Cooking hibachi on a Blackstone griddle brings the authentic restaurant experience to your home. Whether you prefer chicken, steak, shrimp, or a mix of all three, the possibilities are endless. You’ll need some key ingredients like chicken, steak, vegetables, rice, and a flavorful teriyaki sauce.
This dish is not just about the proteins; the combination of fried rice, zucchini, onions, and other veggies brings a delightful balance to the meal. You can follow simple step-by-step instructions to achieve that perfect, sizzling hibachi experience right in your backyard.
With a Blackstone griddle, hibachi cooking is straightforward and fun. The versatility of the griddle allows you to prepare an entire meal in one place, from main courses like hibachi chicken and steak to delicious sides like fried rice and teriyaki vegetables.
Ingredients and Preparation
To make an amazing Blackstone Hibachi dish, you need to focus on selecting fresh proteins, preparing a variety of vegetables, crafting flavorful sauces, and including rice and other key side dishes.
Protein Selection
When choosing your protein, you have several options including chicken breast, steak, shrimp, and even tofu.
For chicken breast, slice it into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
Steak should be cut into small chunks and you can use a simple marinade with soy sauce and garlic.
Shrimp needs to be peeled and deveined, then seasoned lightly.
If you’re going for tofu, press it to remove excess water and cut into cubes.
These proteins cook quickly on the griddle, usually requiring 2-3 minutes per side depending on size and type.
Vegetable Choices and Prep
A good hibachi dish includes a mix of colorful vegetables. Common choices are onions, zucchini, mushrooms, and broccoli.
Onions: Slice them thin so they can cook through quickly.
Zucchini: Cut into half-moon shapes.
Mushrooms: Clean and slice thickly.
Broccoli: Cut into small florets to ensure even cooking.
You can also add carrots for extra crunch.
Preheat the griddle, then start with the vegetables since they often take longer to cook than proteins. Use a bit of sesame oil and season with salt and pepper.
Sauces and Seasonings
Sauces are key to achieving authentic hibachi flavor. Prioritize soy sauce, garlic butter, and teriyaki sauce.
Soy Sauce: Adds a salty umami flavor. Use it liberally.
Garlic Butter: Enhances the dish with rich and savory notes. Place dollops on the hot griddle.
Teriyaki Sauce: Adds a sweet and tangy element. Use sparingly to avoid overpowering.
Include seasonings like salt and pepper, garlic powder, ginger, and sesame seeds.
Mixing these elements well with the proteins and vegetables ensures full, robust flavors.
Rice and Accompaniments
Fried rice is a staple accompaniment in hibachi meals. The key components include rice, eggs, peas, and carrots.
Rice: Use cold, leftover rice for the best texture.
Eggs: Scramble them directly on the griddle.
Peas and Carrots: Add these for color and sweetness.
Sauté everything together with a bit of soy sauce and sesame oil. Other popular sides include Yum Yum Sauce and Hibachi Sauce to add as dips or drizzles over your meal.
Cooking on the Blackstone Griddle
Cooking a hibachi meal on a Blackstone griddle involves preparation, proper cooking techniques, and thoughtful presentation. You will need to tune your griddle to the right temperature, use the right oils, and cook your ingredients evenly for a perfect meal.
Preparing the Griddle
Before starting, preheat your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat for about 10 minutes. This ensures it reaches the desired cooking temperature. Use a neutral oil like canola oil or avocado oil to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
Season your griddle by spreading a thin layer of oil over the surface and let it heat until it smokes slightly. This process creates a non-stick, seasoned surface. Keep your ingredients and tools ready because cooking on a hot griddle is fast-paced.
Cooking Technique
Hibachi cooking is about high heat and quick cooking. Start by slicing your proteins — chicken, steak, or shrimp — into bite-sized pieces. Season each with salt, pepper, and optionally, garlic powder. You can also marinate the proteins in a mix of soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger for added flavor.
Place a dollop of garlic butter on the griddle. Add your proteins and leave some space between each piece to ensure even cooking. Stir fry your proteins by tossing them quickly with spatulas. Add more oil if needed. For vegetables and fried rice, use the same high-heat stir-fry method. The goal is to cook everything quickly while maintaining a caramelized exterior.
Presentation and Serving
Once your hibachi ingredients are cooked, it’s time to present and serve. Arrange your meats and veggies on a serving platter attractively. For a typical hibachi dinner, pair the proteins with stir-fried rice and vegetables like onions, carrots, and zucchini.
Consider garnishing with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a restaurant-quality touch. Serve your hibachi chicken, steak, or shrimp immediately while it’s hot. This setup is ideal for gatherings, ensuring everyone gets a hearty, flavorful meal. Remember to have soy sauce and any additional dipping sauces available for added taste.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
