Easy hibachi at home

Name: Easy hibachi at home
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: Chicken Breasts: Dice the chicken into even, bite-sized pieces for consistent cooking. Prefer something juicier? Swap chicken breasts for thighs—they’re just as delicious.; Salt: About a teaspoon per pound of meat works well, but feel free to adjust based on your taste.; Black Pepper: Freshly ground is always ideal for a bold flavor, but pre-ground pepper works fine in a pinch.; Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce balances flavor without overloading on salt. Gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos are great alternatives.; Butter (Softened): Adds richness and depth to the dish. For a dairy-free option, try plant-based butter or even coconut oil.; Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic is your best bet for vibrant flavor, but garlic powder will work if needed.; Sesame Oil: This oil adds an unmistakable nutty aroma. If unavailable, you can skip it, though the dish’s flavor will be less authentic.; Minced Fresh Ginger: Provides a fresh, zesty kick. Use refrigerated or frozen ginger for the best results—ground ginger just doesn’t compare.; Zucchini (Cut into Spears): Adds a nice balance of crunch and sweetness. Not a fan? Snap peas or asparagus make excellent substitutes.; Onion: Brings subtle sweetness and a savory depth. Experiment with different types like white, yellow, or even shallots for variety.; Sesame Oil: Enhances the veggies with a toasty, nutty flavor.

Posted on 01/13/2025

Posted by Ava

A Blackstone hibachi platter with rice, grilled zucchini, cauliflower, dipping sauces, and garnish.

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Picture this: sizzling meat, perfectly fried rice, buttery vegetables, and that iconic yum yum sauce all served up fresh and hot. You don’t need to book a table at your favorite Japanese steakhouse to enjoy hibachi—you just need a Blackstone griddle, a little prep, and a whole lot of appetite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this Blackstone Hibachi is the ultimate backyard showstopper.

Let’s break it down step by step, so you can whip up restaurant-quality hibachi with confidence (and maybe even impress the neighbors!).

Why Make Hibachi on a Blackstone Griddle?

A plate of Blackstone hibachi featuring grilled chicken, stir-fried vegetables, fried rice with green onions, and a dipping sauce

First things first: why is the Blackstone perfect for hibachi? Simple. A Blackstone griddle gives you the large, flat cooking surface needed to achieve that signature sear and even heat distribution. It’s like having your very own restaurant-style teppanyaki grill, minus the pricey steakhouse bill.

Another win? You can cook everything at once—protein, veggies, and fried rice—without needing multiple pans or appliances. Plus, it’s just plain fun to channel your inner hibachi chef and hear that satisfying sizzle.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Protein

Chicken Breasts: Dice the chicken into even, bite-sized pieces for consistent cooking. Prefer something juicier? Swap chicken breasts for thighs—they’re just as delicious.
Salt: About a teaspoon per pound of meat works well, but feel free to adjust based on your taste.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground is always ideal for a bold flavor, but pre-ground pepper works fine in a pinch.

Sauce

Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce balances flavor without overloading on salt. Gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos are great alternatives.
Butter (Softened): Adds richness and depth to the dish. For a dairy-free option, try plant-based butter or even coconut oil.
Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic is your best bet for vibrant flavor, but garlic powder will work if needed.
Sesame Oil: This oil adds an unmistakable nutty aroma. If unavailable, you can skip it, though the dish’s flavor will be less authentic.
Minced Fresh Ginger: Provides a fresh, zesty kick. Use refrigerated or frozen ginger for the best results—ground ginger just doesn’t compare.

Vegetables

Zucchini (Cut into Spears): Adds a nice balance of crunch and sweetness. Not a fan? Snap peas or asparagus make excellent substitutes.
Onion: Brings subtle sweetness and a savory depth. Experiment with different types like white, yellow, or even shallots for variety.
Sesame Oil: Enhances the veggies with a toasty, nutty flavor.

