5 Delectable Vegetarian and Vegan Hibachi Options to Try
Hibachi dining is a thrill of the sense. In this experience you can enjoy freshly cooked Japanese food right in front of you. While meat and seafood are the usual stars of the show, hibachi grills now cater to plant-based diets as well. Whether you're vegetarian or vegan, there are many delicious options to try. In this blog, we will talk about five delicious vegetarian and vegan hibachi dishes to try.
Grilled Tofu Steak
Tofu is an alternative to meat commonly used in vegan cooking. However, when cooked on a hibachi grill, it gains a different and enhanced taste. Grilling tofu at high heat results in a crispy outer layer while maintaining tenderness inside. The outcome is a flawless harmony of textures that ensures each bite is fulfilling.
Tofu is generally soaked in a marinade made from soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. When it is put on the hibachi grill, the marinade turns into a rich umami flavor. For added flavor, you can ask your chef for personalized sauce or squeeze some lemon for a zesty flavor. The tofu steak is rich in protein, making it a satisfying option for any vegetarian hibachi dinner.
2. Vegetable Stir-Fry
A vegetarian hibachi meal is incomplete without a delicious fresh vegetable stir-fry. This dish is filled with a variety of fresh vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, onions, broccoli, and mushrooms, and it is full of flavors and textures. The grilling technique is what sets this stir-fry apart. The high heat locks the vegetables' natural sweetness while providing a smoky flavor.
You just need to carefully ensure your stir-fry is made with high-quality oil and that the sauces are entirely free of any animal products. Many reputable hibachi grills provide delicious vegan soy or tangy teriyaki sauces to make your meal incredibly flavorful and thoroughly fulfilling. The vegetables' delightful natural sweetness and vibrant freshness, paired with a rich, savory glaze, create a dish that is both simple and fulfilling.
3. Yakisoba Noodles
If you're a devoted noodle fan, yakisoba is an absolute must-try. Yakisoba features perfectly stir-fried wheat noodles with delightfully chewy and wonderfully crispy textures.
Typically served with a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables like crunchy cabbage, sweet carrots, and spicy onions, yakisoba is easily customizable for both vegetarians and vegans. Many skilled hibachi chefs will happily prepare yakisoba without meat or seafood, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal for everyone.
The sauce plays a vital role in making tasty yakisoba. Most restaurants use a soy and Worcestershire blend but make sure the Worcestershire is vegan, as some versions contain anchovies.
Once on the grill, the noodles soak up the flavors, while the high heat gives them a slight char and a satisfying chewy texture. Sprinkle on sesame seeds or add a drizzle of soy sauce for an extra kick. With its mix of soft noodles and crunchy vegetables, yakisoba offers a well-balanced bite in every forkful.
4. Hibachi Fried Rice
Hibachi fried rice is another vegetarian-friendly favorite. However, it usually includes butter and eggs, so be sure to request a vegan version. Chefs can change butter for plant-based oils and skip the eggs while still achieving the delicious, smoky flavor that hibachi rice is known for.
This fried rice is typically cooked with vegetables like onions, peas, carrots, and sometimes corn. For added flavor, you can add tofu or extra veggies. Many hibachi grills also offer vegan-friendly sauces to complement the dish, like soy sauce or teriyaki. Simple yet flavorful, hibachi fried rice can easily hold its own as a main course or a perfect side to tofu or stir-fry.
5. Edamame Appetizer
Start your hibachi meal with a light yet incredibly nutritious appetizer. And Edamame is one of the best options.
Edamame, or steamed soybeans, is a protein-packed snack that's perfect for vegetarians and vegans alike. It is typically served with a sprinkle of sea salt, but some trendy restaurants offer exciting variations with spicy chili flakes or fragrant sesame oil for added flavor and spice.
It is delicious and also a good source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. It's the ideal way to kick off your meal while you wait for the sizzling hibachi grill to work its magic.
Final Thoughts
Hibachi isn't just for meat lovers. Vegans and vegetarians can still enjoy and taste a hibachi meal.
Many delicious plant-based options, such as the flavorful grilled tofu steak and tasty fried rice, will leave you craving more. When you revisit a hibachi grill, consider trying these delicious vegetarian and vegan options to enjoy the flavor of plant-based hibachi dishes.
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