How to make hibachi at home
How to make hibachi at home is a medium Japanese recipe that serves 4. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by Back-Yard Hibachi on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min
Cost: $14.02 total, $3.51 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Jasmine Rice (short‑grain jasmine blend, cooked and cooled)
- 1 pound Chicken Tenders (cut into bite‑size pieces)
- 0.75 pound Large Shrimp (13‑15 count per pound, peeled and deveined)
- 4 large Eggs (beaten)
- 1 medium Zucchini (sliced into half‑moons)
- 1 small Onion (thinly sliced)
- 3 stalks Green Onion (chopped)
- 0.5 cup Carrot (julienned)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes)
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (low‑sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (kosher or sea salt)
- 4 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (high smoke‑point oil (e.g., canola))
Instructions
Preheat Grill and Prepare Oil
Turn on the three‑burner grill and set each burner to about 400°F (just below the oil smoke point). Brush the grill surface with a thin layer of vegetable oil.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 400°F
Cook the Eggs
Add a tablespoon of oil to the wok, pour in the beaten eggs, let one side set, then roll the egg into a thin omelette. Once cooked, remove, slice into strips, and set aside.
Time: PT4M
Prepare Fried Rice
Add another tablespoon of oil to the wok, then stir‑fry the onion‑green onion‑carrot mix until fragrant (≈2 min). Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add the cooled rice, break up clumps, then stir in butter until fully melted and coating the rice.
Time: PT6M
Season the Fried Rice
Season the rice with salt, pepper, and drizzle soy sauce just enough to give a light color. Toss quickly, then fold in the sliced egg strips. Keep the rice moving to avoid burning.
Time: PT3M
Grill Chicken and Shrimp
Place chicken pieces and shrimp on the hot grill in a single layer. Let them sear on one side without moving for about 2‑3 minutes, then flip and sear the other side. Maintain grill temperature around 400‑425°F.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: 400‑425°F
Grill Vegetables
Add sliced zucchini and onion to the grill. Stir‑fry them on one side for 2 minutes, then flip and continue until just tender and lightly charred.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 400°F
Add Garlic‑Butter Sauce
In the wok, melt 2 Tbsp butter, add minced garlic, and sauté 30 seconds. Return the grilled chicken, shrimp, and vegetables to the wok, drizzle soy sauce, add lemon juice, and toss everything together for another minute.
Time: PT4M
Finish and Serve
Plate a generous portion of fried rice, top with the hibachi chicken, shrimp, and vegetables. Sprinkle extra black pepper and a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 620
- Protein
- 35 g
- Carbohydrates
- 58 g
- Fat
- 22 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: High protein, Gluten‑free if tamari is used, Contains dairy
Allergens: Shellfish, Soy, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Jasmine Rice: Short‑grain rice, Sushi rice
- Instead of Chicken Tenders: Chicken breast, Chicken thigh strips
- Instead of Large Shrimp: Medium shrimp, peeled frozen shrimp
- Instead of Eggs: Egg substitute, Tofu scramble
- Instead of Zucchini: Yellow squash, Broccoli florets
- Instead of Onion: Shallots, Leeks
- Instead of Green Onion: Chives
- Instead of Carrot: Bell pepper, Daikon radish
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, Olive oil
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari, Coconut aminos
- Instead of Lemon Juice: Lime juice, Rice vinegar (1 tsp)
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Salt: Soy sauce (reduce salt)
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Peanut oil, Avocado oil
Equipment Needed
- Three‑burner Gas Grill
- Large Cast‑Iron Wok or Grill Pan
- Spatula
- Tongs
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring Spoons
- Heat‑Resistant Gloves
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Maintain grill temperature at 400‑425°F to achieve proper sear without burning.
- Coat the rice thoroughly with butter and oil before seasoning.
- Caramelize soy sauce briefly with butter for color and depth.
- Cut chicken and shrimp on the grill (once seared) to retain juices.
Chef Tips from the Video
- A 2:1 ratio of short‑grain to jasmine rice gives the perfect chewy texture for hibachi fried rice.
- Butter adds richness; don’t skip it even if you prefer a lighter oil base.
- If you have a smart‑temp grill, set it to 400°F and let it stabilize before adding any food.
