This Easy Hibachi Fried Rice is a tasty dish filled with colorful veggies, fluffy rice, and a touch of soy sauce. It’s quick to make and perfect for a weeknight meal!
Making this at home is a blast! I love how I can add my favorite ingredients, like chicken or shrimp, to make it my own. Plus, who doesn’t love that sizzle? 🍚✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Rice: Using day-old rice is crucial. It’s drier, which prevents mushiness. If you don’t have any, you can cook rice fresh but let it cool in the fridge for a bit to dry it out.
Eggs: They add a lovely richness. If you want to keep it vegan, you can use scrambled tofu or chickpea flour pancakes as a substitute for eggs.
Soy Sauce: This gives the rice flavor and color. If you’re avoiding soy, try tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative.
Vegetables: Feel free to mix in your favorites. Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas work well. Fresh or frozen, it’s all good!
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Rice?
The texture of your rice is key for great fried rice. For best results, use rice that’s been cooked and cooled. This makes it less sticky and allows for that delicious fried texture. If you must cook it fresh, spread it on a plate to cool, or refrigerate it for an hour before using.
- Cook rice according to package instructions, then spread it on a sheet tray to cool.
- If using leftovers, break up any clumps with your fingers before adding to the skillet.
Easy Hibachi Fried Rice Recipe for Beginners
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old, chilled)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 green onions, chopped (separate white and green parts)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- Optional: 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots mix, thawed (for added vegetables)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 10-15 minutes to cook. So, in total, you should expect to spend about 20-25 minutes from start to finish. Quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Rice:
To get the best texture, use rice that’s been cooked and chilled beforehand, ideally overnight. This helps to dry it out a bit. If you need to cook it fresh, make sure to let it cool in the fridge for at least an hour before using.
2. Scramble the Eggs:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and quickly scramble until just cooked but still soft. Remove the eggs from the pan and set them aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan. Sauté the diced onions and the white parts of the green onions for 2-3 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
4. Add Garlic and Veggies:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. If you’re using the frozen peas and carrots, add them to the pan at this point and cook for an additional minute.
5. Stir-Fry the Rice:
Add the chilled rice to the skillet, breaking apart any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry the rice for about 3-5 minutes, letting it get heated through and slightly crispy on the edges.
6. Combine the Eggs and Season:
Return the scrambled eggs to the pan, folding them gently into the rice mixture. Pour the soy sauce evenly over everything, mixing thoroughly so that the rice is nicely coated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Finish and Serve:
Finally, toss in the green parts of the chopped green onions for a fresh finish, stir everything one last time, and then serve hot. Enjoy your delicious homemade hibachi-style fried rice!
This recipe is a fun and straightforward way to bring the flavors of Japanese hibachi to your kitchen. Feel free to customize it with your favorite proteins or additional veggies!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Freshly Cooked Rice for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use freshly cooked rice, but it’s best to let it cool down in the fridge for at least an hour. This helps reduce moisture and prevents the fried rice from getting mushy.
What If I Don’t Have Soy Sauce?
If you don’t have soy sauce, you can substitute it with tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative. Both options will offer a similar savory flavor!
Can I Add Protein to My Fried Rice?
Absolutely! Cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu are great additions. Just sauté them with the onions before adding in the rice to ensure they’re heated through.
How Should I Store Leftover Fried Rice?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or oil if needed to keep it from drying out.
