Japanese Fried Rice Recipe

Japanese fried rice, or yakimeshi, is a delightful dish blending simplicity and rich flavors. Unlike other fried rice varieties, Japanese fried rice often features subtle umami and the perfect balance of taste and texture. It is a favorite at hibachi restaurants, where chefs dazzle diners with their cooking skills on flat-top grills.

Whether you’re recreating the hibachi experience at home or looking for a quick yet satisfying dish, this tasty recipe will guide you step-by-step to master the art of Japanese fried rice.

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What Makes Japanese Fried Rice Different?

Japanese fried rice stands out due to its minimalist approach, focusing on the natural flavors of the ingredients. While other fried rice dishes may use strong sauces or spices, Japanese fried rice relies on a few core components like soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onion. The choice of rice is crucial—short-grain or jasmine rice is often preferred for its stickier texture, which holds flavors better.

Additionally, cold rice is a must for achieving the perfect consistency. Using freshly cooked rice can result in a mushy texture, so leftover rice is ideal. Japanese fried rice also emphasizes presentation, with garnishes like sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions adding a finishing touch.

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Why Is Hibachi Fried Rice So Much Better?

The Japanese word hibachi means “fire bowl.” Traditionally, it refers to an open-top ceramic bowl that contains burning charcoal for heating purposes. Hibachi fried rice is a crowd favorite for several reasons. The cooking method plays a key role—the high heat of the flat-top grill allows for even cooking and creates a slightly crispy texture. Hibachi chefs expertly manage the heat and timing, ensuring every grain of rice is infused with flavor.

The use of butter in hibachi-style fried rice is another secret to its richness. Combined with soy sauce and sesame oil, butter adds depth and a creamy texture that elevates the dish. Watching hibachi chefs cook is also part of the appeal, as their flair and techniques add to the overall experience.

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What Do Hibachi Chefs Squirt on Rice?

One of the mysteries surrounding hibachi-style cooking is the mixture chefs squirt onto the rice. The answer lies in the combination of water, soy sauce, and sometimes mirin (a sweet rice wine). This liquid blend helps steam the rice, infusing it with flavor while keeping it moist.

Some chefs also use a bit of sake for added aroma and to deglaze the grill. The soy sauce provides umami, while water prevents sticking and creates the characteristic steaming effect seen during hibachi cooking.

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Easy Japanese Fried Rice (Hibachi Fried Rice) Recipe Ingredients

You don’t have to go out for Japanese food anymore as you can make fried rice at home with this yummy recipe. Gather up the following ingredients to begin your Japanese cooking journey.

• 2 cups cooked rice (short-grain rice)
• 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil (or any vegetable oil)
• 2 large eggs (whisked)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup green onion (chopped)
• 1 cup diced grilled chicken
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp ground fresh ginger
• Salt
• Pepper

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How to Make Hibachi-Style Fried Rice

Course: Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: Japanese

1. Heat a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. 
2. Add butter to the hot pan and stir until it melts.
3. Add the garlic and pan fry for 30 seconds.
4. Add the frozen peas and lower the heat to medium to help them soften up. Saute for another 3 to 5 minutes, stirring every 1 minute. 
5. Return to medium-high heat, then move the cooked frozen peas to the side and add the beaten eggs. Cook as you would scrambled eggs, frequently scraping and mixing with a spatula. Mix the peas with the scrambled eggs. 
6. Add rice, sesame oil (or vegetable oil), and soy sauce to the pan. Sprinkle it with salt and pepper.
7. Mix it together with the vegetables and stir-fry for about 3 to 4 minutes to break up any rice clumps. Make sure that the soy sauce covers all the rice grains in the pan.
8. Put in the sesame seeds and green onions and continue sauteing for another minute.
9. Retaining medium-high heat, stir in the hibachi chicken and cook for 2 minutes or until the hibachi chicken has warmed up. 
10. Serve hot.

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Hibachi-Style Fried Rice Recipe Tips

• Japanese fried rice and Chinese fried rice have a main between them. Chinese restaurants typically use long-grain rice, giving the dish a drier texture. 
• This recipe calls for cooked rice or day-old rice as any good fried rice dish would. This is because cooled rice grains don’t stick together or turn mushy in the pan. However, you may also use freshly-cooked rice made using a rice cooker or over the stove. Make sure to cool it down in the fridge first.
• This recipe serves one to two people. To increase the amount, cook 3 1/2  cups of uncooked rice the day before and use that to make fried rice the next day.
• Short-grain rice works best with this fried rice recipe. If you’re in a pinch, you can also use jasmine rice, calrose rice, basmati rice, or any white rice. 
• To make this hibachi rice dish healthier, use brown rice instead. 
• Not a fan of green peas? You can replace it with other vegetables that you like: green beans, bean sprouts, carrots, broccoli, and more. 
• Add a different protein if you wish! Instead of chicken, add cooked beef, shrimp, steak, or even tofu to this dish.
• You may also add cooked egg to the dish and incorporate it in the latter stage of cooking.
• Low sodium soy sauce was used in this dish but regular soy sauce will do. To make this recipe gluten-free, you may use tamari. 
• You may skip the butter entirely and only use cooking oil instead.
• Serve this fried rice with some miso soup or teriyaki chicken on the side for a complete meal.
• If you don’t have sesame oil, use a neutral oil as a substitute. Vegetable oil, olive oil, and grapeseed oil are the best options.

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Final Note

Make fried rice at home just like how it’s done at a Japanese steakhouse! This easy Japanese fried rice recipe is effortless to make and also packed with flavor. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, Japanese fried rice is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

For more delicious rice dishes to make in the kitchen, feel free to browse through our assortment of recipes. 

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Frequently Asked Questions