Name: Hibachi Zucchini Stir-Fry
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 12 min
Ingredients: 2 medium zucchinis cut into sticks; 1 medium onion chopped; 1 teaspoon garlic minced; 1 teaspoon ginger minced; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

This Hibachi Zucchini Stir Fry brings the bold, smoky flavors of a Japanese steakhouse right to your home kitchen.

Quick to make, full of vegetables, and seasoned with garlic, soy, and sesame — it’s a perfect side dish for any Asian-inspired meal.

Why I Love This Recipe

Savory, slightly sweet, and packed with umami flavor

Cooks in under 15 minutes

Pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or grilled proteins

A healthy way to enjoy more vegetables

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Zucchini: Crisp-tender texture with slight browning makes it irresistible

Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth

Garlic & Ginger: Fresh aromatics that build a classic hibachi base

Soy Sauce & Sesame Oil: Create the iconic hibachi-style flavor

Sesame Seeds: For a subtle nutty crunch

Pro Tips Before You Start

Cut the zucchini into even sticks for uniform cooking

Use high heat to achieve light charring without overcooking

Don’t skip the sesame oil – it adds authentic flavor!

Stir-fry quickly to preserve the zucchini’s bite

How to Make Hibachi Zucchini Stir Fry

Step 1: Prepare the Veggies

Cut 2 medium zucchinis into sticks about thick and 2 to 3 inches long.

Quarter a medium onion, then slice into pieces.

Step 2: Preheat the Pan

Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.

Once hot, add vegetable oil and swirl to coat.

Step 3: Cook the Onion

Add onion and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until starting to soften.

Step 4: Add Aromatics

Stir in 1 teaspoon each of minced garlic and ginger.

Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5: Sear the Zucchini

Add the zucchini sticks. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes, letting them brown slightly on the edges.

Step 6: Season
Pour in 2 tablespoons soy sauce and sesame oil.

Season with salt and black pepper. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Step 7: Finish and Serve
Cook for 1 more minute until everything is coated and glossy.

Serve hot with rice, grilled chicken, or fried tofu.

What to Serve It With

Fried rice or hibachi noodles

Grilled steak, chicken, or shrimp

Yum Yum sauce or spicy mayo

Miso soup or Asian slaw

Variations / Substitutions

Add mushrooms, carrots, or broccoli for variety

Use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free option

Drizzle with chili oil for heat

Swap sesame seeds with crushed peanuts

Storage & Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best texture

Avoid microwaving too long to prevent sogginess

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but it tastes best freshly cooked. Reheat in a skillet to keep it crisp.

Can I bake instead of stir-fry?
You can roast the veggies at 425°F for 15–20 minutes, tossing halfway.

What if I don’t have sesame oil?
Use olive oil, but note the flavor will be different.

Is this dish vegan?
Yes, it’s completely plant-based.

Can I add protein to make it a main dish?
Absolutely! Add tofu, shrimp, or chicken.

Does this taste like restaurant hibachi?
Yes, especially with the sesame oil and soy sauce combo.

How do I prevent soggy zucchini?
Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan.

Final Thoughts

This Hibachi Zucchini Stir Fry is everything I love about a great side dish — fast, flavorful, and full of texture.

It brings restaurant-quality taste with very little effort, and it always disappears fast at the table.

You’ll find yourself coming back to this one over and over!