Hibachi is a style of Japanese cooking that involves cooking food quickly over an intense open flame. Rice is a staple side dish served with hibachi and the type of rice used can impact the flavor and texture of the meal.
Short Grain White Rice
The most common type of rice used for hibachi is short grain white rice. This includes varieties like Japonica and California rice. Short grain rice has a higher starch content than long grain rice, which results in it being stickier and chewier in texture when cooked.
The stickiness of short grain rice makes it perfect for easily picking up pieces of food with chopsticks. The rice grains cling together which prevents them from falling off the chopsticks while trying to grab pieces of meat or vegetables from the hibachi grill.
Short grain rice also tends to be glossy in appearance and has a sweet, mild flavor. This makes it an ideal canvas for absorbing the complex flavors of hibachi ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic.
When ordering hibachi, short grain white rice may simply be listed on the menu as “rice” or “steamed rice”. Some popular short grain white rice varieties used include:
- Koshihikari – An award-winning Japanese short grain rice known for its sweet flavor, sticky texture, and ability to hold its shape after cooking.
- Calrose – A medium grain rice grown in California that becomes extremely sticky when cooked.
- Sushi Rice – A Japanese short grain rice blended with rice vinegar and sugar for use in sushi.
Brown Rice
While not as common, brown rice is sometimes used as a healthier alternative to white rice at hibachi restaurants. Brown rice is unpolished whole grain rice with the bran layer and germ still intact.
Compared to white rice, brown rice retains more vitamins, minerals, and fiber since the bran and germ are not removed. It has a pleasantly chewy texture and nutty, earthy flavor.
Since brown rice is less processed, it does not stick together as easily as short grain white rice. So it may be a bit more challenging to eat pieces of hibachi food with brown rice.
Popular brown rice varieties that may be used for hibachi include:
- Long grain brown rice – Nutty flavor, light and fluffy texture
- Short grain brown rice – Sweet and sticky, holds together better than long grain
- Black rice – A lightly sweet heirloom rice with a deep purple hue
- Brown basmati rice – Nutty aroma and elongated grains
Other Specialty Rices
While less common, hibachi restaurants may offer some specialty rice varieties beyond standard white or brown rice. Some examples include:
- Wild Rice – Wild rice is actually not rice at all, but the grain of a water grass. It has an earthy, savory flavor and chewy texture.
- Forbidden Black Rice – A Chinese black heirloom rice with impressive health benefits thanks to its high antioxidant content.
- Red Rice – Red rice has a caramel-like, nutty flavor. The red bran gives it an attractive crimson color.
- Mixed Rice – Some restaurants may blend white and brown rices together for more texture and dimension of flavor.
Rice Preparation for Hibachi
Regardless of the type of rice used, it must be prepared properly for the hibachi dining experience. Here are some key steps involved:
- Washing – The rice is rinsed several times to remove excess starch for fluffy grains.
- Soaking – Allowing the rice to soak for 30 minutes softens the grains.
- Steaming – The rice is steamed until perfectly tender.
- Seasoning – Seasonings like rice vinegar and sugar are folded into the hot rice.
Restaurants may use specialized rice cookers that quickly steam rice at high heat to serve freshly made rice throughout a hibachi dinner service.
Choosing the Right Rice
The type of rice served can complement the flavors of your hibachi meal. Here are some guidelines for choosing rice variety:
- Short grain white rice is always a safe bet. It pairs well with any hibachi ingredients and is the standard choice.
- Brown rice adds nutty flavor and healthy whole grains.
- Wild rice or black rice brings an earthy, robust flavor to balance lighter meats like chicken or seafood.
- Sushi rice seasoned with vinegar suits hibachi seafood dishes like shrimp or calamari.
You can always ask your server for a recommendation if you are unsure which rice to get with your entrée. And many hibachi restaurants will allow you to upgrade to fried rice or noodles instead of steamed rice with your meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between short grain and long grain rice?
Short grain rice like Japonica has a high starch content which makes the grains plump, almost round, and very sticky when cooked. Long grain rice like basmati has a lower starch content, so the grains remain elongated and fluffy when cooked.
Can you use instant rice for hibachi?
It’s best to avoid instant rice for hibachi. Instant rice has been precooked and then dehydrated, altering the texture. Freshly steamed rice is ideal to fully appreciate the flavors and experience of hibachi.
What rice goes with hibachi shrimp?
Short grain white rice or sushi rice complement hibachi shrimp nicely. The stickiness of the rice makes it easy to scoop up shrimp. And the mild flavor doesn’t compete with the briny taste of shrimp.
Is fried rice or noodles better than steamed rice with hibachi?
This comes down to personal preference. Both fried rice and noodles offer an exciting alternative to plain steamed rice. Fried rice adds savory flavor and seared texture while noodles offer a hearty, comforting contrast.
The Takeaway
In summary, short grain white rices like Japonica and Calrose are the most traditional choice for hibachi meals. Their sticky, starchy texture makes them perfect for easily eating bites of food from the grill. Brown rice can add wholesome flavor and texture. And specialty rices like mixed rice or black rice can lend unique flavor profiles. As long as the rice is freshly steamed, it will pair deliciously with hibachi grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables.