The Benihana garlic butter sauce Recipe is a beloved sauce that captures the essence of Japanese teppanyaki cuisine. Known for its rich flavor and versatility, this garlic butter sauce enhances various dishes, making it a favorite among home cooks and food enthusiasts even in America and Europe.
Table of Contents
Key Information
- Culinary Art: Japanese cuisine, Hibachi-style
- Dish Category: Sauce, Condiment
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings(pov: The sauce will stay fresh for up to 3-5 days)
- Calories: Approximately 150 calories per serving
- Published by: Recipes FAQ
All about Benihana Garlic Butter Sauce
Origin of Benihana Garlic Butter Sauce
What is Benihana’s original Garlic Sauce? The Benihana garlic butter sauce is a signature Recipe from the popular Japanese hibachi chain, Benihana, founded by Hiroaki Aoki in 1964, specifically a product of the restaurant’s innovative take on traditional Japanese grilling, incorporating butter, garlic, and soy sauce into the mix. It has since gained immense popularity, both in the Benihana restaurants and as a Benihana garlic butter copycat recipe in home kitchens.
Why Is Benihana Garlic Butter So Popular?
In the United States and worldwide, Benihana’s garlic butter has come to symbolize the fun and interactive dining experience of hibachi cooking. As patrons watch chefs prepare meals right before their eyes, garlic butter like Benihana is often drizzled over rice or grilled shrimp, making it a pivotal part of the meal. The sauce is not just a condiment but an essential part of the hibachi dining experience, reflecting the fusion of Japanese grilling traditions with Western flavors.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Recreating the Benihana butter recipe at home lets you enjoy restaurant-quality flavor anytime. This garlic butter sauce pairs perfectly with Benihana garlic butter rice, grilled meats, and seafood, adding depth and richness to every dish like a professional hibachi meal right in your kitchen.
What Makes Benihana Garlic Butter Sauce So Delicious?
The Benihana garlic butter sauce has a complex yet comforting flavor profile. The garlic butter provides a rich, savory base, while the soy sauce adds a deep umami flavor that complements the creaminess of the butter. The lemon juice adds a touch of acidity, balancing the richness and bringing brightness to the sauce. Together, these ingredients create a perfectly balanced sauce that’s not too salty, not too tangy, but just the right combination to complement grilled and fried dishes.
What is garlic butter sauce made of?
There are a lot of alternatives used to make this recipe, You should choose the following ingredients to prepare a copycat benihana garlic butter sauce. You may use alternate ingredients to alter the taste to your liking. Here’s the list of garlic butter-like benihana sauce ingredients based on 4 servings.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter | 1/2 cup (1 stick) | Acts as the base of the sauce, providing a creamy, rich texture that balances the other flavors. |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves | Infuses the sauce with a rich, aromatic flavor, forming the key element of the benihana garlic butter sauce. |
| Soy Sauce | 2 tbsp | Adding umami and enhancing the savory notes of the sauce, making it a key component of the Benihana garlic butter recipe. |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tbsp | Brightens the sauce with acidity, cutting through the richness of the butter and balancing the flavors. |
| Black Pepper | 1/4 tsp | Adds a subtle heat and spice to the sauce, enhancing its overall flavor profile. |
| Parsley (optional) | 1 tbsp (finely chopped) | Garnishes the sauce for a fresh, herbal finish that complements the richness of the Benihana’s garlic butter. |
Ingredient Substitutes for Benihana Garlic Butter Sauce
Here are some substitute Key ingredients based on dietary preferences or availability for a:
| Ingredient | Substitute | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter | Vegan Butter or Olive Oil | For a dairy-free or vegan alternative, vegan butter or olive oil provides a similar texture and richness while accommodating dairy-free diets. Olive oil adds a different flavor, giving the sauce a more Mediterranean twist. |
| Garlic (minced) | Garlic Powder | If fresh garlic isn’t available, garlic powder can be used, though it’s less intense. You’ll need to use about 1/2 tsp for every clove of fresh garlic. |
| Soy Sauce | Tamari (gluten-free soy sauce) or Coconut Aminos | For a gluten-free option, tamari works similarly to soy sauce. Coconut aminos can be used as a soy-free, gluten-free alternative and is slightly sweeter with a hint of umami. Light soy sauce is an Alternate but it may slightly alter the flavor. |
| Lemon Juice | Vinegar or Lime Juice | If fresh lemon juice is unavailable, vinegar or lime juice can provide the necessary acidity to balance the richness of the butter. Lime juice gives a slightly different flavor but still works well in the sauce. |
