Hibachi Fried Rice

Overhead close up of fried rice topped with green onions.

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Asian

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 15

Servings: people

Calories: 865kcal

Author: Platings and Pairings

Skip the takeout tonight. This 15-minute hibachi fried rice delivers the perfect smoky, savory, and crisp texture of your favorite restaurant dish, made entirely in one pan. It’s deeply flavorful, endlessly adaptable, and so simple you’ll want to make it on repeat.

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Equipment

Skillet flat-top grill, griddle, or wok

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons butter divided
3 strips bacon cut into ½ pieces, optional
2 eggs whisked
1 medium shallot minced
3 cloves garlic minced
Salt and pepper to taste
4 cups rice cooked and cooled
2/3 cup frozen peas
3 green onions sliced
¼ cup soy sauce low-sodium, or tamari

Instructions

Heat a large griddle, flat top grill, large skillet or wok over medium heat. Cook the 3 strips bacon, until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and let drain on paper towels.
Remove all but 1 TBSP of the bacon fat from the griddle or wok and increase the heat to medium-high. Add 2 eggs and scramble. Once fully cooked, remove from heat and set aside.
Add 1 TBSP butter to the now-empty griddle or wok and heat until melted. Add the 1 medium shallot and season with salt and pepper. Saute for 2-3 minutes, until the shallot has softened. Add the 3 cloves garlic and cook 30 seconds longer, until fragrant.
Increase the heat to high and add in remaining TBSP butter. Once melted, add the 4 cups rice, 2/3 cup frozen peas, 3 green onions, and ¼ cup soy sauce, stir to combine.
Fry over high heat for approximately 3 minutes, until it’s getting nice and brown, and crispy.
Add the cooked bacon and eggs and stir to combine. Serve immediately.

Notes

Storing

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. I like to package it into individual Ziploc sandwich bags and freeze it laying flat.
To reheat leftover chilled or thawed frozen fried rice, heat 1 Tablespoon of butter or oil in a medium skillet or in your Instant Pot using the “saute” setting. Add fried rice and cook until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.

Tips and tricks

Use cold, day-old rice straight from the refrigerator. The dried-out grains separate easily and fry without becoming mushy. If using fresh rice, spread it on a baking sheet and chill for 1-2 hours to remove moisture.
The signature "hibachi" flavor and texture comes from quick frying over very high heat. Ensure your pan or griddle is hot before adding the rice to ensure crispy bits.
Have all ingredients ready (cut, sliced, measured, and within arm's reach) before you start cooking. This recipe moves very fast once the heat is on, and there's no time to stop and prep.
Feel free to adapt this recipe with what you have. Swap shallots for a mix of onion and garlic. Skip the bacon and use extra butter for sautéing. Got carrots or other veggies? Toss them in, too!
Use a large griddle or wok. A generous surface area is essential as it prevents overflow and allows the rice to spread out in a thin layer. This ensures maximum contact with the hot pan, which is key for evaporating excess moisture and achieving the proper fried rice texture.

Variations

Extra protein - Mix in sautéed chicken, shrimp, or pork. Edamame or cubed tofu are great non-meat protein options!
Vegetarian hibachi fried rice - Ditch the bacon and add in more butter or oil for scrambling the eggs. You can also mix in other veggies and legumes, depending on your preference. Broccoli florets, red bell pepper, jalapenos, or mushrooms are all delicious options.
Flavor boosts and alternatives - Mix in a bit of sesame oil, ginger, chili oil or sriracha for an easy and effective boost of flavor. Always taste to test before adding more. For a flavor alternative, try swapping out the regular soy sauce for some kecap manis (sweet soy sauce). Or, try adding in some kimchi.
Low-carb hibachi fried rice - Swap the rice for cauliflower rice like I’ve used in this Bacon Cauliflower Fried Rice recipe (AKA Keto Fried Rice).

Nutrition