Gotta admit, I’ve been obsessed with hibachi fried rice since forever. Like, who doesn’t love watching those hibachi chefs do their thing with the spatulas and fire? After trying literally TONS of recipes at home, I finally nailed down this hibachi fried rice that tastes just like the restaurant version. Maybe even better? The rice gets that perfect smoky flavor and those little crispy bits that make hibachi fried rice so addictive. Best part is you don’t need any fancy equipment – just a good pan and some basic ingredients. Stick around cuz I’m sharing all my secrets for making the BEST hibachi fried rice at home!
Why You’ll Love This Hibachi Fried Rice
Not gonna lie, making restaurant-style hibachi fried rice used to drive me crazy. The rice would always end up mushy or bland. Then my Japanese neighbor (she’s like 80 and makes THE BEST food) showed me her method, and omg it changed everything.
This recipe solves all those annoying problems. First, it works with leftover rice you already have (no need to make fresh rice), and second, you don’t need those huge flat-top grills they use at hibachi places.
Last month I made this for my brother who’s super picky about his food, and he legit asked for seconds AND the recipe. That never happens!
You can customize this hibachi fried rice however you want – add chicken, shrimp, extra veggies, whatever you’re feeling. It works for dinner, lunch, meal prep, everything.
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff…
Ingredients for Perfect Hibachi Fried Rice
The Basics:
- Day-old white rice – MUST be cold and day-old! Fresh rice = soggy mess
- Eggs – adds protein and that authentic hibachi texture
- Butter – not oil! Butter is the secret that hibachi chefs use
- Veg oil – just a bit to help with the high heat cooking
- Soy sauce – get the low sodium kind if you can
- Rice vinegar – balances the flavor, don’t skip it!
- Sesame oil – just a touch at the end makes ALL the difference
- Green onions – separate whites and greens
- Carrots – finely diced
- Frozen peas – no need to thaw
- Garlic – fresh minced, not powder
- S&P – obviously
Optional Add-ins:
- Diced onion – white or yellow works
- Protein – chicken, shrimp, beef, tofu
- Bean sprouts – for extra crunch
- Ginger – gives amazing flavor
- Mushrooms – shiitake are best
Can’t find rice vinegar? White vinegar works in a pinch but use less. Gluten-free peeps can swap regular soy for tamari.
How to Make Hibachi Fried Rice
Step 1: Prep Everything First
- Break up cold rice with your fingers so there’s no clumps
- Dice all veggies super small (hibachi style)
- Crack eggs into bowl and whisk
- Mix soy sauce and vinegar in separate small bowl
- Have everything ready to go beside stove – this cooks FAST
Step 2: Cook the Eggs
- Heat pan until REALLY hot (like when water drops dance)
- Add bit of oil and quickly scramble eggs (30 seconds max)
- Remove eggs before they get brown
- Wipe pan clean if needed
Step 3: The Main Event
- Get pan smoking hot again
- Add oil + butter (butter should sizzle like crazy)
- Toss in white parts of green onions, carrots, garlic – stir for 1 min
- Add rice and break up any clumps with spatula
- DON’T STIR TOO MUCH – let rice get crispy on bottom
- After 2-3 mins, drizzle soy sauce mix around edges of pan
- Add peas, toss everything together
- Add eggs back in
- Cook 2 more mins, stirring occasionally
Step 4: Finish Strong
- Turn off heat
- Drizzle small amount of sesame oil
- Add green onion tops
- Toss everything once more
- Taste and add S&P if needed
The whole cooking process takes like 10 mins once you start – no joke!
Awesome Variations of Hibachi Fried Rice
Protein-Packed Hibachi Rice
Add diced chicken, steak, or shrimp. Cook protein first, remove, then add back with eggs.
Spicy Kick Hibachi Rice
Mix sriracha with soy sauce or add red pepper flakes during cooking.
Veggie Overload Hibachi
Double the veggies and add zucchini, broccoli, and bean sprouts.
Garlic Lovers Hibachi Rice
Triple the garlic and add garlic powder at end.
Breakfast Hibachi Rice
Top with fried egg and bacon pieces.
