Make the Best Hibachi Fried Rice Recipe Benihana style! This simple recipe captures the essence of the renowned Japanese steakhouse, using simple ingredients to create a mouthwatering dish that will satisfy your cravings.
DAY BEFORE! Cook rice, then fluff the cooked rice, cool completely and refrigerate it overnight to remove moisture for best results.
Make Garlic Butter (if using) by mixing room-temperature butter, minced garlic, and soy sauce to prepare the garlic butter.
DAY OF! Over high heat on a hibachi griddle (or heat a wok, cast iron pan or griddle over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes, on stove or grill) and spread a thin layer of high-heat oil (like avocado oil). Then stir fry onion, garlic, carrots, peas, and whites of green onion until golden brown.
Add rice and stir fry until crispy and hot, adding oyster sauce and soy sauce and incorporating into rice and vegetables, move to side and keep hot.
Scramble the eggs to the side, and incorporate them into fried rice.
Stir fry in garlic butter and season with pepper, taste and adjust seasonings if needed. If desired, drizzle with a little yum-yum sauce, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and green onions, and serve hot.
Notes
Benihana Garlic Butter, combine the following and store in the fridge or freezer.
1/2 cup softened butter
3 tsp light soy sauce
3 cloves garlic grated or pressed
Storage Tips for the Best Hibachi Fried Rice
Refrigerate: Cool fried rice to room temperature, store the extras in an airtight container, and keep it in the fridge for up to five days.
Freeze: Transfer cooled leftover hibachi fried rice to an airtight container or freezer-safe baggie for up to three months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Place rice in a microwave-safe bowl, add 1-2 tablespoons of water or broth, cover with a paper towel, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes; stir and heat in 30-second bursts until piping hot. Or, my favorite way, heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat until hot, add a little oil, then stir fry the rice until hot, which will only take a minute or two.
Variations & Substitutions
Spicy: Add some spice to the fried rice by including cayenne pepper, sriracha sauce or hot paprika in the recipe.
Change the Veggies: Not a fan of carrots and green peas? Add zucchini, green beans, onions, broccoli, bell peppers, or water chestnuts.
Low-Carb Version: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice for low-carb fried rice. Brown rice is also a healthier choice.
Reduce Calories: Skip the garlic butter; while the recipe won’t taste identical to the Benihana version, it will still be delicious!