Hibachi-Style Fried Rice

Bring restaurant-quality Hibachi-Style Fried Rice to your home with this easy hibachi-inspired recipe! Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this dish is not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that rivals your favorite Japanese grill. The combination of soy sauce, butter, and fresh vegetables makes this fried rice both comforting and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation – Ready in just 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful and Savory – The blend of soy sauce and butter gives this dish a rich taste that will impress everyone.
• Customizable Ingredients – Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or proteins for a personal touch.
• Perfect Side or Main Dish – Great as a standalone meal or paired with grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp.
• Easy Cleanup – Simple preparation means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.

Tools and Preparation

To make Hibachi-Style Fried Rice, having the right tools will streamline the cooking process. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wok or large skillet
• Spatula
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Wok or large skillet – Provides even heat distribution, essential for frying rice properly without burning.
• Spatula – Helps to break apart clumps of rice and ensures even cooking while stir-frying.
• Mixing bowl – Ideal for whisking eggs quickly before adding them to the pan.
• Whisk – Makes scrambling eggs effortless by incorporating air for fluffiness.

Ingredients

For the Fried Rice

• 4 cups cooked short-grain white rice (cold, day-old preferred)
• 1 egg, whisked and scrambled
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup white onion, diced
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 2–3 tablespoons neutral oil (peanut, canola, or vegetable oil)
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil (optional)

PIN THIS!

How to Make Hibachi-Style Fried Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Cook rice and chill it for at least 1 hour or overnight to ensure it’s dry and firm. This preparation is key for achieving the perfect texture when frying.

Step 2: Make Butter-Soy Sauce

Soften the butter and mash it with the soy sauce in a small bowl. It’s okay if they don’t mix completely; the flavors will combine during cooking.

Step 3: Scramble the Egg

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in your wok or skillet over medium heat. Add the whisked egg:
1. Cook until scrambled.
2. Break it into small pieces.
3. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

Add another splash of oil to your skillet:
1. Cook the carrots, peas, and onion for about 4 minutes while stirring occasionally until tender.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Remove vegetables from the skillet and set aside.

Step 5: Fry the Rice

Heat another tablespoon of oil in the skillet:
1. Add cold rice, breaking apart any clumps with your spatula.
2. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes, tossing frequently until warmed through and slightly browned.

Step 6: Season the Rice

Pour the butter-soy sauce mixture over the rice:
1. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Cook until all grains are golden brown with no visible white parts remaining.

Step 7: Combine and Serve

Return scrambled egg and sautéed veggies to the skillet:
1. Drizzle with sesame oil if desired.
2. Stir everything together thoroughly.
3. Adjust seasoning with more soy sauce if needed before serving immediately.

Enjoy your homemade Hibachi-Style Fried Rice, perfect as a main dish or side!

How to Serve Hibachi-Style Fried Rice

Hibachi-Style Fried Rice is a versatile dish that can be paired with various sides or served as a standalone meal. Here are some creative ways to enjoy your delicious fried rice.

Pair with Protein

• Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken complements the savory flavors of the rice. Brush with teriyaki sauce for extra taste.
• Shrimp Tempura: Crispy shrimp tempura adds a crunchy texture and pairs wonderfully with the soft rice.
• Steak Strips: Tender strips of steak cooked to perfection provide a hearty element to your meal.

Add Fresh Vegetables

• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the fried rice.
• Sautéed Bok Choy: This mild green vegetable adds a fresh crunch and enhances the meal’s nutritional value.

Enjoy as Leftovers

• Fried Rice Wraps: Use leftover fried rice as a filling for lettuce wraps, adding a fresh twist.
• Rice Bowl: Top leftover fried rice with poached eggs and avocado for a nutritious breakfast option.

How to Perfect Hibachi-Style Fried Rice

Perfecting Hibachi-Style Fried Rice is all about technique and ingredients. Follow these simple tips for outstanding results.

• Use Day-Old Rice: Day-old rice has less moisture, making it perfect for frying and achieving that ideal texture.
• Heat Your Pan Properly: Ensure your skillet or wok is hot before adding ingredients. This helps prevent sticking and promotes even cooking.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in small batches to allow the rice to fry rather than steam, which enhances flavor and texture.
• Season Gradually: Start with less soy sauce and adjust as needed. This prevents overwhelming saltiness while still allowing you to achieve desired flavor.
• Use High Smoke Point Oil: Oils like peanut or canola withstand high heat, making them perfect for frying without burning.

PIN THIS!

Best Side Dishes for Hibachi-Style Fried Rice

Hibachi-Style Fried Rice can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some excellent options.

1. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup is a classic Japanese starter that adds depth to your meal.
2. Edamame: Lightly salted edamame pods offer a nutritious snack that pairs well with fried rice.
3. Tempura Vegetables: Crispy tempura vegetables add crunch and flavor, making them an excellent accompaniment.
4. Seaweed Salad: Refreshing seaweed salad provides a unique texture and balances out the richness of the fried rice.
5. Gyoza (Dumplings): These delicious dumplings can be filled with meat or vegetables, providing extra flavor and variety.
6. Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickled veggies cleanse the palate while enhancing the overall dining experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Hibachi-Style Fried Rice, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the taste and texture of your dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using Fresh Rice: Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and clumps together. Always use day-old rice for the best results.
• Overcooking Vegetables: Cooking vegetables for too long can make them mushy. Sauté them just until tender for optimal flavor and texture.
• Skipping the Soy Sauce Mix: Not combining butter with soy sauce can lead to uneven seasoning. Ensure you mix them well for consistent flavor throughout.
• Crowding the Pan: Overloading your skillet prevents proper frying. Cook in batches if necessary to allow the rice to fry evenly.
• Neglecting Seasoning Adjustments: Tasting before serving helps you adjust flavors. Don’t forget to add salt and soy sauce as needed.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Hibachi-Style Fried Rice in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Hibachi-Style Fried Rice

• Place cooled fried rice in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Hibachi-Style Fried Rice

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread rice on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place rice in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: In a skillet, add a splash of oil and reheat over medium heat, stirring often until warmed through.

PIN THIS!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hibachi-Style Fried Rice?

Hibachi-Style Fried Rice is a Japanese-inspired dish made with stir-fried rice, vegetables, and eggs, seasoned with soy sauce.

Can I customize my Hibachi-Style Fried Rice?

Absolutely! You can add proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu, as well as different vegetables according to your preference.

How do I prevent my fried rice from being sticky?

Using cold, day-old rice helps prevent stickiness. Freshly cooked rice contains moisture which makes it sticky when fried.

What can I serve with Hibachi-Style Fried Rice?

This dish pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or can be enjoyed on its own as a satisfying vegetarian meal.

How long does it take to prepare Hibachi-Style Fried Rice?

The total time is about 35 minutes, making it a quick option for weeknight dinners.

Final Thoughts

Hibachi-Style Fried Rice is an easy yet delicious recipe that brings restaurant quality right into your kitchen. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your tastes by adding proteins or vegetables of your choice. We encourage you to try this simple dish and enjoy delightful flavors at home!