Easy Homemade Hibachi Shrimp Recipe: Benihana Copycat with Fried Rice & Yum Yum Sauce

Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner! This irresistible hibachi shrimp recipe brings the beloved Japanese steakhouse experience right into your kitchen. Imagine succulent shrimp, perfectly seasoned and cooked, served alongside a hearty portion of savory fried rice, an assortment of tender-crisp mixed vegetables, and a generous dollop of that famously creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy Yum Yum sauce. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to recreate this Benihana-style favorite at home, making it a fantastic option for both busy weeknights and special occasions. Get ready to delight your taste buds with an authentic hibachi flavor that’s not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly easy to prepare!

Essential Ingredients and Smart Substitutions for Your Hibachi Shrimp

Creating an authentic hibachi experience at home starts with understanding each component and its role. This section details the key ingredients for your delicious hibachi shrimp, vegetables, fried rice, and the indispensable Yum Yum sauce, along with useful substitutions to ensure you can whip up this meal even if your pantry isn’t fully stocked.

Hibachi Shrimp

• Shrimp: For convenience and quality, defrosted frozen shrimp (peeled and deveined) is highly recommended. It thaws quickly and cooks fast. If you’re not a fan of seafood, this recipe is incredibly versatile; you could easily try making it with chicken cut into bite-sized pieces for a delicious hibachi chicken meal.
• Sunflower Oil: A neutral cooking oil is key for high-heat cooking without imparting unwanted flavors. Great alternatives include olive oil (though be mindful of its lower smoke point compared to sunflower or avocado oil) or avocado oil.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning the shrimp and bringing out its natural sweetness. Adjust to your personal taste.
• Soy Sauce: This provides the signature umami and salty kick. For gluten-free options or different flavor profiles, coconut aminos or tamari are excellent substitutes. Coconut aminos offer a slightly sweeter, less salty alternative, while tamari is a very close gluten-free match to traditional soy sauce.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers the most vibrant flavor, adding an aromatic depth to your shrimp. However, if you’re in a hurry, jarred minced garlic can be a convenient substitute.

Hibachi Vegetables

• Sunflower Oil: Again, a neutral cooking oil like olive or avocado oil is perfect for sautéing the vegetables to a tender-crisp texture.
• Mushrooms: White button or cremini mushrooms are commonly used and absorb flavors beautifully. Feel free to use any kind of mushrooms you prefer, or even swap them out for other quick-cooking vegetables like broccoli florets, snap peas, or bell peppers to customize your hibachi veggie mix.
• Carrot: Shredded or julienned carrots add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color. You can save time by buying pre-cut carrot matchsticks from the grocery store. Like mushrooms, carrots can be swapped for other vegetables to suit your preference.
• Yellow Onion: Provides a foundational aromatic flavor. White onion, red onion, or even shallots can be used as alternatives, each offering a slightly different nuance to the overall taste.
• Zucchini: Adds a fresh, mild flavor and soft texture when cooked. It pairs wonderfully with the other vegetables. You can substitute zucchini with other vegetables like green beans or asparagus if desired.
• Salt: To season the vegetables, enhancing their natural flavors.
• White Sesame Seeds: Used as a garnish, they add a subtle nutty flavor and visual appeal. Black sesame seeds would also work well and create a striking contrast.

Yum Yum Sauce

• Light Mayo: Forms the creamy base of the sauce. Using light mayonnaise helps reduce the calorie count without sacrificing flavor, but regular mayonnaise can certainly be used if preferred.
• Rice Vinegar: Provides a crucial tangy element. Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be used as substitutes, though they may alter the sauce’s flavor slightly.
• Soy Sauce: Contributes umami and saltiness. Coconut aminos or tamari are excellent gluten-free alternatives.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle sharpness and depth of flavor. While regular yellow mustard can be used, be aware that it will give the sauce a distinctly different and perhaps more pronounced mustard flavor.
• Sriracha: Gives the Yum Yum sauce its characteristic mild heat. Adjust the amount to your spice preference, or leave it out entirely if you prefer no spice. Other hot sauces can also be used, but Sriracha is typically preferred for its specific flavor profile.

