Craving the delicious flavors of a Japanese steakhouse but want to keep it healthy and keto-friendly? This Keto Hibachi Chicken recipe brings the excitement of the hibachi grill right to your kitchen. This recipe is not only delicious but also caters to various dietary needs, being Whole30, Paleo, and Keto compliant. Whether you're following a specific diet or simply looking for a tasty and nutritious meal, this Hibachi Chicken is sure to impress.
What is Hibachi?
Hibachi, also known as "hibachi-style" or "teppanyaki," originated in Japan and literally translates to "fire bowl." In North America, the term "hibachi" refers to a style of cooking where food is prepared in front of guests, often with entertaining culinary performances. This interactive and customizable dining experience makes it a favorite for many.
Why This Recipe Works
This keto-friendly version allows you to enjoy the classic hibachi experience without compromising your health goals. It’s an easy and flavorful way to customize your meal with protein-rich ingredients and low-carb veggies. The recipe is designed to be quick and simple, perfect for busy weeknights, and can be easily adapted to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to create this delectable dish:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- Chicken tenders or boneless chicken thighs cut into cubes
- Skewers
- Coconut aminos (or low-sodium tamari/soy sauce)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper (for seasoning)
For the Hibachi Veggies:
- Zucchinis
- Carrots
- Mushrooms (cremini or white)
- Yellow onion
- Coconut aminos (or low-sodium tamari/soy sauce)
- Olive oil
- Ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients:
- Garlic (minced)
- Green onions (finely sliced)
- Sesame seeds
- Red chili flakes (for a spicy kick)
- Butter (for added richness)
- Lemon juice
For the Bang Bang Sauce (Optional):
- Mayo (preferably homemade or compliant with your dietary needs)
- Coconut aminos (or low-sodium tamari/soy sauce)
- Garlic powder
- Compliant sriracha sauce (or homemade version)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to bring the taste of hibachi to your home:
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Preparing the Chicken
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine coconut aminos, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Marinate for at least 10 minutes, or preferably longer for enhanced flavor. You can even prepare this a day ahead and let it marinate overnight.
- Skewer the Chicken: Season chicken tenders with salt and pepper and add 2-3 tenders to each skewer.
Cooking the Chicken Skewers
- Heat the Pan: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Cook the Skewers: Once the pan is hot, add the chicken skewers. Pour coconut aminos over each skewer (1 tablespoon per skewer).
- Grill the Chicken: Allow skewers to cook for 6 minutes on each side or until the juice runs clear. Ensure the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
Preparing the Vegetables
- Prep the Veggies: Clean the mushrooms, slice the carrots, cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise and slice, and roughly chop the onions.
- Sauté the Veggies: Heat a separate medium pan over medium-high heat with olive oil. Add in all the veggies along with coconut aminos, salt/pepper, and ground ginger. Cook until tender-crisp.
- Combine with Chicken: In the same pan, add the marinated chicken to the hot skillet, spreading it into an even layer. Flip the chicken pieces and add the remaining butter to the skillet. Push the chicken to one side of the skillet. Drizzle the soy sauce over the vegetables and toss to coat.
Making the Bang Bang Sauce (Optional)
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, add mayo, coconut aminos, garlic powder, and compliant sriracha sauce.
- Combine: Mix all of the ingredients together with a spoon until well combined.
Serving
- Plate the Dish: Serve the chicken skewers over the hibachi grilled veggies.
- Drizzle with Sauce: Drizzle generously with Bang Bang Sauce (if using) or Yum Yum sauce.
- Garnish: Garnish with sliced scallions and a sprinkling of sesame seeds.
Tips and Tricks
- Protein Choices: While this recipe uses chicken, feel free to experiment with steak, shrimp, or a combination of your favorite proteins. Remember that shrimp cooks faster than steak or chicken.
- Vegetable Variations: Customize the veggies to your liking. Broccoli florets, sliced asparagus, yellow squash, or any other seasonal veggies work well. Ensure they are cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Achieve Restaurant Quality: For that authentic restaurant taste, ensure your pan is extremely hot to caramelize the sauce and ingredients while cooking.
- Spice It Up: Add sriracha or crushed red pepper to the sauce mixture for extra heat. You can also drizzle hot sauce on top of your meal.
- Use Pre-Cut Veggies: Save time by purchasing pre-cut broccoli florets or sliced mushrooms from the grocery store.
- Cook in Bulk: Double the recipe and cook a larger batch. Store leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer for future meals.
Serving Suggestions
Our Hibachi chicken is an amazing dish to enjoy alone. Since it is low-carb and refreshing, you can pair it with other keto-friendly dishes.For a complete meal, consider serving this Hibachi Chicken with:
- Keto Pork Fried Rice
- Cauliflower rice
- Zucchini noodles
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerating: Allow the hibachi chicken to cool completely, then store it in airtight containers or resealable bags. Refrigerate the leftovers within 2 hours of cooking. In an airtight container in the refrigerator, this delicious meal will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the chicken and fried rice separately for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, I recommend reheating the food on the skillet for just a few minutes. To thaw, place chicken and veggies in the refrigerator overnight, then heat in a well-oiled pan over low-medium heat.
Health and Dietary Benefits
- Keto-Friendly: This recipe is low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for those following a ketogenic diet.
- Protein-Rich: With chicken as the main ingredient, this dish is packed with protein, essential for muscle building and overall health.
- Nutrient-Dense: The combination of various vegetables ensures a good intake of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Gluten-Free Option: By using tamari or gluten-free soy sauce, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free.
- Whole30 & Paleo Compliant: By using compliant ingredients, such as coconut aminos and homemade mayo, this recipe fits perfectly into Whole30 and Paleo diets.
Variations and Substitutions
- Swap Soy Sauce: If you don’t have coconut aminos, you can use soy sauce. For a gluten-free option, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian or vegan version.
- Add Garlic: Add minced garlic for extra flavor and aroma.
- Use Different Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or asparagus.
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