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Home » Recipes » Rice Dishes

Hibachi Fried Rice (Simple Japanese Style Recipe)

Published: Nov 4, 2023 · Modified: Jan 12, 2024 by Geetanjali · This post may contain affiliate links · 15 Comments

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This hibachi fried rice is simple, quick, and perfectly seasoned! It takes a few ingredients and 10 minutes to make this delicious fried rice - just like you get at Benihana.

Hibachi fried rice in a bowl
Jump to:
  • What is Hibachi Fried Rice?
  • What is the difference between Hibachi fried rice and Chinese fried rice?
  • Ingredients You'll Need
  • Variations
  • Preparations Step By Step
  • Tips for making the Best Hibachi Fried Rice 
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Storage
  • Recipe FAQS
  • Recipe
  • Comments

What is Hibachi Fried Rice?

Hibachi fried rice is a popular choice in Japanese steakhouses and many restaurant chains. The term 'Hibachi' is interchangeably used as teppanyaki(teppan-yaki) in the US and some western countries.

Teppanyaki refers to the words 'teppan'(iron plate) and 'yaki'(grilled). Teppanyaki style cooking uses a flat surface metal plate to cook food by skilled chefs more often in a restaurant setting. However, the true Japanese hibachi translates to 'fire pot' which is a small charcoal grill with an open grate design used for heating and cooking purposes. 

This perfect copycat recipe is very simple yet full of flavor. It comes together in just 10 minutes from start to finish and is quite economical. No teppanyaki grill top needed to make this. You can use a wok, skillet, frying pan, or something that is big enough to handle the mixing of the rice.

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What is the difference between Hibachi fried rice and Chinese fried rice?

The major difference between the two in taste is hibachi style fried rice uses butter and more soy sauce than the Chinese counterpart.

In terms of ingredients, hibachi fried rice and Chinese fried rice also have distinct characteristics. Chinese fried rice typically includes a variety of diced vegetables such as carrots, peas, and onions, as well as eggs and sometimes shrimp or chicken. 

Hibachi fried rice, on the other hand, is known for its rich buttery flavor, and typically includes fewer vegetables but more of certain types, such as zucchini and onions. It also often features teppanyaki sauce or soy sauce, bringing a unique savory flavor to the dish.

Preparation methods also vary. Chinese fried rice is often prepared in a wok over high heat, with ingredients added in rapid succession to achieve a seared flavor. Hibachi fried rice, in contrast, is typically prepared on a large, flat grill, and ingredients are often cooked separately before being combined.

Lastly, the presentation is often different. Hibachi fried rice is commonly served as part of a teppanyaki-style meal, alongside grilled meats and vegetables, and the cooking process is often performed in front of the diners for entertainment. Chinese fried rice, however, is traditionally served as a standalone dish or as an accompaniment to other dishes.

Ingredients You'll Need

This hibachi fried rice is very simple. To make this, you only need 8 easily available ingredients.

Hibachi fried rice ingredients are placed on a black background.

Rice: Any long grain white rice or Jasmine rice will do. Be sure to use cooked, chilled rice. A day-old rice or leftover rice works best. You can even use freshly cooked rice, in that case, make sure to cool the rice completely and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes uncovered.

Butter: Butter gives the signature flavor of hibachi fried rice. Do not skip. Unsalted butter is best then you can control the salt content. If you only have salted butter, reduce the extra salt you add for the best results.

Sesame oil: I like to use a combination of butter and sesame oil. You could use only butter if you like. Vegetable oil, soybean oil are great substitutes.

Eggs: Another important ingredient in hibachi rice. Eggs add great texture, flavor, and protein to the fried rice. 

Soy sauce: Soy sauce adds that umami flavor to the rice. I have used regular soy sauce. Use low sodium soy sauce or light soy sauce if you wish.

Scallions: Scallions or green onions chopped into small pieces.

Salt and black pepper: Use as per taste.

Variations

This simple hibachi fried rice recipe can be easily customized. You can add any protein or veggies you like. Hibachi chicken is a common variation that you'll see at a hibachi restaurant. Ham and shrimp are some popular additions. In vegetable carrots, green peas, bell pepper, onion, garlic are some popular add-ons.

