Benihana Garlic Butter Recipe
Recreating the Irresistible Benihana Garlic Butter: A Flavorful Recipe to Elevate Your Dishes
![Benihana Garlic Butter Benihana Garlic Butter](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Xoiv3Z5E9no/maxresdefault.jpg)
- Publisher: Lofty Recipes
- Cuisine: Japanese / Teppanyaki
- Category: Sauce, Condiment
- Prep Time:
- Cook Time:
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 800 calories
Benihana Garlic Butter
About this recipe
Benihana's garlic butter is a magical concoction that adds a burst of flavor to their dishes. It's a creamy, smooth, and rich sauce that perfectly balances the taste of garlic with a hint of tanginess and saltiness.
To create this delicious garlic butter, softened unsalted butter is combined with minced garlic, soy sauce, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, sugar, and optionally, a touch of garlic powder for an extra boost of flavor. All these ingredients work in harmony to create a harmonious blend of savory and tangy notes.
The process begins by mixing all the ingredients together until they are well combined. This ensures that each bite of the garlic butter delivers a consistent flavor profile. Once mixed, the butter mixture is shaped into a log or stored in an airtight container and chilled in the refrigerator.
This allows the flavors to meld together and the butter to solidify, making it easier to handle and cook with.
When you're ready to use the garlic butter, simply slice off the desired amount and melt it in a skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
As the butter melts, it transforms into a silky smooth sauce that fills the kitchen with a delightful aroma. Stir it occasionally to ensure even heating and a creamy consistency.
Now, the garlic butter is ready to work its magic! You can use it to cook meats, such as steak, chicken, or shrimp, infusing them with its incredible flavor. It's also fantastic for adding a tasty touch to vegetables, rice, or noodles.
Benihana Garlic Butter recipe origin
The exact origin or background of the Benihana garlic butter recipe is not publicly known. However, Benihana itself is a popular Japanese teppanyaki restaurant chain that was founded by Hiroaki "Rocky" Aoki in 1964.
The first Benihana restaurant was opened in New York City, and it gained popularity for its interactive dining experience, where skilled teppanyaki chefs cook meals in front of the guests on hot grills.
The garlic butter sauce has become an iconic element of Benihana's teppanyaki-style cooking. It is commonly served alongside various meats, seafood, and vegetables, enhancing the flavors of the dishes and adding a delicious touch of richness.
While the exact recipe used by Benihana remains a closely guarded secret, many people have attempted to recreate the garlic butter sauce at home, resulting in various versions of the recipe.
The popularity and demand for Benihana's garlic butter have led to its incorporation in numerous home-cooking recipes and adaptations. It has become a sought-after sauce that enthusiasts and fans of Benihana's teppanyaki experience aim to replicate and enjoy outside of the restaurant setting.
Why make this Benihana Garlic Butter recipe?
- Delicious and Unique Flavor: Benihana is renowned for its flavorful dishes, and the garlic butter is a key component that adds a special touch to their meals. By recreating the garlic butter at home, you can experience that distinct and delicious flavor right in your own kitchen.
- Versatility: The garlic butter can be used in various ways, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. You can use it to enhance the taste of meats, vegetables, rice, noodles, or even as a delectable spread for bread. Its versatility allows you to experiment with different dishes and explore new flavors.
- Homemade and Customizable: Making the garlic butter at home allows you to control the ingredients and tailor it to your preferences. You can adjust the level of garlic, saltiness, or tanginess according to your taste. Plus, the satisfaction of creating a homemade version of a beloved restaurant recipe is immensely rewarding.
- Impress Friends and Family: Serving a meal with the Benihana garlic butter will surely impress your friends and family. They'll be delighted by the restaurant-like experience and the incredible flavors you've achieved. It's a great way to showcase your culinary skills and treat your loved ones to a special meal.
- Cost-effective: Dining out at Benihana or other similar establishments can be quite expensive. By making the garlic butter at home, you can enjoy the flavors of Benihana without breaking the bank. It's a cost-effective way to indulge in a delicious sauce and recreate the Benihana experience in the comfort of your home.
What does Benihana Garlic Butter taste like?
The taste of Benihana garlic butter is rich, savory, and delightfully garlicky. It has a smooth and creamy texture that coats the palate with a burst of flavor.
The garlic flavor is prominent but not overpowering, striking a perfect balance between being aromatic and adding depth to the dish.
The addition of soy sauce and lemon juice provides a subtle tanginess that complements the garlic beautifully. The salt and black pepper enhance the overall savory profile, while a touch of sugar adds a hint of sweetness to round out the flavors.
