This Easy Hibachi Fried Rice is a delightful treat that’s perfect for beginners! It’s packed with veggies, savory soy sauce, and your choice of protein, all mixed with fluffy rice.
My favorite part about this dish? You can whip it up in just one pan, making clean-up a breeze. Plus, it’s fun to toss the rice around like a pro chef—just watch out for flying peas! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked White Rice: Day-old rice works best here as it’s chilled and won’t get mushy. If you’re in a pinch, freshly made rice can be used—just spread it out to cool before adding.
Vegetable or Sesame Oil: Vegetable oil is neutral and works great, but I prefer sesame oil for a richer taste. You can also use peanut oil for a nutty flavor.
Eggs: Eggs add protein and richness to the dish. If you’re vegan or avoiding eggs, try using tofu instead—just crumble and stir-fry until golden.
Onions and Green Onions: Yellow or white onions are perfect, but feel free to swap in shallots for sweetness. You can skip the green onions if you don’t have them, but they add a nice freshness.
Frozen Peas: These are optional but add color and nutrition! You can substitute with corn or bell peppers if you prefer.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching salt intake. Coconut aminos are a great gluten-free alternative.
How Do You Keep Your Fried Rice from Getting Mushy?
One common issue with fried rice is ending up with a soggy mess. To avoid this, start with properly cooked and cooled rice. Day-old rice is ideal as it dries out slightly in the fridge.
- Spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool and dry out a bit before using.
- Cook on high heat, which ensures that the rice fries rather than steams.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; if needed, cook in batches.
Following these tips will give you that perfect fluffy fried rice texture! Enjoy cooking!
Easy Hibachi Fried Rice Recipe for Beginners
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old, chilled)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 3 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and cook, making it a quick and easy meal option. With just a bit of chopping and some simple cooking techniques, you’ll have a delicious dish ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet or wok, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable or sesame oil over medium-high heat. Allow it to warm up for a minute.
2. Sauté the Onions:
Add the finely chopped onions along with the white parts of the sliced green onions to the pan. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes or until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
3. Scramble the Eggs:
Push the onion mixture to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty portion of the pan. Let them cook for a few seconds before gently scrambling them until fully cooked, then mix them with the onions.
4. Add the Rice:
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan, then throw in the chilled cooked rice. Use a spatula to break up any clumps and stir the rice so it gets warmed through.
5. Stir in the Veggies:
Next, add the minced garlic and frozen peas (if using) to the rice. Cook everything together, stirring frequently for about 3-5 minutes until everything is heated through.
6. Season the Rice:
Drizzle the soy sauce evenly over the rice mixture. If you’re using sesame oil, add that now too. Toss everything together to make sure all the rice gets coated in flavor.
7. Final Touches:
Stir in the green parts of the green onions. Taste your fried rice and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or more soy sauce as needed.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your hibachi fried rice hot as a side dish or enjoy it as a satisfying main course. It’s packed with flavor and so easy to make!
Enjoy your simple, flavorful hibachi-style fried rice with this beginner-friendly technique!
FAQ for Easy Hibachi Fried Rice Recipe
Can I Use Freshly Cooked Rice?
While day-old rice is ideal for preventing mushiness, you can use freshly cooked rice. Just spread it out on a baking sheet to cool before adding it to the pan. This helps reduce moisture content for better frying!
What If I Don’t Have Soy Sauce?
No worries! You can substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option or use coconut aminos for a soy-free, slightly sweeter flavor. Adjust the amount to taste as each has a different saltiness level.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. You might want to add a splash of water to help steam it up a bit!
Can I Add Other Vegetables or Proteins?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your fried rice by adding in vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli. You can also toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
