How to Make Easy Hibachi Steak Recipe at Home!

What is Hibachi Beef?

Hibachi beef/steak refers to bite-sized pieces of beef cooked over high heat on a flat griddle or in a hot skillet. It’s seasoned with simple yet bold ingredients like garlic, butter, and soy sauce-based sauces, which create that irresistible combination of savory, buttery, and slightly sweet flavors.

Here in the U.S., hibachi cooking is famously performed in front of diners at Japanese Steakhouses or restaurants like Benihana, where the food is part meal, part show. But don’t worry—you can nail the same flavors at home, no tricks required.

Why You’ll Love This Hibachi Steak Recipe

While the theatrics are certainly a big reason we enjoy hibachi steakhouses, we also love the food! Our typical order is usually hibachi steak and shrimp, served with fried rice and hibachi veggies, and of course that irresistible yum yum sauce! The last time we ate at a hibachi restaurant, we paid extra close attention to the methods and sauces the chef was using, so we could recreate the flavors here at home.

The flavor of this steak is absolutely mouthwatering, thanks to the irresistible combination of garlic, butter, and soy sauce that coats every bite.

This delicious hibachi steak recipe is quick and easy, coming together in just 15 minutes, making it a perfect dish for busy weeknights or last-minute meals. It’s also special and elevated enough to serve for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or any time you feel like treating yourself!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Sirloin Steak: Trimmed of fat and cut into bite size pieces. You can also use ribeye steak or filet mignon for extra tenderness. This post on the difference between choice and prime beef can help you make the right choice for your occasion and budget.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the steak.
• Neutral Cooking Oil: I recommend a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like avocado oil or vegetable oil.
• Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic is a must for authentic hibachi flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds a creamy richness to the dish.
• Hibachi Sauce: 
  • Soy Sauce: The base of my “master sauce”. For a gluten free hibachi steak, substitute tamari for the soy sauce. I noticed no significant flavor difference with the swap.
  • Mirin: A sweet Japanese rice wine commonly used in cooking to add a delicate sweetness and enhance umami flavors. It balances salty ingredients like soy sauce and gives dishes a glossy, caramelized finish, making it a key element in authentic hibachi sauce. Mirin can be found in the Asian food aisle of most grocery stores, at any Asian market, or online here.
  • Honey: For balance and a touch of caramelization. You can use honey or sugar to add a hint of sweetness and balance the intense umami flavors of the soy sauce.

For exact ingredient amounts and instructions, see the printable recipe card below.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cut the steak into bite-sized pieces and season with Kosher salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat and coat with oil until shimmering.

Step 3: Spread the steak evenly in the pan and let it sear for 2 minutes without stirring. Flip and sear for 1 more minute.

Step 4: Toss in the garlic and butter, stirring until the butter melts and coats the steak.

Step 5: Pour in the hibachi sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and coats the steak.

Step 6: Remove from heat and serve hot with yum yum sauce, fried rice, or steamed veggies.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook the hibachi steak bites in batches if needed to ensure even searing.
• Use high heat and preheat your pan. Hibachi cooking is all about achieving that perfect sear. A hot pan is key to getting that golden-brown crust on your steak.
• Add a drizzle of sesame oil and sprinkle of sesame seeds for a nutty, toasted finish.

Serving Tips

For a special occasion, serve with hibachi vegetables, hibachi rice, and homemade yum yum sauce for that classic Benihana feel. You can also add shrimp to the pan for a surf-and-turf twist. 

Try the steak served over an Asian sesame salad or on top of homemade egg noodles. Make hibachi steak bowls with white rice and steamed vegetables for a quick, hearty meal.

Round out your hibachi dinner with a sweet white or rosé wine to compliment the stir fry sauce and notes of garlic. For more beef and wine pairings, check out this very handy guide.