Easy Instant Pot Hibachi Fried Rice at Home

Easy Instant Pot Hibachi Fried Rice at Home ,If you’ve ever found yourself craving that smoky, savory, and slightly sweet fried rice served at your favorite hibachi grill, you’re not alone. The good news? You don’t need a teppanyaki chef or a blazing hot flat-top to make it at home. With your Instant Pot, a few basic ingredients, and a little know-how, you can whip up restaurant-style hibachi fried rice in less time than it takes to order takeout.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to make the perfect Instant Pot Hibachi Fried Rice — packed with flavor, customizable to your taste, and surprisingly simple. Plus, I’ll show you where other recipes fall short, and how this version gives you a leg up in both flavor and technique.

Let’s turn your kitchen into your own mini hibachi grill — minus the onion volcano.

What is Hibachi Fried Rice?

Hibachi fried rice is a classic Japanese-American dish made popular in teppanyaki-style restaurants, where chefs cook on a hot griddle in front of guests. It’s known for:

• ◉ Lightly crisped rice grains

• ◉ The nutty aroma of sesame oil

• ◉ Bits of scrambled egg, mixed vegetables, and green onions

• ◉ A splash of soy sauce for umami richness

• ◉ Occasionally enhanced with protein like shrimp, chicken, or beef

Unlike Chinese-style fried rice, hibachi rice leans a little sweeter and milder. The flavors are clean and balanced, designed to complement grilled meats and dipping sauces.

Instant Pot Hibachi Fried Rice

Why Use the Instant Pot?

Here’s the thing: cooking fried rice on the stovetop requires cold, day-old rice, high heat, and constant stirring. The Instant Pot simplifies the process by letting you:

• ◉ Cook rice perfectly every time

• ◉ Use one pot for all steps — less mess

• ◉ Save time without sacrificing flavor

• ◉ Keep the rice warm for easy serving

Plus, by following the right method (which many recipes miss), you can even skip the overnight chilling process in a pinch.

Ingredients and Smart Substitutions

Let’s break down the main ingredients and what you can substitute if needed.

Jasmine Rice
: Long-grain rice with a soft, floral aroma. Best for hibachi-style fried rice due to its slightly sticky texture.

Substitutes:
: Basmati (for drier grains), long grain white rice, or even brown rice (see pressure time chart below).

Vegetable Oil
: Neutral flavor and high smoke point. Used for frying rice and eggs.

Substitutes:
: Canola oil, avocado oil, or a dab of butter for richness.

Eggs
: Add body, flavor, and color. Always scramble separately for texture control.

Garlic and Ginger
: Fresh is best for bold flavor. Grating frozen ginger helps you skip peeling.

Frozen Mixed Vegetables
: Peas, carrots, corn, and green beans are common. Pick what you enjoy.

Sesame Oil
: Adds that iconic hibachi aroma and nutty undertone.

Soy Sauce (Low Sodium)
: Brings saltiness and umami. Tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free.

Black Pepper & Green Onions
: Essential final touch for heat and freshness.

Instant Pot Hibachi Fried Rice

Cooking Rice in the Instant Pot (The Right Way)

Perfect fried rice starts with perfectly cooked rice. Here’s how to nail it — no mush, no clumps.

Basic Pressure Cooking Guide for Rice

Pro Tip:
Spread cooked rice on a tray to cool quickly. If you’re short on time, place it in the freezer for 20–25 minutes. This mimics the effect of day-old rice and prevents sogginess.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Instant Pot Hibachi Fried Rice

Here’s your simplified roadmap to that perfect restaurant-style dish — made smarter and easier in your Instant Pot.