Troubleshooting
Fried rice turns mushy.
Use cold, day‑old rice and avoid over‑stirring; add butter last to coat each grain.
Shrimp become rubbery.
Watch closely; remove as soon as they turn pink and start to curl, usually 2‑3 minutes per side.
Vegetables burn before becoming tender.
Cut vegetables into uniform thin pieces and keep the grill slightly lower (≈380°F) for the veg portion.
Soy sauce makes the dish too salty.
Reduce added salt and use low‑sodium soy sauce; add soy sauce gradually.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store fried rice and grilled proteins in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Portion cooked rice and proteins separately; freeze for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature longer than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook and cool the rice a day ahead; store covered in the fridge.
- Marinate shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper for 15 min before grilling.
- Pre‑slice all vegetables and store in a zip‑top bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Chicken and Shrimp Hibachi in Japanese cuisine?
Hibachi cooking originated in Japan as a fast‑fire tabletop grilling method, later popularized in the United States as "teppanyaki" style. Chicken and shrimp hibachi dishes showcase the Japanese emphasis on simple, high‑heat cooking that highlights the natural flavors of protein while adding buttery soy‑based sauces.
What are the traditional regional variations of hibachi fried rice in Japanese cuisine?
In Japan, fried rice (yakimeshi) is often made with short‑grain rice, a touch of sesame oil, and may include pickled ginger. Some regions add dashi stock for extra umami, while Western hibachi versions typically use soy sauce, butter, and a mix of vegetables like zucchini and carrots.
What is the authentic traditional way Chicken and Shrimp Hibachi is served in Japanese teppanyaki restaurants?
Traditionally, the proteins are seared on a flat iron griddle, brushed with butter and soy sauce, then sliced on the grill and served directly on the hot surface with a side of fried rice and grilled vegetables, often accompanied by a wedge of lemon for brightness.
What occasions or celebrations is Chicken and Shrimp Hibachi traditionally associated with in Japanese culture?
Hibachi dishes are popular for casual gatherings, family meals, and restaurant celebrations because they are quick to prepare and can be cooked tableside, making them ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, and festive summer barbecues.
What other Japanese dishes pair well with Chicken and Shrimp Hibachi?
Miso soup, a simple cucumber sunomono salad, and steamed edamame make excellent side dishes. For a fuller meal, serve with a small portion of pickled ginger (gari) and a glass of cold sake or Japanese beer.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chicken and Shrimp Hibachi at home?
Common errors include overheating the grill (causing burnt oil), overcrowding the pan (steaming instead of searing), using wet rice (resulting in soggy fried rice), and over‑cooking shrimp which turns rubbery. Keep the grill at 400‑425°F, work in batches, and use cold rice.
Why does this Chicken and Shrimp Hibachi recipe use butter and soy sauce together instead of a pre‑made teriyaki sauce?
Butter adds richness and helps the soy sauce caramelize quickly, creating a glossy, slightly nutty coating that mimics the restaurant‑style hibachi glaze. Pre‑made teriyaki can be overly sweet and mask the delicate flavor of the shrimp and chicken.
Can I make Chicken and Shrimp Hibachi ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Cook the fried rice and grill the proteins up to the point of searing, then cool and refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat quickly on a hot grill or skillet, adding a splash of butter to restore shine.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making Chicken and Shrimp Hibachi?
The rice should be light golden with each grain separated and lightly buttery. The chicken and shrimp should have a caramelized, slightly glossy surface with a faint brown edge, while the vegetables stay crisp‑tender and lightly charred.
What does the YouTube channel Back‑Yard Hibachi specialize in?
The YouTube channel Back‑Yard Hibachi focuses on backyard grill techniques, hibachi‑style stir‑fry recipes, and equipment reviews, teaching viewers how to recreate restaurant‑quality hibachi dishes at home using portable grills.
How does the YouTube channel Back‑Yard Hibachi's approach to Japanese cooking differ from other Japanese cooking channels?
Back‑Yard Hibachi emphasizes high‑heat outdoor grilling, practical grill temperature control, and real‑world kitchen shortcuts, whereas many Japanese cooking channels focus on indoor stovetop or traditional teppanyaki restaurant setups.
Last updated: September 1, 2026








