Description
This Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice recipe delivers the authentic flavors of the famous hibachi-style fried rice right at home. Using cold, day-old rice, fresh vegetables, eggs, and a savory garlic butter sauce, this dish comes together quickly on the stovetop, making a perfect side or main dish packed with delicious, umami-rich flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Garlic Butter
- ½ cup salted butter (softened)
- 3 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
For the Fried Rice
- 2 cups cold, day-old white rice
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup chopped white onion
- 1 medium carrot (diced)
- 3 green onions (sliced thin)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons garlic butter (prepared from above)
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, 3 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce, and minced garlic. Stir well to blend the ingredients thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the garlic butter until you are ready to use it in the fried rice.
- Cook the Vegetables: Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Then stir in the chopped white onion, diced carrot, and sliced green onions. Cook and stir the vegetables for a few minutes until they become crisp-tender but still retain some crunch.
- Add the Rice: Add 2 cups of cold, day-old white rice to the skillet with the vegetables. Continue cooking and stirring for about 2 minutes, ensuring the rice is well mixed with the veggies and heated through.
- Cook the Eggs: Push the rice mixture to one side of the skillet to create space. Crack the 2 large eggs into the empty side of the pan and scramble them until they are about 90% cooked. Once mostly cooked, mix the scrambled eggs into the rice evenly.
- Season and Finish: Season the rice mixture by adding 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, ¼ teaspoon white pepper, ½ teaspoon granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons of the prepared garlic butter. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Continue cooking and stirring for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors and ensure the rice is hot throughout.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and serve the fried rice warm. Enjoy this flavorful and easy-to-make dish inspired by classic Benihana hibachi fried rice.
Notes
- Use day-old cold rice for best texture, as freshly cooked rice can become mushy when stir-fried.
- You can prepare the garlic butter in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
- Adjust the soy sauce and seasonings to your taste preference, especially if you prefer it saltier or milder.
- Add other vegetables like peas or mushrooms if desired for variation.
- Make sure to scramble the eggs gently to keep them fluffy and avoid overcooking.
