Hibachi fried rice is a savory and delicious Japanese dish that is enjoyed by many people worldwide. Often served at teppanyaki restaurants, where chefs cook the meal on a flat grill right in front of you, it has become a popular favorite. Making hibachi fried rice at home is not only a tasty way to enjoy a favorite meal, but also brings an engaging dining experience.
The key to creating restaurant-quality hibachi fried rice is choosing the right ingredients and mastering the cooking techniques. One of the main components of hibachi fried rice is the use of short-grain rice, which provides a sticky texture that holds together beautifully when stir-fried. In addition, using high-quality vegetables and protein such as shrimp, chicken, or tofu will contribute to a flavorful and authentic taste.
In this article, we will guide you through the essential steps to prepare and cook hibachi fried rice, along with tips on how to achieve that perfect balance of flavors. By following our directions, you will be able to master this delightful dish and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.
Essential Ingredients
Rice Selection
When making hibachi fried rice, it’s important to choose the right type of rice. The best option is medium-grain or short-grain white rice. It has the ideal texture for frying and absorbs flavors well. Cook the rice a day before to ensure it’s dry and less sticky:
Medium-grain white rice
Short-grain white rice
Proteins
Proteins add a delicious and nutritious element to your hibachi fried rice. Common options include chicken, beef, shrimp, and tofu. For a vegetarian alternative, feel free to omit the protein, or use a plant-based substitute. Eggs are typically added as well, providing extra protein and a rich flavor:
Protein
Note
Chicken
Lean and versatile
Beef
Tender and savory
Shrimp
Quick to cook
Tofu
Vegetarian option
Eggs
Enhance the richness
Vegetables
Incorporating vegetables brings color, freshness, and a variety of flavors to your hibachi fried rice. Essential vegetables used in this dish include onions, carrots, peas, and sometimes bell peppers. Garlic is responsible for adding extra depth and savoriness:
Onion: Aromatic and sweet
Carrot: Crunchy and slightly sweet
Peas: Add some brightness
Garlic: Builds deeper flavor
Cooking Methods and Techniques
Traditionally Using a Hibachi
When making hibachi fried rice, the traditional method is to use a hibachi, which is a Japanese charcoal grill. This method provides a unique smokey flavor and an authentic taste. To cook with a hibachi, follow these steps:
Preheat the hibachi, and turn the heat up to high.
Add oil, and then add the vegetables and proteins.
Cook the ingredients while stirring constantly, ensuring they cook evenly.
Add the cooked rice and seasonings, continuing to stir.
Cook until the rice develops a slightly crispy texture.
Substituting with a Wok or Skillet
If you don’t have access to a hibachi, you can substitute with a wok or a skillet. The key to making delicious hibachi fried rice with these substitutions is to use high heat. Here is how it’s done:
Preheat your wok or skillet on high heat.
Add oil, followed by the vegetables and proteins.
Stir-fry the ingredients, ensuring they cook evenly.
Add the cooked rice and seasonings, and continue to stir-fry.
Cook until the rice reaches a slightly crispy texture.
When substituting with a wok or skillet, it’s important to remember that the cooking times may vary, and the final dish may not have the same smokey flavor typical of hibachi fried rice. However, using high heat and proper cooking techniques should result in a tasty and satisfying dish.
A Thai dish of chicken fried rice presented on a square white plate. Shallow depth of field.
Preparing the Ingredients
Vegetable Chopping and Slicing
For hibachi fried rice, start by chopping and slicing your vegetables. Dice the carrots, onions, and white onion into small pieces. You may also include additional vegetables like frozen peas and chopped green onion. Chopping vegetables beforehand will make the cooking process smoother.
- Carrots
- Onion
- White onion
- Optional: frozen peas, chopped green onion
Cooking Rice
Next, prepare the rice. Jasmine rice is the preferred choice for hibachi fried rice, but sushi rice or brown rice can be used as alternatives.
Cook the rice according to package instructions.
Allow the rice to cool, then refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Leftover rice is ideal, as it has a drier texture that works well in fried rice recipes.
- Jasmine rice (preferred), sushi rice, or brown rice
Preparing Proteins
Hibachi fried rice typically includes proteins such as shrimp, beef, or steak. You can choose your favorite or a combination of them. Ensure that the proteins are properly cooked before incorporating them into the dish, as undercooked proteins may be unsafe to consume. For added flavor, marinate the proteins in sesame oil and a low sodium soy sauce before cooking. This will also contribute additional iron and sodium to the dish.
Having prepared the ingredients, move on to cooking the hibachi fried rice. Heat a griddle or skillet over medium-high heat and add a combination of unsalted butter and peanut oil to the pan. Toasted sesame oil can be used as a substitute for peanut oil if desired.
Once the butter and oil are hot, add the diced vegetables to the pan and sauté until tender. Next, add the cooked, chilled rice and proteins to the pan. Mix in the soy sauce and mirin, then scramble in the eggs to complete the dish.
Serve the hibachi fried rice as a side dish, or enjoy it on its own. Complement the dish with hibachi noodles for an authentic dining experience.
Cooking the Fried Rice
Stir-Frying Ingredients Individually
First, prepare the ingredients for your hibachi fried rice. You will need:
Cooked rice (preferably a day old)
1 egg
Soy sauce
Peas
Green onions
Hibachi chicken (optional)
Hibachi vegetables (optional)
Heat your hibachi or a large, flat skillet over high heat, preferably using charcoal for an authentic taste. Add some oil and start stir-frying the ingredients individually. First, cook the egg and scramble it. Remove the egg from the hibachi and set it aside.