Brown Rice Healthy Swap
Use day-old brown rice instead (might need extra cooking time).
Hibachi Fried Rice
Equipment
- Large nonstick skillet or wok
- Spatula
- Mixing bowls
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- The Basics:
- 4 cups day-old white rice cold
- 2 eggs whisked
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce low sodium preferred
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions separate white and green parts
- ½ cup carrots finely diced
- ½ cup frozen peas
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional Add-ins:
- ¼ cup diced onion
- ½ cup cooked protein chicken, shrimp, beef, tofu
- ½ cup bean sprouts
- 1 tsp fresh ginger minced
- ¼ cup mushrooms shiitake preferred
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep Everything
- Break up cold rice with your hands to remove clumps.
- Dice all vegetables finely.
- Whisk eggs in a small bowl.
- Mix soy sauce and rice vinegar in a separate bowl.
- Place all ingredients near the stove—this moves fast!
- Step 2: Cook the Eggs
- Heat skillet on high until very hot.
- Add oil, scramble eggs for ~30 seconds, then remove.
- Wipe pan clean if needed.
- Step 3: Cook the Fried Rice
- Reheat pan on high; add oil and butter.
- Add green onion whites, carrots, garlic. Stir for 1 minute.
- Add rice, break clumps, let sit to crisp (don’t stir too much).
- After 2-3 mins, pour soy/vinegar mix around edges.
- Add peas, stir everything together.
- Return eggs to pan. Cook 2 more mins.
- Step 4: Finish
- Turn off heat.
- Drizzle sesame oil, toss in green onion tops.
- Final stir, season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQ About Hibachi Fried Rice
What do hibachi chefs squirt on rice?
Hibachi chefs usually squirt a combo of sake, butter, and soy sauce on the rice! At home, I use a mix of rice vinegar and soy sauce to get that same flavor without having to buy sake. Some restaurants also add a bit of sugar to their mixture to get that slight sweetness.
What is the difference between fried rice and hibachi rice?
Regular fried rice is usually made with just oil, but hibachi rice specifically uses butter which gives it that rich flavor you can’t get otherwise. Hibachi rice also tends to have a smokier taste from the super hot cooking surface. Traditional Chinese fried rice has more sauce coating each grain, while hibachi rice has a cleaner taste with pops of flavor from the butter and soy mix.
What makes Japanese fried rice taste so good?
It’s ALL about that butter! Most people don’t realize Japanese fried rice uses butter which gives it that unique taste. Also, the super high heat cooking creates these amazing toasty flavors that you just can’t get with regular home cooking. Japanese rice is typically short-grain too, which has a different texture than long-grain rice used in other fried rice versions.
What is the secret ingredient to restaurant fried rice?
Honestly its the flat top grill thats like 500 degrees! But at home, butter is def the secret most ppl miss. Also using DAY OLD rice that’s cold from fridge – never fresh rice! Some hibachi places also add a tiny bit of sugar to their soy mixture which makes it extra addictive. Lastly, cooking everything separately then combining at end makes huge difference.
What does vinegar do in fried rice?
Vinegar brightens up all the flavors! It cuts through the richness of butter and adds balance. Rice vinegar specifically has slight sweetness that regular vinegar doesn’t. It also helps separate the rice grains so they don’t stick together. Trust me don’t skip it even if it seems weird!
Make it Your Own!
Somehow this hibachi fried rice tastes even better the next day. I like making huge batch Sunday nights then having easy lunches all week.
My grandma used to say good food brings ppl together, and this hibachi fried rice definitely does that. Every time I make it for friends they gather around the stove watching me cook like I’m performing at a real hibachi restaurant!
The best part about this recipe is it respects tradition but lets you add your own twists. Whether you keep it simple or load it up, this hibachi fried rice will become your go-to.
If you’re looking for more amazing rice recipes, check out my Texas Roadhouse Rice or learn how to Make Benihana Chicken Fried Rice. For something with a kick, try my Gochujang Chicken or go global with Authentic Turkish Rice.
Now go make this hibachi fried rice and thank me later!