This is One of My Favorite Dishes!

This is one of my favorite Japanese-inspired meals because it’s flavorful, easy, and fun. It’s the perfect dish for craving hibachi-style food at home. The rich, buttery flavor combined with perfectly seasoned rice makes this a meal I always look forward to.

It’s been a while since I made Hibachi Fried Rice, but now I cook it at least twice a month because it’s so simple and satisfying. With just a few ingredients and a hot skillet, I can recreate that restaurant-style taste in my kitchen. The best part? It comes together in minutes, making it great for busy nights.

When I make this dish, I love to experiment with different add-ins like shrimp, chicken, or steak. Some days, I keep it simple with just veggies and eggs, while other times, I make a full hibachi-style spread. No matter how I prepare it, it’s always delicious!

If you like quick, flavorful, and restaurant-quality meals, this recipe is perfect for you. The result is just Wow! You’ll love it for sure, and for a perfect side or main dish, this fried rice never disappoints.

I prefer to enjoy it with grilled hibachi chicken and steamed vegetables. A drizzle of yum-yum sauce or soy sauce makes it even better. This recipe is super easy to make, and every bite is packed with umami goodness.

What Makes This Hibachi Fried Rice Special?

This Hibachi Fried Rice is special because it tastes just like the kind you get at a Japanese steakhouse. It’s buttery, savory, and packed with flavor while being quick and easy to prepare at home. You don’t need a fancy grill—just a hot pan and a few simple ingredients!

Perfect For:

• Busy Weeknights: Ready in 20 minutes, making it a lifesaver when you need something quick.
• Japanese Food Lovers: A great way to bring hibachi flavors to your kitchen.
• Meal Prep: It stores well and can be reheated for easy meals throughout the week.
• Customizable Meals: You can add chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu to make it a complete dish.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked and cooled white rice (preferably day-old)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• ½ small onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, finely diced
• ½ cup frozen peas
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon teriyaki sauce (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet or wok
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small mixing bowl

How to make Hibachi Fried Rice

Step 1:

Use cold, day-old rice for the best texture. If using freshly cooked rice, spread it on a baking sheet and let it cool for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2:

Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3:

In the same skillet, add vegetable oil and sauté onions, carrots, and peas for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 4:

Increase the heat to high and add the remaining butter. Stir in the cold rice and break up any clumps. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 5:

Add soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the rice. Return the scrambled eggs to the pan and mix everything.

Step 6:

Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with your favorite hibachi dishes!

Helpful Tips

• Use Cold, Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice is too soft and will become mushy when stir-fried. Use refrigerated rice for the best texture.
• Cook on High Heat: Hibachi-style cooking requires high heat to give the rice that signature flavor and slightly crispy texture.
• Butter is the Secret Ingredient: Many people use oil, but butter adds a rich, restaurant-quality flavor. Don’t skip it!
• Scramble the Eggs Separately: Cooking the eggs first and setting them aside keeps them from overcooking while you stir-fry the rice.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Stir-fry the ingredients in batches if necessary to avoid steaming the rice instead of frying it.
• Use the Right Sauces: Soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, and sesame oil add the best flavor. Don’t add too much liquid or the rice may turn soggy.

Optional Ingredients

• Shrimp – For a seafood twist, add grilled or sautéed shrimp to the rice.
• Chicken or Beef – Hibachi chicken or steak makes this dish more filling and satisfying.
• Hibachi Sauce – A drizzle of yum yum sauce or teriyaki sauce enhances the flavor.
• Mushrooms – Adds a meaty texture and extra umami.
• Ginger – A little grated ginger adds freshness and spice.
• Pineapple – For a sweet and savory variation, toss in diced pineapple.

What to Pair with Hibachi Fried Rice?

If you love Japanese steakhouse-style meals, this fried rice pairs perfectly with hibachi chicken, steak, or shrimp. The flavors complement each other so well!

A side of steamed or grilled vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and onions is a great addition. The slight char from the veggies enhances the hibachi experience.