Preparations Step By Step

  • Prep ingredients: Prepare the ingredients in advance. Beat the eggs, chop the scallions, crumble the rice with your hands and set aside.
  • Scramble the eggs: Heat butter and oil in a pan or wok over medium flame. Once heated add beaten eggs and lightly scramble them.
4 images showing preparing ingredients, heating butter, scrambling egg, seasoning and stir frying with rice.
  • Add rice and seasoning: Add rice, salt, crushed pepper, soy sauce, and chopped scallions.
  • Stir fry rice: Stir over a high flame until the soy sauce coats the rice well and caramelizes into the rice.
  • Serve: Turn off the flame and serve immediately.
Hibachi fried rice recipe step by step

Tips for making the Best Hibachi Fried Rice 

  • Use a day old rice: Cook the rice a day ahead and refrigerate. This will help the rice to dry enough and give the fried rice a perfect texture.
  • Use Butter: Butter makes the fried rice richer and even more flavorful.
  • Stir the rice over high heat: Stirring the rice over high flame gives the rice a smoky taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this as it is or with yum yum sauce or any hibachi side dish to enjoy a complete hibachi meal.  

Hibachi fried rice and yum yum sauce is a popular combo. You can also serve this as it is or with any hibachi side dish for a complete meal.

For homemade yum yum sauce whisk together mayonnaise, butter, sriracha, sugar, paprika, and garlic powder.

Hibachi rice in a bowl

Storage

Leftover hibachi rice can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer, ensuring that you'll have a quick and delicious meal option for days when you're too busy to cook. To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled rice in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. 

To freeze hibachi fried rice, let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight, freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. Spread the rice in a thin layer within the container, as this will allow it to freeze and reheat more evenly. Frozen hibachi fried rice can be kept in the freezer for up to 6 months. 

To reheat, thaw the frozen rice in the refrigerator overnight. You can then microwave it or reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little bit of butter or oil to prevent sticking and restore its original flavor. Cooking directly from frozen is also an option: simply add a little extra time to the reheating process.

Recipe FAQS

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for Hibachi Fried Rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice can be a healthier alternative to white rice, as it contains more fiber and nutrients. Just keep in mind that brown rice has a chewier texture and a nuttier flavor that will slightly alter the final outcome of the dish. 

Can I make this Hibachi Fried Rice vegan or vegetarian?

Yes, you can create a vegetarian or vegan version of Hibachi Fried Rice. For a vegetarian version, simply omit any meat. For a vegan version, you can substitute the eggs with tofu scramble and use a vegan butter substitute from your grocery store.

Can I use other types of oil instead of sesame oil?

Yes, you can use other types of oil such as olive oil or coconut oil. However, sesame oil adds a distinct flavor that is characteristic of Hibachi Fried Rice. If you choose to use a different oil, the flavor may vary slightly.

If you try the recipe, please take a moment to leave a comment and rating. I love hearing from you; it also helps other readers who are thinking of making the recipe.

Recipe

Hibachi Fried Rice

Hibachi Fried Rice (Simple Japanese Style Recipe)

Simple yet full of flavor hibachi style fried rice that takes a few ingredients and 10 minutes to come together.
5 from 6 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: Japanese
Keyword: Hibachi style fried rice, Japanese fried rice
Prep Time: 2 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
Servings: 3 people
Calories: 367kcal
Author: Geetanjali

Equipment

  • Wok or skillet or frying pan

Ingredients 

  • 3 cups cooked rice (any long grain white rice or jasmine rice)
  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 2 tablespoon soy sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly crushed pepper or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

  • Prep ingredients: Prepare the ingredients in advance. Beat the egg, chop the scallions, crumble the rice with your hands, and set aside.
  • Scramble the eggs: Heat butter and oil in a pan or wok over medium flame. Once heated add beaten eggs and lightly scramble them.
  • Add rice and seasoning: Add rice, salt, crushed pepper, soy sauce, and chopped scallions.
  • Stir fry rice: Stir over a high flame until the soy sauce coats the rice well and caramelizes into the rice.
  • Serve: Turn off the flame and serve immediately.

