This Easy Hibachi Fried Rice is a yummy dish that’s quick to make! With nice grains of rice, colorful veggies, and a touch of soy sauce, it’s like bringing a restaurant to your kitchen.
Making this at home means I can add my favorite ingredients. Don’t be surprised if I toss in extra eggs or throw in some cooked chicken! It’s all about what you love! 🍳🥕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: Day-old rice is best for fried rice because it’s drier and won’t clump together. If you don’t have day-old rice, cook rice earlier in the day and let it cool in the fridge. You can use brown rice for a healthier option, too!
Vegetable Oil: While I usually reach for vegetable oil, canola oil works just as well. If you’re looking for a different flavor, try peanut oil. It gives a nice nutty taste fitting for hibachi dishes.
Eggs: The beaten eggs add great texture. If you’re vegan, skip the eggs and substitute them with tofu or chickpea flour mixed with water to mimic scrambled eggs.
Vegetables: Feel free to add more veggies! Bell peppers, peas, or carrots can brighten up the dish. Frozen mixed vegetables are also a convenient option if you’re short on time.
How Do I Ensure My Fried Rice Is Not Soggy?
To avoid soggy fried rice, use chilled, day-old rice. Freshly cooked rice is too moist and can become mushy. It’s also crucial to cook on high heat, allowing the rice to fry rather than steam. Here’s how:
- Use a large skillet or wok to give the rice room to fry.
- Break apart any clumps of rice before adding it to the skillet. This helps it fry evenly.
- Stir-fry quickly, but don’t crowd the pan. If needed, do it in batches.
- Make sure the oil is hot before adding the rice to ensure it sears, creating a nice texture.
With these tips, your hibachi fried rice will be perfectly fluffy and flavorful! Enjoy cooking!
Easy Hibachi Fried Rice Recipe for Beginners
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old and chilled)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or canola oil)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (scallions)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for aroma)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 10 minutes of prep time and about 10 minutes of cooking time, for a total of 20 minutes. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Skillet:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or wok. You want it hot enough so that the rice will fry nicely!
2. Scramble the Eggs:
Next, pour in the beaten eggs into the skillet. Gently scramble them until they are just cooked through. Once they’re ready, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. No need to clean the skillet yet!
3. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they are fragrant and the onions are translucent.
4. Add the Rice:
Now it’s rice time! Add the chilled cooked rice to the skillet. Break up any clumps and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to heat through and pick up a bit of color. This will give it that delicious fried rice flavor!
5. Mix in the Eggs:
Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet, mixing them well with the rice to distribute evenly.
6. Season the Rice:
Pour the soy sauce over the rice mixture and stir well to coat everything evenly. This step is key to getting that classic hibachi flavor.
7. Add Green Onions and Sesame Oil:
Finally, fold in the chopped green onions and drizzle with sesame oil if you’re using it. Stir to mix everything together nicely.
8. Taste and Adjust Seasonings:
Give your fried rice a taste, and add salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer it saltier, feel free to adjust the soy sauce too!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from the heat and serve your hibachi fried rice hot! It makes for a great side dish or you can enjoy it as a main course topped with your favorite proteins like chicken, shrimp, or steak.
Enjoy your flavorful, easy-to-make hibachi fried rice! Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Hibachi Fried Rice Recipe
Can I Use Freshly Cooked Rice for This Recipe?
While you can use freshly cooked rice, it’s best to use day-old rice if possible. Day-old rice is drier and less sticky, preventing your fried rice from becoming mushy. If using fresh rice, spread it out on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least an hour to cool down before using.
What Vegetables Can I Add to Hibachi Fried Rice?
You can customize your hibachi fried rice with a variety of vegetables! Popular options include peas, carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini. Feel free to use fresh vegetables or frozen mixed veggies for convenience. Just chop them finely for even cooking.
How Do I Store Leftover Hibachi Fried Rice?
Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply add a splash of water or soy sauce to keep it moist, then microwave or stir-fry it in a pan until hot throughout.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! To make this hibachi fried rice vegan, simply omit the eggs and consider using tofu as a substitute. You can scramble firm tofu with some seasoning or just add it cubed to the rice during cooking for added protein!