Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe: A Delicious Copycat Dish
Are you craving that iconic Benihana chicken fried rice? The one with its perfectly fried rice, savory chicken, and subtly sweet flavor? You don't have to travel to a Benihana restaurant to enjoy this deliciousness! This recipe will guide you through creating a copycat Benihana chicken fried rice that's just as amazing as the restaurant version. Get ready to impress your friends and family with your culinary skills!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it easy to whip up even on a busy weeknight.
- Chicken: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes. Consider using thigh meat for extra juiciness!
- Rice: 3 cups cooked long-grain white rice (day-old rice works best!) Day-old rice is drier and fries better.
- Vegetables: 1 cup chopped onion, 1 cup chopped carrots, 1/2 cup chopped green onions (both white and green parts)
- Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce Adjust to your taste preference.
- Mirin: 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine) Adds a touch of sweetness and depth.
- Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon oyster sauce Enhances the umami flavor.
- Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon sesame oil For that signature Benihana aroma and flavor.
- Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil For frying.
- Ginger: 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger Essential for the authentic taste!
- Garlic: 2 cloves minced garlic Adds a pungent aroma.
- Egg: 2 large eggs, lightly beaten For added richness and texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
This recipe breaks down the process into easy-to-follow steps. Let's get cooking!
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Marinate the cubed chicken in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1/2 teaspoon of grated ginger for about 15 minutes. This will help tenderize the chicken and add flavor.
Step 2: Stir-fry the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the remaining vegetable oil to the wok. Add the onions and carrots and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and remaining grated ginger and stir-fry for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Add the Rice
Add the cooked rice to the wok and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until heated through. Break up any clumps of rice.
Step 5: Create the Flavor Base
Stir in the remaining soy sauce, mirin, and oyster sauce. Mix well to coat the rice.
Step 6: Incorporate the Chicken and Egg
Add the cooked chicken back to the wok. Push the rice to the sides creating a well in the center. Pour in the beaten eggs and let them cook slightly before stirring them into the rice and chicken mixture.
Step 7: Finish it Off
Stir in the sesame oil and chopped green onions. Cook for another minute or two, until everything is heated through and well combined.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your Benihana-style chicken fried rice hot. It's delicious on its own, but you can also serve it alongside other Asian-inspired dishes, like spring rolls, or edamame.
Tips for Success:
- Use day-old rice: This will prevent the rice from becoming too sticky.
- Don't overcrowd the wok: Work in batches if necessary to ensure the chicken and vegetables cook evenly.
- Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to add more or less soy sauce, mirin, or oyster sauce depending on your preference.
Enjoy your homemade Benihana chicken fried rice! This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun weekend gathering. Share your creations and tag us! We can't wait to see your delicious results.
