Teppanyaki vs. Hibachi (Difference Between the Two Japanese Cooking Methods)
on Dec 06, 2022
If you’ve ever enjoyed a meal at Japanese restaurants, you’re probably heard of Teppanyaki grill or Hibachi grill. In North America, the terms teppanyaki and hibachi are sometimes used interchangeably but are they the same?
In this article, we’ll look at the differences and similarities between teppanyaki and hibachi cooking. We’ve also included a teppanyaki recipe so you can give it a try at home!
What Is Teppanyaki?
Originally from Japan and dating back to 1945, teppanyaki is a style of cooking where the food is cooked on a large iron bbq pan over charcoal or a gas stove.
The food is tossed, stirred, and flipped as it cooks. At restaurants, diners sit facing the chef and the grill to watch as their food is being prepared.
What Is Hibachi?
Also from Japan, Hibachi is a simpler method of cooking that has been around since the mid-1800s. It isn’t as entertaining as teppanyaki-style cooking. Instead of cooking the food on a flat surface, hibachi cooking uses a stove with a grate, or a round bowl.
Similarities Between Teppanyaki and Hibachi
Both styles of cooking originate from Japan and use grills or open flame to cook the food. While teppanyaki can be considered more entertaining, some Japanese restaurants that have hibachi cooking also allow diners to watch as the chef prepares their meals.
Difference Between Teppanyaki And Hibachi
1. Techniques
Teppanyaki-style cooking features techniques that are meant to entertain diners. You may have watched a chef sharpen his knives, toss them into the air, and cut vegetables into beautiful shapes. Hibachi style cooking isn’t as flashy. Instead, a skilled chef expertly prepares a meal in front of an audience of diners.
2. Varieties of the Food
Both styles of cooking use basic ingredients including meat, seafood, vegetables, rice, sauces, and seasonings. But teppanyaki restaurants provide broader selections including teriyaki chicken, sushi, and sashimi.
3. Temperatures
The hibachi grill is not as hot as a teppanyaki grill. Teppanyaki grills can get as hot as 600°F, while a hibachi grill can reach 450°F.
4. Price
Teppanyaki restaurants provide a finer dining experience and are therefore more expensive than hibachi grill restaurants, which are often located in food courts or strip malls.
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How to Make Teppanyaki at Home
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef steak, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons mirin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Combine the soy sauce, mirin, garlic powder, black pepper, and ground ginger in a mixing bowl.
- Mix and add the beef. Marinate for at least 1 hour.
- Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the beef and fry for a few minutes until cooked. Transfer the beef to a serving dish.
- Pour the leftover marinade into the same frying pan over low heat. Add the mirin and simmer until the sauce is slightly thickened. This will take 1 to 2 minutes. Pour the sauce over the beef and serve.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
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