When melted, the garlic butter becomes velvety and luscious, infusing whatever it is paired with a delicious umami richness.
What is in Benihana Garlic Butter?
- Unsalted Butter: Butter forms the base of the garlic butter sauce. It provides a creamy texture and richness to the sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are minced and added to the butter. Garlic adds a distinct and aromatic flavor that is characteristic of the garlic butter sauce.
- Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory and umami element to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Lemon Juice: Lemon juice provides a tangy and citrusy note to balance the richness of the butter and garlic. It adds a refreshing touch to the sauce.
- Salt: Salt is used to season the garlic butter and enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Black Pepper: Black pepper adds a subtle spiciness and depth to the sauce. It complements the garlic and other flavors in the dish.
- Sugar: A small amount of sugar is added to balance the flavors and provide a touch of sweetness to the garlic butter.
- Garlic Powder (optional): Garlic powder is an optional ingredient that can be added for an extra boost of garlic flavor. It intensifies the garlic profile of the sauce.
Equipment needed for this recipe
- Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized mixing bowl is ideal for combining the ingredients. If you don't have a mixing bowl, you can use any similar-sized bowl or even a large plate.
- Whisk or Spoon: You'll need a whisk or spoon to thoroughly mix the ingredients together. A whisk works well to incorporate the ingredients evenly, but if you don't have one, a spoon can also do the job.
- Plastic Wrap or Parchment Paper: Plastic wrap or parchment paper is used to shape the garlic butter into a log or for storing it in an airtight container. If you don't have either, you can use aluminum foil as a substitute.
- Skillet or Saucepan: You'll need a skillet or saucepan to melt the garlic butter when you're ready to use it. If you don't have these, a non-stick frying pan can work as an alternative.
- Knife: A knife will be used to slice the solidified garlic butter into portions for cooking or serving. Any sharp kitchen knife will suffice for this purpose.
How to make Benihana Garlic Butter
Elevate your dishes with our irresistible Benihana garlic butter recipe. Rich, savory, and easy to make, it's the perfect addition to any meal. Try it now!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, soy sauce, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, sugar, and garlic powder (if using). Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a sheet of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Roll it into a log shape, twisting the ends to seal it. Alternatively, you can place it in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate the garlic butter for at least 1 hour, or until it becomes firm.
- Once the garlic butter has solidified, remove it from the refrigerator. Slice off the desired amount for your meal.
- Melt the garlic butter in a skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Stir it occasionally until it becomes a smooth and creamy sauce.
- You can use the garlic butter sauce to cook meats, vegetables, or as a flavorful topping for rice or noodles.
How would you serve Benihana Garlic Butter recipe?
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: Follow the recipe instructions to make the garlic butter. Once you've mixed all the ingredients, shaped the butter into a log, and refrigerated it until firm, you're ready to proceed.
- Slice the Garlic Butter: Take the solidified garlic butter out of the refrigerator and unwrap it from the plastic wrap or remove it from the container. Using a sharp knife, slice off the desired amount of garlic butter according to your serving needs. Keep in mind that a little goes a long way, as the flavor is quite rich.
- Melt the Garlic Butter: Heat a skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Place the sliced garlic butter into the pan and let it melt slowly. Stir occasionally to ensure even melting and to prevent it from burning. The garlic butter will transform into a smooth and creamy sauce as it melts.
- Garnish (optional): If desired, you can garnish your dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as chopped parsley or chives, to add a pop of color and freshness.
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Recipe Tags: Benihana Garlic Butter, Benihana Garlic Butter Recipe, Recipe, Top rated
What to serve Benihana Garlic Butter with
The Benihana garlic butter can be paired with a variety of dishes to enhance their flavors. Here are some popular options:
- Grilled Meats: The garlic butter is a fantastic complement to grilled meats such as steak, chicken, or shrimp. Drizzle the melted garlic butter over the grilled meat just before serving to add a rich and savory flavor.
- Seafood: Seafood dishes like grilled or sautéed fish, scallops, or lobster can be elevated with a touch of garlic butter. The butter adds a delicious depth of flavor that pairs well with the natural sweetness of seafood.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or potatoes, can be tossed with melted garlic butter for a flavorful coating. The butter adds richness and enhances the earthy flavors of the vegetables.
- Rice or Noodles: Mix the melted garlic butter into cooked rice or noodles for a tasty side dish. It infuses the grains or noodles with a delightful garlic flavor, making them more enjoyable and aromatic.
- Bread: Spread the melted garlic butter onto warm, toasted bread or rolls for a simple yet delicious treat. The butter adds a luscious and savory note to the bread, making it perfect for dipping or enjoying as a side dish.
