Are you ready to elevate your weeknight meals? This Hibachi Rice recipe, cooked on a Blackstone griddle, is the perfect blend of quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful. Forget bland, boring rice – this recipe adds a delicious smoky char and a burst of savory goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds. It's the ideal side dish for your favorite hibachi-style proteins, or even a fantastic base for a quick and healthy meal on its own. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, making it a staple in our easy recipes collection.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 4 cups water or chicken broth (for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon butter or margarine
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Prep the Blackstone: Preheat your Blackstone griddle to medium heat. Ensure it's clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
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Sauté Aromatics: Add the butter or margarine to the hot griddle. Once melted, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
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Combine Rice and Liquid: Add the rinsed rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the griddle. Stir well to coat the rice evenly with the flavorful mixture. Pour in the water or chicken broth.
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Bring to a Boil: Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
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Simmer and Steam: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the griddle with a lid, and let the rice simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked through. Avoid lifting the lid frequently during the cooking process to retain moisture.
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Fluff and Serve: Once cooked, remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with the sliced green onion and a sprinkle of black pepper, if desired. Serve immediately as a delicious side dish to your favorite proteins or enjoy it as a healthy meal on its own.
Tips for Perfect Hibachi Rice:
- Rinse your rice: Rinsing the rice before cooking helps to remove excess starch, resulting in fluffier rice.
- Don't lift the lid too often: Resist the urge to peek! Lifting the lid frequently releases steam, which can affect the cooking process and lead to dry rice.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce and sesame oil to your liking.
- Add some veggies: For an even healthier and more flavorful dish, consider adding some chopped vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli during the sautéing stage.
Variations:
- Spicy Hibachi Rice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Brown Rice Hibachi Rice: Substitute brown rice for white rice for a healthier, nuttier option. Keep in mind that brown rice requires a longer cooking time.
- Hibachi Fried Rice: Once the rice is cooked, add some leftover cooked protein (chicken, shrimp, beef) and stir-fry for a few minutes to create a delicious hibachi fried rice.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: 5-7 grams
- Carbohydrates: 40-45 grams
- Fat: 5-7 grams
This delicious Hibachi Rice recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of homemade cooking ideas. It's quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Enjoy!