Benihana Fried Rice

Benihana Fried Rice is a Japanese steakhouse classic, loved for its buttery, garlicky flavor, perfectly stir-fried rice, and signature scrambled eggs. Recreating this iconic dish at home is easier than you think. With a few simple ingredients and the right technique, you can enjoy restaurant-style fried rice right from your kitchen—no hibachi grill required!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Restaurant Quality at Home – Just like the fried rice served tableside at Benihana.
Fast & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with basic pantry ingredients.
Versatile – Add your favorite proteins or veggies.
Perfect for Leftovers – A delicious way to use leftover rice.
Kid & Crowd Friendly – Familiar flavors and fun textures everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 4 cups cold, cooked jasmine or short-grain white rice (day-old preferred)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
• 3 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
• 1 tbsp teriyaki sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 tbsp chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)

Optional Add-ins:
• Diced cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu
• Extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms
• A dash of garlic powder or ginger

Tools You’ll Need
• Large skillet or wok
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Cutting board and knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Use cold, day-old rice for best texture. Break up any clumps so the grains separate easily.

Step 2: Cook the Eggs
Heat 1 tsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Crack the eggs into the pan and scramble until just set.
Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pan, add butter and sesame oil.
Add minced garlic and onions, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Rice
Add the rice to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the garlic and onions.
Press down with your spatula to flatten the rice slightly. Let it sit for 1–2 minutes to develop a slight crisp, then stir and repeat.

Step 5: Add Veggies & Sauce
Stir in the peas and carrots. Cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
Add soy sauce and optional teriyaki sauce. Stir to evenly coat the rice.

Step 6: Add Eggs & Finish
Gently fold in the scrambled eggs.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Sprinkle with chopped green onions if using.

Step 7: Serve Hot
Serve immediately as a side dish or top with your favorite protein to make it a full meal.

Tips for Perfect Benihana Fried Rice
Use Day-Old Rice – Fresh rice is too soft and sticky. Refrigerated rice has the ideal texture.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Work in batches if needed to get a good sear.
Butter Matters – Benihana is known for that signature buttery flavor.
Customize – Add cooked diced chicken, shrimp, or veggies to make it your own.
High Heat Is Key – Use medium-high heat to get that classic fried rice texture.

Serving Suggestions
• Serve with hibachi-style grilled chicken or steak.
• Add a side of yum yum sauce or teriyaki glaze.
• Pair with a miso soup and side salad for a complete meal.
• Top with a fried egg for an extra boost of richness.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
• Let cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing:
• Freeze in a sealed bag or container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating:
• Skillet: Heat in a nonstick pan over medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use brown rice or cauliflower rice?
   Yes! Just make sure they’re fully cooked and dry to avoid soggy fried rice.
2. What kind of rice is best?
   Jasmine or short-grain white rice works best for texture and flavor.
3. Do I need sesame oil?
   It adds authentic flavor, but you can skip it or replace it with a splash of soy sauce if needed.
4. Can I make it spicy?
   Add a drizzle of sriracha or sprinkle red pepper flakes during cooking.

Final Thoughts
Benihana Fried Rice is a simple yet satisfying dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen. With buttery rice, scrambled eggs, savory soy sauce, and veggies, it’s a versatile favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

Give it a try and tag your creations—we’d love to see how you enjoy your homemade hibachi night!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Japanese-American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 7g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 12g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 550mg

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