Is the Benihana sauce gluten free?

Gluten free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people choosing to avoid gluten for health or dietary reasons. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, dining out at restaurants that use gluten in their cooking can be extremely challenging. Japanese steakhouse chain Benihana is one such restaurant that draws concern when it comes to accommodating gluten free diners. One major question is whether or not their signature dipping sauces contain gluten.

What is Gluten?

Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. It acts as a glue that helps food maintain its shape and texture. For most people, gluten does not cause any issues. However, for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten triggers an autoimmune response that damages the small intestine. This can lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, fatigue and more. The only treatment for celiac disease is to follow a strict lifelong gluten free diet. Going gluten free is also recommended for those with non-celiac gluten sensitivity to manage symptoms.

Gluten at Benihana

As a Japanese steakhouse, Benihana does use some gluten containing ingredients in their cooking. They have soy sauce, which contains wheat. They cook fried rice, which is typically made with regular soy sauce. And they use wheat flour in things like tempura batter. So there are definitely some menu items that are off limits. However, Benihana says they are committed to accommodating guests with gluten sensitivities. On their website they provide a gluten sensitive dining menu that outlines what dishes can be modified to be gluten free. They also have a gluten free soy sauce available upon request. So by being aware of what contains gluten and asking for modifications and gluten free soy sauce, those avoiding gluten for medical reasons can dine at Benihana. But the question still remains…what about those signature dipping sauces?

Benihana Dipping Sauces

At a Japanese steakhouse like Benihana, the meal experience is about more than just the food. It’s the theatrics of the chef preparing the meals hibachi-style right in front of you. And part of that experience is the signature dipping sauces that accompany many dishes. The sauces provide additional flavors and moisture and make the meals something special. Benihana offers several dipping sauce options:

  • Yum Yum Sauce – a mayonnaise-based sauce with a sweet and sour taste.
  • Ginger Dressing – a ginger, orange and onion flavored sauce.
  • Szechwan Sauce – a spicy, tangy and slightly sweet sauce.
  • Mustard Sauce – a savory sauce with mustard, vinegar and onions.
  • White Wine Sauce – a buttery sauce made with white wine, garlic, onions and mushrooms.

Unfortunately, Benihana does not provide much information about whether these popular sauces are safe for those avoiding gluten. So to get to the bottom of it, we need to look at the typical ingredients that go into these sauce recipes.

Yum Yum Sauce

Yum Yum sauce is mayonnaise-based, so it starts with:

  • Mayonnaise – Most commercial mayonnaise is gluten free, using just oil, eggs, and vinegar or lemon juice. However, some brands may use wheat as a thickening agent.
  • Sugar – Typically just granulated cane sugar, which is gluten free.
  • Rice vinegar – Naturally gluten free.
  • Water
  • Food coloring

Then yum yum sauce also contains:

  • Soy sauce – Since regular soy sauce contains wheat, yum yum sauce made with regular soy sauce would contain gluten.
  • Cornstarch – Sometimes used as a thickener, but cornstarch is naturally gluten free.
  • Garlic and ginger – Also gluten free ingredients.
  • Spices
  • Sesame oil

So the potential sources of gluten in yum yum sauce are the mayonnaise and soy sauce. To make it gluten free, the restaurant would need to use verified gluten free mayo and gf soy sauce. Some online recipes suggest xanthan gum can be used as a thickener instead of wheat-based ingredients. So in theory, yum yum sauce could potentially be modified to be gluten free, but it would depend on the specific recipe and ingredients used by each Benihana location. Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity would need to check with the restaurant.

Ginger Dressing

The traditional ingredients in ginger dressing are:

  • Rice vinegar – Gluten free.
  • Vegetable oil
  • Sesame oil
  • Sugar
  • Soy sauce – Contains gluten unless gf soy sauce is used.
  • Grated ginger
  • Minced onion
  • Minced garlic
  • Cornstarch – Gluten free thickener.
  • Water
  • Orange juice

Like yum yum sauce, the potential source of gluten is the soy sauce, unless the restaurant uses a gf substitute. With gf soy sauce, this dressing can be modified to be gluten free. But it’s still advised to check at your specific location.

Szechwan Sauce

Classic szechwan sauce contains:

  • Soybean oil
  • Sesame oil
  • Rice vinegar
  • Soy sauce
  • Sugar
  • Cornstarch
  • Minced garlic
  • Chili paste
  • Chili oil
  • White pepper
  • Ginger powder

The gluten considerations are the same as the other sauces. With gf soy sauce, it should be able to be prepared gluten free. Check with the restaurant to confirm their preparation.

Mustard Sauce

Mustard sauce is simplest ingredient-wise. It’s typically made with:

  • Mustard – Some mustards contain wheat flour, but there are many gluten free options made from mustard seeds, vinegar, and water.
  • Rice vinegar
  • Minced onion
  • Vegetable oil
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Pepper

As long as the restaurant uses a gluten free mustard, this sauce should not contain any gluten. But again, restaurants may vary in their recipes so check to be sure.

White Wine Sauce

White wine sauce ingredients are:

  • Butter
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Minced garlic
  • Minced onion
  • White wine
  • All-purpose flour – Wheat based, contains gluten.
  • Chicken or vegetable stock
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Parsley
  • Lemon juice

The flour is what thickens the sauce and also adds gluten. To make this gluten free, the restaurant would need to use a gf flour instead, like rice flour, cornstarch, potato starch, etc. So white wine sauce may be the most tricky in terms of accommodating gluten free needs. Always best to check with the restaurant.

Cross-Contamination Risks

Even if a Benihana location confirms they have gluten free preparations of these sauces, there is still the risk of cross-contamination with gluten. Potential sources of cross-contact include:

  • Shared cooking equipment – Such as fryers, grills, and utensils.
  • Shared preparation areas – Cutting boards, counters, etc.
  • Shared oil – The oil used for frying can pick up gluten protein.
  • Shared ingredients – Gluten containing soy sauce, wheat flour, etc.

Those with celiac disease or who are highly sensitive need to determine their own comfort level with the potential cross-contamination at a restaurant like Benihana that cooks with gluten. While they offer gluten free menu options, there is always a higher level of risk dining out than preparing meals at home.

Tips for Eating Gluten Free at Benihana

If you need to avoid gluten, here are some tips for dining at Benihana:

  • Review the gluten sensitive menu online and decide what you can eat.
  • Call ahead to notify them you need a gluten free meal.
  • Request gf soy sauce.
  • Ask about other gluten free sauce options.
  • Stick to rice and plain vegetables, grilled meat, and simple preparations.
  • Avoid fried items that may be cross-contaminated.
  • Ask lots of questions and don’t be afraid to make special requests.
  • Consider coming at an off-peak time to reduce risk of cross-contact.
  • If extremely sensitive, determine if the level of precautions meets your needs.

Conclusion

In summary, Benihana offers some ability to accommodate gluten free diets, but there are no guarantees on the sauces or lack of cross-contamination. Each location may handle things differently. The yum yum, ginger dressing, szechwan and mustard sauces can likely be prepared gluten free using modified recipes. The white wine sauce may be more tricky due to the wheat flour typically used as a thickener in the recipe. In general, those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity need to inquire directly with the restaurant and use caution when dining out anywhere that gluten is used in the kitchen. While Benihana makes an effort, their cuisine is not intended to be strictly gluten free. By understanding the menu and risks, communicating your needs, and asking questions, you may be able to enjoy some of the cuisine gluten-free. But it requires effort on your part as the diner as well. At the end of the day, you have to make the personal choice that meets your health needs and comfort level when eating out with gluten free dietary restrictions.

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