Name: Hibachi Fried Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old); 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 medium carrot, diced; ½ cup frozen peas (thawed); 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 2 large eggs (optional); 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari); 1 tablespoon butter; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for garlic butter); 2 garlic cloves, finely minced; 1 teaspoon soy sauce (for garlic butter)

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Short Description

Packed with vegetables, garlic butter, and rich umami flavor, this meatless recipe captures the essence of the classic Japanese steakhouse side—crispy, savory, and endlessly customizable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This hibachi fried rice is easy to make, full of bold flavor from sesame oil and garlic butter, and completely meatless. Perfect as a main course or a side dish, it’s satisfying, versatile, and ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Fried Rice:
• 3 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• ½ cup frozen peas (thawed)
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 large eggs (optional, for vegetarians who eat eggs)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon butter

For the Hibachi Garlic Butter:
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce

Directions

Prep Steps

Cook your rice a day in advance and chill for best texture.
In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon soy sauce. Mix into a smooth garlic butter paste.
Chop all vegetables into small, uniform pieces.
Whisk eggs in a bowl if using. Set aside measured soy sauce and sesame oil for easy use.

Cooking

Heat a large wok or steel pan over medium-high heat. Add sesame oil and allow it to heat briefly.
Add chopped onions and carrots to the pan. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, stirring often until slightly softened.
Add peas and optional ingredients (e.g., mushrooms or tofu). Cook for another 2 minutes.
Push vegetables to one side of the pan. Pour in whisked eggs and scramble them quickly. Once set, stir eggs into the vegetables.
Increase heat to high and add cooked rice. Break up clumps with a spatula and stir to evenly combine with the veggie-egg mix. Cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
Drizzle in soy sauce while stirring. Add prepared garlic butter and stir well to coat every grain.
Stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes until rice is slightly crispy at the edges and fully infused with flavor.

Servings And Timing

Yields 4 servings.
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: ~15 minutes
Total time: ~25 minutes

Variations

Protein Add-ins: Add pan-seared tofu, tempeh, or scrambled plant-based egg for extra protein.
Spicy Kick: Add a drizzle of sriracha or chili garlic sauce for heat.
Extra Veggies: Stir in diced zucchini, bell peppers, corn, or chopped spinach.
Vegan Version: Omit the eggs and use vegan butter in both the rice and garlic butter.

Storage/Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, stir-fry in a pan over medium heat with a splash of oil or microwave until hot. Avoid reheating multiple times to preserve texture.

FAQs

Why use day-old rice?

Chilled, day-old rice is drier and separates easily when stir-fried, giving you a perfect non-mushy texture.

Can I skip the garlic butter?

You can, but the garlic butter adds richness and that signature hibachi flavor. For a lighter option, reduce the amount or use plain unsalted butter.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be. Just substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce.

Can I use brown rice or jasmine rice?

Yes. Any cooked rice will work, though long-grain rice like jasmine tends to fry best without clumping.

What if I don’t have a wok?

Use any large skillet or frying pan that heats evenly. A stainless steel pan works well for slight crisping.

Can I freeze hibachi fried rice?

It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it. Cool completely, portion, and freeze in airtight containers. Reheat in a skillet for best results.

How do I keep the rice from getting soggy?

Use cold, dry rice. Avoid over-saucing and stir-fry quickly on high heat.

Can I add garlic directly to the rice instead of making garlic butter?

Yes, but the garlic may burn more easily. The butter helps mellow and spread the flavor evenly.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes—use a large pan or cook in batches to avoid crowding and ensure even cooking.

What’s a good side dish?

Pair with a fresh cucumber salad, miso soup, or hibachi vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Hibachi Fried Rice is a flavorful, veggie-packed dish you can enjoy on its own or as part of a larger meal. Quick to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it’s a comfort food classic made right in your kitchen. With the richness of garlic butter and the crispness of well-fried rice, it’s always a hit.

Maggie

Hibachi Fried Rice

Short Description

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients