This hibachi-inspired fried rice is packed with bold flavors, buttery richness, and the perfect hint of smokiness. It’s a quick and easy dish that tastes just like your favorite Japanese steakhouse version! Made with cold rice, soy sauce, butter, eggs, and vegetables, it’s perfect as a main meal or side dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy – Ready in just 35 minutes, with minimal prep.
Restaurant-Style Flavor – Buttery, garlicky, and packed with umami!
Versatile – Add your favorite proteins, veggies, or spices.
Budget-Friendly – Uses pantry staples and leftover rice.
Customizable – Make it gluten-free, vegan, or extra spicy.
Preparation Phase & Essential Tools
Before you start, make sure you have the right tools and ingredients ready.
Essential Kitchen Tools
Wok or Large Skillet – Provides even heat and a classic hibachi-style sear.
Spatula or Wooden Spoon – Helps toss the rice and prevent sticking.
Sharp Knife & Cutting Board – For chopping vegetables evenly.
Small Bowls – For organizing prepped ingredients.
Measuring Spoons & Cups – Ensures precise seasoning.
Preparation Tips for Success
Use Cold Rice – Freshly cooked rice is too sticky; chill it overnight for best results.
Prep Everything Before Cooking – The process moves fast, so have all ingredients ready.
Use High Heat – This helps create a slightly crispy texture and prevents sogginess.
Stir Constantly – Prevents rice from burning and ensures even cooking.
Don’t Overdo the Soy Sauce – Start small and adjust to taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Base Ingredients
4 cups cooked short-grain white rice (or long-grain/jasmine rice, chilled overnight)
1/2 cup white onion, chopped
1/2 cup chopped carrots (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup peas (frozen recommended)
1 egg, whisked
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2–3 tablespoons peanut, canola, or vegetable oil
2 teaspoons sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
Optional Add-Ins & Variations
Garlic or ginger – Adds depth of flavor.
Scallions – For a fresh, mild onion flavor.
Protein options – Chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu.
Spicy kick – Add sriracha, chili oil, or red pepper flakes.
Step-By-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Rice
- Cook the rice according to package instructions.
- Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (preferably overnight) to firm up and dry out slightly.
2. Soften the Butter & Mix with Soy Sauce
- Let the butter sit at room temperature until soft.
- Mash it with a fork and mix it with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce (it’s okay if it doesn’t combine completely).
3. Scramble the Egg
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
- Pour in the whisked egg, scramble it, and break it into small chunks.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables
- Add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet.
- Toss in chopped onions, carrots, and peas and sauté for 4 minutes, until tender.
- Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove and set aside.
5. Fry the Rice
- Add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet.
- Pour in the cold cooked rice, breaking up any clumps.
- Toss every 30 seconds for 4-5 minutes, until heated through and lightly golden.
6. Season & Combine Everything
- Drizzle the butter-soy sauce mixture over the rice and toss until evenly coated.
- Add back the scrambled egg and sautéed veggies.
- If using, drizzle with sesame oil for extra flavor.
- Toss well and taste—adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped scallions or sesame seeds if desired.
Pro Tips for the Best Fried Rice
Use day-old rice for the best texture.
High heat is key for that signature hibachi-style fried rice.
Butter adds richness—don’t skip it!
Customize with extra veggies or proteins for a heartier dish.
Serving Suggestions
This hibachi-style fried rice can be served as a main dish or a side. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:
1. As a Main Dish
If you’re making fried rice as a complete meal, consider adding protein such as:
- Chicken – Grilled or stir-fried for extra flavor.
- Shrimp – Lightly seasoned and pan-seared.
- Steak – Sliced thin and cooked hibachi-style.
- Tofu – Crispy fried or sautéed for a vegetarian option.
- Egg – Add an extra scrambled egg for more protein.
2. As a Side Dish
Pair your fried rice with Japanese-inspired entrées such as:
- Teriyaki Chicken – The sweet and savory flavors pair perfectly.
- Hibachi Steak – Serve alongside fried rice for a true hibachi experience.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp – A perfect seafood option.
- Miso-Glazed Salmon – A light yet flavorful pairing.
3. As a Base for Bowls
Turn your fried rice into a rice bowl by topping it with:
- Sautéed vegetables (mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini)
- A fried egg (for extra richness)
- Avocado slices
- Pickled ginger
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making perfect fried rice isn’t hard, but here are some common mistakes that can ruin the texture and flavor:
1. Using Freshly Cooked Rice
Mistake: Fresh rice is too moist and clumps together.
Solution: Use cold, day-old rice for the best texture. If you don’t have leftover rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and chill it for at least an hour before frying.
2. Overloading the Pan
Mistake: Adding too many ingredients at once cools the pan down and makes the rice soggy.
Solution: Cook in batches if necessary and always use a large skillet or wok to maintain high heat.
3. Not Using Enough Oil
Mistake: Dry rice sticks to the pan and burns easily.
Solution: Use enough oil (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil) to keep the rice from sticking and to enhance flavor.
4. Skipping the Butter
Mistake: Not using butter results in a less flavorful fried rice.
Solution: Butter adds richness and helps create the classic hibachi flavor. Don’t skip it!
5. Not Stirring Enough
Mistake: Letting the rice sit too long in one spot can cause burning.
Solution: Keep the rice moving every 30 seconds to ensure even cooking.
6. Overdoing the Soy Sauce
Mistake: Adding too much soy sauce makes the rice too salty and dark.
Solution: Start with 2 tablespoons and add more gradually to taste.
7. Forgetting to Taste & Adjust
Mistake: Serving the rice without checking the flavor balance.
Solution: Always taste before serving and adjust seasoning with soy sauce, salt, or sesame oil as needed.
