Chicken Hibachi Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Guide
Are you craving the vibrant flavors and sizzling excitement of hibachi? This recipe will guide you through creating a restaurant-quality chicken hibachi experience right in your own kitchen. Forget expensive takeout – you'll be amazed at how simple and satisfying it is to make this dish at home!
What is Hibachi?
Before we dive into the recipe, let's quickly define hibachi. Hibachi, in its truest form, refers to a type of small charcoal grill. However, the term is often used more broadly to describe the style of Japanese cuisine prepared on a flat griddle, known as a teppanyaki grill, characterized by its interactive cooking style and bold flavors. This recipe focuses on the delicious flavors and techniques associated with hibachi-style cooking.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe serves 4. Feel free to adjust quantities based on your needs.
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For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 1 tablespoon sake (optional, adds depth of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
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For the Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake or button)
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For Serving:
- Cooked rice
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions: Marinate the Chicken
The key to juicy and flavorful chicken hibachi lies in the marinade. Combine the soy sauce, mirin, sake (if using), brown sugar, ginger, garlic, cornstarch, and pepper in a bowl. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat thoroughly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even better, for several hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor penetration.
Cook the Chicken and Vegetables
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Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. If using a non-stick pan, a little oil is needed. If using a cast iron or similar surface, you may not need any additional oil.
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Add the marinated chicken to the hot pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until it's cooked through and nicely browned, about 6-8 minutes.
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Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
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Add the sliced vegetables to the pan and cook until they are tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Stir-fry frequently to ensure even cooking.
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Return the cooked chicken to the pan and combine with the vegetables. Toss everything together to heat through.
Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your delicious chicken hibachi immediately over a bed of steaming rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for an extra touch of visual appeal and flavor.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken and vegetables in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning and even cooking.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to add more or less soy sauce, mirin, or brown sugar to adjust the flavor to your liking.
- Get creative with vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or snap peas.
- Hibachi sauce: Consider making or buying a hibachi sauce to drizzle on top for extra flavor.
This chicken hibachi recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Experiment with different vegetables, sauces, and protein to create your own unique hibachi masterpiece. Enjoy!