| Black Pepper | White Pepper or Cayenne Pepper | If you want a milder pepper flavor, white pepper can replace black pepper. For a spicy kick, you could add cayenne pepper instead, though you would want to use it sparingly. |
| Parsley (optional) | Chives, Basil, or Cilantro | Fresh herbs like chives add a mild, onion-like flavor; basil offers a sweet, aromatic note, and cilantro adds a bright, fresh flavor, all of which complement the sauce for a unique twist. |
Why These Substitutes Work:
- Vegan Butter or Olive Oil
For a vegan or dairy-free alternative, swap traditional unsalted butter with vegan butter or olive oil. Vegan butter maintains a creamy texture, while olive oil provides a more neutral flavor. - Garlic Powder
Fresh garlic delivers a bold flavor, but garlic powder works as a quick substitute, offering a milder garlicky taste in a pinch. - Tamari or Coconut Aminos
For a gluten-free or soy-free option, replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Tamari closely matches soy sauce in taste, while coconut aminos offer a slightly sweeter, milder alternative. - Vinegar or Lime Juice
Maintain the sauce’s balance by replacing lemon juice with vinegar for a sharper tang or lime juice for a refreshing citrus twist. - White Pepper or Cayenne Pepper
For an alternative to black pepper, use white pepper for a milder spice or cayenne for a touch of heat. - Fresh Herbs
Chives, basil, or cilantro add unique flavors to the sauce, allowing you to customize the taste while keeping it well-balanced.
Directions for the preparation of the Recipe
Cooking Instructions for Benihana Garlic Butter Sauce(Recommended)
There is a lot of stuff going on about secret recipes or secret ingredients but to be honest it all depends on your taste buds and your understanding of the recipe. You may use the alternate ingredients as per your taste and availability but here is my delicious homemade recipe in an elaborative manner for your Benihana Copycat Garlic Butter Dish.
- Melt the Butter
In a small saucepan, place your unsalted butter and melt it over medium heat. For the Benihana garlic butter recipe, make sure the butter is fully melted before moving to the next step. This creates a smooth base for the sauce. - Sauté the Garlic
Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic to the pan. Let it cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This allows the garlic to infuse the butter, creating a Compound butter that defines Benihana’s garlic butter sauce. Be cautious not to burn the garlic, as that will make it bitter. - Add the Soy Sauce
After the garlic is aromatic, pour in the soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option). The soy sauce adds an essential umami flavor that enhances the richness of the butter. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the garlic is evenly distributed throughout the sauce. - Balance with Acidity
To bring brightness to the sauce, add a tablespoon of lemon juice. This will cut through the garlicky richness and make the sauce more refreshing, perfect for pairing with hibachi rice or grilled meats. Stir the mixture well to allow the flavors to meld. - Season and Stir
Sprinkle in black pepper (or white pepper for a more subtle flavor). This provides a mild heat and rounds out the sauce’s taste. Stir everything together and taste the sauce to ensure the seasoning is to your liking. If you want a little extra zing, feel free to add more lemon juice or soy sauce. - Finish and Serve
Once everything is fully combined and heated through, remove the pan from the heat. Your Homemade Benihana garlic butter copycat recipe is now ready to use!
To enhance its delicious flavors, drizzle the sauce generously over Benihana fried rice, French bread, or grilled vegetables as per your Preference. You can also use this sauce as garlic butter for hibachi recipes or as a topping for grilled shrimp.
Why This Method Works
These steps ensure that your Benihana garlic butter is creamy, savory, and perfectly balanced. The combination of butter, garlic, and soy sauce creates a rich, umami-packed sauce that is both satisfying and versatile. Whether you’re serving it with Benihana garlic butter rice or hibachi-style meats, it enhances any dish and brings the restaurant experience to your home.
Quick Recipe Instructions with alternate ingredients:
For those short on time and want to try with the alternate ingredients, here’s a Simple recipe for Benihana sauce:
- Melt the butter: In a small saucepan, melt the vegan butter (or olive oil) over medium heat.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic (or garlic powder) and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but don’t let it brown.
- Stir in soy sauce: Add tamari (or coconut aminos) and mix well.
- Add lemon juice: Stir in the fresh lemon juice (or lime juice) and a pinch of black pepper (or white pepper).
- Finish and garnish: Remove from heat and garnish with parsley (or chives or cilantro) if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Best Dishes to Serve with Benihana Garlic Butter Sauce.
