What Rice Brand Does Benihana Use?

Raw Calrose rice grains in a wooden bowl.
High-quality Calrose rice, a staple at Benihana.

Introduction

Benihana is renowned worldwide for its iconic teppanyaki-style cooking and interactive dining experience. While the theatrics of their skilled chefs captivate guests, the secret to the unforgettable flavors lies in their choice of ingredients, especially rice. A seemingly simple staple, rice is central to the authenticity and excellence of Benihana’s dishes. But what rice brand does Benihana use, and why is it so special? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the rice brand Benihana uses, its unique qualities, and how it contributes to their signature dishes.

Understanding the Role of Rice at Benihana

Why Rice is a Staple in Japanese Cuisine

In Japanese cuisine, rice is more than just a side dish; it is a cultural symbol of prosperity, purity, and tradition. From sushi to teppanyaki, rice serves as a foundation for countless recipes. Its versatility and ability to pair seamlessly with various flavors make it indispensable in Japanese dining.

The Culinary Significance of Rice in Teppanyaki

Teppanyaki-style cooking, which Benihana has mastered, revolves around simplicity, precision, and the use of high-quality ingredients. Rice plays a pivotal role here, not just as a complementary component but as a star ingredient in their famous fried rice. The right type of rice ensures perfect texture, flavor, and balance, allowing it to absorb the seasonings and highlight the other elements on the plate.

Key Qualities Benihana Requires in Its Rice

Texture, Flavor, and Consistency

Benihana’s rice must meet high standards for texture, flavor, and consistency. It needs to be slightly sticky to clump together but not mushy, making it ideal for their fried rice and other teppanyaki dishes.

Importance of Quality and Purity

Only premium-quality rice with minimal impurities can deliver the desired taste and appearance. For Benihana, purity ensures that the natural flavor of the rice stands out without interference from additives or inferior grains.

The Rice Brand Used by Benihana

Exploring Calrose Rice: Benihana’s Choice

Benihana primarily uses Calrose rice, a medium-grain variety originally developed in California. Known for its soft, sticky texture when cooked, Calrose rice has become a favorite in Japanese-American cuisine due to its versatility and ability to absorb flavors.

Origin and Characteristics of Calrose Rice

Calrose rice was first introduced in the 1940s as a hybrid strain that combines the best attributes of Japanese rice varieties with the adaptability needed to grow in California’s climate. The name “Calrose” reflects its origins, with “Cal” signifying California and “rose” hinting at its smooth and delicate nature.

Characteristics of Calrose rice include:

  • Medium Grain: Neither too short nor too long, perfect for dishes requiring slight stickiness.
  • Neutral Flavor: Its subtle taste makes it ideal for absorbing seasonings and sauces.
  • Versatility: Works well in sushi, fried rice, and other traditional Japanese recipes.

Why Benihana Chooses Calrose Over Other Varieties

Benihana chooses Calrose rice because of its consistency and adaptability. Unlike long-grain rice varieties like basmati or jasmine, Calrose offers the perfect balance of stickiness and fluffiness, essential for creating the cohesive texture required in teppanyaki-style cooking. Its ability to soak up soy sauce, garlic butter, and other seasonings makes it an excellent choice for their flavorful fried rice.

How Benihana Prepares Its Signature Fried Rice

Preparation Techniques

Benihana’s fried rice preparation is an art form. The chefs start with perfectly cooked Calrose rice that has been cooled to prevent clumping. They then expertly toss it on a sizzling teppanyaki grill, incorporating aromatic ingredients and sauces while ensuring even heating for a uniform texture.

Signature Ingredients

Key ingredients in Benihana’s fried rice include:

  • Garlic Butter: Adds richness and depth of flavor.
  • Soy Sauce: Provides a savory umami base.
  • Eggs, Vegetables, and Protein: Enhance the dish’s nutritional value and flavor.
  • Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and sometimes sesame oil for a nutty aroma.

The Ideal Rice for Benihana-Style Dishes

Benihana typically uses short-grain or medium-grain rice for its fried rice, owing to its slightly sticky texture that holds up well during cooking. The rice is usually cooked a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator to dry out, ensuring it doesn’t clump together when stir-fried.

Steps to Prepare Perfect Fried Rice:

  1. Choose the Right Type of Rice:
    • Select a high-quality short-grain or medium-grain white rice. Jasmine rice is another excellent alternative for its light fragrance.
  2. Cook and Cool:
    • Cook your rice with slightly less water than usual to keep it firm. Let it cool completely, or refrigerate overnight.
  3. Seasoning the Rice:
  4. Cooking on High Heat:
    • Use a hot griddle or wok to stir-fry the rice quickly, adding in your vegetables, eggs, and proteins. If you want to explore more griddle-based recipes, consider trying the Blackstone Chicken Fried Rice for a smoky variation.

