This Easy Hibachi Fried Rice is packed with tasty veggies and fluffy rice, all cooked to perfection. It’s a quick and fun meal, perfect for any night!
You won’t believe how simple it is to make at home! I love tossing in some leftover chicken or shrimp for extra flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to impress friends without any fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Rice: Day-old rice is best because it’s drier, preventing clumps. If you’re in a hurry, you can also spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool quickly.
Vegetable Oil vs. Sesame Oil: I love using sesame oil for extra flavor, but vegetable oil does the job too. If you’re looking for a different taste, try olive oil or coconut oil, but they will change the flavor a bit.
Eggs: Eggs add texture and richness. If you’re avoiding eggs, feel free to skip them or use scrambled tofu as an alternative for a vegetarian option.
Soy Sauce: Traditional soy sauce is great, but you can use tamari for a gluten-free version. For a lighter option, low-sodium soy sauce works too!
How Do You Cook the Perfect Fried Rice?
Cooking fried rice to perfection takes a little technique. The goal is to have each grain of rice separate and nicely flavored. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure your rice is cold. Freshly cooked rice tends to be sticky.
- Use high heat to get that nice toasted flavor. A hot pan helps to fry the rice quickly without steaming it.
- Stir constantly, especially as you add in the soy sauce, to prevent any burning or sticking.
- Don’t crowd the pan. If you’re making a lot, it’s better to do it in batches to ensure even cooking.
With these simple tips, you’ll have tasty hibachi fried rice that’s sure to impress!
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 sesame oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced (both white and green parts)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 10 minutes of cooking, so you can easily whip it up in about 25 minutes total. A perfect quick meal for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Eggs:
Start by heating one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Crack the eggs into the pan and scramble them until they are fully cooked. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Toss in the chopped onion and the white parts of the green onions. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant and start to soften.
3. Combine the Rice:
Next, add your cooked and cooled rice to the pan. Stir it well with the onion mixture, breaking up any clumps so that everything combines nicely.
4. Season and Toast:
Drizzle soy sauce evenly over the rice while stirring to ensure even distribution of flavor. Then, add the butter and garlic powder (if you’re using it). Keep stirring constantly for about 3-4 minutes until the rice is heated through and gets a little toasty.
5. Mix in the Eggs:
Add the scrambled eggs back into the pan, breaking them into smaller pieces and mixing them thoroughly into the rice.
6. Final Touches:
Stir in the green parts of the green onions and then taste your fried rice. Adjust with salt and pepper to your preference!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious hibachi fried rice hot, either as a wonderful side dish or as the base for grilled meats or seafood. Enjoy the tasty flavors!
This hibachi-style fried rice is simple, flavorful, and perfect for beginners wanting to recreate the beloved Japanese steakhouse favorite right in their own kitchen!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Freshly Cooked Rice for This Recipe?
While day-old, chilled rice works best for fried rice, you can use freshly cooked rice! Just make sure to let it cool completely before adding it to the pan to avoid mushiness.
How Can I Add Protein to My Fried Rice?
You can easily add cooked chicken, shrimp, pork, or tofu. Just stir in your choice of protein right after adding the rice, so it gets mixed well with the flavors!
What If I Don’t Have Soy Sauce?
No problem! You can substitute it with tamari for a gluten-free option, or use coconut aminos for a sweeter, soy-free alternative. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different!
How Long Can 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 in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water to help with moisture if needed.
