Hibachi Fried Rice Recipe

Hibachi Fried Rice is a classic dish often enjoyed at Japanese steakhouses, known for its savory flavors and delightful textures. With its golden, fried rice mixed with veggies, eggs, and soy sauce, this dish brings the flavors of hibachi grilling straight to your kitchen. You don’t need a hibachi grill to recreate this flavorful dish — with just a few simple ingredients and a hot skillet, you can whip up this savory fried rice in no time. Whether you’re using day-old rice for the best texture or adding a protein like shrimp, chicken, or steak, this dish is versatile and customizable. The soy sauce and sesame oil bring depth to the flavor, while the crispy vegetables and eggs add freshness and a satisfying bite. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a side dish for a larger meal, or even a quick lunch. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover rice. This Hibachi Fried Rice is easy to make, delicious, and will bring a bit of hibachi magic to your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

Hibachi Fried Rice comes together in less than 20 minutes, making it the perfect quick meal after a busy day.

2. Customizable

You can easily adjust the ingredients by adding your favorite proteins, such as shrimp, chicken, or steak, or even making it vegetarian.

3. Great Use for Leftover Rice

This recipe works best with day-old rice, making it a fantastic way to repurpose leftover rice into a whole new meal.

4. Full of Flavor

With ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and oyster sauce, this dish is bursting with savory umami flavors that are sure to satisfy your taste buds.

5. Versatile

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This fried rice can be served on its own or as a side dish to complement other Asian-inspired meals like teriyaki chicken, sushi, or grilled meats.

Ingredients

• Cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
• Vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
• Eggs, lightly beaten
• Diced onion
• Diced carrots
• Frozen peas (thawed)
• Garlic, minced
• Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• Oyster sauce (optional)
• Sesame oil (optional)
• Ground black pepper
• Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Optional: cooked shrimp, chicken, or steak

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Omit any meat and add more vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option.
• Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower rice as a substitute for white rice for a low-carb alternative.
• Spicy Kick: Add a bit of sriracha sauce, chili flakes, or finely diced jalapeños for an extra kick of heat.
• Protein-Packed: Top the fried rice with grilled shrimp, chicken, or steak for added protein, making the dish more filling.
• More Veggies: Add corn, peas, or even spinach for additional nutrients and color.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

If you don’t have day-old rice, cook the rice and let it cool completely. Spread it out on a baking sheet for faster cooling or use it right away if it’s cool enough.

Step 2: Scramble the Eggs

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable or sesame oil. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them, cooking until fully set. Remove the eggs from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil and sauté the diced onion, carrots, and garlic for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant. Add the thawed peas and cook for an additional minute.

Step 4: Fry the Rice

Add the rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps and stirring it to coat evenly with the vegetables and oil. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, allowing the rice to fry slightly and develop a crispy texture.

Step 5: Add the Sauce and Seasoning

Pour in the soy sauce and optional oyster sauce and sesame oil. Stir to combine, and season with ground black pepper to taste. If you like it spicier, add a drizzle of sriracha or sprinkle some chili flakes at this point.

Step 6: Add the Eggs and Garnish

Once the rice is evenly coated with the sauce, add the scrambled eggs back into the skillet and toss everything together. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to incorporate the eggs and allow everything to heat through.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Serve the fried rice hot, garnished with fresh green onions. You can also add your choice of protein at this point, such as cooked shrimp, chicken, or steak.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Cold Rice: Day-old rice works best for fried rice because it’s drier and less likely to become mushy. If using freshly cooked rice, allow it to cool completely before frying.
• High Heat is Key: Cooking at a high heat allows the rice to fry properly and get that signature crispy texture you expect from hibachi-style fried rice.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a large batch, cook the rice in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can result in uneven cooking.
• Add Protein: If adding protein, cook it separately and then mix it in at the end to keep the flavors distinct and the protein cooked properly.
• Use a Wok or Large Skillet: A wok is ideal for fried rice because its high sides allow for easy tossing, but any large skillet will do.

How to Serve

This Hibachi Fried Rice is versatile and can be served on its own or as part of a larger meal. It pairs wonderfully with:

• Grilled meats like teriyaki chicken, steak, or shrimp.
• A side of sautéed vegetables like broccoli or bok choy.
• A refreshing cucumber salad or miso soup to balance the richness of the fried rice.
• Soy sauce or chili paste for dipping if you like your food extra flavorful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Hibachi Fried Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to restore moisture.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover fried rice for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then heat in a skillet or microwave.

Reheating

To reheat the rice, place it in a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil or water to prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook and may have a chewier texture.

2. Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, you can use frozen mixed vegetables instead of fresh ones. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the skillet.

3. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a tablespoon of sriracha, chili paste, or extra red pepper flakes for more heat. Adjust to your desired spice level.

4. Can I add tofu to this dish?

Yes, you can add diced tofu for a vegetarian protein option. Pan-fry it first before mixing it into the rice.

5. Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?

Yes, low-sodium soy sauce is a great option if you’re trying to reduce your salt intake. Just be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning accordingly.

6. Can I make this dish without eggs?

Yes, if you prefer an egg-free version, simply omit the eggs and use extra vegetables or protein in place.

7. What can I use instead of oyster sauce?

If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can replace it with hoisin sauce or additional soy sauce for a different but still flavorful alternative.

8. Can I make Hibachi Fried Rice without a wok?

Yes, a large skillet will work just as well for this recipe. A wok is ideal, but it’s not essential.

9. Can I freeze fried rice?

Yes, you can freeze fried rice for up to 3 months. Make sure to cool it completely before freezing to prevent condensation and ice crystals.

10. How do I make fried rice with less oil?

To reduce the oil, you can use a non-stick skillet and use just a small amount of oil to sauté the vegetables and cook the rice.

Conclusion

Hibachi Fried Rice is a simple, quick, and delicious dish that captures the flavors of hibachi grilling in the comfort of your own kitchen. With its savory soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil, combined with the texture of fried rice and fresh vegetables, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s versatile and customizable. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or as part of a larger meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for flavorful and comforting fried rice.

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