Benihana Fried Rice

Bring the iconic taste of your favorite Japanese steakhouse home with this Benihana Fried Rice recipe. It’s a simple yet flavor-packed dish with fluffy rice, scrambled eggs, sautéed vegetables, garlic butter, and your choice of protein—all cooked hibachi-style. Whether served as a main or a side, it’s quick, satisfying, and just like what you’d get at the restaurant (without the onion volcano).

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hibachi at Home – Restaurant-style fried rice in your own kitchen.
Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes with minimal prep.
Customizable – Add chicken, shrimp, beef, or keep it vegetarian.
Garlicky & Buttery – The secret’s in the Benihana-style garlic butter.
Perfect for Leftovers – Best with day-old rice!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Garlic Butter:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce

For the Fried Rice:

• 3 cups cooked white rice (cold, preferably day-old)
• 2 tbsp sesame oil or vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• ½ cup onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup carrots, finely chopped
• ½ cup green peas (frozen is fine)
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 2–3 tbsp soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 cup cooked chicken, shrimp, or steak (chopped)
• Extra garlic or ginger for bold flavor
• Sriracha or yum yum sauce for serving

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or wok
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Small bowl for garlic butter
• Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic and soy sauce until well blended.
Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 2: Scramble the Eggs
Heat 1 tsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
Add beaten eggs and scramble until just set.
Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Add remaining oil to the skillet.
Sauté onions and carrots for 3–4 minutes until soft.
Add peas and cook another minute.
Stir in garlic butter and let it melt into the vegetables.

Step 4: Add the Rice & Combine
Add the cold cooked rice to the skillet.
Break apart any clumps and stir to combine with the vegetables.
Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring frequently to heat through and crisp slightly.

Step 5: Season & Finish
Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet.
Stir in soy sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add green onions and toss to combine.
Optional: Add your cooked protein of choice and heat through.

Step 6: Serve Hot
Serve immediately with extra soy sauce, sriracha, or yum yum sauce on the side.

Tips for the Best Benihana Fried Rice
Use Day-Old Rice – Cold, dry rice fries better and won’t turn mushy.
Chop Veggies Small – Helps everything cook evenly and fast.
Garlic Butter is Key – Adds that signature hibachi flavor.
Don’t Crowd the Pan – Cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming.
Finish with Scallions – Adds freshness and restaurant-style presentation.

Serving Suggestions
Hibachi Dinner Night – Pair with grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp.
Bento Box Style – Serve alongside gyoza, miso soup, and cucumber salad.
Quick Lunch – Make a big batch and reheat for easy weekday meals.
Kids’ Favorite – Leave out spicy sauces and add extra egg for a kid-friendly version.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Portion and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight.

Reheating:

• Skillet: Reheat in a hot pan with a little oil or water to freshen it up.
• Microwave: Heat in 60-second intervals, stirring between each.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use brown rice?
Yes, brown rice works great and adds a nutty flavor and more fiber.

2. What protein goes best?
Chicken, shrimp, steak, or tofu are all great options. Or mix a few together!

3. Is this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this dish gluten-free.

4. Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely—omit the eggs and use plant-based butter and protein.

5. How do I keep it from sticking?
Use a non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned wok and don’t overcrowd the pan.

Final Thoughts
This Benihana Fried Rice recipe brings the hibachi experience to your kitchen in the easiest, most delicious way possible. It’s quick, customizable, and packed with that buttery garlic goodness you crave. Whether you serve it as a side or make it the star of your meal, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.

Try it out and let me know how your at-home hibachi night turned out—don’t forget to tag your fried rice creations!

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

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 350 | Protein: 8g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Sodium: 620mg

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