What is Hibachi, Japan's open fire grill?
If you're a foodie or have ever dined at an Asian restaurant, chances are you've already practiced hibachi without knowing. But what exactly is hibachi, and why is it so popular in Japanese cuisine? In this blog post, we'll explore hibachi and everything you need to know about it.
What is Hibachi?
Hibachi is known as a traditional Japanese-style grill that is used to prepare food, such as meat, seafood, and vegetables (such as onions, zucchini, and mushrooms) at high temperatures. Hibachi grills are usually made of metal with a flat, open-top cooking surface.
"Hibachi" can also be referred to as the kind of cooking style that is used on these grills, which involves cooking small, bite-sized pieces of food over high heat which helps in locking in flavors and juices. To be clear, the word "Hibachi" actually refers to the heating device itself, and the cooking method. Fried rice is another popular meal made using hibachi. we cover two ways to make Japanese fried rice in the previously linked article!
Hibachi grills are fuelled by charcoal or gas, In addition to it being a well-known cooking style, it also serves as a cultural symbolism of hospitality, warmth, and friendship to the Japanese culture and is usually featured in literature, art, and documentaries. We’ve seen a lot of hibachi moments in anime or Japanese movies.
At many hibachi restaurants, customers sit around a large table with a built-in grill while a skilled chef prepares the food in front of them. The chef often performs tricks and tosses food in the air, providing a show-like experience that is both fun and engaging. People can also prepare the meal themselves but it’s not as fun.
History of Hibachi
Originally "hibachi" referred to a portable heating device used in Japan to heat a room or provide warmth during outdoor activities as far back as the Heian period (794 to 1185). In the early 1900s, however, it began to be used as a cooking device as well. People would grill fish and other small items on the hibachi, using it as a miniature barbecue.
It wasn't until the 1960s, however, that hibachi as we know it today really took off. Now, in the United States, Japanese restaurants offer hibachi-style cooking. Today, hibachi is a staple in Japanese restaurants around the world. While the cooking technique remains the same, each chef puts their own spin on the experience.
What makes Hibachi so good?
The high heat of the grill allows for quick cooking, which helps to seal in the flavor and create a unique taste that's hard to replicate with other cooking techniques. This is why hibachi-grilled meats and vegetables are often so flavorful and tender. Here’s a list of what makes hibachi good for you:
Hibachi Cooking is good Entertainment
What really makes hibachi so good is the overall experience. From the flavorful food to the interactive dining atmosphere, hibachi is more than just a meal - it's an event. It's a unique and enjoyable way to dine with friends and family, and it's an experience that is sure to be remembered.
Freshness
Let’s be real, Hichabi meals are prepared on the spot. No staleness, no microwaving, its journey is from the grill to your mouth.
Hibachi Brings people together
Looking for a way to bind and get close with family, friends and even colleagues? Hibachi-style dining is a great opportunity for you! This dining naturally involves seating around a big, shared grill, which allows for socializing with friends and family. This makes it a tremendous opportunity for groups and parties to get together and have a great time.
Spice
Hibachi chefs often use a variety of sauces and spices to add flavor to the food. From soy sauce and garlic to ginger and teriyaki, there are a variety of seasonings that can be used to enhance the taste of hibachi dishes. The high heat of the grill also creates an exceptional flavor that is hard to attain through other cooking methods.
Hibachi cooking offers Customization
Hibachi-style cooking typically involves a range of ingredients, including meats, seafood, vegetables, and rice. You can customize your meal to your liking, choosing the ingredients you want and the level of seasoning.
Interactive Experience between Chefs and Diners
Hibachi-style cooking offers a special interactive dining experience where diners can watch the food being prepared and engage with the chef.
How is Hibachi Cooked?
Hibachi cooking is known for its high heat and fast cooking technique which leaves the food tender and full of flavor. If you're interested in trying hibachi at home, there are a few things you'll need to get started. First, you'll need a hibachi grill which is available online and in stores, and they come in a range of sizes and styles to fit your needs.
Quick Hibachi Steak
You'll also need some basic grilling tools, like tongs and a spatula, as well as the ingredients for your chosen recipe. One of the most popular hibachi recipes is hibachi steak. To make hibachi steak, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including the steak, soy sauce, butter, garlic, and sesame oil.
- Start by heating your hibachi grill to high heat.
- While the grill is heating up, season your steak with salt and pepper.
- Once the grill is hot, place the steak on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until it's cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- While the steak is cooking, you can make the hibachi sauce. Start by melting butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant.
- Then, add soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of sugar to the saucepan and stir to combine. Once the steak is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice the steak into thin pieces and serve with the hibachi sauce.
Hibachi vs Teppanyaki
Teppanyaki is a style of cooking which involves grilling on an iron plate. Although very similar, Hibachi and teppanyaki Japanese cooking styles have differences and similarities. Here are a few differences to note between them:
- The difference in equipment used: Hibachi grills are usually grated, smaller and use charcoal or gas as a heat source. The food is also cooked using an open flame. Teppanyaki grills on the other hand are large, built-in, and flat griddle surfaces heated by gas or electric elements. More than one meal can be cooked on Teppanyaki.
- Environment: Hibachi-style dining usually has to do with seating around a shared grill with other diners, which can create a social atmosphere. Teppanyaki-style dining usually involves individual tables around a large grill, which can create a more private and intimate dining experience.
- Differences in Menu: Hibachi and teppanyaki use a range of meats, seafood, vegetables, and rice, however, the menu for hibachi is usually more limited than for teppanyaki. Hibachi normally offers a set menu that comprises a few pre-selected options, while teppanyaki often allows diners to select from a wider variety of ingredients.
Is Hibachi healthy?
Yes, hibachi is a healthy way of cooking as it does not burn out all the nutrients from meals. It can also be enjoyed by both meat lovers and vegetarians. Some of the basic ingredients used in hibachi cooking include sake, soy sauce, miso paste as well as mirin (sweet rice wine) which are all healthy. These ingredients are used to create a delicious marinade and sauce that are drizzled or brushed on top of the food while it cooks.
Overall, hibachi and teppanyaki are both extraordinary styles of Japanese cooking that offer a tasty and entertaining dining experience. However, hibachi-style cooking is a unique and memorable dining experience that offers a range of benefits, including freshness, entertainment, spices, healthiness, customization, healthiness, and comfort. The mixture of fresh ingredients, savory sauces, and interactive cooking makes it an adored dining choice for many.
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This article was originally written by our freelance writer Umm-Kulthum Abdulkareem and edited by us.
