This Easy Japanese BBQ Chicken Fried Rice is a tasty dish that’s packed with flavor! With tender chicken, colorful veggies, and a hint of BBQ sauce, it’s a fun twist on a classic favorite.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Japanese Short-Grain Rice: Using day-old rice is ideal because it’s firmer and less sticky. If you don’t have short-grain, medium-grain rice works too. Avoid using freshly cooked rice as it may get mushy when frying.
Chicken: I love using chicken thighs for their juicy flavor, but you can substitute with cooked chicken breast or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just make sure it’s cooked and diced before adding it to the fried rice.
Japanese BBQ Sauce: Yakitori is my go-to, but any teriyaki-style sauce works. For a homemade option, mix soy sauce with a bit of sugar and mirin for a similar taste. If avoiding sugars, try a low-sugar BBQ sauce.
Mixed Vegetables: Frozen veggies are super convenient. You can really mix it up and add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Fresh veggies might take slightly longer to cook, so prep accordingly!
How Do You Stir-Fry Fried Rice Perfectly?
The key to a great fried rice lies in a proper stir-fry technique. Start with a hot skillet or wok to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. Here are some steps:
- Heat your skillet on medium-high heat before adding oil.
- Cook ingredients in stages, starting with the eggs, then onions and garlic, and finally the vegetables.
- Use high heat when adding the rice, so it heats quickly and gets a nice texture. Break any clumps gently but thoroughly.
- Mix quickly and continuously to prevent burning and encourage even flavor.
With these tips, your fried rice will be full of great flavor and texture! Enjoy your creation!
Easy Japanese BBQ Chicken Fried Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked Japanese short-grain rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 cup cooked chicken thighs, diced (grilled or pan-fried)
- 2 tablespoons Japanese BBQ sauce (like Yakitori or a teriyaki-style BBQ sauce)
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: toasted sesame seeds or pickled ginger
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation and around 15 minutes of cooking time, making a total of about 25 minutes. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that you can whip up in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
If you don’t have cooked chicken ready, season the chicken thighs lightly with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-fry the thighs until they are cooked through. Once cooked, dice them into bite-sized pieces. Toss the pieces with 2 tablespoons of Japanese BBQ sauce and set aside.
2. Scramble the Eggs:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them until just cooked. Once done, remove the eggs from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics:
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic until they are fragrant and soft, which should take about 2 minutes.
4. Cook the Vegetables:
Next, toss in the mixed vegetables. Cook them for another 2-3 minutes until they are tender.
5. Stir-Fry the Rice:
Add the day-old rice to the skillet. Use a spatula to break up any clumps and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the rice is heated through.
6. Combine All Ingredients:
Now, stir in the BBQ chicken pieces and the scrambled eggs back into the rice mixture. Combine everything well.
7. Seasoning:
Season the mixture with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix everything well to make sure all flavors are combined.
8. Finish with Green Onions:
Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the thinly sliced green onions.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the fried rice hot, and if you’d like, garnish it with toasted sesame seeds or a side of pickled ginger for that extra touch of flavor. Enjoy your delicious Easy Japanese BBQ Chicken Fried Rice!
FAQ about Easy Japanese BBQ Chicken Fried Rice
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen mixed vegetables are a great time-saver and work perfectly in this recipe. Just add them straight to the skillet and cook them for a couple of extra minutes until they’re heated through.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken?
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh. If you want more protein, shrimp or beef are also tasty alternatives. Just make sure they are cooked through before adding them to the fried rice.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to prevent drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, skip the eggs and chicken, and use tofu or tempeh. Substitute the Japanese BBQ sauce with a vegan version or make your own with soy sauce, maple syrup, and a splash of vinegar for similar flavor!
