This hibachi-inspired dish brings the savory flavors of a Japanese steakhouse right into your kitchen. Tender steak bites cooked to perfection, served with flavorful fried rice, and complemented by a rich and creamy homemade yum yum sauce. The combination of these elements will make you feel like you’re enjoying hibachi at your favorite restaurant, minus the grill!
Ingredients:
For the Hibachi Steak Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cornstarch
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 lb steak (ribeye, sirloin, or your favorite cut), cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, for seasoning
For the Fried Rice:
- 3 cups cooked day-old cold rice
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp oyster sauce
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or sesame oil works best)
For the 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:
Step 1: Make the Hibachi Steak Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce and cornstarch until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
- Add the remaining ingredients: white vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, fresh grated ginger, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is well-combined.
- Set the sauce aside while you prepare the steak.
Step 2: Cook the Steak Bites
- Lightly season the steak pieces with salt and pepper.
- Heat a skillet or a wok over medium-high heat. Add a little oil to the pan if needed.
- Add the steak bites to the pan in a single layer and cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Once cooked, remove the steak from the pan.
- Add the hibachi steak sauce to the hot skillet and bring it to a simmer. Once it starts to thicken, return the steak bites to the pan. Toss the steak in the sauce, coating it evenly, and allow the sauce to thicken further.
- Remove from heat and set the steak aside while you prepare the fried rice.
Step 3: Make the Fried Rice
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the oil.
- Add the chopped onions and frozen peas and carrots to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the onions are translucent.
- Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the empty space. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked, then push them to the side with the vegetables.
- Add the day-old rice to the pan. Break up any clumps and stir everything together.
- Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, and oyster sauce. Continue to toss the rice to ensure it is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Add the chopped green onions and toss everything together one last time. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Make the Homemade Yum Yum Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together mayo, tomato paste, rice vinegar, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, sugar, and garlic powder.
- Stir in the melted butter and water to achieve a creamy, pourable consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Chill the sauce in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the hibachi steak bites over a bed of fried rice. Drizzle a generous amount of yum yum sauce on top or serve it on the side for dipping.
- Garnish with extra green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
Tips:
- Steak Cuts: Ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak work well for this recipe. Choose your preferred cut based on your taste and budget.
- Rice: Day-old rice is ideal because it’s drier and less sticky, which helps create better fried rice. If you’re in a pinch, you can use fresh rice, but let it cool down to avoid clumping.
- Sauce Variations: If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a little sriracha to the yum yum sauce or the steak sauce.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, swap the steak for tofu or tempeh. Just be sure to press out any excess moisture from the tofu before cooking it.
With these steps, you can enjoy a delicious hibachi-inspired meal right at home, complete with juicy steak bites, flavorful fried rice, and creamy yum yum sauce! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you’re craving a little taste of hibachi without leaving the house. Enjoy!