There’s something absolutely delightful about hibachi Japanese fried rice that just makes my heart sing! The sizzling sound as it cooks, the vibrant colors of the vegetables, and that amazing aroma filling the kitchen—it’s pure magic. I remember the first time I tried this dish at a local hibachi restaurant; I couldn’t get enough! Now, I whip it up at home for quick dinners or when friends come over. It’s so versatile, packed with flavor, and incredibly satisfying. Trust me, once you try making hibachi Japanese fried rice yourself, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups cooked rice: Use day-old rice if possible for the best texture. It helps prevent clumping and gives that perfect fried rice feel.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: This will be your cooking oil; it’s best for high-heat frying to give that lovely crispy texture.
- 1/2 cup diced onion: Chop it into small pieces for even cooking and a nice flavor base.
- 1/2 cup diced carrots: Dice them finely so they cook quickly and add a hint of sweetness.
- 1/2 cup peas: Fresh or frozen peas work great here. They add a pop of color and sweetness!
- 2 eggs, beaten: These will be scrambled in the pan for that classic fried rice element.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: This is where the magic happens! Adjust to your taste for a saltier or richer flavor.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Just a drizzle to finish—this adds that authentic nutty aroma and flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season! Just a pinch of each will elevate all those flavors.
How to Prepare Hibachi Japanese Fried Rice
Making hibachi Japanese fried rice at home is a breeze, and I can’t wait for you to try it! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time. Let’s dive right in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. You want it nice and hot, so the rice gets that beautiful fry!
- Once the oil is shimmering, add 1/2 cup diced onion and 1/2 cup diced carrots. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes until they’re tender and fragrant. Oh, the smell is heavenly!
- Next, toss in 1/2 cup peas and 2 cups of cooked rice. Stir everything together, breaking up any clumps of rice. Cook this mixture for another 2-3 minutes to let the rice heat through and soak up those delicious flavors.
- Now, push the rice to one side of the skillet, creating a little space. Pour in 2 beaten eggs into the empty side and scramble them until fully cooked—this should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Mix the scrambled eggs into the rice, incorporating them well. Then, drizzle in 3 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Stir everything together until evenly coated.
- Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, and get ready for a flavor explosion!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep and cook time—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Flavorful and satisfying with rich, savory notes from the soy sauce.
- Highly customizable with your favorite veggies or proteins.
- Perfect for using up leftover rice and veggies.
- A fun and interactive dish that everyone can enjoy!
Tips for Success
To truly nail your hibachi Japanese fried rice, here are some of my favorite tips! First off, definitely use day-old rice if you can. It’s drier and less sticky, which makes for that perfect fried texture we all love. Another pro tip? Don’t rush the sautéing of your veggies—let them get nice and tender to really bring out their flavors. When it comes to seasoning, start with less soy sauce and adjust to your taste; you can always add more but can’t take it out! Lastly, feel free to experiment with different proteins or veggies—get creative!
Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up with your hibachi Japanese fried rice, the options are endless! Try adding bell peppers or zucchini for extra crunch. You can also toss in some cooked chicken or shrimp for protein, or go meatless with tofu for a vegetarian twist. Feeling adventurous? A sprinkle of green onions or a dash of ginger can elevate the flavors even more. Get creative and make it your own!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of this delicious hibachi Japanese fried rice. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose and portion sizes:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 2g
This makes for a satisfying yet light meal that’s perfect for any occasion!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making hibachi Japanese fried rice? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:
Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old?
Fresh rice can be used, but it’s best to let it cool and dry out a bit first. Day-old rice has the perfect texture for frying!
What proteins can I add?
You can totally customize this dish! Try adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. They all blend beautifully with the flavors.
Is it okay to add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to throw in any veggies you have on hand, like broccoli or bell peppers. It’s a great way to add nutrition and color.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in a skillet for the best results!
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes! Just skip the eggs and use a plant-based protein, like tofu or tempeh. You’ll still get that delicious hibachi flavor!
Serving Suggestions
To create a complete meal, I love serving hibachi Japanese fried rice alongside grilled chicken or shrimp skewers for that classic hibachi experience. You can also pair it with a light salad drizzled with sesame dressing or a bowl of miso soup. It all comes together beautifully!
For more tips on making delicious fried rice, check out this guide from Serious Eats.
Print
Hibachi Japanese Fried Rice: 5 Sizzling Secrets to Delight
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic Japanese fried rice dish made with vegetables and soy sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup peas
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and carrots; sauté until tender.
- Add peas and cooked rice; stir to combine.
- Push rice to one side of the skillet.
- Pour beaten eggs into the empty side; scramble until cooked.
- Mix eggs into the rice.
- Add soy sauce and sesame oil; stir well.
- Season with salt and pepper; serve hot.
Notes
- Use day-old rice for better texture.
- Customize with your choice of protein.
- Adjust soy sauce to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: hibachi, japanese fried rice, fried rice recipe