This Easy Hibachi Fried Rice is a fun and tasty dish made with simple ingredients like rice, eggs, veggies, and soy sauce. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for beginners!
Cooking this fried rice feels like a little celebration! I love using leftover rice, which makes it even easier. Pair it with some grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal!
Don’t worry if you’re not a pro chef; this rice dish comes together in no time! Just stir-fry your ingredients, and you’re all set for a delicious dinner that everyone will enjoy.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: Day-old cooked rice is your best bet because it’s drier and makes for great fried rice. If you don’t have leftover rice, you can cook fresh rice and chill it in the fridge for at least an hour.
Vegetable Oil: I usually use canola oil for its neutral flavor, but any oil with a high smoke point works, like sunflower or peanut oil. Just avoid olive oil as it doesn’t handle high heat well.
Eggs: These add protein and flavor. If you’re vegan, you can use tofu scramble or chia seed mix instead. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly!
Onions: You can use yellow or white onions, but green onions add a nice fresh crunch. Feel free to swap with shallots for a sweeter flavor.
Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free option, go for tamari or coconut aminos. You can also try low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake.
How Can I Get the Perfect Texture for Fried Rice?
The key to great fried rice is to start with the right texture. Using day-old rice helps a lot, but if you’re cooking fresh rice, follow these tips:
- Cook rice with a little less water than usual to keep it firmer.
- Spread cooked rice on a tray to cool quickly, which helps reduce moisture.
- When stir-frying, keep the heat high and constantly stir so the rice heats evenly and doesn’t clump.
These steps will ensure your fried rice is fluffy and delicious every time. Happy cooking!
Easy Hibachi Fried Rice Recipe for Beginners
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked white rice, preferably day-old and chilled
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or canola oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 green onions, sliced (reserve some for garnish)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional for extra flavor)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious fried rice takes about 10 minutes of cooking time, but don’t forget to factor in a bit of time for prepping your ingredients if you’re starting with fresh rice. If you’re using day-old rice, you can have this dish ready in under 20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Rice:
If you haven’t done so already, cook your rice ahead of time and let it chill in the fridge. This helps the rice dry out a bit, so it doesn’t clump when frying.
2. Scramble the Eggs:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Beat the eggs in a bowl and then pour them into the hot pan. Scramble them gently until they’re just cooked. Remove the eggs from the pan and set them aside for later.
3. Sauté the Onions:
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the same pan. Toss in the chopped onions and sauté until they are translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the Rice:
Now it’s time to add your chilled rice! Break up any clumps in the rice with your spatula and stir-fry it for about 3-5 minutes, making sure it heats evenly throughout.
5. Flavor It Up:
Drizzle soy sauce over the rice and keep stir-frying for about 2 minutes until the rice is evenly coated and starting to brown slightly.
6. Combine Everything:
Return the scrambled eggs to the pan and mix everything together gently. Then add most of the sliced green onions (saving some for garnish) and drizzle in the sesame oil if you’re using it. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Final Cook:
Cook the mixture together for another minute, stirring well to ensure everything is heated through and evenly mixed.
8. Serve Up:
Dish out the fried rice while it’s hot and garnish with the remaining green onions on top. Enjoy your tasty homemade hibachi-style fried rice!
There you have it! This easy hibachi fried rice recipe is perfect for beginners and makes for a delightful meal any night of the week. Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Hibachi Fried Rice
Can I Use Freshly Cooked Rice Instead of Day-Old Rice?
Yes, you can use freshly cooked rice! Just ensure to let it cool completely and spread it out on a baking tray to speed up the cooling process. This will help prevent clumping when you stir-fry it.
What Can I Add to This Fried Rice for Extra Flavor?
Feel free to customize your fried rice! You can add frozen peas, carrots, bell peppers, or cooked protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Just sauté them with the onions for more flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it in a skillet over medium heat or use the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! Simply substitute eggs with tofu or chickpea flour scramble. You can also add extra veggies for protein and flavor. The rest of the recipe remains the same!
