Ig Board 091 AI Enhanced

Benihana Fried Rice Recipe: How To Make The Iconic Hibachi-Style Dish At Home

Premium Photo | Delicious popiah lumpia taiwanese spring roll food on

Aug 02, 2025
Quick read
Premium Photo | Delicious popiah lumpia taiwanese spring roll food on

Benihana is more than just a restaurant—it’s a full-on experience. If you’ve ever watched a chef flip shrimp into your mouth or seen flames leap from the grill right at your table, you know exactly what we’re talking about. But one of the most beloved dishes at Benihana isn’t the steak or the shrimp—it’s the fried rice. Crispy, savory, and packed with umami flavor, this hibachi-style fried rice is something a lot of people try to recreate at home. And today, we’re going to walk you through how to make it just like the pros.

The secret to nailing this fried rice is in the technique and the ingredients. It’s not just about throwing rice into a pan and calling it a day. This version uses day-old rice, a mix of veggies, and that signature sesame oil kick that makes it taste like it came off a teppanyaki grill. Whether you're hosting a themed dinner night or just craving that restaurant-quality taste, this Benihana fried rice recipe is your ticket.

So, whether you're a fan of the showmanship at the table or just love the food, this guide will give you the tools to make that famous Benihana fried rice at home, no chef’s knife skills required. Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

What Is Benihana Fried Rice?

Benihana fried rice is the sidekick that shows up to every hibachi dinner party. It’s not just rice—it’s a carefully crafted blend of ingredients cooked with precision on a hot iron griddle, just like the chefs do it at the restaurant. The rice is usually made with day-old jasmine or basmati rice, giving it that perfect texture—firm enough to hold up to high heat, yet soft enough to absorb all the flavors.

It’s seasoned with a mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and a few other seasonings that give it that unmistakable umami punch. Some versions include beaten egg for a richer texture, and chopped green onions for a pop of color and bite. At Benihana, it’s often cooked in front of guests, sizzling and flipping with flair, which adds to its appeal.

Why It Stands Out from Regular Fried Rice

So what makes Benihana fried rice different from the kind you might whip up at home with a frozen bag of peas and carrots? Well, a few things. First, the technique. It’s cooked at high heat, which gives the rice those crispy, golden bits we all love. Second, the seasoning. It’s not just salt and pepper—it’s layered with soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil for a deep, savory flavor.

Also, the rice is often cooked with a bit of egg, which helps it develop a richer texture. The chefs at Benihana use a specific cooking rhythm, stirring and folding the rice continuously to get it just right. It’s not just about taste—it’s about the experience, too. Learn more about teppanyaki cooking techniques on our site.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own Benihana-style fried rice at home:

  • 2 cups of cooked and cooled jasmine or basmati rice (preferably 1 day old)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
  • 1 clove of garlic, minced
  • 1 green onion, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon of chopped carrots
  • 1 tablespoon of peas
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional additions: shrimp, chicken, or tofu for extra protein. You can also add a dash of oyster sauce or chili sauce for a kick. Let’s move on to the cooking steps.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Now that you’ve got your ingredients together, let’s walk through how to make this dish the right way.

  1. Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Swirl it around to coat the bottom evenly.
  2. Add the beaten egg and scramble it until just cooked through. You don’t want it to get too dry, so keep stirring gently.
  3. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
  4. Add the cooled rice and stir well to combine with the egg and garlic. Use a spatula to break up any clumps.
  5. Stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing thoroughly to coat the rice.
  6. Add the vegetables—carrots, peas, and green onions—and cook for another 3–4 minutes, stirring often to keep everything from sticking.
  7. Taste and adjust the seasoning with a little salt and pepper. Serve warm and enjoy!

If you want that extra crispiness, press the rice into the pan and let it cook undisturbed for a minute or two before stirring again. That’s how you get those golden-brown bits.

Tips for the Best Results

If you’re aiming to get that restaurant-quality texture and flavor, here are a few pro tips to keep in mind:

  • Use day-old rice. Fresh rice is too moist and won’t fry well. Letting it sit overnight in the fridge dries it out just enough.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming the rice instead of frying it.
  • Prep everything in advance. This dish moves fast, so have your ingredients ready to go before you start cooking.
  • Use a cast iron skillet or non-stick pan. It gives you the best sear and reduces sticking.
  • Add a splash of chicken broth if you want a little extra moisture without making the rice soggy.

Also, if you're making this for a group, you can easily double or triple the recipe. Just make sure to use a large enough pan and stir often to keep everything evenly cooked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Sure, you can! Brown rice has a nuttier flavor and a bit more texture. It might take a little longer to fry, but it works just fine. Just make sure it’s fully cooked and cooled before using.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Absolutely. Skip the egg and use tofu or just vegetables. You can also use tamari instead of soy sauce if you're gluten-free.

How long does this fried rice keep in the fridge?

It stores well in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat it in a pan with a little sesame oil for the best texture. Microwaving tends to make it a bit mushy, so the stovetop is your best bet.

If you want to explore more Benihana-inspired dishes, you can check out their full menu here.

Premium Photo | Delicious popiah lumpia taiwanese spring roll food on
Premium Photo | Delicious popiah lumpia taiwanese spring roll food on
Yummy House 2300 Sand Creek Road - Order Pickup and Delivery
Yummy House 2300 Sand Creek Road - Order Pickup and Delivery
Premium AI Image | Still life a plate of Vietnamese spring rolls
Premium AI Image | Still life a plate of Vietnamese spring rolls

Detail Author:

  • Name : Euna Ryan
  • Username : franecki.jamel
  • Email : murray.kris@powlowski.com
  • Birthdate : 2006-05-22
  • Address : 793 Althea Avenue Apt. 741 Wehnerborough, MD 29348-8981
  • Phone : +14243312965
  • Company : Brekke and Sons
  • Job : Police and Sheriffs Patrol Officer
  • Bio : Fugit quis nihil error consequatur aliquam mollitia. Eaque praesentium iure quisquam reiciendis deserunt. Ea perspiciatis aut aut porro voluptatum et aliquid.

Socials

facebook:

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/shaniya_xx
  • username : shaniya_xx
  • bio : Est error ipsam quibusdam voluptatem. Autem consequatur voluptatem voluptatem consequatur. Animi tempora quaerat modi consequuntur consequuntur sint debitis.
  • followers : 1241
  • following : 2017

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/shaniya.paucek
  • username : shaniya.paucek
  • bio : Iste iure iste in est. Fugiat nihil reprehenderit quia aliquam. Et perspiciatis dolor iste.
  • followers : 4154
  • following : 2409

tiktok:

  • url : https://tiktok.com/@paucek2018
  • username : paucek2018
  • bio : Eos porro tempora aspernatur quos maxime. Quis eius dolor dicta modi.
  • followers : 5777
  • following : 2709

linkedin:

Share with friends