Step 1: Cook the Rice

• ◉ Rinse 1½ cups of jasmine rice until water runs clear

• ◉ Add 1½ cups water and rice to the Instant Pot

• ◉ Seal and pressure cook for 4 minutes

• ◉ Let it naturally release for 10 minutes, then release remaining pressure

• ◉ Remove inner pot, fluff rice, and chill it (see tips above)

Step 2: Scramble the Eggs

• ◉ Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode

• ◉ Whisk 4 eggs with ½ tsp kosher salt

• ◉ Heat 1 tbsp oil and pour in the eggs

• ◉ Stir until just set, then transfer to a plate

• ◉ Wipe out the pot if needed

Step 3: Cook the Aromatics and Vegetables

• ◉ Add 1 tbsp oil

• ◉ Sauté 1 tsp minced garlic and 2 tsp grated ginger for 30–45 seconds, until fragrant

• ◉ Add 12 oz frozen mixed vegetables

• ◉ Stir and cook until just heated, 3–5 minutes

Step 4: Fry the Rice the Right Way

Now that your veggies are cooked and scooted to the side, it’s time for the star of the show — the rice.

• ◉ Add 1 tbsp more oil to the pot

• ◉ Drop in half the chilled rice

• ◉ Let it sit undisturbed for 1 minute (this creates those lightly crisped bits)

• ◉ Flip and toss gently for another minute

• ◉ Repeat with the second half of the rice

Pro Tip: Avoid over-stirring — hibachi rice should have a slight bite, not a mushy texture.

Step 5: Add Final Flavors

With the rice now warm and toasted, bring the whole dish together.

• ◉ Drizzle in 1½ tsp sesame oil and 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce

• ◉ Fold in the scrambled eggs

• ◉ Sprinkle ¼ tsp black pepper

• ◉ Toss in 3 chopped green onions for brightness

• ◉ Stir everything gently and taste

• ◉ Adjust soy sauce or seasoning as needed

At this point, your kitchen will smell like a Japanese steakhouse — and you’ll be just minutes from digging in.

Instant Pot Hibachi Fried Rice

Pro Tips for Restaurant-Style Hibachi Flavor

You don’t need a chef’s hat, but these little techniques make a big difference:

Use Cold Rice
: Warm rice clumps and turns gummy. Cold, dry rice keeps each grain separate and chewy — just like the pros make it.

Don’t Crowd the Pot
: Sauteing too much rice at once creates steam, not sizzle. Work in batches if needed.

Fresh Ginger Is Non-Negotiable
: Powdered ginger just doesn’t cut it here. A little fresh root grated straight from the freezer makes a world of difference.

Let the Rice Sit
: That moment of stillness — where rice meets hot oil without stirring — is where flavor magic happens.

Customize Your Fried Rice Like a Pro

The beauty of this recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Here are ways to adapt it for different diets, tastes, and moods.

Protein Add-Ins

Veggie Swaps

• ◉ Bell peppers

• ◉ Corn

• ◉ Zucchini

• ◉ Broccoli (pre-steamed)

• ◉ Edamame (shelled)

Make It Gluten-Free

• ◉ Use tamari instead of soy sauce

• ◉ Confirm sesame oil is gluten-free (most are)

Lower Carb Version

Swap rice for cauliflower rice, sautéed separately and added at the end. Reduce oil slightly to account for less absorption.

Nutrition and Serving Breakdown

Here’s a quick snapshot of what’s in a single serving of this Instant Pot Hibachi Fried Rice (based on 6 servings total):

Note: Values will vary depending on the type of oil, soy sauce, and vegetables used.

Hibachi Fried Rice Meal Ideas

This rice is a satisfying dish on its own — but if you want to build a full hibachi-style dinner at home, here are a few easy ideas.

Easy Pairings

• ◉ Store-bought or homemade teriyaki chicken

• ◉ Simple sautéed mushrooms in soy and butter

• ◉ Grilled steak strips with garlic

• ◉ Pan-seared tofu with sesame glaze

• ◉ Steamed dumplings with dipping sauce

Want to go all in? Whip up a quick yum yum sauce on the side (details below) and dip everything in it.

Instant Pot Hibachi Fried Rice

Quick Yum Yum Sauce Recipe (Optional but Amazing)

This sweet-savory dipping sauce is a hibachi classic and takes 5 minutes to make.

