This Easy Hibachi Fried Rice is quick to make and tastes amazing! Plus, it’s a great way to use leftover rice. You’ll love the mix of veggies, sesame oil, and soy sauce.
I usually toss in some leftover chicken or shrimp for extra yummy goodness! Making this at home makes me feel like a chef in a fancy Japanese restaurant. 🍚✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Rice: Using day-old rice is best as it’s drier and won’t get mushy. If you don’t have any, you can cook fresh rice and cool it spread out on a baking sheet for a bit!
Eggs: I love adding scrambled eggs for extra protein. If you’re vegan, you can use scrambled tofu or chickpea flour to create a similar texture without eggs.
Vegetable Oil/Sesame Oil: Either oil works well, but sesame oil adds a nice flavor. If you don’t have it, canola or sunflower oil is fine too – just avoid olive oil as it isn’t ideal for high heat.
Soy Sauce: This adds saltiness and flavor. For a gluten-free option, use tamari. You can also try coconut aminos for a sweeter, soy-free alternative.
How Do I Make Sure My Fried Rice Isn’t Mushy?
The key to perfect hibachi fried rice is using the right consistency of rice and the cooking technique. If your rice is fresh, make sure it’s cooled down first, just like how you’d do with day-old rice.
- Use a large skillet or wok for better heat circulation.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this leads to steaming instead of frying.
- Stir-fry on medium-high heat, breaking apart clumps gently while allowing some grains to crisp slightly.
This gives you that delicious fried texture while keeping the rice fluffy!
Easy Hibachi Fried Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 scallions, sliced thinly (green parts for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Time Estimate:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 10-15 minutes to cook, making it a quick 20-25 minute meal! Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Scramble the Eggs:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beaten eggs. Scramble gently until they are just cooked through, then remove them from the pan and set them aside.
2. Cook the Onions:
In the same pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. Toss in the chopped onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are translucent and fragrant.
3. Stir-Fry the Rice:
Add the cooked rice to the pan. Use a spatula to break up any clumps as you stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes. Let the rice get slightly toasted to enhance the flavor!
4. Season the Rice:
Sprinkle garlic powder (or add minced garlic if using) into the rice and stir well. Then, pour the soy sauce evenly over the rice, making sure to mix it in thoroughly.
5. Combine the Eggs and Scallions:
Return the scrambled eggs to the pan and mix them into the rice. Toss in the sliced scallions, but remember to save some green parts for garnishing later!
6. Final Touch and Serve:
Finally, taste your fried rice and season with salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with the reserved scallions on top!
This simple hibachi fried rice is a great base recipe for beginners, and you can easily add extra diced vegetables like peas and carrots, or proteins such as chicken, shrimp, or steak to make it your own. Enjoy the delightful flavors right in your kitchen!
Can I Use Leftover Rice for This Recipe?
Absolutely! In fact, day-old rice is ideal because it’s drier and won’t clump together. If you’re using fresh rice, make sure to cool it completely first to prevent mushiness!
What Vegetables Can I Add to Hibachi Fried Rice?
You can customize your fried rice by adding a variety of vegetables! Peas, carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli all work great. Just sauté them along with the onions for about 2-3 minutes before adding the rice.
How Do I Store Leftover Fried Rice?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave it or stir-fry it in a pan with a splash of water to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes, definitely! To make it vegan, simply omit the eggs and replace them with scrambled tofu or chickpea flour mixed with water to mimic the texture of eggs. Additionally, ensure your soy sauce is vegan!
