Benihana Fried Rice (VIDEO)

Cozy Memories and a Delicious Dish

It’s a chilly evening as I sit curled up by the window, the soft glow of twinkling lights illuminating my little kitchen. The air is filled with the comforting aroma of sizzling garlic and warm, buttery fried rice – it instantly transports me back to those lively nights at Benihana, where the clinking of utensils dances with laughter and shared stories. Each grain of rice, glistening with flavor, reminds me of the joy and love that surrounds a warm meal with family and friends. This Benihana Fried Rice is the perfect dish when you’re looking to recreate that delightful experience in your own home.

Whether you’re searching for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy dish to impress a party, this recipe is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This comforting fried rice can be made in under 30 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: With its savory flavors, this dish is sure to please picky eaters and becomes an instant hit!
• Customizable: Swap in your favorite protein or vegetables for a personalized twist.
• Absolute Comfort: The combination of garlic butter and tender shrimp (or your choice of protein) creates a rich and decadent flavor.
• Stunning Presentation: This beautiful dish not only tastes good but looks amazing, making it perfect for impressing guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Benihana Fried Rice (VIDEO)

• 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)

Let’s Make It Together

1. To make the garlic butter, add the 1/2 cup of butter to a small bowl followed by the grated garlic and light soy sauce. Mix to combine and keep in the fridge to firm up until ready to use.
2. In a bowl, marinate the shrimp (or other protein of choice) with soy sauce, salt, white pepper, and 1 tsp of neutral oil while you prep the vegetables.
3. In a large pan or wok over high heat, add 1 tbsp of oil and cook your protein for one minute. Add 1 tbsp of garlic butter and cook for another minute until the protein is cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. Separate the dried out cooked rice grains as much as possible with your hands. In the same pan, heat 1 tbsp of oil and fry your minced garlic for 15 seconds followed by your chopped carrots, onions, and scallions for 1-2 minutes until softened and slightly charred.
5. Add the rice to the pan and continue frying, separating and combining until relatively dry (2-3 minutes).
6. Push the rice to the side and add 1 tbsp of oil, then fry the beaten eggs and cook until 75% done. Mix into the rice.
7. Season with light soy sauce, white pepper, sugar, salt, MSG (if using), and 2 tbsp of the reserved garlic butter. Mix and fry for 1-2 more minutes and enjoy your homemade Benihana Fried Rice!

Fun Ways to Customize It

• Protein Swap: Use chicken, beef, or tofu instead of shrimp for an entirely new experience!
• Veggie Lovers: Add in a handful of peas, bell peppers, or baby corn for an extra crunch.
• Spicy Kick: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha can take your fried rice to the next level.
• Garnishes Galore: Top it off with sesame seeds or a dollop of spicy mayo for added flavor and flair.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

• Rice Prep is Key: For the best texture, let the cooked rice dry out uncovered in the fridge overnight. This helps maintain that perfect fried rice consistency.
• Marinate Ahead: If you’re planning a busy week, marinate your protein the night before for deeper flavor.
• Storage Ideas: You can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove for optimal texture.

What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 400
• Carbs: 45g
• Sugar: 2g
• Fat: 20g
• Protein: 15g
• Sodium: 600mg

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make this ahead? Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

• Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to swap the protein and vegetables based on your preferences.

• How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• How long does it last? If stored properly in the fridge, this fried rice will last about three days before losing its fresh flavor.

Wrapping It Up

In the warmth of my little kitchen, as the sunset dances through the window, I can’t help but feel grateful for dishes like this Benihana Fried Rice (VIDEO). It’s more than just a meal; it’s a canvas for creating memories, celebrating flavors, and nourishing loved ones. So, gather your family around the table and let this dish bring warmth to your home. Save this delightful recipe to your dinner ideas or comfort food board so it’s ready when you need a special treat!