How to Make Garlic Butter From Benihana?
To make garlic butter similar to Benihana’s, you will need garlic bulbs, whipped butter, light soy sauce, black pepper, and optional drops of lemon juice.
To begin, preheat your oven and roast the garlic until soft and fragrant.
Mash the roasted garlic and combine it with whipped butter.
Add soy sauce, black pepper, and, if desired, a few drops of lemon juice.
Whip the mixture until well combined.
If you prefer a lighter texture, you can beat unsalted butter with milk until light and fluffy before adding the garlic and remaining ingredients.
Benihana’s garlic butter includes oven-roasted garlic, black pepper, soy sauce, lemon juice, and whipped butter.
Remember to store your garlic butter in an airtight container and use it within a few days, as it can become grainy if refrigerated.
This versatile garlic butter can be used to enhance a variety of dishes, such as pork, fried rice, toast, cooked veggies, roast chicken, grilled burgers, fish, and garlic bread.
While the article does not provide specific nutrition values, garlic butter typically contains calories, total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, unsaturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrates, fiber, sugar, and protein.
Quick Tips and Facts:
1. Garlic, also known as “the stinking rose,” was once believed to ward off evil spirits and was popularly worn as a charm during the Middle Ages.
2. The ancient Egyptians used garlic as a form of currency. It was highly valued, and workers who built the pyramids were even given a ration of garlic to keep them strong and healthy.
3. In Greek mythology, it is believed that after eating garlic, an individual’s strength increased. As a result, Greek athletes would consume garlic before participating in the ancient Olympic Games to enhance their performance.
4. In medieval Europe, garlic was hung in windows and doorways to protect against witches and vampires. It was considered a powerful deterrent due to its pungent aroma and believed supernatural abilities.
5. Garlic has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Ancient Greek physicians, such as Hippocrates, prescribed garlic for various ailments, including digestive issues, respiratory problems, and even as an aphrodisiac.
Ingredients For Homemade Garlic Butter
To create a flavorful garlic butter, similar to the one used at Benihana, you will need the following ingredients:
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Garlic bulbs: Fresh garlic bulbs are the star of this recipe, providing that signature garlicky taste.
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Whipped butter: Use unsalted whipped butter as the base for your garlic butter. Its light and airy texture is perfect for this recipe.
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Light soy sauce: Add a savory umami flavor to the garlic butter by using a light soy sauce. Be careful not to overpower the other ingredients.
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Black pepper: A touch of black pepper will give your garlic butter a subtle kick and enhance the overall flavor.
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Optional: Drops of lemon juice: For a hint of brightness, you can optionally add a few drops of lemon juice to your garlic butter. Adjust the amount according to your taste.
Making garlic butter at home is surprisingly easy, and with these ingredients, you can achieve a delicious and flavorful addition to any dish.
Steps To Make Garlic Butter Like Benihana’s
Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to dive into the process of making garlic butter similar to Benihana. Follow these simple steps:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, separate the garlic bulbs into individual cloves but leave their papery skin intact.
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Place the garlic cloves on a baking sheet, and roast them in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until they become soft and golden brown. Roasting the garlic will mellow their flavor and bring out their natural sweetness.
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Once the roasted garlic cloves have cooled slightly, remove the skin from each clove and transfer them to a small bowl.
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Using a fork or a potato masher, mash the roasted garlic cloves until they turn into a smooth paste. Take your time to ensure that there are no lumps remaining.
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In a separate bowl, combine the whipped butter with the mashed garlic until well incorporated. The butter should be at room temperature to allow for easy mixing.
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Add the light soy sauce and black pepper to the garlic-infused butter mixture. Stir well to combine all the flavors evenly.
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If desired, add a few drops of lemon juice to brighten the taste of the garlic butter. This step is completely optional and can be adjusted to your personal preference.
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Whip the mixture vigorously until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial to achieve the creamy texture and ensure all the flavors are fully incorporated.
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Roast garlic cloves on a baking sheet for 20 minutes
- Mash roasted garlic cloves into a smooth paste
- Combine whipped butter with mashed garlic
- Add light soy sauce and black pepper
- Optionally, add a few drops of lemon juice
- Whip vigorously until light and fluffy.
Tips For Whipping Butter For Garlic Butter
To create a smooth and fluffy garlic butter, it is essential to properly whip the butter. Follow these helpful tips:
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Start with unsalted whipped butter: Using unsalted whipped butter as a base allows you to have full control over the saltiness of your garlic butter. It also ensures that the other flavors shine through without being overshadowed by salt.
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Use a handheld mixer or stand mixer: Whipping butter manually can be tiring and time-consuming. Utilizing a handheld mixer or a stand mixer equipped with a whisk attachment will significantly speed up the process.
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Add a splash of milk: Before starting your whipping process, add a splash of milk to the butter. This will help create a lighter texture and make the butter easier to whip.
