Copycat Benihana Fried Rice: Quick & Easy at Home

This copycat Benihana fried rice recipe captures the garlicky flavor and savory goodness of Japanese fried rice made fresh on the hibachi grill. With simple ingredients and a few helpful tips, you can recreate this restaurant-style rice recipe right in your own kitchen.

Prep Time10

Cook Time12

Total Time22

Course: Dinner, lunch, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Asian, Chinese

Keyword: 30 minute meal, Asian Recipe, easy meals, easy recipe

Servings: Servings

Calories: 253kcal

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Kitchen Essentials

skillet

Blue Bowl

Ingredients

For the Fried Rice:

3 Cups Cold Day-old White Rice preferably jasmine rice or short-grain rice
2 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil avocado oil, or safflower oil (high smoke point oils work best)
2 Large Eggs scrambled
1/2 Cup Green Onions chopped
1/2 Cup Chicken Breast cooked and cut into small pieces (optional)
1 Tablespoon Light Soy Sauce
1/2 Teaspoon White Pepper or black pepper, if preferred
Pinch Salt to taste
1 Teaspoon Sesame Oil
1 Tablespoon Sesame Seeds toasted
Splash of water if needed for moisture

For the Garlic Butter

1/4 Cup Butter softened
1 Tablespoon Fresh Garlic minced
Optional: 1 teaspoon soy sauce or 1/4 teaspoon white pepper for added depth

Instructions

Prep Ahead. Make sure your day-old rice is chilled and not clumpy. If you’re starting with fresh rice, spread it on a baking sheet and let it cool to room temperature, or refrigerate for a few hours.
3 Cups Cold Day-old White Rice
If using chicken breast, chop into small pieces and cook separately in a hot pan with a little olive oil or avocado oil. Set aside.
2 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil, 1/2 Cup Chicken Breast
In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs with a pinch of salt.
2 Large Eggs, Pinch Salt
Make the Garlic Butter. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter and minced fresh garlic. This Benihana garlic butter is the secret ingredient that adds rich, garlicky flavor to the rice.
1 Teaspoon Sesame Oil, 1/4 Cup Butter, 1 Tablespoon Fresh Garlic, Optional: 1 teaspoon soy sauce or 1/4 teaspoon white pepper for added depth
Cook the Eggs. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or hot frying pan over medium-high heat.
Pour in the raw egg mixture and scramble for 1-2 minutes until just cooked.
Push the cooked eggs to the side of the pan.
Add the Rice
Add the remaining oil to the pan. Add in your cold rice and cook rice for 5-7 minutes, breaking up clumps and allowing it to lightly crisp in spots. Stir frequently for even cooking.
Flavor the Fried Rice. Stir in the light soy sauce, a dollop of garlic butter, and a splash of water if the rice seems too dry.
1 Tablespoon Light Soy Sauce, Splash of water
Add the chicken breast, green onions, and white pepper. Toss to combine everything.
1/2 Cup Green Onions, 1/2 Teaspoon White Pepper
Finish and Garnish. Drizzle with sesame oil, and sprinkle with sesame seeds just before serving.
1 Tablespoon Sesame Seeds
Adjust seasoning with additional salt or black pepper, if needed.

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