You can try your Combinations based on your Experience. For me, since the Benihana garlic butter sauce is rich and flavorful, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of Homemade dishes. Here are some ideas that may help you enhance your dining experience:
1. Fried Rice
One of the most popular options is to use this butter garlic sauce to make Benihana fried rice. The sauce coats the rice beautifully, providing a creamy and savory layer that complements the savory, slightly crispy texture of the rice. If you want to elevate the experience, add sautéed vegetables like peas, carrots, or onions, and perhaps even a few pieces of grilled shrimp or chicken to elevate the taste of your benihana fried rice.
To know more about this perfect Hibachi side dish: Benihana Garlic Butter Rice
3. French Bread or Italian Bread
For a truly indulgent experience, pair your Benihana garlic butter sauce with freshly baked French or Italian bread. The soft, pillowy texture is perfect for soaking up every drop of the rich, buttery garlic butter sauce. The warm, crusty bread adds a delightful contrast, making this a comforting and satisfying combination you have to try for yourself!
4. Grilled Meats or Seafood
If you’re looking for a more substantial main course, grilled meats or seafood pair beautifully with the Benihana garlic butter sauce. Think grilled chicken, steak, or scallops. The sauce complements the grilled flavors perfectly and makes the meats even more tender and flavorful.
For a seafood option, try using this sauce with scallops at How to Cook Garlic Butter Scallops at Home: 5 Must-Try Methods for the perfect pairing.”
My Personal Point of View (POV):
this Benihana garlic butter sauce works best when served as an accompaniment to fried rice. the sauce coats the rice perfectly, making it even more indulgent and delicious. Additionally, pairing it with French bread or Italian bread gives you a hearty, comforting meal that feels just like a restaurant experience in the comfort of your home. The bread acts as the ideal vehicle to scoop up the luscious sauce, creating a memorable dining moment.
Serving Tips
- Serve with Warm Dishes
For the best flavor and texture, serve Benihana garlic butter sauce warm. If making it ahead, reheat gently before serving. A warm sauce coats rice, vegetables, and other dishes more evenly, enhancing the indulgent, savory experience. - Personalize the Sauce
Make it your own by adding extra ingredients! A dash of hot sauce can bring heat, while parmesan cheese adds richness. This versatile recipe allows for easy customization to match your taste preferences.
Practical Recommendations and Tips for Benihana Garlic Butter Sauce
Cooking Techniques for Best Results
- Use Fresh Ingredients
For the best Benihana garlic butter sauce, always use fresh garlic. Fresh garlic imparts a stronger, more aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder or pre-minced garlic. This ensures that your sauce has that signature bold taste. - Control the Heat
When heating the garlic, ensure the heat is medium or low to avoid burning it. Burnt garlic can make the sauce bitter and spoil the overall taste. A gentle sauté allows the garlic to infuse the butter without turning too brown, giving you the perfect flavor balance. - Don’t Overcook the Butter
When melting the butter, be cautious not to let it brown. This can cause the sauce to have an undesirable burnt flavor. Melt it gently, just enough to make it pourable and mixable with the other ingredients. - Stir Frequently
As you combine the ingredients, stir the sauce frequently to ensure the flavors blend well. This step is particularly important when adding soy sauce or other liquid ingredients, ensuring a smooth and even sauce.
Presentation Tips to Elevate Your Dining Experience
To present the Benihana garlic butter sauce most appealingly, consider these simple tips:
- Serve in Small Bowls: If serving as a dipping sauce, place the sauce in small, individual bowls alongside your fried rice or grilled meats. This keeps the presentation neat and ensures that guests can easily dip their bread or rice into the sauce.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley, chives, or cilantro not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the overall flavor of the dish. The bright herbs will create a beautiful contrast against the golden garlic butter sauce.
Storage Suggestions
- Refrigerating Leftovers
Store leftover Benihana garlic butter sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When ready to use, reheat gently over low heat on the stove, stirring to prevent separation. - Freezing for Later Use
For longer storage, freeze the sauce in ice cube trays or silicone molds. Once solid, transfer the cubes to a resealable freezer bag and store them for up to 3 months. Defrost as needed by warming on the stove or in the microwave on low heat. - Avoid Microwaving on High
When reheating in the microwave, use medium heat in short intervals, stirring between bursts to maintain a smooth, creamy texture and prevent butter separation. - Storage for Dipping
If using the sauce for dipping, store it in small, portioned containers for easy serving. Refrigerate and consume within 5 days for the best flavor.
