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5.0 from 15 votes

Authentic Benihana Fried Rice

Recreate the famous buttery, garlicky hibachi rice from Benihana with this simple copycat recipe.

Prep Time
45 mins
Cook Time
45 mins
Total Time
1 hr
Servings: 4
Calories: 530 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Japanese

Ingredients

  • 1 cup white rice
  • 2 cups water
  • 3 tablespoons  sesame seeds
  • 5 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 cup chopped carrots
  • 2/3 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
  • 3 tablespoons Garlic butter
  • 5 eggs beaten
  • 5 tablespoons soy sauce
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Cook the rice in the water according to package directions. For best results, spread the cooked rice in a shallow metal pan and stick it in the freezer to cool quickly. Do not let it freeze, though.   If you don’t have time to chill the rice, just spread it out so it cools completely.
  2. While the rice is cooking and cooling, spread the sesame seeds in a shallow baking pan. Bake until golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes, shaking pan occasionally for even color. Remove from the oven. 
  3. Melt the butter in a large skillet. Add the onions, carrots, and scallions. Cook, stirring from time to time, until the onions are translucent. Remove from the heat and set aside. Heat another large skillet or a wok if you have one. Add a splash of oil and swirl it around. Pour the eggs into the hot skillet. Cook as you would scrambled eggs. When the eggs are barely done, add the vegetables, rice, 2 tablespoons of the garlic butter (you can add more if desired) and sesame seeds and sprinkle with the soy sauce. Stir-fry until everything is mixed and hot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

  • For authentic Benihana flavor, don't skimp on the garlic butter—it's truly the secret ingredient. Using day-old cold rice is crucial as freshly cooked rice will become mushy. If you're short on time, cook the rice a few hours ahead, spread it on a baking sheet, and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled. For extra authenticity, try using safflower oil, which is what Benihana chefs use for its neutral flavor and high smoke point.

Nutrition Information

Calories 530kcal (27%) Carbohydrates 48g (16%) Protein 14g (28%) Fat 31g (48%) Saturated Fat 16g (80%) Cholesterol 264mg (88%) Sodium 1570mg (65%) Potassium 411mg (12%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin A 6510IU (130%) Vitamin C 8mg (9%) Calcium 149mg (15%) Iron 3.2mg (18%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 530

% Daily Value*

Calories 530kcal 27%
Carbohydrates 48g 16%
Protein 14g 28%
Fat 31g 48%
Saturated Fat 16g 80%
Cholesterol 264mg 88%
Sodium 1570mg 65%
Potassium 411mg 9%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin A 6510IU 130%
Vitamin C 8mg 9%
Calcium 149mg 15%
Iron 3.2mg 18%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.