I’ve been on another exciting food adventure and this time, I stumbled upon something awesome at Benihana – their incredible Garlic Butter! It’s such a simple thing, but boy, does it taste amazing. It’s like finding a hidden treasure in a sea of yummy dishes.
I’m super excited to share this discovery with you in today’s blog. We’re going to chat about where this awesome recipe comes from, why it’s so special, and the best part – I’ve figured out how to make it at home! So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to bring a bit of Benihana magic into your kitchen. Let’s dive into the delicious world of Garlic Butter!
What is Benihana Garlic Butter?
Benihana is a globally renowned Japanese-themed, American-style restaurant chain known for its teppanyaki-style cooking. It was founded in 1964 by Hiroaki Aoki in New York City. The name ‘Benihana’ translates to ‘safflower’ in Japanese, symbolizing the vibrancy and richness of the flavors they offer.
Garlic Butter is a star player in the Benihana culinary playbook. It’s used to enhance the flavor of various dishes served at Benihana, from steak and seafood to vegetables and fried rice. This magical concoction brings together the pungency of garlic with the creaminess of butter, delicately balanced with soy sauce and a hint of lemon juice.
What makes this Garlic Butter Recipe so Great?
The Benihana Garlic Butter recipe is a testament to the saying “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” It’s not just about the ingredients but how they’re combined that creates this culinary masterpiece. The roasted garlic adds a deep, sweet, and slightly smoky flavor that’s beautifully complemented by the richness of whipped butter. The addition of soy sauce brings in umami and saltiness while the optional lemon juice adds a fresh burst of acidity to balance it all out.
This recipe is versatile and can transform any ordinary dish into an extraordinary one. Whether you’re grilling steaks for dinner, sautéing vegetables, or simply making some toast, a dollop of Benihana Garlic Butter can significantly elevate the flavor profile.
How to Make Benihana Garlic Butter
Ingredients and Their Uses
- Roasted Garlic (5 bulbs): Provides a sweet, caramelized flavor, essential for the rich taste of the butter.
- Whipped Butter (8 ounces): Softened to room temperature for easy mixing; serves as the creamy base of the butter.
- Ground Black Pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds a slight heat and depth of flavor.
- Light Soy Sauce (2 ounces): Offers a subtle umami and saltiness.
- Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon, optional): Gives a hint of acidity and brightness to balance the flavors.
Detailed Directions
Start by Preheating Your Oven: Set it to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Roast the Garlic: Remove the outer layers of the garlic bulbs, leaving the individual cloves’ skins intact. Cut off the tops of the bulbs, drizzle them with oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30-35 minutes until the cloves are soft. Allow them to cool before handling.
Prepare the Garlic Paste: Squeeze the cooled roasted garlic into a bowl and mash it into a smooth paste.
Combine with Butter: Gradually fold the softened whipped butter into the garlic paste until they are thoroughly combined.
Season the Mixture: Add the ground black pepper and mix well.
Incorporate Soy Sauce: Slowly blend the light soy sauce into the butter mixture.
Add Lemon Juice (Optional): If using, stir in the lemon juice for an added zesty flavor.
Store the Butter: Transfer the garlic butter into a glass container with a lid and refrigerate to meld the flavors.
Ready to Serve: Use your homemade garlic butter on bread, steaks, vegetables, or as a flavorful condiment.
This recipe captures the essence of Benihana’s famous garlic butter, perfect for adding a luxurious touch to your meals. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
Benihana Garlic Butter
Course: DipsCuisine: JapaneseDifficulty: Easy16
servings10
minutes30
minutes110
kcalWhip up Benihana’s magic at home with this rich and flavorful Roasted Garlic and Soy Butter, perfect for elevating any dish.
Ingredients
8 ounces 8 Whipped Butter, softened
5 bulbs 5 Roasted Garlic
1 teaspoon 1 Ground Black Pepper
2 ounces 2 Light Soy Sauce
1 tablespoon 1 Lemon Juice (optional)
Directions
- Preheat Oven for Roasting Garlic:
- Heat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Prepare the garlic bulbs for roasting (remove outer layers, trim the tops, drizzle with oil, and wrap in foil).
