If you’ve ever been to a Benihana restaurant and fallen head over heels for their deliciously fluffy, flavor-packed fried rice, you’re going to love making this Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice right at home. It’s the perfect blend of savory soy, nutty sesame, tender vegetables, and fluffy eggs, all coming together in a way that feels indulgent but is incredibly simple to pull off. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or want to impress guests with a little hibachi-style magic, this recipe delivers the nostalgic flavors you adore without all the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet how each one adds essential layers of flavor and texture. From the fragrant garlic and tender vegetables to the velvety eggs and perfectly seasoned rice, every component shines through in the finished dish.
- Cooked white rice (preferably day-old): Day-old rice is less sticky and helps give your fried rice that perfect fluffy texture.
- Vegetable oil: Provides a neutral base for sautéing without overpowering other flavors.
- Butter: Adds richness and that signature slightly creamy mouthfeel to the fried rice.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with a welcoming, aromatic depth.
- Onion, finely chopped: Brings a gentle sweetness and tender bite to each spoonful.
- Frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn): Lends color, crunch, and a touch of natural sweetness.
- Eggs: Introduce a silky texture and subtle protein boost.
- Soy sauce: The salty, umami backbone that ties everything together.
- Sesame oil: A small drizzle adds a wonderful nutty aroma and flavor note.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- Green onions, sliced: Fresh garnish that adds brightness and a hint of sharpness.
How to Make Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon each of vegetable oil and butter. Once the butter melts and the oil shimmers, toss in the minced garlic and finely chopped onions. Sauté these aromatic ingredients until they become translucent and release their fragrance, creating a flavorful foundation for your fried rice.
Step 2: Cook the Eggs
Push the garlic and onion mixture to one side of the pan, then crack two beaten eggs into the clear space. Quickly scramble the eggs until they’re just set but still tender. This method keeps the eggs soft and evenly distributed throughout the dish, mimicking that classic hibachi style.
Step 3: Add Frozen Vegetables
Next, stir in the frozen mixed vegetables. Cooking them for about two minutes allows the veggies to thaw and warm up without losing their slight crunch or vibrant color, which is key to both texture and appearance in this dish.
Step 4: Incorporate Rice
Now it’s time for the star ingredient: the day-old cooked rice. Add it to the pan, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Mixing everything thoroughly helps the flavors meld and ensures every grain of rice is coated with that buttery, garlicky goodness.
Step 5: Season the Rice
Pour in 2 to 3 tablespoons of soy sauce and a teaspoon of sesame oil, stirring continuously so that every bite is perfectly seasoned. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors have time to marry beautifully.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the pan from the heat. Sprinkle sliced green onions over the finished fried rice for a fresh pop of color and flavor just before serving.
How to Serve Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice
Garnishes
To elevate your Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice, fresh garnishes are key. Sliced green onions add a crisp, aromatic finish, while a light drizzle of soy sauce or a few sesame seeds can add texture and a touch of visual appeal. If you want to spice things up, a dash of your favorite hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes works wonders.
Side Dishes
This fried rice pairs beautifully with grilled or sautéed proteins like teriyaki chicken, steak, shrimp, or tofu. You could also serve it alongside steamed vegetables or a simple miso soup to keep the meal balanced yet satisfying. The versatility of this dish allows for endless pairing possibilities.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the fried rice in hollowed-out bell peppers or tomatoes, turning each serving into an edible bowl. Another idea is to mold the rice into small patties and pan-fry them lightly for a crispy exterior. Presentation can make this easy dish feel special, perfect for dinner parties or casual family meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let it cool before sealing to avoid condensation that could make the rice soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze this fried rice for longer storage by placing portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. Lay the bags flat so they freeze evenly and thaw quickly. The fried rice will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months—just perfect for those times when you need a quick and tasty meal on hand.
Reheating
Reheat leftover fried rice on the stovetop in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to help rehydrate the grains. Covering the pan briefly can also help warm the rice evenly. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can sometimes dry out or unevenly cook the rice.
FAQs
Can I use freshly cooked rice for this recipe?
Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and sticky for fried rice. Day-old rice that’s been refrigerated dries out slightly, which helps keep the grains separate and gives you that ideal fried rice texture.
What can I add to make this dish more filling?
For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked shrimp, chicken, or thinly sliced steak. You can also toss in extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers to increase the volume and nutrition.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dish perfect for those avoiding gluten.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
To keep it vegan or vegetarian, simply omit the eggs and butter and replace them with plant-based alternatives like tofu scramble and vegan butter or additional oil. The vegetable mix and seasonings will keep the dish flavorful.
How important is the sesame oil in this recipe?
Sesame oil is key for authentic flavor—it adds a distinctive nutty aroma that elevates the fried rice. A little goes a long way, so don’t skip it, but avoid using too much as it can overpower the other ingredients.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough how satisfying it is to whip up this Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice in your own kitchen. It captures all the magic of your favorite hibachi spot, letting you enjoy that comforting, flavorful fried rice any day of the week. Give it a try—you’ll quickly find it becoming one of your go-to dishes that’s both simple and endlessly delicious.
Print
Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Japanese Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Copycat Benihana Fried Rice is a quick and flavorful dish inspired by the iconic Japanese hibachi-style fried rice. Made with day-old rice, mixed vegetables, eggs, and a savory blend of soy sauce and sesame oil, this recipe is perfect for a simple yet satisfying main course that can be customized with your favorite proteins or veggies.
Ingredients
Rice and Vegetables
- 4 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 2 green onions, sliced
Aromatics and Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Eggs
- 2 eggs, beaten
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon butter, allowing the butter to melt and the mixture to get hot.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion to the pan. Sauté until fragrant and the onions become translucent, about 2 minutes.
- Cook the Eggs: Push the garlic and onions to one side of the skillet. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble quickly until just set, then mix with the aromatics.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and cook for another 2 minutes until they are heated through.
- Add Rice: Add the day-old cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir everything together to combine evenly.
- Season the Rice: Pour in 2-3 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Stir continuously, ensuring the rice is well coated and heated through. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Final Cook: Continue cooking the rice mixture for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld thoroughly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use day-old rice that is slightly dried out for the best texture and to avoid clumping in the dish.
- Customize the dish by adding cooked shrimp, chicken, or steak for a protein boost.
- Adjust the soy sauce to your preferred saltiness level, and consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of sugar for brightness or a touch of sweetness.
- For extra heat, a drizzle of hot sauce works well.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.
