This Easy Hibachi Fried Rice is a fun meal that’s quick to make. With tasty bits of veggies, eggs, and rice, it’s like a party on your plate!
What’s great is you can throw in your favorite proteins too! I often use leftover chicken or shrimp. And let’s be honest, I always try to sneak in a few extra peas! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Rice: Day-old rice is best since it’s drier and won’t get mushy. If you don’t have day-old rice, spread fresh cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool and dry for about 30 minutes. This helps achieve that perfect texture!
Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil like canola or sunflower works best. You can substitute with sesame oil for a nutty flavor, just use less since it’s more potent.
Eggs: Feel free to leave out eggs if you’re vegan or allergic. You can use tofu or chickpea flour instead, mixed with water to create a scrambled egg substitute!
Onions: Yellow onions are great here, but you can also use green onions for a milder taste. If you want a hint of sweetness, consider caramelizing the onions before adding the rice.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor in My Fried Rice?
The flavor of hibachi fried rice comes from the right balance of ingredients and cooking techniques. Here are a few tips to make sure yours stands out:
- Prep Ahead: Chop all your ingredients before starting. This keeps the cooking process quick and efficient.
- High Heat: Use medium-high heat throughout! It keeps the rice from getting mushy and gives it a nice toasty flavor.
- Don’t Rush the Rice: Stir-fry the rice for a few minutes. This allows it to heat up and get slightly crispy, enhancing flavor.
- Taste as You Go: Always taste your rice before serving. Adjust soy sauce and salt based on your preference.
With these tips, you’ll create a flavorful hibachi fried rice that everyone will love!
Easy Hibachi Fried Rice Recipe for Beginners
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old and chilled)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or other neutral cooking oil
- 2-3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced (reserve some for garnish)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and a quick 10 minutes of cooking, making a total of about 20 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for a speedy dinner or a satisfying lunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
Before you start cooking, gather and prepare all your ingredients. Make sure your rice is pre-cooked and chilled. This step helps you cook quickly without any interruptions!
2. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. The skillet should be hot enough where the oil shimmers but doesn’t smoke.
3. Scramble the Eggs:
Pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble them quickly with a spatula until they are just cooked. Remove the scrambled eggs from the skillet and set them aside for later.
4. Sauté the Onions:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the diced onions and sauté for about 2 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
5. Add the Rice:
Now, scoop the chilled rice into the skillet. Use your spatula to break up any clumps. Stir-fry the rice for 3-4 minutes to heat it through and let it get a little crispy.
6. Season the Rice:
If you like garlic, sprinkle in the garlic powder. Then, pour the soy sauce over the rice while stirring well to distribute the flavor evenly.
7. Mix in the Eggs and Onions:
Fold the scrambled eggs back into the rice, along with the sliced green onions. Mix everything together for another minute, allowing all the flavors to combine.
8. Taste and Adjust:
Give your fried rice a taste. If it needs a little extra flavor, add some salt and mix it in well.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the fried rice from heat. Garnish with any extra green onions if you like, and serve it warm. Enjoy your homemade hibachi-style fried rice, perfect for any meal!
FAQ for Easy Hibachi Fried Rice Recipe
Can I Use Leftover Rice?
Absolutely! In fact, day-old rice works best because it’s drier and less sticky, making it easier to achieve that perfect fried rice texture. If you only have freshly cooked rice, try letting it cool on a baking sheet for about 30 minutes before using it.
What Can I Substitute for Soy Sauce?
If you need a soy sauce alternative, tamari or coconut aminos are great options that provide a similar flavor. If you want a low-sodium version, you can find reduced-sodium soy sauce as well.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian or Vegan?
To make it vegetarian or vegan, simply omit the eggs. You can replace them with scrambled tofu or chickpea flour mixed with water to simulate the texture of eggs. Just season them to taste!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave it or stir-fry it in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out.
