How many of us have gone to Benihana’s (or some other hibachi restaurant)? *RAISES HANDS* And how many of us have fallen in love with that delicious, yellow yum yum sauce?! *RAISES BOTH HANDS* Oh yeah, that’s what I’m talking about. Back when I was still living in the States, Benihana’s was where I always wanted to go for special meals with my mom, and they never disappointed! I would always sit at the end of my seat, bouncing up and down, impatiently calling out “That’s our cart! Awe wait, no, THAT’S our cart!!! Oh wait, no not that one…THAT ONE, THAT ONE FOR SURE!” And every so often, I get that HUMONGOUS craving for a hibachi meal, complete with sauce, chicken fried rice, grilled veggies, and if I’m feeling a little decadent, shrimp. And since the majority of the time I’m feeling lazy as get all, I made a point of trying to figure out how to make it at home…ugh, I’m salivating already…this is not a good look for me right now.

However, that being said, I have tried to make yum yum sauce at home and it’s just not the same…so I’ve stopped trying. Not to give into failure, but rather I’d much rather enjoy it the right way than just settle for an obvious second place winner…one of these days I’ll find the right recipe for it, but I haven’t found it yet. The ginger dressing is a wholly different undertaking and one that has led to some seriously delicious outcomes that I’m really geeking out about!

Sure, I don’t have a flat top, and no, my knife skills and coordination are not good enough to do the death-defying knife flips and musical dings, and don’t get me started on potentially creating my own onion volcano of fire (that would end poorly to say the least), but at the end of the day, I have one of my favorite childhood meals on a plate that finds a warm and loving home in my belly. Eating my own heart out on this one! — Cooking Maggie

Benihana’s Chicken Fried Rice from PopSugar

Benihana’s Ginger Sauce from Genius Kitchen