Next, stir-fry the vegetables such as peas and green onions, along with any optional hibachi chicken or other hibachi vegetables you’d like to include. Cook until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked through, then remove them from the hibachi and set aside with the scrambled egg.
Combining and Seasoning
Now, it’s time to add your cooked rice to the hibachi or skillet. Spread the rice out in an even layer and let it cook slightly, allowing it to develop a bit of a char for that authentic hibachi flavor. Next, add your cooked egg, vegetables, and chicken back to the hibachi, mixing them together with the rice.
Season your hibachi fried rice with soy sauce according to your taste preference. Add a pinch of sugar for a subtle sweetness that complements the savory soy sauce. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly seasoned.
To enhance the flavor further, consider adding yum yum sauce to the fried rice. This popular hibachi sauce complements the dish nicely with its slightly sweet and tangy taste. Add it according to your preference and mix well.
Serve your hibachi fried rice immediately, while it’s still warm and the flavors are at their peak. Enjoy your delicious homemade hibachi fried rice, knowing you’ve captured the taste and essence of this popular dish.
Serving and Presentation
Garnishing the Fried Rice
For a visually appealing presentation, garnish your hibachi fried rice with thinly sliced green onions. The vibrant green color adds contrast and complements the rice and vegetables. You can also sprinkle white pepper to enhance the flavor.
Accompanying Dishes and Sauces
Pair your hibachi fried rice with various dishes and sauces to elevate the meal.
Dishes:
Hibachi Noodles: These work well as they share a similar base of flavors and ingredients, providing continuity to the meal.
Protein: Options like pork, salmon, or other meats are popular choices. Additionally, they can boost the nutrition facts of the meal.
Vegetables: Consider serving steamed or sautéed broccoli and zucchini alongside the fried rice to incorporate more colors, textures and nutrients.
Sauces:
Yum Yum Sauce: This classic hibachi sauce has a creamy, savory taste and can be drizzled over the fried rice and accompanying dishes.
Factors
Values
Calories
Low-Moderate
Salt
Moderate
Sugar
Low
Tips for Cooking Hibachi Fried Rice
Day Old Rice: For the best hibachi fried rice recipe, use day old rice as it has a drier texture, which prevents the rice grains from sticking together while cooking on the hot plate. Calrose and long grain rice varieties work well.
Hibachi Cooking: Traditional hibachi cooking involves using a hot plate. This style of cooking ensures an even distribution of heat, yielding perfectly cooked fried rice each time.
Variations and Tips
Alternative Proteins and Vegetables
Hibachi fried rice can be customized to suit individual preferences by substituting or adding various proteins and vegetables. Here are some suggestions for alternative proteins:
Grilled chicken
Cooked beef
Pork
Tofu
Salmon
For added variety, consider incorporating different vegetables:
White onion
Green peas
Broccoli
Mushrooms
Substituting Soy Sauce and Other Ingredients
If you’re looking to change up the flavor of your hibachi fried rice, consider trying alternative seasonings or rice types:
Soy sauce alternatives: Tamari, a gluten-free option, can be used in place of soy sauce.
Rice varieties: Jasmine rice, sushi rice, calrose rice, long grain rice, or basmati rice can be used instead of the traditional white rice. Leftover rice can also be ideal for frying, as it has had time to dry out and become less sticky.
To achieve a crispy texture, consider using various types of cooking oil:
Peanut oil
Olive oil
Depending on your flavor preference, you can experiment with different spices and seasonings, such as:
White pepper powder
Garlic powder
Keeping the ingredient list versatile allows you to create various fried rice styles, such as Chinese fried rice, Thai pineapple fried rice, and chicken fried rice. The key is to maintain a neutral, confident, and knowledgeable approach while creating your easy hibachi fried rice recipe.
Health and Nutrition Information
Hibachi fried rice is a flavorful and versatile dish that has several nutritional benefits depending on the ingredients used.
The primary ingredients in hibachi fried rice typically include rice, vegetables, and protein such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu. This dish boasts varying amounts of the following nutrients:
Sodium: Sodium content varies depending on the soy sauce used, which can be high in sodium. Opting for a reduced-sodium soy sauce can help maintain a lower sodium intake.
Protein: Protein levels depend on the choice of protein in the dish, such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Most proteins are rich in essential amino acids, aiding muscle building and repair.
Iron: Meat-based proteins such as chicken and shrimp contribute to iron content, an essential mineral for transporting oxygen in the blood.
Calories: Calories in hibachi fried rice depend on the portion size and ingredients used; however, it is generally considered a moderate-calorie dish.
Saturated Fat: Saturated fat content is influenced by the choice of cooking oil or fat used, such as regular or unsalted butter. Opt for healthier unsaturated fats like olive or avocado oil to reduce saturated fat intake.
Regarding micronutrients, hibachi fried rice can deliver significant amounts of the following:
Nutrient
Amount Present
Cholesterol
Low to moderate
Vitamin C
Moderate
Calcium
Low
Potassium
Moderate
The Nutrition Facts label provides information on the Percent Daily Values (%DV) for each nutrient based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Keep in mind that individual needs may vary.
To maintain a balanced meal, consider pairing hibachi fried rice with steamed or lightly sautéed vegetables and lean protein sources. Adding leafy greens and brightly colored vegetables will provide additional vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, further enriching the nutritional value of the dish.
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.