Best Side Dishes for Fried Rice
Want to turn your fried rice meal into a feast? Here are some amazing side dishes that pair perfectly:
1. Hibachi Chicken or Steak
Juicy, seared meat cooked in a soy-based sauce for a full Japanese steakhouse experience.
2. Egg Drop Soup
Light, comforting, and quick to make, egg drop soup balances out the richness of fried rice.
3. Gyoza (Japanese Dumplings)
Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside—gyoza is a must-have side for a complete meal.
4. Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
A refreshing and tangy cucumber salad that adds crunch and acidity to balance the dish.
5. Miso Soup
A classic Japanese starter, made with miso paste, tofu, and seaweed.
6. Tempura Vegetables
Lightly battered and crispy, tempura vegetables add a crunchy texture to complement the soft rice.
7. Garlic Butter Shrimp
A seafood option that enhances the buttery, umami flavors of the rice.
8. Teriyaki Glazed Salmon
A sweet and savory dish that pairs beautifully with fried rice.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
How to Store Leftover Fried Rice
If you have leftovers, follow these steps to keep your fried rice fresh and flavorful:
Cool the rice completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Do not leave fried rice at room temperature for more than 2 hours—bacteria can grow quickly.
Avoid Freezing: The texture of rice changes when frozen and reheated, making it dry and crumbly.
Best Ways to Reheat Fried Rice
Reheating fried rice properly helps maintain its texture and flavor.
Stovetop Method (Best Option)
1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add a splash of oil or 1 tablespoon of butter to prevent dryness.
3. Toss the rice constantly for 3-5 minutes until heated through.
Microwave Method (Quick & Easy)
1. Place the fried rice in a microwave-safe dish.
2. Sprinkle a few drops of water over the rice to prevent drying out.
3. Cover with a damp paper towel and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
Steaming Method (For Soft Rice)
1. Place the rice in a heatproof bowl and set it over a pot of simmering water.
2. Cover and steam for 5-7 minutes until warm.
FAQs: Fried Rice Questions Answered
1. Can I use freshly cooked rice for fried rice?
No, fresh rice is too sticky and soft, which can make fried rice mushy.
Use cold, day-old rice for the best texture. If you don’t have leftover rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a tray and chill it in the fridge for at least 1 hour before frying.
2. What’s the best type of rice for fried rice?
Short-grain or medium-grain rice (like sushi rice) gives a slightly sticky texture.
Long-grain rice (like jasmine or basmati) stays fluffy and doesn’t clump.
Avoid instant rice—it lacks structure and turns mushy.
3. How do I prevent fried rice from becoming too salty?
Use low-sodium soy sauce and add it gradually.
Balance flavors by adding a bit of butter, sesame oil, or a dash of sugar.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap regular soy sauce for tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
5. How do I make my fried rice taste like hibachi restaurant rice?
Use butter – This adds the rich, savory flavor you love.
Cook over high heat – Helps achieve a slightly crisp texture.
Don’t overdo the soy sauce – Hibachi fried rice is lightly seasoned.
6. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Try adding:
- Bell peppers for sweetness
- Mushrooms for umami
- Zucchini for freshness
- Bean sprouts for crunch
7. What protein can I add to this fried rice?
Chicken – Cooked and diced or shredded.
Shrimp – Sautéed in garlic butter for extra flavor.
Steak – Thinly sliced and seared.
Tofu – Crispy-fried or pan-seared for a vegetarian option.
Final Thoughts
This hibachi-style fried rice is:
Easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.
Packed with flavor from soy sauce, butter, and sesame oil.
Versatile – Enjoy as a main dish or side with your favorite proteins.
Perfect for meal prep – Store leftovers and reheat easily.
Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a full hibachi feast, this fried rice never disappoints. Try it today and bring the authentic flavors of a Japanese steakhouse into your own kitchen! 🍛🔥
Fried Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked short-grain white rice long-grain or jasmine rice also works
- 1 egg whisked/scrambled
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots fresh or frozen
- 1/2 cup peas frozen recommended
- 1/2 cup white onion chopped
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 –3 tablespoons peanut canola, or vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil optional
Instructions
- Prepare the rice: Cook the rice according to the package instructions. Chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (preferably overnight) so it’s cold and firm for frying.
- Soften the butter: Leave the butter on the counter to soften. If in a hurry, microwave it in short intervals until soft. Mash the butter with a fork, then mix in the soy sauce. It’s fine if it doesn’t combine completely.
- Cook the egg: Heat a splash of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the whisked egg and scramble it. Use the tip of a spatula to break it into small chunks. Remove the egg from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Cook the veggies: Add another splash of oil to the skillet. Add the carrots, peas, and onion. Sauté for about 4 minutes, or until the veggies are tender and warmed through. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove the veggies from the skillet and place them on the same plate as the egg.
- Fry the rice: Add another splash of oil to the skillet, then add the cold, cooked rice. Toss every 30 seconds to warm it through and lightly brown it, cooking for 4-5 minutes. Adjust the heat to prevent burning.
- Season the rice: Drizzle the butter-soy sauce mixture over the rice, tossing to coat evenly. Cook until there are no more visible white grains of rice.
- Combine everything: Return the veggies and scrambled egg to the skillet. Drizzle with sesame oil, if using, and stir until everything is well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Veggies: Frozen peas and carrots are a convenient option and minimize prep time. You can also use fresh vegetables if preferred.
Soy sauce: Start with low-sodium soy sauce to avoid an overly salty dish. Add more to taste as needed.
Wok recommendation: A wok is ideal for this recipe, as it holds a large volume and distributes heat evenly. If using a skillet, choose the largest one you have and use plenty of oil to prevent sticking.
Keep ingredients moving: Continuously stir the rice and veggies in the skillet to prevent burning or sticking. Have all your ingredients prepped in small bowls for an easier cooking process.
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