Irresistible Savory Japanese BBQ Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

Intro and Brief Recap

Have you ever tasted a dish that brings together sweet, savory, and smoky flavors in every bite? Savory Japanese BBQ Chicken Fried Rice does just that. This delightful meal is not only packed with aromatic spices but also delivers a satisfying crunch from fresh vegetables, making it an irresistible choice for any dinner.

This dish evokes memories of bustling izakayas in Japan, where the rich aromas of grilled chicken mingle with the enticing scent of fried rice. Ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends, this recipe promises to impress your guests while being simple enough for weeknight cooking. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Key Ingredients For Savory Japanese BBQ Chicken Fried Rice

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Tender chicken thighs provide juiciness and flavor, making them perfect for this recipe.
• Day-Old Cooked Rice: Using day-old rice helps achieve the right texture since it’s less sticky than freshly cooked rice.
• Green Onions: Fresh green onions add a crisp texture and mild onion flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
• Carrots: Diced carrots bring sweetness and color, enhancing both the visual appeal and taste of your fried rice.
• Bell Peppers: Choose vibrant bell peppers for a pop of color and added crunch in every bite.

For the Sauce:

• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness while still delivering that rich umami flavor.
• Mirin: A touch of mirin adds sweetness and depth, balancing the savory notes of the soy sauce perfectly.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Instructions For Savory Japanese BBQ Chicken Fried Rice

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

First Step: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by cutting the boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Season them lightly with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Second Step: Cook the Vegetables

Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil if necessary. Sauté diced carrots and bell peppers until they soften slightly, around 3-4 minutes. Add chopped green onions during the last minute for added flavor.

Third Step: Stir-Fry the Rice

Add day-old cooked rice to the skillet with vegetables. Break up any clumps gently as you stir-fry everything together for about 3-4 minutes until heated through.

Fourth Step: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine soy sauce and mirin to create a sauce. Pour this mixture over the rice and vegetables in the skillet. Stir well to ensure even coating for about another minute.

Fifth Step: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken back into the skillet with rice mixture. Mix thoroughly to combine flavors and heat through for an additional minute.

Finally: Serve Hot

Transfer your savory Japanese BBQ Chicken Fried Rice to plates or bowls immediately after cooking. Garnish with extra green onions if desired for an appealing finish.

Expert Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

• Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice can be too sticky; using day-old rice helps achieve that perfect fried texture.
• Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute other veggies like peas or corn based on your preferences.
• Control Your Heat: Adjusting heat throughout cooking ensures you don’t burn ingredients while achieving great caramelization.

Cooking Instructions

Once you gather all your ingredients, follow these steps to create your Savory Japanese BBQ Chicken Fried Rice. Start by cooking the rice according to package instructions and allow it to cool. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and cook until golden brown. Next, incorporate chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, and green onions into the mixture. Stir-fry until the veggies are tender. Then, add the cooled rice to the pan along with your favorite Japanese BBQ sauce. Mix everything thoroughly and cook for an additional few minutes until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

For a delightful dining experience, serve your Savory Japanese BBQ Chicken Fried Rice with a side of pickled ginger or fresh cucumber slices. You can also garnish each plate with sesame seeds and additional green onions for an extra touch of flavor. Pair this dish with a refreshing beverage like iced green tea or a light Japanese beer to complement the savory notes.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers of your Savory Japanese BBQ Chicken Fried Rice, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply place in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warm. For best results, consider adding a splash of water before reheating to keep the rice moist.

Presentation Ideas

This Savory Japanese BBQ Chicken Fried Rice is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

• Steamed Edamame: A healthy side that adds a pop of color.
• Miso Soup: This comforting soup balances out the meal nicely.
• Tonkatsu Sauce Drizzle: A drizzle over the fried rice enhances its flavor profile.

FAQs

What makes Savory Japanese BBQ Chicken Fried Rice unique?

Savory Japanese BBQ Chicken Fried Rice stands out due to its rich flavors from traditional Japanese barbecue sauces, which enhance the dish’s overall taste profile. The combination of tender chicken with perfectly cooked rice creates a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any time of day. The inclusion of fresh vegetables not only adds texture but also boosts nutritional value, making this fried rice both delicious and wholesome.

Can I substitute chicken in Savory Japanese BBQ Chicken Fried Rice?

Absolutely! If you prefer a different protein or want to make it vegetarian, feel free to swap out the chicken for tofu or grilled shrimp. Using tempeh can also provide a hearty alternative for plant-based diets. Adjusting ingredients allows you to cater this dish to your preferences while maintaining its delightful flavors.

How do I make my Savory Japanese BBQ Chicken Fried Rice spicier?

To spice up your Savory Japanese BBQ Chicken Fried Rice, consider adding diced jalapeños or chili flakes during cooking. A splash of sriracha or chili oil mixed into the sauce can also elevate the heat levels without overpowering the dish’s savory essence. Experimenting with different spice levels will help tailor this recipe to suit your palate perfectly.

Can I use leftover rice for this recipe?

Yes! Using leftover rice is highly recommended for making Savory Japanese BBQ Chicken Fried Rice as it holds its shape better during stir-frying compared to freshly cooked rice. Cold, day-old rice prevents clumping and ensures even cooking throughout the dish while enhancing texture and flavor absorption from your savory sauce.

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Savory Japanese BBQ Chicken Fried Rice

• Author: christina
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Japanese

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Description

Experience a culinary delight with our Savory Japanese BBQ Chicken Fried Rice. This dish combines tender chicken thighs and day-old rice sautéed with vibrant vegetables, all tossed in a rich, umami-packed sauce. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Quick, easy, and utterly satisfying, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 3 cups day-old cooked rice
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup diced bell peppers
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp mirin
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown (5-7 minutes). Remove from skillet.
3. In the same skillet, add remaining oil (if needed) and sauté diced carrots and bell peppers until slightly softened (3-4 minutes). Add green onions during the last minute.
4. Stir in day-old rice, breaking up clumps as you mix for another 3-4 minutes until heated.
5. Combine soy sauce and mirin in a small bowl; pour over the rice mixture and stir well for another minute.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet, mixing everything thoroughly until heated through.
7. Serve hot, garnished with extra green onions if desired.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (about 250g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: - For added crunch, consider including peas or corn. - Control your cooking heat to avoid burning while achieving optimal caramelization. - Feel free to swap chicken with tofu or shrimp for variations.