This Easy Hibachi Fried Rice is a fantastic dish that’s both simple and tasty! With fluffy rice, eggs, and colorful veggies, it’s ready in no time and perfect for a quick meal.
Sometimes I pretend I’m a fancy chef while making this rice. It’s so easy, even my cat could probably make it… if only he had thumbs! 😸 But really, it’s a fun dish to whip up during busy weeknights.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Rice: Day-old rice is the best choice as it’s dry and less sticky. However, if you don’t have leftover rice, cook rice earlier in the day and let it cool completely. Jasmine or short-grain rice works great too!
Vegetable Oil: Any neutral oil such as canola or grapeseed will do. I prefer vegetable oil because it doesn’t compete with the flavors of the other ingredients. Olive oil can also work, but it will give a different taste.
Eggs: For a plant-based version, you can leave out the eggs or replace them with scrambled tofu for a protein boost. Some people enjoy using chickpea flour scrambled to keep it egg-free.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce adds a deep flavor, but if you want lower sodium or gluten-free options, go for tamari or coconut aminos, which work equally well in this recipe.
How Do You Get Fluffy Fried Rice?
The secret to perfect fried rice lies in using cold, day-old rice. This prevents it from becoming mushy. If you’re in a pinch, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool it down quickly.
- Heat your skillet well before adding ingredients to avoid sticking.
- Don’t overload the pan. If you’re making a large batch, fry it in batches to keep it hot and nicely browned.
- Stir gently and frequently to mix the ingredients but avoid over-mixing.
Easy Hibachi Fried Rice Recipe for Beginners
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked white rice, preferably cold and day-old
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or neutral oil)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional for flavor)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and another 10 minutes to cook, giving you a total of about 20 minutes. It’s a quick and easy dish, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is hot before adding anything—this helps everything cook evenly!
2. Sauté the Onions:
Add the chopped white parts of the green onions and the chopped onion to the pan. Sauté them until they are translucent and smell fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Keep stirring so they don’t burn!
3. Scramble the Eggs:
Next, push the onions to one side of the pan. Pour the lightly beaten eggs into the cleared side and scramble them gently until just set. Once they’re cooked, mix them back in with the onions.
4. Cook the Rice:
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan, then add the cold cooked rice. Use your spatula to break up any clumps of rice. Stir-fry everything together for a few minutes, making sure the rice is heated through and well mixed with the onions and eggs.
5. Season the Rice:
Pour the soy sauce evenly over the rice and stir well, making sure every grain is coated. If you like, drizzle in sesame oil for an extra kick of flavor!
6. Finish Up:
Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Stir in most of the green parts of the green onions (saving some for later). This adds a fresh flavor right at the end.
7. Serve:
Remove from heat and serve your delicious hibachi fried rice hot! Garnish with the reserved green onion pieces for a lovely touch.
Enjoy a simple, flavorful hibachi-style fried rice that’s perfect for beginners!
FAQ for Easy Hibachi Fried Rice Recipe
Can I Use Freshly Cooked Rice?
While day-old rice is ideal, you can use freshly cooked rice. Just make sure to cool it completely before using it in the recipe. Spreading it on a baking sheet can help speed up the cooling process!
What Can I Use Instead of Eggs?
If you want to make the dish egg-free, feel free to omit the eggs entirely or substitute them with scrambled tofu or chickpea flour for a protein boost. This maintains the texture and flavor profile of your fried rice!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help restore moisture.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add in diced carrots, peas, bell peppers, or any other veggies you enjoy. Just sauté them alongside the onions until tender before adding the eggs and rice. Adjust the soy sauce to maintain flavor balance.