Imagine dining at Benihana and watching as your chef performs culinary magic right in front of you. The sizzling sounds, the aroma of the ingredients, and the precision of the cooking technique make for an unforgettable experience. Today, we're taking the joy of Benihana into your own kitchen with five new Benihana recipes you have to try. Whether you're a fan of their signature fried rice or crave their delicate hibachi chicken, these recipes will bring the restaurant's flair to your dining table.
Benihana Fried Rice
Benihana's famous fried rice is a staple that captures the essence of their cooking style. Here’s how you can make it at home:
- 2 cups of chilled, day-old Jasmine rice
- 3 tablespoons of safflower or other neutral oil
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1⁄2 cup of thinly sliced scallions
- 1⁄2 cup of finely chopped carrot
- 1⁄4 cup of frozen peas
- 4 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the eggs and scramble them until just cooked. Remove eggs from the pan.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining oil and sauté garlic and scallions until aromatic.
- Add carrots, cook for a minute, then stir in the chilled rice, breaking up clumps.
- Incorporate the peas, soy sauce, butter, sugar, and mix well. Season with salt and pepper.
- Mix in the scrambled eggs, cook for an additional minute or two, then serve immediately.
⚠️ Note: Ensure the rice is thoroughly chilled before cooking; this helps achieve the ideal texture for fried rice.
Benihana Hibachi Chicken
The essence of Benihana’s hibachi experience lies in its savory chicken. Here's how to replicate that:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely minced
- 1⁄4 cup of sake or dry white wine
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- In a skillet or griddle, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the chicken, searing both sides until browned.
- Pour in the soy sauce and sake, letting it bubble and reduce slightly.
- Cook until the chicken is done, basting occasionally with the sauce.
Benihana Ginger Sauce
This sauce, often used for dipping or as a marinade, brings a zesty kick to any dish:
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh ginger
- 1⁄4 cup of rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of water
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve cold or at room temperature.
🌟 Note: This ginger sauce can also be used as a marinade for meats or a dressing for salads.
Benihana Shrimp Saute
A light yet flavorful dish, this shrimp sauté is perfect for those looking for a taste of the sea:
- 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of sake or dry white wine
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1⁄2 cup of chopped green onions
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season the shrimp with salt and pepper.
- Heat butter in a skillet, add garlic and green onions, sauté until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp, cook until pink, then deglaze with soy sauce and sake.
- Simmer until the liquid is reduced, ensuring shrimp are well-cooked.
Benihana Seafood Delight
Combining the flavors of the ocean with Benihana’s cooking style, this dish will impress at any dinner party:
- 1⁄2 pound of sea scallops
- 1⁄2 pound of shrimp
- 1⁄2 pound of lobster tails, shelled
- 1⁄4 cup of sake or white wine
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, sliced for garnish
- Parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat, add garlic and sauté until it starts to brown.
- Add the seafood, cooking until the shrimp turns pink and the scallops are opaque.
- Pour in the sake or wine and soy sauce, allowing it to cook until reduced.
- Garnish with parsley and lemon slices before serving.
In wrapping up our culinary journey through Benihana's secret recipes, we’ve explored how to recreate some of the iconic dishes right in your kitchen. From the aromatic fried rice to the delicate flavors of the Seafood Delight, these recipes offer a chance to bring the Benihana experience to your home. Remember, the key to success lies in the preparation and the love you put into cooking. With these dishes, you not only savor the taste of Benihana but also the joy of bringing loved ones together around a beautifully crafted meal.
Can I use fresh rice for the Benihana Fried Rice?
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No, using fresh rice will result in a mushy texture. Day-old or chilled rice is ideal for that perfect fried rice consistency.
What can I substitute for sake in these recipes?
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A good substitute for sake would be dry white wine, which will offer a similar flavor profile to enhance the dishes.
Are there vegetarian options available in these recipes?
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Yes! You can easily adapt these recipes by substituting meat with tofu or vegetables for a delightful vegetarian meal.