Fried Rice

• Cooked White Rice: Any variety of white rice works, but for the best fried rice texture, leftover rice is highly recommended. Day-old (or even two-day-old) rice is drier, preventing it from clumping and allowing for better absorption of flavors and a crispier finish.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the fried rice. Margarine or olive oil are suitable butter-free substitutes.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best aroma and taste for fried rice, though jarred minced garlic can be used in a pinch.
• Soy Sauce: Essential for the savory, umami flavor of fried rice. Coconut aminos or tamari are great gluten-free alternatives.
• Egg: Scrambled into the rice, it adds protein and texture. You can easily omit the egg if you have dietary restrictions or simply prefer not to include it.
• Green Onions: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color. These can be left out if you don’t have them on hand, but they do enhance the overall taste.

How to Make Authentic Hibachi Shrimp at Home

Follow these simple steps to bring the excitement and flavor of a Japanese steakhouse hibachi experience directly to your dining table. This recipe is designed for ease and maximum flavor, ensuring a delicious meal every time.

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients for Efficiency

Before you start cooking, it’s crucial to have all your ingredients prepped and ready (this is known as “mise en place” in professional kitchens!). Cook your white rice in a rice cooker or on the stovetop according to package directions. For optimal results in fried rice, consider cooking your rice up to two days in advance and storing it in the refrigerator. This allows the rice to dry out slightly, which prevents it from becoming mushy and ensures individual grains when stir-fried. While the rice is cooking or cooling, chop all your vegetables: slice mushrooms, peel and cut carrots into matchsticks, slice the yellow onion, and cut zucchini into matchsticks. Mince your garlic for both the shrimp and the fried rice. Having everything ready before you turn on the heat will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Step 2: Craft the Creamy Yum Yum Sauce

The legendary Yum Yum sauce is an absolute must-have for any hibachi meal. To make it, simply combine all the Yum Yum sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk them together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. For the best flavor, make the sauce at least 30 minutes ahead of time and allow it to chill in the refrigerator. This gives the flavors a chance to meld and deepen, creating that perfect tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy balance that complements the hibachi shrimp and vegetables beautifully.

Step 3: Prepare the Flavorful Fried Rice

Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add butter and let it melt until it shimmers. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant – be careful not to burn it! Add your cooked, preferably day-old, white rice to the pan along with the soy sauce. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the rice is thoroughly heated and evenly coated with the soy sauce. Push the rice to one side, creating a clear space in the center of the pan. Crack in an egg and quickly scramble it in the open space until it’s just set. Once the egg is cooked, mix it into the rice, tossing everything together. Finally, stir in the sliced green onions for a fresh bite and vibrant color. Remove the fried rice from the heat and set it aside while you prepare the rest of your meal.

Step 4: Sauté the Perfect Hibachi Vegetables

Using a separate large pan or cleaning your fried rice pan (though many hibachi chefs don’t!), heat sunflower oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your prepared mushrooms, carrots, yellow onion, and zucchini. Season generously with salt. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they reach a tender-crisp stage. You want them cooked through but still retaining a slight bite, characteristic of hibachi-style vegetables. Avoid overcooking them, as they can become soggy. Once cooked to your liking, remove the vegetables from the heat, sprinkle with white sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch, and set them aside.

Step 5: Cook the Succulent Hibachi Shrimp

Without wiping the pan clean from the vegetables (those little bits of flavor add to the experience!), add another tablespoon of sunflower oil. Once the oil is hot, add your defrosted shrimp in a single layer. Season the shrimp with a pinch of salt. Cook for approximately 2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery quickly. They cook very fast!

Step 6: Finish, Plate, and Enjoy Your Hibachi Feast!

Once the shrimp are almost done, add the remaining soy sauce and minced garlic to the pan. Cook for another 30 seconds, tossing the shrimp to coat them in the flavorful sauce. The garlic should be fragrant, but again, avoid burning it. Now it’s time to assemble your delicious hibachi meal! Portion the perfectly cooked shrimp, tender-crisp vegetables, and savory fried rice onto plates. Serve immediately with a generous side of your homemade Yum Yum sauce. Dive in and savor the incredible flavors of your very own homemade hibachi shrimp – it’s a taste sensation that rivals any restaurant!

Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Hibachi Shrimp

Handy Meal Prep Tools for This Recipe

Having the right tools can make your hibachi shrimp preparation and meal prepping experience even smoother. Here are a few recommendations:

• Grab some glass meal prep bowls if you plan on turning this delicious dinner into convenient leftovers. They’re perfect for portion control and easy reheating.
• A rice cooker is an invaluable kitchen appliance for saving time and consistently cooking perfect rice (and other grains!) with minimal effort.
• These bento boxes are great for separating ingredients, keeping your hibachi shrimp, rice, and veggies neatly compartmentalized until you’re ready to mix and enjoy.