Benihana is known for its delicious and flavorful garlic butter sauce that accompanies many of its dishes. If you’ve ever dined at Benihana and wondered how to make their famous garlic butter sauce at home, you’re in luck! This post will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make Benihana garlic butter that’s just as delicious as the one you’d find at the restaurant.
Ingredients
To make Benihana garlic butter, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1/2 pound unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sake (Japanese rice wine)
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Note: You can find soy sauce and sake at most grocery stores or Asian markets. If you can’t find sake, you can substitute it with dry sherry or white wine.
Preparation
Before you start making the garlic butter sauce, it’s important to prepare the ingredients. Here’s what you need to do:
- Remove the butter from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes or until it’s soft enough to work with.
- Mince the garlic cloves finely. You can use a garlic press or chop them by hand.
Mixing
Now that you’ve prepared the ingredients, it’s time to mix them together to make the garlic butter sauce. Here’s how:
- Place the softened butter in a mixing bowl.
- Add the minced garlic, soy sauce, sake, sugar, and black pepper to the bowl.
- Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, mix the ingredients together until they’re well combined and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Taste the garlic butter sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more soy sauce, sugar, or black pepper to taste.
That’s it! Your Benihana garlic butter sauce is ready to be served.
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try adding some variations to your garlic butter sauce to give it a different flavor. Here are some ideas:
- Add chopped herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or chives for a fresh and herbaceous flavor.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Substitute the sake with white wine for a slightly different flavor.
Feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations until you find one that you love!
Serving Suggestions
Benihana garlic butter sauce goes well with a variety of dishes. Here are some suggestions:
- Drizzle it over cooked seafood such as shrimp or scallops.
- Use it as a dip for vegetables such as broccoli or carrots.
- Spread it over grilled or roasted meats such as steak or chicken.
- Use it as a condiment for bread or crackers.
Whatever you choose to serve it with, the garlic butter sauce is sure to elevate the dish to the next level.
Storage
If you have leftover garlic butter sauce, you can store it in the fridge for up to two weeks. To store it, transfer the sauce to an airtight container and place it in the fridge. Before using it again, let it come to room temperature and give it a quick stir to make sure it’s well combined.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Benihana garlic butter:
Can I use salted butter?
You can use salted butter, but you’ll need to adjust the amount of salt in the recipe accordingly. Start with half the amount of soy sauce and taste the sauce before adding more salt.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
While fresh garlic is preferred for the best flavor, you can use garlic powder if you don’t have fresh garlic on hand. Use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder in place of the fresh garlic.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before using it and give it a quick stir to make sure it’s well combined.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Benihana garlic butter sauce turns out perfectly every time, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before mixing it with the other ingredients.
- Use a food processor or blender for a smoother texture.
- Don’t overmix the sauce, as it can cause it to become oily or separated.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences.
Conclusion
Making Benihana garlic butter sauce at home is easier than you might think. With just a few simple ingredients and some mixing, you can recreate the signature flavor of this delicious sauce in your own kitchen. Whether you’re serving it with seafood, vegetables, or meat, the garlic butter sauce is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So go ahead and give it a try, and enjoy the rich, savory flavor of Benihana garlic butter sauce at home!