- Stir-Fried or Sautéed Vegetables: Use the melted garlic butter to cook and flavor stir-fried or sautéed vegetables. The butter adds a rich, garlicky taste and helps to create a delicious glaze on the vegetables.
- Pasta: Toss cooked pasta with melted garlic butter for a quick and flavorful pasta dish. The butter adds richness and depth to the pasta, making it a satisfying and simple meal.
My recommendations and tips
- Adjust Flavors to Your Preference: The recipe provides a baseline for the garlic butter, but feel free to adjust the ingredient quantities to suit your taste. If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, add more minced garlic. If you enjoy a tangier sauce, increase the amount of lemon juice. Tailor the flavors to your liking for a truly personalized garlic butter.
- Quality Ingredients: Since the garlic butter relies on simple ingredients, using high-quality ingredients can make a noticeable difference in the final taste. Opt for fresh garlic, unsalted butter, and fresh lemon juice for the best flavor results.
- Proper Storage: If you have leftovers or want to make a larger batch of garlic butter, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help keep it fresh and prevent any odors from permeating the butter.
- Experiment with Herbs and Seasonings: While the core recipe focuses on garlic, feel free to experiment with additional herbs or seasonings to customize the flavor further. Chopped parsley, chives, or even a pinch of paprika can add extra dimensions to the garlic butter.
- Serving Temperature: Serve the garlic butter while it's still warm and melted for the best experience. The warmth enhances the creaminess and allows the flavors to shine. However, if you have leftovers that have solidified in the refrigerator, you can easily re-melt them before serving.
- Portion Control: The garlic butter is rich and flavorful, so a little goes a long way. Start with smaller amounts and adjust as needed. You can always add more if desired, but using too much can overpower the other flavors in your dishes.
- Get Creative: Don't be afraid to get creative with how you use the garlic butter. While it's traditionally associated with grilled meats and vegetables, feel free to explore other possibilities. Use it as a sauce for pasta, a dip for bread, or even as a flavoring for mashed potatoes. Let your culinary imagination guide you!
Potential ingredients substitutes
- Unsalted Butter: If you don't have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter instead. Just be mindful of the additional salt content in the recipe and adjust accordingly.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide the best flavor, but if you don't have any on hand, you can use garlic powder as a substitute. Use about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of garlic called for in the recipe.
- Soy Sauce: A common substitute for soy sauce is tamari sauce or liquid aminos, which have similar savory and umami flavors. You can use them as a 1:1 replacement in the recipe.
- Lemon Juice: If you don't have fresh lemons to extract juice from, you can use bottled lemon juice as a substitute. However, fresh lemon juice will typically have a brighter and more vibrant flavor.
- Salt: If you're using salted butter or prefer to reduce your sodium intake, you can decrease or omit the additional salt in the recipe. Taste and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper provides the best flavor, but if you don't have it, you can use pre-ground black pepper as a substitute. Adjust the amount to your taste preferences.
Additional note
- Butter Ratio: The recipe mentioned a ratio of 1/2 cup butter to 2 cloves of garlic. However, you can adjust the amount of butter and garlic based on your preferences. If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, you can increase the amount of garlic, or if you want a milder taste, reduce the garlic accordingly.
- Storage and Shelf Life: The garlic butter can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 1 to 2 weeks. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before using.
- Food Safety: When working with garlic and butter, it's important to practice good food safety measures. Ensure that the garlic is fresh and free from any mold or spoilage. Use clean utensils and containers, and store the garlic butter properly to prevent any potential contamination.
- Recipe Variations: The Benihana garlic butter recipe provided is a basic version. Feel free to experiment and customize it to your liking. You can add other herbs or seasonings, such as parsley, chives, or even a dash of Worcestershire sauce, to give it a unique twist.
- Serving Suggestions: While the recipe mentioned some serving ideas, you can get creative with how you use the garlic butter. It can be a versatile sauce for grilled meats, seafood, vegetables, pasta, or even as a flavorful spread for bread or rolls.
- Adjusting Consistency: If you find the garlic butter too thick, you can add a small amount of melted butter or oil to achieve a smoother and thinner consistency. Conversely, if you prefer a thicker sauce, you can reduce the amount of butter or refrigerate it for longer to solidify.
Final Remark
Experience the mouthwatering flavors of Benihana with our SEO-optimized garlic butter recipe. Elevate your dishes and delight your taste buds with this simple yet irresistible addition. Don't miss out on the culinary magic - give it a try today!