For a full hibachi meal, serve this rice with a simple miso soup or a fresh side salad with ginger dressing. It balances out the richness of the rice.

If you want to keep it simple, just add a fried egg on top for extra protein and a creamy texture. The runny yolk blends beautifully with the rice.

Variations and Substitutions

Spicy Hibachi Fried Rice: Add sriracha, red pepper flakes, or chili oil for a fiery kick. You can also mix in spicy miso paste for an extra layer of heat.

Vegetarian Hibachi Fried Rice: Skip the eggs and meat and add more veggies like broccoli, peppers, and snow peas. A touch of tofu or tempeh makes a great protein addition.

Low-Carb Hibachi Fried Rice: Swap rice for cauliflower rice to make a healthier, keto-friendly version. This lowers the carb content while keeping the dish flavorful.

Teriyaki Fried Rice: Use teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce for a sweeter, bolder flavor. A splash of mirin or honey can enhance the sweetness.

Garlic Butter Fried Rice: Add extra minced garlic and butter for a rich, bold taste. Let the garlic slightly brown in the butter for an even deeper flavor.

Egg-Free Fried Rice: Skip the eggs and add tofu or extra vegetables for a different take. Firm tofu crumbled into the rice adds a similar texture to scrambled eggs.

Lemon Zest Hibachi Rice: Stir in some fresh lemon zest for a bright, citrusy flavor. The zest balances the richness of the butter and soy sauce.

Miso Butter Fried Rice: Mix in a little miso paste with the butter for an extra umami kick. This gives the dish a deep, savory taste that pairs well with any protein.

How to Store

To store, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to keep the rice moist.

For freezing, let the rice cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQ

Can I use freshly cooked rice instead of day-old rice?

It’s best to use day-old, refrigerated rice because it has a firmer texture and prevents mushiness. If using fresh rice, spread it on a baking sheet and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before frying.

What type of rice is best for Hibachi Fried Rice?

Long-grain rice like jasmine or basmati works best because it stays separate and fluffy. Short-grain rice tends to be stickier and may clump together.

Do I need a wok to make this fried rice?

No, you can use a large skillet or cast-iron pan. A wok is great for high-heat cooking, but any wide pan that allows stirring and frying will work.

How can I make my Hibachi Fried Rice taste more like restaurant-style?

The secret is butter, high heat, and sesame oil. Hibachi chefs use butter for richness and cook on high heat for that signature smoky flavor. A splash of soy sauce and garlic also enhances the taste.

Can I make this dish without eggs?

Yes! Simply omit the eggs or replace them with scrambled tofu for a vegan alternative.

What protein can I add to this fried rice?

You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, steak, tofu, or even pork to make it a full meal. Just cook the protein separately and mix it in at the end.

How do I make my fried rice crispy?

Let the rice sit in the pan for 30-60 seconds without stirring before flipping. This creates a crispy, golden layer on the rice, just like in hibachi restaurants.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice has a firmer texture and may require longer cooking. Make sure it’s fully cooked and cooled before frying.

Hibachi Fried Rice

Recipe by Wasian CookeryCourse: SidesCuisine: JapaneseDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Total time

20

minutes

This Hibachi Fried Rice is just like the one from Japanese steakhouses—buttery, flavorful, and quick to make. It’s perfect as a side dish or a standalone meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked and cooled white rice (preferably day-old)

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 2 eggs, lightly beaten

• ½ small onion, finely chopped

• 1 carrot, finely diced

• ½ cup frozen peas

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon teriyaki sauce (optional)

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)

• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

Directions

• Use cold, day-old rice for the best texture. If using freshly cooked rice, spread it on a baking sheet and let it cool for at least 30 minutes.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add vegetable oil and sauté onions, carrots, and peas for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
• Increase the heat to high and add the remaining butter. Stir in the cold rice and break up any clumps. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Add soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the rice. Return the scrambled eggs to the pan and mix everything.
• Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with your favorite hibachi dishes!