Prep Like a Pro

Hibachi cooking moves fast, so the key to success is prepping everything in advance. Trust me, once your griddle is hot, there’s no time for chopping or scrambling.

1. Slice and Dice

Cut your protein into bite-sized pieces. For chicken, aim for cubes; for steak, thin strips; for shrimp, they’re usually good to go as-is. Dice your zucchini, slice your onions, and prep the mushrooms.

2. Marinate the Meat

Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a bowl. Toss in your protein and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes (longer if you can). This not only flavors the meat but helps it caramelize beautifully on the griddle.

3. Prep the Rice

If you’re starting with fresh rice, spread it out on a baking sheet and let it cool in the fridge for at least an hour. Day-old rice is even better because it’s less sticky and fries up perfectly.

4. Whisk the Eggs

Crack your eggs into a bowl and whisk until combined. These will be scrambled right on the griddle for your fried rice.

Cooking Hibachi on the Blackstone: Step-by-Step

Now that everything’s prepped, it’s time to fire up your Blackstone and get cooking!

Season the Chicken

Chopped chicken seasoned with salt and pepper in a red mixing bowl, with sliced zucchini on the side

Generously sprinkle the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.

Mix the Sauce

A bowl with a mixture of soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, and butter, prepared for Blackstone hibachi.

In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, softened butter, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger. Stir until smooth and set aside.

Preheat the Griddle

Heat your Blackstone griddle to medium heat and grease it with a neutral, high smoke point oil (like canola or avocado oil).

Start the Veggies

Zucchini and onions sautéing on a Blackstone griddle.

Drizzle sesame oil on one side of the griddle. Add the zucchini and onions, seasoning them lightly with salt. Stir occasionally to cook evenly.

Cook the Chicken

Chopped chicken cooking on the Blackstone griddle with black pepper seasoning.

Place the seasoned chicken pieces on the other side of the griddle. Let them cook for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally for even browning.

Flavor the Veggies

Zucchini and onions being sautéed with sauce on the Blackstone griddle.

Add a tablespoon of the soy butter mixture to the vegetables as they cook, tossing them to coat in the sauce.

Finish the Chicken

Cooked chicken pieces on the Blackstone griddle, with a golden-brown sear.

Stir the remaining soy butter mixture into the chicken. Keep cooking until the chicken is fully cooked and golden.

Serve and Enjoy

Plate the hibachi chicken and vegetables with your favorite fried rice or a simple bowl of white rice. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for a perfect finishing touch.

Pro Tips for Perfect Blackstone Hibachi

Work in Zones: Divide your griddle into sections—one for protein, one for veggies, and one for rice. This keeps everything organized and prevents overcrowding.
Keep It Hot: A hot griddle is essential for that iconic sizzle and caramelization. If your food isn’t sizzling, crank up the heat.
Don’t Overcrowd: Too much food on the griddle can lower the temperature and make everything steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if needed.
Use Two Spatulas: You’ll feel like a true hibachi chef flipping and tossing your food with two spatulas. It’s practical and fun!
Taste as You Go: Don’t be afraid to adjust seasonings as you cook. A little extra soy sauce or garlic butter can make all the difference.

Blackstone Hibachi for Meal Prep

Hibachi on a Blackstone isn’t just for entertaining—it’s also perfect for meal prep. Cook up extra servings of protein, rice, and veggies, then store them in individual containers for the week. You can easily reheat everything for quick lunches or dinners, and it still tastes amazing. Plus, you can mix and match the components to keep things interesting—like shrimp fried rice one day and steak with extra veggies the next. Meal prepping with hibachi is a total time-saver without sacrificing flavor.

Why Yum Yum Sauce is a Must

No hibachi meal is complete without that creamy, slightly tangy, slightly sweet yum yum sauce. If you’ve never made it from scratch, it’s super simple: mix mayo, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic powder, sugar, and a pinch of paprika. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. It’s the perfect finishing touch for your hibachi creation.

