Japanese BBQ Fried Rice

Japanese BBQ fried rice became a spontaneous favorite in my kitchen one evening when I had leftover yakiniku beef and day-old rice sitting in the fridge and I didn’t want to waste either and instead of reheating them separately I decided to toss them together in a hot pan and add a few simple ingredients and that quick decision turned into one of the most satisfying meals I’ve ever made from leftovers.

Now I actually plan for it because the mix of savory-sweet BBQ sauce, crispy rice edges, soft eggs and colorful vegetables makes it feel like a full meal in one bowl and it’s fast enough for a weeknight but fun enough for a casual dinner with friends and I’m so excited to share how I make it.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Cooked rice – Best if it’s a day old so it fries up nicely without clumping
• Thinly sliced beef – I use leftover yakiniku-style meat or quick-marinated beef strips
• Eggs – Scrambled into soft curds for added texture and richness
• Carrots – Bring sweetness and color to the dish
• Green peas – Add a pop of color and fresh bite
• Japanese BBQ sauce – The star flavor that ties everything together
• Soy sauce – For extra umami depth
• Sesame oil – Adds a toasted aroma and flavor to the rice
• Green onions – For brightness and a little sharpness
• Toasted sesame seeds – Sprinkled on top for crunch and nuttiness

Tools You’ll Need

• Wok or large skillet – For stir-frying everything quickly over high heat
• Spatula or wooden spoon – To toss and mix the ingredients evenly
• Small bowl – To beat the eggs before cooking
• Cutting board and knife – For prepping vegetables and slicing beef
• Rice paddle or spoon – Helps break up clumps of cold rice easily
• Serving plate or bowl – To dish out your finished fried rice beautifully

Instructions

Step 1: Scramble the eggs

I start by heating a little oil in the pan and scrambling the eggs until just set then I remove them and set aside so they stay fluffy and don’t overcook.

Step 2: Sauté the vegetables

In the same pan I add a splash of sesame oil and sauté the diced carrots and peas for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender and bright.

Step 3: Add the beef

Next I toss in the sliced beef and stir-fry quickly until it starts to caramelize a bit and if I’m using leftover BBQ beef I warm it just enough to bring back the flavor.

Step 4: Stir-fry the rice

I push everything to the side and add the cold rice to the center breaking it up with a spatula and I let it fry undisturbed for a moment to get those golden crispy bits.

Step 5: Add sauces and eggs

I pour in the Japanese BBQ sauce and a splash of soy sauce then mix everything together and finally I stir the scrambled eggs back in to warm them through.

Step 6: Finish and garnish

I turn off the heat and toss in chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds then I serve it hot right out of the pan while the flavors are at their best.

Tips

I always use cold leftover rice because fresh rice turns mushy when fried

If you don’t have Japanese BBQ sauce try a mix of teriyaki and hoisin for a similar flavor

You can add more veggies like corn bell pepper or mushrooms based on what’s in the fridge

A drizzle of sriracha or chili oil adds a great kick if you like it spicy

Leftovers reheat well and make an awesome lunch the next day

Ways to Serve

Serve as a main dish with a simple miso soup on the side

Pair with kimchi or pickled ginger to balance the richness

Top with a fried egg for extra indulgence

Wrap it in lettuce leaves for a fun bite-sized twist

Add seaweed flakes or furikake for a burst of extra umami

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Japanese BBQ Fried Rice made of?

Japanese BBQ fried rice is made with cold rice stir-fried with yakiniku-style beef, veggies, eggs, and a savory-sweet BBQ sauce for bold flavor.

Can I use another protein instead of beef?

Yes! I’ve made this with chicken, shrimp, or tofu and it’s just as tasty with a slight sauce adjustment.

Do I need to use cold rice?

Yes – cold rice is key to getting that perfect fried texture and I usually make extra rice a day before just for this reason.

What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?

I love Japanese-style yakiniku BBQ sauce but you can also use teriyaki or Korean-style sauce for a twist.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this Japanese BBQ fried rice a go! It’s such a satisfying way to use up leftovers or whip up something exciting in under 30 minutes and I’d love to hear how you customize it with your favorite add-ins. Be sure to save this one for those days when you want something fast but full of flavor!

Happy Cooking!

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