Copycat on Joe Pantuso

Benihana Ginger Salad Dressing

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

One of the best things about Benihana, back when it was a place I’d go to on biz trips, was the little salad. This is a perfect recreation of the dressing, the rest of the salid is just iceberg and carrot slivers or whatever.

¼ cup chopped onion
¼ cup peanut or vegetable oil
2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
2 tbsp water
1 tbsp chopped ginger root (fresh)
1 tbsp chopped celery
1 tbsp soy sauce
1-½ tsp tomato paste
1-½ tsp sugar
1 tsp lemon juice
dash salt and pepper

Throw everything into the blender and blend til smooth and pink/salmon colored. Eat as a salad dressing or just as a veggie dip.

Chicken Bryan (Carrabba's)

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

I like this so much I would have a hard time ordering anything else at Carrabas. I no longer live anywhere near one so I find this copycat version very satisfying.

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts- kosher salt, to taste
fresh ground pepper, to taste
olive oil
4 ounces goat cheese
6 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2-4 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
4 teaspoons onions, minced
4 teaspoons garlic, minced
8 tablespoons butter, divided
1⁄2 cup white wine
4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Brush chicken on both sides with olive oil, season to taste with Kosher salt and cracked pepper.

Rice - Chipotle Copycat

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

When Chipotle appeared on the scene it was a big deal. People forget. It has become a punch line thanks to some of the lows they have been through. This rice though…

2 cups basmati or jasmine 1 bay leaf 1 tsp Salt 1 tbsp butter

2 tbsp minced fresh cilantro 2 tbsp lime juice 2 tbsp lemon juice

Cook rice with butter, salt and bay leaf. For instant pot use 2.25 cups water to 2 cups rice. Can be all lime juice, but not all lemon juice to taste right.

Wild Rice - Uncle Ben's Style

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

If you love the original “Uncle Bens” you should note that it is kind of ridiculously expensive. If you have a stocked kitchen that can put this together you can do it for 1/4 the cost.

1.5 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp ground sage
1⁄2 tsp ground cumin
1⁄2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp basil
1⁄4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp garlic powder