There’s nothing quite like the rich, comforting flavors of Benihana’s onion soup. Whenever I walk into a Benihana restaurant, the aroma of caramelized onions and savory broth always draws me in. I’ve always wanted to recreate that delicious experience at home, and after a few tries, I’ve perfected a copycat recipe that’s just as satisfying.
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| 4 large | Yellow onions | Thinly sliced |
| 3 tablespoons | Unsalted butter | |
| 1 tablespoon | Olive oil | |
| 2 cloves | Garlic | Minced |
| 1 teaspoon | Sugar | |
| 2 tablespoons | All-purpose flour | |
| 4 cups | Beef broth | |
| 1 cup | Dry white wine | |
| 1 bay leaf | ||
| 1 teaspoon | Worcestershire sauce | |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | |
| Fresh thyme | For garnish | |
| 1/2 cup | Grated Gruyère cheese |
Tools And Equipment
To master my Benihana Onion Soup copycat recipe, gather the following tools and equipment:
- Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven
Caramelize the onions and simmer the soup to develop deep flavors.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife
Ensures precise and even slicing of onions for the perfect texture.
- Cutting Board
Provides a stable surface for chopping and preparing ingredients safely.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
Ideal for stirring the soup without scratching your cookware.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Guarantees accurate measurements for balanced flavors.
- Ladle
Essential for serving the soup smoothly into bowls.
- Oven-Safe Soup Bowls
Accommodates the soup and allows the Gruyère cheese to melt beautifully.
- Grater
Freshly grates Gruyère cheese, adding a rich and creamy topping.
- Whisk
Helps blend the flour seamlessly into the soup, preventing lumps.
Having these tools on hand will ensure you can recreate the rich and comforting flavors of Benihana’s famous onion soup with ease.
Make-Ahead Instructions
I love having this Benihana Onion Soup ready whenever I crave its rich flavors. Here’s how you can prepare parts of the soup ahead of time to make your cooking experience seamless:
- Caramelize the Onions Early
- Start by caramelizing the onions until they turn a deep golden brown. Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Prepare the Broth in Advance
- Follow the recipe to make the beef broth mixture. Once it’s ready, allow it to cool and transfer it to a separate airtight container. Keep it refrigerated for up to two days.
- Combine Onions and Broth
- When you’re ready to serve, combine the pre-caramelized onions with the prepared broth in a large soup pot. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
- Grate the Gruyère Cheese Ahead of Time
- For convenience, grate your Gruyère cheese in advance and store it in a sealed container in the fridge. This saves time during the final assembly.
- Final Assembly and Broiling
- Reheat the soup until it’s simmering. Ladle it into oven-safe bowls, sprinkle a generous amount of grated Gruyère on top, and place the bowls under the broiler. Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly, achieving that perfect Benihana finish.
Directions
Recreating Benihana’s iconic onion soup at home is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps to achieve that rich, flavorful taste.
Prep
- Slice the Onions: Peel and thinly slice 4 large yellow onions using a sharp chef’s knife. Aim for uniform slices to ensure even caramelization.
- Prepare Ingredients: Mince 3 cloves of garlic and measure out 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Grate 1 cup of Gruyère cheese and set aside.
- Measure Liquids: Pour 4 cups of beef broth and 1/2 cup of dry white wine. Measure 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.
- Gather Herbs and Seasonings: Strip fresh thyme leaves from 2 sprigs and set aside. Have salt and pepper ready for seasoning.
Cook
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter with 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and stir to coat them in the fat. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 25-30 minutes until the onions are deeply browned and caramelized. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of sugar over the onions halfway through to enhance sweetness.
- Add Garlic and Flour: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant. Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Incorporate Liquids: Gradually pour in the 4 cups of beef broth and 1/2 cup of dry white wine, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Add 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and the fresh thyme sprigs.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes. The soup will thicken and the flavors will meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste, removing the bay leaf before proceeding.
Assemble
- Prepare Oven-Safe Bowls: Preheat your broiler. Ladle the hot soup into oven-safe soup bowls, leaving a little space at the top for the cheese.
- Add Gruyère Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of grated Gruyère cheese over each bowl of soup, covering the surface evenly.
- Broil to Perfection: Place the bowls on a baking sheet and position them under the broiler. Broil for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Serve Immediately: Carefully remove the bowls from the oven using oven mitts. Let them cool slightly before serving to enjoy the perfect balance of savory soup and rich, melted cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your Benihana Onion Soup experience with these tailored serving ideas that highlight its rich flavors and comforting warmth.
Ideal Side Dishes
Complement the savory depth of the onion soup with these perfect accompaniments:
- Crusty Baguette Slices
- Toast lightly and brush with garlic butter for added flavor.
- Mixed Green Salad
- Toss with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup’s richness.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Season with olive oil, salt, and pepper for a crispy side.
Beverage Pairings
Enhance your meal with beverages that harmonize with the soup’s flavors:
- White Wine
- A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs wonderfully.
- Red Wine
- Opt for a light Pinot Noir to complement the savory notes.
- Sparkling Water
- Add a slice of lemon or lime for a refreshing non-alcoholic option.
Garnishing Enhancements
Add visual appeal and extra layers of flavor with these garnishes:
- Fresh Thyme
- Sprinkle chopped thyme for an aromatic finish.
- Extra Gruyère Cheese
- Add a second layer before broiling for a cheesier top.
- Cracked Black Pepper
- Lightly dust for a subtle kick.
Presentation Tips
Serve your onion soup in style to impress guests and enhance the dining experience:
- Oven-Safe Bowls
- Ideal for broiling the cheese topping to golden perfection.
- Elegant Ceramic Bowls
- Retain heat and add a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
- Rustic Stoneware
- Provides a charming, homey feel to your table setting.
Final Touches
Make your meal memorable with these finishing touches:
- Serve Immediately
- Enjoy the soup while it’s hot and the cheese is perfectly melted.
- Accompany with Breadsticks
- Offer a variety of bread for dipping and added texture.
- Set a Cozy Table
- Use warm table linens and soft lighting to create a welcoming ambiance.
By thoughtfully pairing and presenting your Benihana Onion Soup Copycat Recipe, you create a delightful and satisfying meal that mirrors the beloved restaurant experience right in your home kitchen.
Conclusion
Making Benihana’s onion soup at home has been such a rewarding experience for me Bringing those rich flavors into my kitchen feels like a special treat I love how this recipe captures the comforting essence of the original
It’s satisfying to enjoy a bowl of this soup anytime and share it with friends and family I hope you give this copycat recipe a try and create your own delicious memories