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Beat at medium-high speed: Set your mixer to medium-high speed and beat the butter for a few minutes or until it becomes light and fluffy. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbeating, which can lead to a greasy texture.
Benihana’s Secret Garlic Butter Recipe
Benihana, a popular Japanese restaurant chain in the United States, is renowned for its delicious garlic butter. While the exact recipe remains a secret, it is believed to include the following ingredients:
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Oven roasted garlic: Roasting garlic enhances its natural flavors and creates a milder, sweeter taste.
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Black pepper: Black pepper adds a subtle spiciness to the garlic butter, complementing the rich garlic flavor.
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Soy sauce: The addition of soy sauce provides a savory and umami taste, balancing the overall flavor profile.
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Lemon juice: Benihana’s garlic butter might also include a touch of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors and add a hint of acidity.
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Whipped butter: Similarly to the homemade version, Benihana likely uses whipped butter as a base to create a light and creamy consistency.
Storing Garlic Butter: Best Practices
Proper storage is crucial to maintain the freshness and flavor of your homemade garlic butter. To ensure its longevity, follow these best practices:
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Transfer the garlic butter to an airtight container, such as a glass jar or a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. This will prevent air from oxidizing the butter.
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Refrigerate the garlic butter if you plan to use it within a few days. Cold temperatures help in preserving its quality.
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Keep in mind that refrigerated garlic butter may become grainy in texture due to solidified fats. To restore its creamy texture, let it come to room temperature and give it a good whisk before serving.
Remember these key points for storing your garlic butter effectively:
“Proper storage helps maintain the freshness and flavor of garlic butter.”
And for quick reference, here are the bullet points:
- Transfer garlic butter to an airtight container
- Refrigerate if used within a few days
- Restore creamy texture by letting it come to room temperature and whisking it before serving
Versatile Uses For Garlic Butter
Garlic butter is a versatile ingredient that can elevate a wide range of dishes. Here are some ideas for how to use your homemade garlic butter:
- Slather it on grilled or toasted bread to make delectable garlic bread.
- Melt a pat of garlic butter over cooked vegetables for an extra burst of flavor.
- Use it as a delicious and aromatic topping for grilled burgers or roasted chicken.
- Enhance the taste of fish by spreading a layer of garlic butter on top before baking or grilling.
- Toss cooked rice with garlic butter to create a flavorful base for fried rice.
- Pair garlic butter with succulent pork cuts for a tantalizing flavor combination.
Garlic butter adds an irresistible richness to any dish it accompanies, enriching the flavors and tantalizing the taste buds with its creamy texture and aromatic garlic essence.
“The possibilities are endless when it comes to using garlic butter.”
Get creative and enjoy the exquisite taste it brings to your culinary creations!
- Slather garlic butter on grilled or toasted bread to make delicious garlic bread.
- Melt a pat of garlic butter over cooked vegetables.
- Use it as a topping for grilled burgers or roasted chicken.
- Enhance the taste of fish by spreading garlic butter on top before baking or grilling.
- Toss cooked rice with garlic butter to create a flavorful base for fried rice.
- Pair garlic butter with succulent pork cuts for a tantalizing flavor combination.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is garlic butter sauce made of?
Garlic butter sauce is a delectable blend of rich butter, finely minced garlic, aromatic fresh herbs, a touch of salt, and a splash of lemon juice for a burst of flavor. This simple yet flavorful combination creates a luscious sauce that enhances any dish it is paired with. The smooth texture and savory taste of garlic butter sauce adds a delightful twist to both seafood and pasta dishes, making it a versatile and irresistible addition to any culinary creation.
What is the butter they use at hibachi?
The secret behind the butter used at hibachi lies in its simplicity and flavor combination. This savory delight is crafted by blending softened butter with garlic and a handful of seasonings. The result is a rich and aromatic compound butter that complements the variety of dishes served at hibachi restaurants. Whether it’s drizzled over sizzling meats or melted into vegetables, this garlic butter adds a delightful touch to the hibachi experience, bringing out the delicious flavors of each dish.
How does Gordon Ramsay make garlic butter?
To prepare his famous garlic butter, Gordon Ramsay combines softened butter with a generous amount of minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese, and a dash of freshly ground pepper. The ingredients are mixed thoroughly in a small bowl until well incorporated. Ramsay then allows the garlic butter to chill in the refrigerator for a little while, allowing it to firm up slightly before serving. This simple yet mouthwatering mixture adds a delightful burst of flavor to any steak dish.
What kind of oil is used at Benihana?
Benihana, renowned for its exceptional culinary experience, exclusively uses safflower oil in their cooking. Safflower oil is preferred at Benihana due to its neutral taste and remarkably high smoke point. This makes it an ideal choice for cooking their renowned fried rice dish, ensuring that the flavors are not overpowered and the dish is cooked to perfection. With safflower oil’s light and versatile properties, Benihana’s chefs are able to create delectable dishes that showcase their culinary expertise and satisfy the palates of their discerning customers.