Pro Tips for Better Fried Rice

To complement your fried rice, consider pairing it with other flavorful dishes:

Calrose vs. Jasmine Rice

Jasmine rice, a staple in Southeast Asian cuisine, is long-grain and has a fragrant aroma. While it’s great for dishes like Thai curry, its lack of stickiness makes it unsuitable for Benihana’s fried rice.

Calrose vs. Basmati Rice

Basmati rice is known for its elongated grains and light, fluffy texture, which works well in Indian cuisine. However, its dryness and distinctive aroma do not align with the moist, cohesive texture required for teppanyaki dishes.

How to Select and Cook Calrose Rice at Home

Freshly cooked Calrose rice in a pot.
Cooking perfect Calrose rice at home is easy with these tips.

Tips for Buying High-Quality Calrose Rice

If you want to replicate Benihana’s flavors at home, start with the right ingredients. Here are some tips for selecting high-quality Calrose rice:

  • Check the Brand: Look for trusted brands that are well-reviewed and known for consistency. Many reputable brands explicitly label their rice as “Calrose.”
  • Examine the Packaging: Choose rice in airtight, well-sealed packaging to avoid contamination or moisture.
  • Look for Freshness: Rice can lose quality over time, so opt for recently packaged rice for the best flavor.
  • Organic Options: If possible, choose organic Calrose rice to ensure the absence of pesticides and additives.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Cooking Calrose rice properly is essential for achieving the perfect texture. Here’s a simple guide to follow:

  1. Rinse the Rice: Rinse the rice in cold water 2-3 times to remove excess starch and impurities.
  2. Measure the Water: Use a rice-to-water ratio of 1:1.5 for stovetop cooking.
  3. Boil and Simmer: Bring the water to a boil, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Allow the rice to simmer for about 18-20 minutes.
  4. Rest: Let the rice sit covered for 10 minutes after cooking to absorb any remaining steam.
  5. Fluff: Gently fluff the rice with a fork before serving or incorporating it into a recipe.

Pro Tip: For fried rice, cook the rice a day ahead and refrigerate it. Cold rice is firmer and less likely to clump during frying.

The Secret Behind Benihana’s Flavors

Chef Techniques in Rice Preparation

One reason Benihana’s fried rice tastes so unique is the chef’s precise techniques. Chefs use high-heat teppanyaki grills to sear ingredients quickly while maintaining their natural flavors. The rice is constantly stirred and flipped to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Use of Authentic Japanese Seasonings

Benihana uses traditional Japanese seasonings like soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil to add layers of umami to their dishes. These authentic ingredients, combined with techniques like garlic butter infusion, elevate the simple fried rice to a culinary masterpiece.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes Calrose Rice Suitable for Teppanyaki?

Calrose rice’s medium grain size and slight stickiness make it perfect for teppanyaki. It can hold together without becoming mushy, allowing it to absorb seasonings evenly.

Can I Use Other Rice Varieties for Benihana Recipes?

While Calrose rice is ideal, you can experiment with other medium-grain varieties if Calrose is unavailable. However, long-grain options like basmati or jasmine may not achieve the same texture.

Where Can I Buy Calrose Rice?

Calrose rice is widely available in grocery stores, Asian markets, and online retailers. Popular brands include Botan, SunRice, and Nishiki.

How Do I Replicate Benihana’s Fried Rice at Home?

To replicate Benihana’s fried rice, start with cooked and cooled Calrose rice. Use a hot skillet or wok, and add garlic butter, soy sauce, scrambled eggs, chopped vegetables, and optional proteins like chicken or shrimp.

What Dishes at Benihana Use Their Signature Rice?

Benihana’s fried rice is a staple, but their hibachi meals, such as steak and chicken, also include their signature Calrose rice as a side.

Conclusion

Benihana’s mastery of teppanyaki cooking owes much to its careful selection of ingredients, with Calrose rice taking center stage. This medium-grain rice, celebrated for its unique texture, versatility, and flavor absorption, is the perfect choice for their signature fried rice and other dishes. Whether you’re dining at Benihana or recreating the experience at home, understanding the qualities of Calrose rice and its preparation techniques allows you to appreciate the art behind every bite.

From selecting premium Calrose rice to mastering Benihana’s culinary secrets, you now have the tools to bring a slice of this iconic dining experience to your own kitchen. So, why not start your journey with a bowl of homemade Benihana-style fried rice? After all, the perfect meal begins with the perfect rice.