- Roast for about 30-35 minutes until the cloves are soft.
- Prepare the Garlic Paste:
- After cooling, squeeze the soft garlic out of the bulbs into a bowl.
- Use a fork or a pestle to smash the garlic into a smooth, creamy paste.
- Mix in the Butter:
- Gradually add the softened whipped butter to the garlic paste.
- Gently fold them together using a spatula or spoon until fully combined and smooth.
- Season with Black Pepper:
- Sprinkle the ground black pepper into the butter mixture.
- Stir well to ensure even distribution of the spice.
- Incorporate Soy Sauce:
- Slowly pour the light soy sauce into the butter mixture.
- Stir consistently to fully integrate the soy sauce without separating the butter.
- Add Lemon Juice (Optional):
- If using lemon juice, mix it in at this stage.
- Stir thoroughly to infuse the butter with a hint of citrus.
- Store the Butter:
- Transfer the butter mixture to a glass container with a tight-fitting lid.
- This step helps to lock in the flavors and aroma.
- Refrigerate:
- Place the garlic butter in the refrigerator.
- It’s best used after chilling for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this gourmet butter with steaks, seafood, vegetables, or as a spread for bread.
- It can be used both as a cooking ingredient and as a condiment.
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Tips and Tricks
- Roasting Garlic: Don’t rush the garlic roasting process. Slow-roasting brings out a sweet, mellow flavor. If the garlic isn’t soft enough, it won’t blend smoothly into the butter.
- Butter Quality Matters: Use high-quality butter for this recipe. Since butter is a key ingredient, its flavor will significantly influence the final outcome.
- Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is properly softened but not melted. This helps it blend seamlessly with the other ingredients.
- Soy Sauce Selection: Opt for light soy sauce over regular to avoid overpowering the delicate garlic flavor. The light version offers a subtle umami touch without too much saltiness.
- Balance with Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is optional but recommended. It adds a fresh, zesty note that cuts through the richness of the butter.
- Texture is Key: When combining ingredients, aim for a smooth, homogeneous texture. Any lumps can detract from the overall experience.
- Taste and Adjust: Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasonings to your preference. More lemon for tang, a pinch of salt if needed, or even a hint of chili for heat.
- Storing: Store the garlic butter in an airtight container in the fridge. It can also be frozen for longer storage. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before use.
- Serving Suggestions: While great on steak or seafood, try it on vegetables, bread, or even as a base for savory sauces. It’s versatile!
Other Copycat Recipes
Copycat Benihana Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Benihana Fried Rice Recipe
Cooks in 50 minutesDifficulty: EasyMaking copycat Benihana fried rice from home couldn’t be easier. Mix up your ingredients and within no time have a readily made dish straight from the Benihana restaurant.
Burger King Original Chicken Sandwich
Cooks in 42 minutesDifficulty: EasyEnjoy a taste of fast-food nostalgia with a homemade twist on the Burger King Original Chicken Sandwich, featuring a crispy, seasoned chicken patty, fresh lettuce, and a tangy sauce on a toasted bun.
KFC Zinger Burger Recipe
Cooks in 50 minutesDifficulty: EasyThis recipe is surprisingly easy to make, not to mention healthier than an actual KFC Zinger burger; and it tastes just like the real thing!
Panda Express Fried Rice
Cooks in 15 minutesDifficulty: EasyPanda Express fried rice is one of the tastiest side dishes you can make. If you like the restaurant chain rice this copycat version is identical.
Panda Express Chow Mein Recipe
Cooks in 35 minutesDifficulty: EasyCooking this Panda Express Chow Mein couldn’t be easier. Takes very little time and removes the oil you typically find in these dishes.
Conclusion
There you have it; that’s all there is to making your very own Benihana Garlic Butter at home. It’s simple, it’s flavorful, and it’s versatile. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary novice, give this recipe a try and experience how it can transform your dishes from ordinary to extraordinary.
So, food enthusiasts, it’s time to don that apron, ignite that stove, and create some magic with this Benihana Garlic Butter recipe. And when you do, don’t forget to share your experience and thoughts in the comment section below. We would love to hear about your adventures in the kitchen with this mouthwatering butter.
