Hibachi grills aren’t your average cooking devices; they are synonymous with blistering meats, rich flavours, and an enthralling dining experience. These charcoal BBQs originated in Japan and Korea and have gained enormous appeal around the world, captivating the hearts and palates of food enthusiasts everywhere.
What Is a Hibachi Grill?
In Japanese, hibachi means “fire bowl”. It’s a small, box-like barbeque with an open-grate design. Hot coals that could reach temperatures of up to 200 degrees Celsius powered hibachi grills in the past. Nowadays, modern hibachi designs include electric and charcoal-fuel options, with the latter being the most popular option.
The greatest thing about these Japanese barbeques is their compact size, which makes them ideal for smaller living spaces, beach barbeques, and travel. They are versatile and ideal for small outdoor parties as they can be used to prepare everything from vegetables to meats.
Here is everything you’ll need to ensure your hibachi grilling experience is successful.
Get a Good Hibachi Grill
What to look for when buying a hibachi grill? This type of Japanese barbeque grill comes in a variety of sizes, shapes, and arrangements. However, make sure to stay away from models made of cast aluminum because they rust and become disassembled over time. Instead, seek for a ceramic or other insulated hibachi grill that is combined with a stainless steel grill.
Regarding size, there are tiny versions that can be used to prepare meals for two people at a time as well as huge models that can prepare meals for a family of three, four, or even up to eight people. A little model may be great if you desire a hibachi to cook for only yourself or perhaps also for a loved one.
But if you’re planning on using the grill in your outdoor living space to serve a large group of people, then look for a large model. Remember that larger grills can work for small and large groups.
Some Japanese barbeque grill models will include bottom vents that allow you to adjust the fire. The open design of a hibachi grill ensures that there is always enough air to maintain the fire, but the vents also allow air to pass through the grill and increase the heat of the fire. Try adjusting the vents on your hibachi to see how you can cool it down or heat it up once you start using it.
Adjustable racks are yet another characteristic you might discover in a hibachi. By enabling you to move the grate up and down, this feature enhances user convenience by providing you greater control over the distance between the food and the coals. This enhances the variety of foods that can be prepared while also increasing your chances of avoiding uncooked or overcooked meals. Although not required, this option can be a quick and enjoyable way to broaden the scope of your menu.
Choose the Right Charcoal
For a superb charcoal experience, you’ll want to use Binchotan, which is a dense white Japanese charcoal. This sort of charcoal burns with a consistent, even flame, and the alkalised ashes are known to neutralise protein acids and other unwanted acidic byproducts during cooking. Foods also get quickly sealed due to the high infrared radiation produced by Binchotan charcoal. The flavour you get to experience with a real Japanese Binchotan is unsurpassed.
If Binchotan is not available, you can substitute lump charcoal or briquettes, which are also referred to as hot beads. Just keep in mind that synthetic materials, such as fire starters, might contaminate your skewers with flavorless and, in some circumstances, hazardous compounds.
Igniting Your Hibachi Grill
You must first heat your coals using one of two methods before lighting your hibachi barbecue. I advise you to use a chimney starter, as do the majority of chefs. A simple metal cylinder with an open end that is filled with paper and lit at the bottom serves as a chimney starter. Over the paper chamber, the coals are piled and heated for 20 minutes, or until flames begin to develop.
To achieve even heat distribution, arrange the coals in the grill in a single layer once they are heated. A hibachi grill typically has a center temperature of 200 degrees Celsius. Use a fan or hair dryer to aerate the embers if you need more heat.
What to Cook in a Hibachi
Meats and vegetables on wooden skewers are typical foods that can be prepared in a hibachi. Although skewers are the most common type of food prepared on a hibachi grill, it is not necessary. There are various options, and using a hibachi grill to cook a range of items is similar to using a standard barbecue. If you plan to utilize skewers, use softer, simpler-to-thread meats or vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, onions, and thin slices of beef.
Spend some time marinating your meal in sauces like chili paste, soy sauce, sesame oil, and others to get the best flavors. The finished product will be more tasty the longer the flavors are allowed to permeate. To avoid them catching fire on the grill, let your prepared skewers soak in water for 10 minutes.
Hibachi grills don’t make a great choice for folks who want to smoke a rack of ribs or grill big chunks of tenderloin because they use direct heat to cook food. In fact, it’s best to steer clear of any meat with a particularly thick cut while using a hibachi grill. Smaller amounts of food cooked over direct heat are advised because this grill is not covered. Small portions and thin slices are ideal for that rich bed of charcoal’s deep, developed umami flavour.
While exceeding the size of your dish would almost certainly result in an undercooked dinner, overcooking could result in burnt food for your guests. To get the appropriate caramelization and to continuously wow your guests, keep it modest.
Looking After Your Grill
It will be time to clean and store your barbecue when you have finished grilling. Pick up each of the coals with a pair of long tongs, submerge them in water, and then spread them out on a tray to properly dry before using them for your subsequent BBQ. Keep in mind to exercise additional caution when handling the hot coals!