Benihana Copycat Recipes
When people refer to the concept of dinner and a show, they’re not often talking about both at the same time. However, that’s exactly what diners get at Benihana. The iconic chain of Japanese steakhouses is known for its teppanyaki-style cooking, where hungry patrons enjoy watching their chef theatrically prepare delicious Asian cuisine on a hot flat-top grill right in front of them.
While it’s hard to replicate the full experience at home, those craving Benihana’s delicious food will be happy to learn that it’s simple to recreate many beloved dishes in their own kitchen. Here’s a look at a few of the best.
Drinks
The exotic flavors of Benihana extend to its drink menu, which provides delicious and refreshing options for patrons of all ages. Here’s how to make two of the best.
One of the restaurant’s most iconic beverages, the mai tai mixes two types of rum with fruit juices and exotic syrups to form a true tiki classic. While the flavors might be complex, it’s simple enough for even beginner home bartenders to create, and it’s easy to scale up for large batches.
Benihana also offers a deliciously craveable drink for those under 21 or who want to avoid alcohol. Pineapple and mango juices bring powerful tropical flavors, which are mellowed out by creamy coconut milk or cream of coconut. It’s a delightful twist on a tropical favorite that’s easy to add alcohol to if desired.
Appetizers
Whether you’re at Benihana’s flat-top tables or in your own kitchen, start the meal off right with one of these familiar Asian-inspired appetizers.
The incredibly craveable gyoza dumplings offered by Benihana are relatively easy to make at home, thanks to the help of premade wonton wrappers. Meanwhile, the filling is both delicious and easy to make, and the simple frying-steaming combination creates that chewy yet tender texture diners love.
Edamame is a perfect shareable snack to start your meal. But this isn’t any old version; this spicy style amps up the flavor with chili paste and garlic, complemented with a boost of savory soy sauce. You’ll never look at these humble beans the same way!
Both familiar and unusually delicious, Benihana chicken wings get their flavor from a combination of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and other seasonings. The crispy flour coating allows even more of the sauce to cling to these tender wings, which are baked instead of fried for hands-off cooking and easy clean-up.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/8808338-japanese-chicken-wings-jen-ben-1x1-1-b820b7448691431ab3b95b9ee67a19f7.jpg "Benihana Copycat Recipes 18")
Main Dishes
Whether you’re a fan of steak, chicken, fish, or even vegetarian options, there’s something for everyone among Benihana’s filling yet simple main courses. Here’s how to recreate your favorite entrees from the chain’s menu.
A true fan favorite of Benihana guests, this delicious steak dinner goes beyond the flavor profile of a typical steakhouse. A flavorful marinade of soy sauce, rice wine, garlic, and ginger makes each bite of steak a delight that perfectly compliments the earthy mushrooms.
Every bite of this perfectly cooked, marinated, and seared chicken is a treat for hungry guests, who’ll love the flavorful sauce and bite-sized pieces. Paired with sauteed vegetables and fried rice, your tastebuds will be immediately taken on a trip right back to Benihana.
The teppanyaki treatment works exceptionally well for shrimp, which enjoy the benefit of quick cooking and the ability to soak up lots of flavor. That’s certainly the case with this hibachi shrimp recipe, best served alongside sauteed zucchini, onions, and other veggies. In just 20 minutes, you’ll be digging in to this delicious dish.
Yakisoba noodles are a top choice for those looking for an authentic Japanese dish that’s filling yet familiar. These deliciously chewy noodles are paired with mushrooms, green onions, and cabbage and dressed with delicious yakisoba sauce. It’s a perfect canvas for whatever protein you choose, or just as tasty on its own.
Underrated by many Benihana patrons, the chain’s hibachi salmon is a treat for home cooks who are also fish lovers. Soy sauce, ginger, and honey form the base of this sauce, which wonderfully complements the gently cooked salmon.
Sauces and dressing
They may not seem like the most significant part of the meal, but there’s no denying how delicious and crave-worthy Benihana’s sauces are. Luckily, replicating them is relatively straightforward.
Ginger plays a considerable role in the flavors of Benihana, including this alternative sauce used for dipping meat, vegetables, bread, or anything else your heart desires. It includes many of the same ingredients as the popular salad dressing above, with slightly different proportions for a different final texture and flavor.
Yum Yum sauce is a sauce that truly lives up to its name. Humble and familiar mayonnaise forms the base of this sauce, where it’s accentuated and combined with rice vinegar, garlic powder, paprika, sugar, and more. It’s a perfect companion with grilled chicken or steak, as well as vegetables of all types.
One of Benihana’s most memorable offerings comes in the form of the simple yet mouthwatering dressing that comes with the chain’s salad. Real ginger root and chopped onion and celery help lend some unique texture to this sauce, which combines potent ginger flavor with soy sauce, tomato paste, rice wine vinegar, and more. It’s about as simple to make as any recipe out there; all that’s required is tossing the ingredients in a food processor.
Sides
As delicious as Benihana’s main options are, your meal isn’t complete without one of these familiar favorites on the side.
Another true Benihana classic, this fried rice is ideal for nearly any Asian-inspired meal. Vegetables and eggs are fried together with rice and seasoned with soy sauce to turn a collection of humble ingredients into a fan (and family) favorite. With the addition of a cooked protein like chicken or beef, it’s also easy to turn this side into a meal.
It’s not easy to create a soup that’s both light and flavorful, but Benihana did precisely that with this onion soup, which is packed with mushrooms, carrots, celery, and fried onions. Use it to start your meal or pair it with a protein or salad for a simple but delicious meal.
A favorite of sushi restaurants and Japanese steakhouses everywhere, this unique side is simple to recreate if you can get your hands on the seaweed. Just rehydrate it and toss it in a simple sauce for a briny, vegetal addition that lightens up any meal.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__serious_eats__seriouseats.com__recipes__images__20101216-610-seaweed-salad-edab08e5817648ac9d6433ad162d9b1b.jpg "Benihana Copycat Recipes 44")
Desserts
It’s even possible to replicate Benihana’s one-of-a-kind twist on dessert in your home kitchen. Finish off your meal with one of these sweet treats.
Who says tempura has to be savory? These gently fried bananas enjoy an extra-crispy coating through the use of cornstarch alongside traditional flour. Just a few ingredients are needed, making a great impromptu dessert, while it’s also endlessly customizable with powdered sugar, whipped cream, sauces, and other accompaniments.
Those familiar with home ice cream-making might be surprised by how delicious this simple green tea ice cream recipe is. Just four ingredients come together for the final result, with convenient matcha powder providing the unique flavor. It’s a great choice on its own or paired with other Benihana desserts.
A recipe truly unique to Japanese cuisine, mochi are created by wrapping ice cream with a rice flour-based skin that’s chewy and flavorful. These snack-sized treats are true show-stoppers for those looking to impress their guests with an authentic capper to their meal.
Although you likely don’t have the equipment (or theatrical flair) for a full Benihana experience, there’s no doubt home cooks can easily conquer these mouthwatering dishes that taste just like the real thing. So, whether you’re looking to save time, money, or hassle, enjoy these Benihana specialties and impress your fellow diners just as much as the real thing.
