Unlock the secret to restaurant-grade fried rice at home with this benihana fried rice recipe

Craving the tantalizing flavors of Benihana’s signature fried rice? Now you can recreate this culinary masterpiece in the comfort of your own kitchen with our authentic Benihana fried rice recipe. Follow our step-by-step guide to master the art of this iconic dish.

Ingredients

Rice:

• 2 cups medium-grain white rice
• 2 cups water

Vegetables:

• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper

Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup sake (Japanese rice wine)
• 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet Japanese cooking wine)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Other:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions

1. Cook the Rice:

• Rinse the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear.
• In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.

2. Prepare the Vegetables:

• Thaw the peas and carrots.
• Chop the onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper.

3. Make the Sauce:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sake, mirin, sesame oil, garlic powder, and onion powder.

4. Sauté the Vegetables:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
• Add the green and red bell peppers and peas and carrots, and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.

5. Add the Rice:

• Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and add it to the skillet.
• Stir in the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until the rice is evenly coated.

6. Add the Egg:

• Push the rice to one side of the skillet and pour in the beaten egg.
• Scramble the egg until cooked.

7. Combine and Serve:

• Combine the scrambled egg with the rice and vegetables.
• Serve immediately with your favorite hibachi sides.

Tips and Variations

• Use day-old rice: Cold, slightly dried rice will produce better fried rice.
• Season to taste: Adjust the amounts of soy sauce and other seasonings to your liking.
• Add other vegetables: Experiment with different vegetables, such as broccoli, mushrooms, or zucchini.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the egg for a vegetarian version.
• Garnish with sesame seeds: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for an authentic touch.

The Secret to Benihana’s Flavor

The key to achieving the authentic Benihana fried rice flavor lies in the combination of soy sauce, sake, and mirin. These ingredients create a harmonious balance of salty, sweet, and umami flavors that define this iconic dish.

An Ode to the Hibachi

Fried rice is a staple of hibachi cuisine, a Japanese-style cooking method that involves grilling and entertaining diners at the table. Benihana perfected the art of hibachi, and their fried rice has become a beloved classic.

A Taste of Japan in Your Home

With this Benihana fried rice recipe, you can bring the vibrant flavors of Japan into your own kitchen. Gather your family and friends around the table and enjoy this delicious and entertaining meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, you can use brown rice, but it will require a slightly longer cooking time.
Q: What is sake?
A: Sake is a Japanese rice wine that adds a sweet and earthy flavor to fried rice.
Q: Can I make this recipe without a wok?
A: Yes, you can use a large skillet or frying pan instead of a wok.
Q: How can I store leftover fried rice?
A: Leftover fried rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with fried rice?
A: Fried rice pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as hibachi noodles, edamame, and miso soup.