HIBACHI CHICKEN & VEGGIES WITH FRIED RICE

If you love the bold flavors of hibachi cooking, then this Hibachi Chicken & Veggies with Fried Rice recipe is sure to impress! This dish is packed with savory chicken, fresh vegetables, and perfectly seasoned fried rice, all topped off with a homemade yum yum sauce for that authentic hibachi flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this meal will transport your taste buds straight to your favorite Japanese steakhouse. Plus, it’s easier than you might think to make right at home. Let’s dive into how you can create this delicious hibachi-inspired meal!

Ingredients

for Hibachi Chicken

• 8 boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin
• 1 tbsp mirin
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 2 tbsp oil

for Hibachi Veggies

• 1/2 cup broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup zucchini, sliced
• 1/2 cup squash, sliced
• 1/2 onion, quartered
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• Fresh cracked pepper
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 tbsp butter

for Fried Rice

• 3 cups cooked day-old cold rice
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp oyster sauce
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 green onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp oil

Homemade Yum Yum Sauce

• 1 cup mayo
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp melted butter
• 2 tbsp water

Instructions

for Hibachi Chicken

1. First, make the sauce by combining soy sauce, hoisin, mirin, brown sugar, and minced garlic in a small bowl.
2. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown.
4. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and cook for a few more minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken.

for Hibachi Veggies

1. Heat the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the quartered onions and sliced bell peppers, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened.
2. Add the zucchini, squash, and broccoli to the skillet. Season with fresh cracked black pepper.
3. Stir in minced garlic, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Continue to cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and flavorful.

for Fried Rice

1. Heat oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, peas, and carrots. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
2. Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs onto the empty side. Scramble the eggs, then push them aside once they are fully cooked.
3. Add the cold rice to the skillet, then pour in the soy sauce, brown sugar, and oyster sauce. Stir to combine.
4. Toss in the sliced green onions and stir-fry for another minute until everything is well mixed.

for Homemade Yum Yum Sauce

1. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, tomato paste, rice vinegar, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, sugar, and garlic powder.
2. Stir in the melted butter and water until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
3. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips

1. Serve this dish immediately after cooking for the best flavor and texture. The chicken, veggies, and fried rice are all best enjoyed hot.
2. Garnish with extra green onions or sesame seeds for an added touch of freshness and crunch.
3. For a complete hibachi experience, serve the dish with a side of pickled ginger or miso soup.
4. You can also drizzle additional homemade yum yum sauce over the chicken and rice for extra flavor.

Storage Tips

1. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. To reheat, microwave the chicken, veggies, and fried rice separately or use a skillet over medium heat to avoid overcooking the ingredients.
3. It’s best to store the yum yum sauce in a separate container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week.
4. If you’re freezing leftovers, consider freezing the fried rice and chicken separately. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat as needed.

Variations

1. Swap the Protein
   • You can easily substitute the chicken thighs with other proteins like shrimp, beef, or tofu for a different flavor. Just adjust the cooking time for each protein accordingly.
2. Add More Vegetables
   • Feel free to add more vegetables like mushrooms, snap peas, carrots, or even asparagus for extra flavor and texture. This will make your dish more vibrant and nutritious.
3. Make it Spicy
   • For a spicy kick, add some sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha sauce to the fried rice or chicken. You can also sprinkle in red pepper flakes for heat.
4. Vegetarian Option
   • Make this dish vegetarian by skipping the chicken and using extra vegetables, tofu, or tempeh instead. You could also add a protein like chickpeas for a plant-based meal.
5. Gluten-Free
   • To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce. You can find these alternatives in most grocery stores or Asian markets.
6. Low-Carb
   • If you’re following a low-carb diet, swap the fried rice for cauliflower rice. It’s a great way to keep the flavor and texture while cutting down on carbs.
7. Add Noodles
   • For a fun twist, you can substitute the fried rice with stir-fried noodles. Use rice noodles or egg noodles, and toss them with soy sauce and the same seasonings for a noodle-based version of this dish.
8. Add Pineapple
   • For a sweet contrast to the savory elements, add chunks of fresh pineapple to the fried rice or vegetable mix. It will add a tropical flair to your hibachi meal.
9. Balsamic Glaze
   • Drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the finished dish for a tangy, sweet contrast that complements the savory chicken and veggies.
10. Make it Vegan
    • To make this dish vegan, replace the chicken with marinated tofu and use a plant-based mayo for the yum yum sauce. Substitute the egg in the fried rice with tofu scramble for a fully vegan meal.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
   • Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly, as chicken breasts may dry out more quickly. You can also marinate the chicken to ensure it stays juicy.
2. What vegetables can I use for the hibachi veggies?
   • You can use a variety of vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, carrots, snow peas, or even baby corn. Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on what you have available or prefer.
3. Can I make the fried rice without day-old rice?
   • While day-old rice is ideal for fried rice, you can use freshly cooked rice. Just spread it out on a baking sheet to cool and dry a bit before frying to prevent it from being too mushy.
4. Can I make this recipe in advance?
   • Yes, you can prepare the chicken, veggies, and fried rice in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and reheat them before serving. The yum yum sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
5. Can I freeze Hibachi Chicken & Veggies with Fried Rice?
   • Yes, you can freeze the chicken and fried rice separately in airtight containers for up to 3 months. However, the vegetables are best when freshly cooked.
6. Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
   • Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or just extra veggies for a vegetarian version of the dish. Use plant-based sauces for the yum yum sauce and soy sauce if needed.
7. What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
   • If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can substitute it with a mixture of soy sauce, peanut butter, and a bit of honey or brown sugar. This will provide a similar sweet and savory flavor.
8. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
   • To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The chicken should no longer be pink in the center.
9. Can I add a different sauce instead of yum yum sauce?
   • Yes, you can use other sauces like teriyaki sauce, sesame dressing, or even a spicy mayo if you prefer a different flavor. The yum yum sauce adds creaminess and a hint of sweetness, but there are plenty of delicious alternatives.
10. How can I make the fried rice more flavorful?

• You can add more seasonings to your fried rice, such as ginger, garlic, or a dash of sesame oil. For extra flavor, add a little bit of oyster sauce, fish sauce, or a splash of rice vinegar.

This Hibachi Chicken & Veggies with Fried Rice is the perfect meal for anyone craving hibachi flavors but without the need to visit a restaurant. The tender, juicy chicken paired with the flavorful veggies and fried rice makes for a complete meal that’s sure to please everyone. The homemade yum yum sauce adds the perfect finishing touch, bringing everything together in a delicious, creamy way. Serve this up for dinner or impress your guests at your next gathering—either way, it’s bound to be a hit!

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