This Easy Hibachi Fried Rice is a fun and tasty dish that’s perfect for beginners. It’s made with fluffy rice, veggies, and soy sauce, bringing restaurant flavors right into your kitchen!
You’ll love how quick it is to whip up—great for busy nights! I like adding scrambled eggs for extra protein, and it’s always a hit with family and friends. Enjoy making it your own!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Rice: Using day-old rice is key for that classic fried rice texture. If you don’t have leftover rice, just cook fresh rice and let it cool. You can also use brown rice for a healthier option!
Vegetable Oil or Butter: I usually go with vegetable oil for a high smoke point, which is great for stir-frying. You can also use olive oil or sesame oil for something different. Butter adds nice flavor, but be cautious of burning.
Eggs: The eggs bring richness; however, feel free to leave them out for a vegan version or replace them with scrambled tofu for a similar texture.
Onions: I enjoy the sweetness of yellow onions, but you can use white onions if that’s what you have on hand. Green onions add a fresh touch, though.
Veggies: Dice your favorite veggies like bell peppers or broccoli if you don’t have carrots and peas. This dish is super flexible!
How Do I Achieve Fluffy Fried Rice?
To get that perfect fluffy texture in fried rice, follow these simple steps:
- Use cold, day-old rice to prevent it from getting mushy.
- Break up any clumps of rice before adding it to the skillet.
- Stir-fry over high heat quickly to give it that nice, slightly crispy texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook in batches if necessary.
This will help ensure each grain gets coated and cooked perfectly. Happy cooking!
Easy Hibachi Fried Rice Recipe for Beginners
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old and cold)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 green onions, sliced (reserve some for garnish)
- 2-3 tbsp soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional, for flavor)
- 1/2 cup diced carrots (optional)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Hibachi Fried Rice takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook, totaling around 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and delicious meal that you can whip up any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat Up the Pan:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of oil or butter in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. This will get the pan nice and hot so that your ingredients cook quickly!
2. Scramble the Eggs:
Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them until just cooked. This should take about 1-2 minutes. Once done, remove the scrambled eggs from the skillet and set them aside. We’ll add them back later!
3. Cook the Onions:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil or butter. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté it for about 2-3 minutes until it turns translucent and fragrant. This adds great flavor to your fried rice!
4. Add Veggies:
If you’re using diced carrots and peas, now’s the time to add them in! Cook for another 2-3 minutes until they’re tender. Feel free to mix in other vegetables you like too!
5. Add the Rice:
Add the cold cooked rice to the skillet. Use a spatula to break up any clumps and stir-fry the rice, mixing it well with the veggies and onion. This will help the rice take on all those delicious flavors!
6. Season it Up:
Drizzle the soy sauce evenly over the rice while stirring to coat every grain. Add sesame oil if you want that extra boost of flavor! Stir for another minute to combine everything beautifully.
7. Combine Everything:
Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet along with the sliced green onions. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through, about another minute.
8. Final Touches:
Give your fried rice a taste and season it with salt and pepper as needed. Adjust to make it just right for your palate!
9. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish your delicious hibachi-style fried rice with the reserved chopped green onions. Serve warm and enjoy!
This dish is not just easy, but it’s also a fantastic canvas for your creativity. Feel free to add proteins like chicken or shrimp, or switch up the veggies for your favorites. Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Hibachi Fried Rice
Can I Use Leftover Rice?
Absolutely! Day-old rice is perfect for fried rice because it’s dryer and prevents clumping. If you only have freshly cooked rice, try spreading it out on a baking sheet to cool quickly before using it.
What If I Don’t Have Soy Sauce?
No problem! You can substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option, or use coconut aminos for a soy-free taste. If you’re looking for a lower-sodium alternative, use low-sodium soy sauce.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian or Vegan?
To make it vegan, simply omit the eggs or replace them with scrambled tofu that has been seasoned with a bit of turmeric for color. You can also add more vegetables or tofu for extra protein and flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, heat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of soy sauce or water to keep it from drying out.
