Benihana Zucchini Recipe – Delicious Asian-Inspired Dish
Benihana Zucchini Recipe – Delicious Asian-Inspired Dish
If you’re looking for a quick and nutritious side dish, the Benihana Zucchini recipe might catch your attention. This Asian-inspired preparation combines fresh zucchini with colorful vegetables and a hint of garlic, creating a flavorful profile that’s both satisfying and healthy. It only takes 10-15 minutes to whip up, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. But what truly sets this dish apart are the little touches that enhance it beyond the ordinary—curious to learn how to master these details?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When you crave a quick and delicious side dish, this Benihana zucchini recipe is sure to impress. It’s easy to prepare and takes just 10-15 minutes. You’ll be using simple ingredients like zucchini, onions, and perhaps mushrooms, all of which are easy to find.
You can cook this dish on a flat top griddle, cast iron skillet, or even on the stovetop, depending on your kitchen setup. The cooking technique is straightforward. Start by searing your vegetables on high heat, which lets them caramelize beautifully. Then, sauté them with a mix of garlic butter and soy sauce, creating a rich, savory flavor that’s slightly sweet. The use of hibachi garlic butter enhances the overall flavor profile and provides a distinct taste reminiscent of the hibachi experience.
Garnishing with sesame seeds adds a nutty touch, enhancing the overall taste.
Nutritionally, this dish is low in calories, containing about 120-146 kcal per serving. Zucchini is a good source of fiber and vitamins like C and B6.
Plus, it’s versatile. You can pair it with hibachi steak or fried rice, or even modify it based on seasonal vegetables or dietary needs.
This recipe is practical, adaptable, and truly delicious!
History
Benihana’s history is a fascinating journey that began in 1964 when Rocky Aoki opened the first restaurant on West 56th Street in New York. Inspired by a small coffee shop in Tokyo, he wanted to bring a unique dining experience to the United States. At Benihana, guests enjoy their meals prepared right in front of them on steel teppanyaki grills, adding a theatrical element to dining.
After receiving a rave review from legendary food critic Clementine Paddleford, the restaurant quickly gained popularity and paid for itself within six months. This success led to the opening of additional locations in New York and Chicago. By 1972, there were already six Benihana locations in the U.S., and today, over 70 restaurants operate globally.
Rocky Aoki, a descendant of a samurai warrior, initially financed Benihana with a loan after running a coffee shop with his wife. His culinary innovation introduced the teppanyaki cooking style to America, serving over 100 million meals worldwide. Low in calories, the dishes prepared at Benihana have also appealed to health-conscious diners seeking tasty alternatives.
Today, the brand continues to grow, mesmerizing diners with intricate knife work and the flair of skilled chefs, ensuring Aoki’s legacy endures.
Recipe
Benihana Zucchini Recipe
This delicious Benihana-style zucchini recipe brings the unmistakable flavors of hibachi cooking right to your kitchen. With its vibrant vegetables, perfectly seasoned garlic butter, and quick cooking method, you’ll be able to whip up this dish in no time. This recipe highlights zucchini, a versatile and flavorful vegetable that pairs well with other colorful ingredients like mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers. The key to achieving that signature hibachi flavor is to cook the veggies on a high heat while ensuring they maintain a slight crunch. High heat allows for optimal cooking efficiency and enhances the dish’s authenticity.
Before you start cooking, make sure to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. The heat from the skillet will cook the vegetables quickly, so you won’t want to waste time searching for what you need.
By following these simple instructions, you’ll create a dish that not only tastes amazing but looks beautiful on the plate—perfect for impressing family and friends during your next meal.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, cut into sticks
- 1 cup onions, cut into chunks
- 1 cup mushrooms, quartered or sliced
- 1 cup bell peppers, cut into thin strips
- 3 tablespoons garlic butter (Benihana copycat recipe)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or teriyaki sauce)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes: sesame seeds, bean sprouts, sliced green onions
Cooking Instructions
- Heat a cast iron skillet or large sauté pan/wok over medium-high heat until very hot.
- Add the zucchini to the skillet and sear on all sides until it starts to soften, about 3-4 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Once the zucchini is starting to soften, add the mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers to the pan. Sauté the mixture for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season the vegetables with the prepared garlic butter and soy sauce (or teriyaki sauce). Toss everything together to coat the vegetables evenly.
- Remove the skillet from heat once the vegetables are well-coated and have reached your desired softness.
Extra tips: Always use fresh, high-quality vegetables for the best flavor and texture. Feel free to modify the recipe and include additional vegetables such as broccoli or carrots based on your preference.
If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using low-sodium soy sauce or tamari. Finally, don’t forget the garnishes—they add not only flavor but also a gorgeous presentation to your finished dish!
Final Thoughts
Enjoying a plate of Benihana-style zucchini at home can be a rewarding experience that combines simplicity with incredible flavor. This dish isn’t just tasty; it’s also packed with nutrients. Zucchini is low in calories and offers protein, fiber, and a variety of vitamins. Its health benefits range from aiding digestion to supporting heart health. Additionally, zucchini is a rich source of antioxidants, including lutein and zeaxanthin, which are beneficial for eye health.
When making your zucchini, focus on heat control. A hot cast iron skillet or griddle will help you achieve that perfect sear. Incorporating Benihana-style garlic butter adds that distinct flavor, while a splash of soy sauce improves the Asian-inspired profile.
Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for a colorful twist.
For those who want to make this dish more filling, consider adding firm tofu or other proteins. Don’t forget to garnish your creation; sesame seeds or green onions provide both flavor and visual appeal.
FAQ
With regard to making Benihana-style zucchini at home, you might’ve a few questions about preparation, cooking techniques, and ingredient substitutions.
To start, cut the zucchini into short sticks or bite-sized pieces, removing excess moisture to help them cook better. You’ll typically need zucchini, onions, mushrooms, cooking oil, soy sauce, and perhaps sesame oil or seeds for extra flavor. You can also mix in other veggies like broccoli or bell peppers.
For cooking, preheat your skillet to medium-high heat. Heat the oil until it shimmers before adding onions first, cooking them for a couple of minutes. Remember to use a large sauté pan for the best results.
Then, toss in your zucchini and additional veggies, stirring regularly. Aim for a slight browning but don’t let them get mushy. Add soy sauce or teriyaki sauce near the end to coat everything evenly.
As for equipment, a large sauté pan works well. The total cooking time will be around 10-15 minutes, so keep everything organized.
If you’re gluten-sensitive, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Enjoy your dish alongside hibachi fried rice for a complete meal.