Ingredients

Instructions
Whisk everything in a small bowl. Chill for 10 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Storage and Leftover Tips

This fried rice is meal-prep gold. It stores beautifully and reheats without losing flavor.

Storage Chart

To prevent dryness, add a splash of water or extra soy sauce before reheating.

Serving Size Calculator

Planning a gathering or weekly meal prep? Use this quick table to scale your rice accordingly.

FAQs On Instant Pot Hibachi Fried Rice

Is hibachi rice the same as fried rice?
Hibachi rice is a type of fried rice, but it’s different from traditional Chinese fried rice. It’s typically made with fewer seasonings, has a cleaner, milder flavor, and includes ingredients like sesame oil, scrambled eggs, and soy sauce. Hibachi rice also often uses jasmine rice or short-grain rice and is cooked on a hot flat grill, which gives it a slightly crisp texture.

Can you use instant rice for hibachi?
Technically, yes — but it’s not ideal. Instant rice lacks the structure and texture needed for a good stir-fry. It tends to turn soft and mushy when reheated or sautéed. For the best results, use jasmine or long-grain white rice cooked fresh in the Instant Pot and then chilled. This ensures each grain holds its shape and absorbs flavors properly.

Why is my Instant Pot not good at rice?
If your rice turns out too wet, mushy, or undercooked, it could be due to one of the following: incorrect water-to-rice ratio, releasing pressure too early, not rinsing the rice, or using the wrong rice variety. Stick to trusted cook times, rinse your rice well to remove excess starch, and let the pot naturally release for at least 10 minutes after cooking.

How to make hibachi rice not mushy?
Use cold, day-old rice or chill freshly cooked rice quickly before frying. Avoid stirring too much, and let the rice sit on the hot surface to crisp up slightly. Overcooking or crowding the Instant Pot can cause steaming, which softens the rice. Always fry the rice in batches for the best texture.

Can I meal prep Instant Pot Hibachi Fried Rice?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch, divide it into containers, and refrigerate for up to 5 days. It reheats well in the microwave or on a pan. Add a splash of water or soy sauce when reheating to refresh the flavors and prevent drying out.

Instant Pot Hibachi Fried Rice Recipe Card 

Ingredients

• 1½ cups uncooked jasmine rice, rinsed

• 1½ cups water

• 3 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)

• 4 eggs

• ½ tsp kosher salt

• 1 tsp minced garlic

• 2 tsp grated fresh ginger

• 1 (12 oz) bag frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.)

• 1½ tsp sesame oil

• 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 3 green onions, chopped

Instructions

1. Cook the Rice
   Add rinsed jasmine rice and water to the Instant Pot. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Allow a natural release for 10 minutes, then manually release remaining pressure. Fluff the rice and spread it on a tray to cool (refrigerate or freeze briefly).

2. Scramble the Eggs
   Turn Instant Pot to sauté mode. Beat eggs with kosher salt. Add 1 tbsp oil to the pot, then scramble eggs until just set. Remove and set aside.

3. Cook the Vegetables and Aromatics
   Add 1 tbsp oil. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant (about 30–45 seconds). Add frozen vegetables and cook until heated through, about 3–5 minutes. Push veggies to the side.

4. Fry the Rice
   Add remaining 1 tbsp oil. Add half the chilled rice, let it sit for 1 minute to crisp, then toss and cook another minute. Repeat with the rest of the rice.

5. Combine Everything
   Stir in sesame oil and soy sauce. Return scrambled eggs to the pot, add black pepper and green onions. Toss everything together. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

• For best results, use cold rice to avoid clumping.

• Add cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or ham for a protein boost.

• Make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.

• Reheat leftovers with a splash of water or soy sauce to revive flavor.

• Store in the fridge up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutritional Facts (per serving — serves 6)

Note: Values may vary based on ingredient brands and substitutions.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

• Method: Instant Pot, One-Pot

• Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired, Hibachi-Style