at home. Made with day-old rice, fresh vegetables, scrambled eggs, and rich garlic butter, it’s a quick and satisfying stovetop dish perfect for weeknight dinners or sides that pair well with Asian-inspired meals.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Fried Rice
- 2 cups cold, day-old white rice
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chopped white onion
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 3 green onions, sliced thin
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons garlic butter (see below)
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
For the 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 butter, low-sodium soy sauce, and minced garlic. Stir thoroughly to mix all the ingredients evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the garlic butter to chill until ready to use.
- Cook the Vegetables: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 15-30 seconds. Then add chopped white onions, diced carrots, and sliced green onions. Cook and stir for a few minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Add Cold Rice: Incorporate the cold, day-old white rice into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir continuously to break up any clumps and cook for about 2 minutes to heat through.
- Cook the Eggs: Push the rice mixture to one side of the skillet to create space. Crack the eggs into the empty side and scramble them until about 90% cooked. Then mix the scrambled eggs into the rice and vegetable mixture thoroughly.
- Season the Rice: Add 2 tablespoons of garlic butter, low-sodium soy sauce, white pepper, and granulated sugar to the skillet. Stir continuously to evenly distribute the seasonings and garlic butter throughout. Cook and fry the mixture for an additional 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve Warm: Remove the skillet from heat and serve the fried rice immediately while warm. Enjoy this flavorful and easy homemade version of Benihana fried rice!
Notes
- For best results, cook the white rice the night before and refrigerate overnight to dry out and prevent sogginess.
- You can substitute brown rice for a healthier alternative, but texture and cooking time may vary.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce and garlic butter according to your taste preferences for saltiness and richness.
- This recipe is ideal for using up leftover rice and is quick enough for a weeknight meal.
