Hibachi Fried Rice Recipe Even Better Than Restaurants

Do you ever go to your favorite Japanese steakhouse and marvel at the chef perfectly cooking fried rice right before your eyes?

The sound of the rice sizzling on the hibachi grill, the savory aroma filling the air, the fluffy grains tossed with succulent meats and veggies—it’s a sensory explosion!

As soon as your plate arrives, you devour every last bite of that hibachi fried rice. But did you know you can easily make restaurant-quality hibachi fried rice at home?

Once you learn a few basic tricks, like getting the rice texture right and seasoning it properly, you’ll be hooked on homemade hibachi fried rice.

So put on a chef’s hat and get ready to feel like you’re cooking at Benihana!

What is Hibachi Rice?

When you think of flashy, flavorful dishes prepared right in front of you, hibachi rice likely comes to mind. Also called Japanese fried rice, hibachi rice is a fast, hot skillet recipe jam-packed with meat, vegetables, and fluffy steamed rice.

Strips of chicken, shrimp, or steak get stirred up in a rainbow of veggies like carrots, onions, and red pepper. Then the seasoned rice gets tossed in and seared on a sizzling griddle tableside.

The sweet and savory ingredients all get their turn to soak up the smoky flavors. With the loud chopping and aroma of sesame oil filling the air, hibachi rice becomes a one-of-a-kind dining experience.

Now you can recreate the magic at home with a simple hibachi fried rice recipe the whole family will love. Get ready for rice like you’ve never tasted before!

How to Make Easy Hibachi Fried Rice at Home

Ingredients You’ll Need for Hibachi Fried Rice

1. Rice

• 3 cups cooked and chilled white rice – jasmine or sushi rice works best
• Perfect sticky-to-fluffy texture

2. Protein

• 8 oz boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
• Marinate ahead of time in soy sauce and cornstarch
• Shrimp or steak can be used instead

3. Vegetables

• 1 cup frozen stir-fry veggie mix – carrots, broccoli, water chestnuts
• 1/2 cup scallions, chopped – use the green part only
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

4. Eggs and Extras

• 2 large eggs, beaten with a pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp vegetable or canola oil
• 2-3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup oyster sauce

Make sure you have all the ingredients prepped and ready to go before cooking.

The key is perfectly cooked rice and alternating vegetables and protein in the wok.

Choose your favorite protein and experiment with additional veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, and bean sprouts.

Kitchen Tools Needed to Cook Hibachi Fried Rice

To make delicious homemade hibachi fried rice, having the right kitchen tools is key. Here’s the essential equipment you’ll need:

1. Cookware

• A 14-inch round-bottom carbon steel wok or a large, deep 12-inch nonstick skillet
• The right pan ensures quick, even frying

2. Utensils

• A long-handled wooden spatula and spoon
• Sturdy tools to toss rice without scratching wok

3. Prep Essentials

• Sharp chef’s knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls to organize ingredients
• Tongs to grab cooked ingredients

4. Other Helpful Items

• Paper towels for spills and drips
• Heat-resistant spatula for scraping up crispy bits
• Cooking oil spray if the work isn’t well-seasoned

With a high-heat cooking vessel like a wok and some basic prep tools, you’ll have your hibachi-style fried rice ready in minutes. The right gear makes all the difference!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Get Prepped in 5 Minutes

Before cooking, chop 1 cup of vegetables and 1/2 cup of scallions into small pieces. Dice chicken or steak into 1/2-inch chunks. Measure out cooked rice and whisk eggs with salt in separate bowls.

2. Cook Aromatics for 2 Minutes

Heat wok on medium-high. Swirl 2 tbsp oil to coat the pan. Add diced onion, garlic, and a dash of salt. Cook for 2 minutes until softened and fragrant.

3. Stir Fry Protein for 3 Minutes

Raise heat to high. Add protein pieces to a hot wok. Sear undisturbed for 1 minute then stir occasionally for 2 minutes.

4. Toss in Vegetables for 2 Minutes

Add stir-fry veggie mix to the wok and stir for 1 minute. Then add scallions and toss everything together for 1 more minute.

5. Make a well for Eggs for 1 Minute

Push ingredients up the side of the wok to create a well. Pour in eggs. Quickly scramble then mix everything with other ingredients.

6. Fry Rice for 5 Minutes

Add chilled rice to the wok and break up any clumps. Keep heat high while tossing rice often until heated through, about 5 minutes. Drizzle soy sauce and oyster sauce over rice towards the end.

You can swap different proteins and veggies to customize your fried rice.

Tips for Making Perfect Hibachi Fried Rice

1. Use Day-Old, Cold Rice

Cooking fresh rice makes fried rice too mushy. Chilled, day-old rice fries up light and fluffy.

2. Cut Ingredients Small

Chop all vegetables, meat, and eggs into tiny pieces before stirring into the wok for even cooking.

3. Season Every Step

Salt and pepper each ingredient as you go to infuse maximum flavor into every bite.

4. Use a Very Hot Wok

Crank up the heat to sear meats and veggies for a smoky, charred taste you can’t replicate otherwise.

5. Work in Batches

Don’t overcrowd the wok. Cook proteins in two batches first before mixing them.

6. Toss Constantly

Keep ingredients moving so nothing burns. Frequently tossing also prevents clumping.

7. Work Fast Once Rice Is In

Fry rice just until heated so it stays fluffy instead of getting mushy.

Following these simple tips will ensure you achieve the signature sweet and savory flavor combo of hibachi restaurant fried rice every time!

Serving and Storing Leftover Hibachi Fried Rice

1. Dish It Up!

Hibachi fried rice is meant to feed a crowd! Serve 4 hungry people or 6 lighter eaters right out of the hot wok into individual bowls.

2. Chow Down Soon

This fried rice is best enjoyed immediately after cooking while steaming hot and extra crisp. The texture will be nicer if the rice sits longer.

3. Plan On Leftovers

Given the number of ingredients, you’ll likely have some leftover fried rice even after everyone eats their fill.

4. Refrigerate Properly

Let any leftovers cool completely then store in a shallow, covered container in the fridge. Ensure rice cools rapidly so moisture doesn’t make it soggy.

5. Enjoy Within 4 Days

You can safely keep leftover hibachi fried rice for 3 to 4 days refrigerated. Reheat individual portions in the microwave with a splash of water.

Final Words

1. Simple, Delicious Fried Rice Dish

This easy-fried rice is bursting with smoky flavors that taste just like what your favorite chef whips up tableside. With just a handful of ingredients and basic kitchen tools, you can recreate the magic of sizzling hibachi rice anytime right at home.

2. Share the Recipe Love

This versatile dish will be a hit with family and friends. Send them the recipe to take their hibachi meals to the next level!

3. Experience the Taste Sensation

Waiting for a special occasion to enjoy hibachi cuisine? Wait no longer! With these step-by-step instructions, you now have everything you need to cook incredible Japanese fried rice, then sit down and savor each incredible bite.

This simple-to-master fried rice recipe will soon have you cooking like your very own hibachi chef. Get workin’ and whip up this crowd-pleasing dish tonight!

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