Savory Japanese BBQ Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Fried rice is one of those versatile and comforting dishes that can be customized in endless ways, yet remains a timeless favorite. Savory Japanese BBQ Chicken Fried Rice brings together the satisfying flavors of a classic fried rice recipe with the umami-packed deliciousness of Japanese BBQ (or “teriyaki”) chicken. The result is a dish that’s not only hearty and flavorful but also a delightful fusion of tastes.
This dish is perfect for meal prep, a cozy family dinner, or as a show-stopping side dish for your next gathering. It incorporates the rich, smoky flavors of grilled chicken, a savory medley of vegetables, and the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and tangy in every bite.
Introduction to Savory Japanese BBQ Chicken Fried Rice
Fried rice is a versatile dish that pairs well with nearly every type of protein, from shrimp to beef, but it’s especially delightful when combined with the smoky, savory sweetness of Japanese BBQ chicken. This recipe creates a perfect balance between tender, grilled chicken coated in a savory-sweet BBQ sauce and the rich, fried rice, all enhanced by the subtle hints of soy sauce, sesame oil, and fresh vegetables.
Japanese BBQ Chicken Fried Rice is a hearty, satisfying dish that captures the essence of Japanese flavors while utilizing a classic fried rice method. It’s the ultimate comfort food, making it a great weeknight dinner or a flavorful dish to serve for gatherings. Whether you want something to whip up quickly or you’re looking to impress your friends and family with your culinary skills, this recipe delivers.
How to Select the Best Chicken for BBQ Chicken Fried Rice
When choosing chicken for your Japanese BBQ chicken fried rice, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: These are lean, easy to slice, and cook relatively quickly. If you prefer a lighter option, chicken breasts are ideal, but make sure not to overcook them, as they can become dry.
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Thighs are a great alternative if you prefer juicier, more flavorful meat. They stay moist even when grilled or pan-seared, making them a fantastic choice for BBQ chicken.
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Thickness: Choose chicken breasts or thighs that are uniform in thickness to ensure even cooking. You can also pound the chicken slightly to even it out if needed.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Japanese BBQ Chicken
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Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This mixture creates the savory, sweet, and slightly tangy BBQ marinade that will coat the chicken.
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Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Marinating the chicken allows the flavors to meld and enhances the overall taste.
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Grill or Pan-Sear the Chicken: Preheat your grill or a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. If using a grill, lightly oil the grates. For pan-searing, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Once hot, cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). You can baste the chicken with leftover marinade during cooking for extra flavor, but discard any marinade that has come into contact with raw chicken to avoid contamination.
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Rest and Slice the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill or skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. After resting, slice the chicken into thin strips or small bite-sized pieces, ready to be added to the fried rice.
Making the Fried Rice
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Prepare the Rice: If you’re using freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool for a few minutes to prevent it from becoming too sticky. Day-old rice works best because it’s drier and separates more easily when fried.
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Cook the Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic, carrots, and peas, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
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Scramble the Eggs: Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet. In the same pan, pour the beaten eggs and cook them until scrambled, stirring occasionally. Once cooked, mix the eggs with the vegetables.
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Add the Rice: Add the cooked, cooled rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir everything together, ensuring the rice is evenly mixed with the vegetables and egg.
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Season the Fried Rice: Drizzle the soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice and stir to combine. Season with white pepper and salt to taste. Stir-fry the rice for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to become crispy in places.
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Add the Chicken: Once the rice is ready, add the sliced Japanese BBQ chicken to the skillet and mix well. Let everything cook together for another 2 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through and absorb the fried rice’s flavors.
Combining the Chicken and Fried Rice
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Garnish: Once everything is combined, transfer the fried rice to serving plates. Garnish with thinly sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and additional soy sauce if desired.
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Serve: Serve the fried rice hot, with optional toppings such as sriracha, pickled ginger, or shredded nori. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Fried Rice
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Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice is often too sticky for fried rice. Day-old rice is drier and has a better texture when fried.
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High Heat: Frying at a high heat helps to give the rice a crispy texture while keeping it tender inside.
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Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you have a large batch of rice, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures that the rice fries evenly.
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Adjust Soy Sauce to Taste: Depending on your preference for saltiness, you may want to adjust the amount of soy sauce used in the rice. Be sure to taste as you go.
Variations and Customizations
This Savory Japanese BBQ Chicken Fried Rice is highly adaptable to suit different dietary needs or preferences.
Vegetarian or Vegan Options:
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Tofu or Tempeh: Swap the chicken for grilled or pan-fried tofu or tempeh for a plant-based protein option.
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Vegetables Only: For a vegan fried rice, you can omit the eggs and use only vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
Adding Extra Vegetables:
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Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms can add a savory, meaty texture to the fried rice.
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Bell Peppers: Add color and sweetness with diced red, yellow, or green bell peppers.
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Baby Spinach or Kale: For an extra nutritional boost, stir in some spinach or kale towards the end of cooking.
Spice Up the Fried Rice:
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Chili Garlic Sauce: Add some chili garlic sauce or sriracha to give the dish a spicy kick.
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Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the fried rice for an Serving Suggestions
Savory Japanese BBQ Chicken Fried Rice is a filling meal on its own but can be served with a variety of sides or accompaniments. Here are some ideas:
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Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup pairs beautifully with the fried rice and complements the umami flavors.
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Japanese Pickles: Add a side of pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast.
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Crispy Tempura: Tempura vegetables or shrimp can add a crispy texture to the meal.
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Edamame: Serve some steamed edamame on the side for a healthy and protein-packed snack.
Conclusion
Savory Japanese BBQ Chicken Fried Rice is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings together the best of Japanese flavors in a comforting fried rice recipe. The smoky, sweet, and savory BBQ chicken blends perfectly with the crispy rice, creating a harmonious meal that’s both flavorful and versatile.
Savory Japanese BBQ Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil)
- 2 chicken breasts (about 1 lb), diced into small cubes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup carrots, diced (or shredded)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 4 cups cold cooked rice (preferably day-old rice for the best texture)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp Japanese BBQ sauce (such as Yoshida's or Bull-Dog brand)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tsp sesame oil (for finishing)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2-3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes). Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. - Cook the Vegetables:
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the garlic and onion, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and soft. Add the carrots and peas, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender. - Fry the Rice:
Add the cold rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry the rice with the vegetables for 2-3 minutes until the rice is heated through and slightly crispy on the edges. - Add Sauces:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, Japanese BBQ sauce, and rice vinegar. Pour the sauce mixture over the rice and stir well to coat everything evenly. - Scramble the Eggs:
Push the rice mixture to one side of the pan and add a bit more oil if necessary. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side of the pan and scramble them until fully cooked. Once the eggs are scrambled, mix them into the rice. - Combine the Chicken:
Add the cooked chicken back into the pan, mixing it into the rice and vegetable mixture. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through. - Finishing Touches:
Drizzle the sesame oil over the fried rice and stir it in for added flavor. Taste the rice and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt or more soy sauce if needed. - Serve:
Remove the fried rice from the pan and serve it hot, garnished with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds (if using).