Notes

Ingredient Notes
  • Rice: Any long grain white rice or Jasmine rice will do. Be sure to use cooked, chilled rice. A day old cooked rice or leftover rice works best. You can even use freshly cooked rice, in that case, make sure to cool the rice completely and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes uncovered.
  • Butter: Butter gives the signature flavor of hibachi fried rice. Do not skip.
  • Sesame oil: I like to use a combination of butter and sesame oil. You could use only butter if you like. Vegetable oil, soybean oil are great substitutes.
  • Eggs: Another important ingredient in hibachi rice. Eggs add great texture, flavor, & protein to the fried rice. 
  • Soy sauce: Soy sauce adds that umami flavor to the rice. I have used regular soy sauce. Use low sodium soy sauce if you wish.
  • Scallions: Scallions or green onions.
  • Salt & pepper: Use as per taste. 
Variations
This hibachi fried rice can be customized. You can add any protein or veggies you like. Ham, chicken, and shrimp are some popular additions. In vegetable carrots, green peas, bell pepper, onion, garlic are some popular add-ons. 
Tips for making the Best Hibachi Fried Rice 
  • Use a day old rice: Cook the rice a day ahead and refrigerate. This will help the rice to dry enough and give the fried rice a perfect texture.
  • Use Butter: Butter makes the dish richer and even more flavorful.
  • Stir the rice over high heat: Stirring the rice over high flame gives the rice a slightly crisp texture and a smoky taste. 

Nutrition

Calories: 367kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 129mg | Sodium: 969mg | Potassium: 159mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 512IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition Disclaimer:

Nutrition information is a general estimate only. Actual values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. For the most accurate information, please consult a registered dietitian or use your preferred nutrition calculator.

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Comments

    5 from 6 votes

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    Recipe Rating





  1. Debbie manolis says

    May 20, 2021 at 4:10 am

    Can i add chopped fine chicken? When would i add should i cook seperate ? Thank you

    Reply
    • Geetanjali says

      June 23, 2021 at 11:53 am

      Hi, Debbie! Yeah, you can. You need to cook chicken separately.

      Reply
  2. Andréa Janssen says

    June 23, 2021 at 3:47 pm

    We love fried rice and this recipe is so quick, easy, and simple. It got a lot of terrific flavors. I'm going to prepare it this weekend for sure!

    Reply
    • Geetanjali says

      June 24, 2021 at 9:28 pm

      Thank you, Andrea! Happy cooking! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Amy says

    June 23, 2021 at 6:29 pm

    Awesome recipe and I always have leftover rice in my house because I have hungry teenagers who always ravage the fridge 24 hours a day! So true about leftover rice and after making this recipe I'm converted. Now I have to make more rice so I have more leftovers! LOL

    Reply
    • Geetanjali says

      June 24, 2021 at 9:26 pm

      Thank you, Amy! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Gloria says

    June 23, 2021 at 6:41 pm

    I love rice. It has been a long time since I have been in a Japanese steak house. This sounds delicious. Now I can make this at home. Thanks so much.

    Reply
    • Geetanjali says

      June 24, 2021 at 9:25 pm

      Thank you, Gloria!

      Reply
  5. Lillian says

    June 23, 2021 at 8:26 pm

    I love hibachi fried rice, it's one of my favorite things about going to benihana. I can't wait to give this a try!

    Reply
    • Geetanjali says

      June 24, 2021 at 9:24 pm

      Thank you, Lillian!

      Reply
  6. Brynn says

    June 23, 2021 at 10:57 pm

    These are such great tips and I can't wait to try making this. Love that because the rice is a day old everything comes together quickly, perfect for the weeknights.

    Reply
    • Geetanjali says

      June 24, 2021 at 9:19 pm

      Thank you, Brynn!

      Reply
  7. Nora says

    June 23, 2021 at 11:00 pm

    What a great recipe! I love hibachi fried rice! Thanks to your recipe, I can make one at home myself! Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • Geetanjali says

      June 24, 2021 at 9:18 pm

      Hi, Nora! Glad you like this! Thank you! 🙂

      Reply
  8. Nayomi says

    June 25, 2021 at 1:06 am

    I love fried rice and this bowl looks absolutely amazing. I can't wait to give this recipe ago.

    Reply
user profile

Hi, I'm Geetanjali! I am the cook, photographer, and author behind Spoons Of Flavor. I focus on simple, affordable, and easy-to-follow recipes for everyday life.

More about me →

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