Why We Love this Japanese-Style Hibachi Fried Rice Recipe
Going to a local Japanese steakhouse is often an equally fun and tasty experience. Who doesn’t love to watch a talented hibachi chef make an onion volcano, or slice a whole raw egg in half in the air, before frying up a massive batch of Japanese Fried Rice? But, let’s be honest… Sometimes you want the deliciousness of your favorite restaurant without, well, actually going to a restaurant. When you are in the mood for tender rice, eggs, and veggies all quickly together with bold flavors – but want to stay in jammies around your kitchen table – this hibachi fried rice recipe is exactly what you need. That’s right, you only need one pan, high heat, and a handful of key ingredients to whip up this classic vegetarian recipe in about 30 minutes. Homemade fried rice is great to enjoy as a main dish with your favorite Asian-inspired sides, or serve as a hearty side dish. Either way, it’s sure to be the star of any quick and easy weeknight meal!
Ingredients You Need
White rice – previously cooked and chilled (jasmine rice or long grain day-old rice) Butter – unsalted Eggs – beaten Onion – chopped Carrot – diced and finely chopped Garlic – minced Fresh ginger – grated Soy sauce – low sodium soy sauce is recommended to reduce salt percentages Rice wine – cooking sherry Sesame oil – or other high heat neutral-flavored cooking oil Frozen peas – Or skip the fresh carrot listed above and use a bag of frozen peas and carrots Scallions (AKA green onions)– chopped, optional as a garnish
How to Make the Best Hibachi Fried Rice
Move the cooked eggs to a holding plate and chop them into small pieces. Fry for several minutes while stirring gently to make sure all of the rice gets a little “sizzle time” at the bottom of the skillet. The grains should be slightly golden, but not burnt. Turn off the heat, taste (always a must when cooking!) and adjust seasoning and serve the fried rice warm.
Recipe Tips & Variations
First and foremost YES, you need to use cold cooked rice for the best Japanese fried rice. Cooled rice is best to fry, as it is quite firm and stands up well to the high heat of hibachi cooking. Fresh warm rice tends to get mushy when stir-fried. BUT if you are in a hurry (or didn’t make rice the day before to chill) you can use vacuum-sealed packets of pre-cooked white rice! Feel free to leave out or add veggies you like to the dish. Try changing things up to make a less traditional hibachi rice with chopped broccoli or cauliflower, chopped zucchini, sliced mushrooms, chopped bell pepper, shelled edamame, frozen green beans, chopped snow peas, or other vegetables you like! Don’t have time to chop? Use a bag of frozen mixed vegetables instead of fresh veggies. Add them to the skillet when you would typically add just the frozen peas. Add extra protein to the hibachi fried rice recipe, if yo like. Keep it vegetarian-friendly by cooking cubes of extra firm tofu in the skillet before preparing the eggs. Or add meat to the dish and first cook diced chicken, pork, hibachi shrimp, or stir-fry beef in the skillet. Then move to a holding plate, and proceed with the remainder of the recipe. Be gentle with the rice! Carefully stir and fold the ingredients together as you finish the dish so as not to make the rice mushy.
Serving Suggestions
Garnish the warm rice with fresh chopped scallions, if desired. Serve the Japanese fried rice as a vegetarian main dish with clear soup or miso soup, and a fresh green salad with ginger salad dressing. Or enjoy it as a hearty side with Okonomiyaki (savory Japanese pancakes), cooked shrimp with homemade yum yum sauce, or a bowl of ramen soup. Cold leftover hibachi-style fried rice also makes an excellent midnight snack, or even breakfast!
Looking For More Easy Dinner Recipes? Be Sure to Also Try:
8-Minute Jjapaguri (Easy Ram Don Korean Noodles) Cantonese Pan Fried Noodles Easy Vegan Stir Fry Sauce with Noodles Black Pepper Chicken Stir Fry Homemade Lo Mein with Vegetables
More Fried Rice Recipes
Classic Thai Fried Rice Triple Pork Fried Rice Cauliflower Fried Rice
Get the Complete (Printable!) Japanese Hibachi Fried Rice Recipe Below. Enjoy! Check the printable recipe card below for the nutrition information including calories, carbohydrates, protein, potassium, and calcium percentages. Also share this recipe on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Share This Recipe With Friends!
