This Easy Hibachi Fried Rice is a tasty dish that’s super fun to make! Packed with veggies, soy sauce, and fluffy rice, it brings that restaurant vibe right into your kitchen.
Cooking this dish is a breeze. I love using leftover rice for a quick meal. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t enjoy a little onion volcano action? It’s a classic! 🍚🔥
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Rice: Using chilled or leftover rice is best for fried rice. It helps to prevent clumping. If you don’t have any, cook fresh rice and let it cool for a while before using. Quinoa can be a great gluten-free substitute if you’re looking for alternative grains.
Vegetable or Sesame Oil: Both oils work well, but sesame oil adds a lovely nutty flavor. If you can’t find sesame oil, any neutral oil like canola or sunflower will do just fine!
Eggs: Eggs add protein and flavor. For a vegan option, try scrambled tofu instead, flavored with a bit of turmeric for color and nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste.
Onion and Scallions: Onions bring sweetness, while scallions add freshness. If you’re short on scallions, you can use chopped chives or even some diced bell pepper in a pinch.
Soy Sauce: This is essential for flavor. Low-sodium soy sauce works well if you’re watching your salt intake. Tamari is a good gluten-free alternative.
How Can I Achieve Perfectly Cooked Rice for Fried Rice?
Perfect rice is crucial for hibachi fried rice. If you’re using fresh rice, make sure to cool it down and dry it out to prevent it from becoming mushy. Here’s how:
- Cook rice according to package instructions, slightly undercooking it is best.
- Once cooked, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool quickly.
- For the best texture, refrigerate the rice for at least a few hours, or overnight, to allow it to firm up.
This prep helps keep the grains separate, which is key for achieving that yummy fried rice texture!
Easy Hibachi Fried Rice Recipe for Beginners
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked white rice (preferably chilled or leftover rice)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup scallions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about another 10 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need around 20 minutes to create this delicious hibachi fried rice. Quick, easy, and oh so tasty!
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, pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble them quickly until they’re fully cooked and broken into small pieces. Then, remove the eggs from the pan and set them aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Then, toss in the chopped onions and the white parts of the scallions. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, until the onions are soft and translucent.
3. Add the Rice:
Next, add the cooked rice to the pan. Use a spatula to break up any clumps. Stir-fry the rice for about 3-4 minutes to heat it through and incorporate the flavors.
4. Season the Rice:
Now, sprinkle in the garlic powder (or minced garlic if you’re using it) and then drizzle the soy sauce over the rice. Mix everything together well to make sure the rice is evenly coated with the seasoning.
5. Combine Everything:
Return the scrambled eggs to the pan and gently stir to combine them with the rice. Taste your fried rice and add salt and pepper as needed.
6. Add Scallions:
Finally, stir in the green parts of the scallions, and cook for another minute to let everything blend. Your hibachi fried rice is now ready!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the fried rice hot as a delicious side dish or enjoy it as a main meal. This simple but flavorful recipe will surely impress everyone at your dinner table!
Enjoy your homemade hibachi fried rice! It’s quick, fun, and brings that tasty restaurant flavor right to your home.
FAQs About Easy Hibachi Fried Rice
Can I Use Day-Old Rice for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Using day-old rice is actually preferred for fried rice recipes. Cold, leftover rice is less sticky and helps achieve that perfect texture. If you don’t have any, make sure to cool down fresh rice before using it in the dish.
What Can I Substitute for Eggs?
If you prefer not to use eggs, you can substitute with scrambled tofu for a vegan option. Simply crumble the tofu and sauté it with a bit of turmeric for color. You can also skip the eggs altogether and increase the quantity of vegetables for added nutrition.
How Do I Store Leftover Fried Rice?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to keep it moist as it heats.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes, feel free to personalize your hibachi fried rice! You can add vegetables like peas, carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just make sure to sauté them until tender before adding the rice for the best flavor and texture.