Making Hibachi a Family Event

Cooking hibachi on a Blackstone isn’t just about the food—it’s an experience. Get the whole family involved! Let the kids “help” flip veggies or drizzle sauce. If you’re hosting friends, set up some outdoor seating and serve everything fresh off the griddle. Bonus points if you add some fun extras like chopsticks, sake, or even a little onion volcano for entertainment.

Blackstone Hibachi and Backyard Entertaining

Cooking hibachi on a Blackstone griddle isn’t just about the meal—it’s about creating a whole vibe. Imagine gathering your family and friends outside on a warm evening, the sound of sizzling food filling the air. With everything cooking right in front of them, it’s like bringing a live show to your backyard. Pair your hibachi feast with some chilled sake, iced tea, or even a fun mocktail for the kids. Don’t forget to set the mood with some string lights and a playlist of chill tunes—it all adds to the experience.

Why Day-Old Rice is Essential

If you’ve ever tried making fried rice with fresh, fluffy rice and ended up with a sticky mess, you know why day-old rice is a game changer. When rice sits in the fridge overnight, it dries out just enough to hold up on a hot griddle without clumping together. This texture is what gives hibachi-style fried rice its signature fluff and bite. So, if you’re planning a hibachi night, cook your rice a day ahead—or use a shortcut like frozen pre-cooked rice. Trust me, it’s worth the tiny bit of planning.

Customizing Your Hibachi Feast

The beauty of hibachi is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can customize it to fit any taste or dietary preference. Swap the soy sauce for tamari to make it gluten-free, or use tofu as a plant-based protein option. Add extra veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers for more color and crunch. For seafood lovers, scallops are a fantastic addition—they cook quickly and taste amazing with a drizzle of garlic butter. Whether you keep it traditional or try something new, hibachi is all about making it your own.

Cleaning Your Blackstone Griddle After Hibachi

Once the hibachi feast is over, the griddle cleanup is surprisingly easy. After the griddle cools down a bit, scrape off any leftover bits of food with your griddle scraper. Add a little water to the surface while it’s still warm (but not too hot), and watch the stuck-on bits lift right off. Wipe it down with a paper towel or cloth, and reapply a thin layer of oil to keep the surface seasoned and ready for your next cooking adventure. Keeping your Blackstone in top shape ensures every meal tastes just as amazing as the first.

FAQs

What Do They Squirt on Rice at Hibachi?

At hibachi restaurants, chefs often squirt a mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, and sometimes garlic butter onto the rice as it cooks. This combination adds flavor, moisture, and that signature savory aroma that makes hibachi fried rice so irresistible.

What Seasoning Do They Use at Hibachi?

Hibachi seasoning is simple but effective. Chefs typically use a blend of salt, pepper, garlic, and sometimes a touch of ginger. The soy sauce and sesame oil used during cooking also act as flavor enhancers, giving the dish its distinct taste.

What Kind of Oil to Use on Blackstone for Hibachi?

For hibachi on a Blackstone, use a high smoke point oil like canola, avocado, or vegetable oil. Sesame oil is also added for flavor, but it’s not used as the primary cooking oil since it has a lower smoke point.

What Makes the Hibachi Flavor?

The hibachi flavor comes from a combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, butter, and ginger. These ingredients work together to create a rich, umami-packed taste with a subtle nuttiness and a hint of sweetness. The high heat and caramelization on the griddle also add depth to the flavor.

The Joy of Blackstone Hibachi

There’s something magical about recreating restaurant-quality meals at home, especially when they’re as fun and flavorful as hibachi. With your Blackstone griddle, a little prep, and this guide, you’ve got everything you need to turn a regular dinner into a memorable event.

So, what are you waiting for? Heat up that griddle, grab your spatulas, and let’s make some hibachi magic happen. Trust me—once you try it, you’ll be hooked.

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