Ajinomoto Yakitori Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

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Ajinomoto, a brand synonymous with authentic Japanese taste, has made its Ajinomoto Yakitori Chicken Fried Rice a go-to for many of us on busy nights. But have you ever wondered what it would be like to recreate that delightful dish right in your own kitchen?

How to make Ajinomoto Yakitori Chicken Fried Rice

Ajinomoto Yakitori Chicken Fried Rice is a frozen Japanese-style rice dish made by Ajinomoto Co., Inc., a brand known for Asian-inspired frozen foods and seasonings.

Ingredients substitutes

For the Yakitori Chicken:

• 2 chicken thighs (or boneless, skinless chicken breast)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1 tablespoon sake (or rice vinegar as a substitute)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon minced ginger
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (for grilling or pan-frying)

For the Fried Rice:

• 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably leftover and refrigerated overnight)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• ½ cup frozen peas and carrots (or mixed vegetables of your choice)
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for added flavor)
• 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional, for extra umami)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garnish (optional):

• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions
• Pickled ginger

Instructions

1. Prepare the Yakitori Chicken:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, garlic, and ginger to create the yakitori marinade.
2. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and marinate in the sauce for at least 30 minutes (up to an hour for deeper flavor).
3. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat and add 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook until golden brown on each side and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Set aside and keep warm.

2. Make the Fried Rice:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble them until just set. Remove the eggs from the skillet and set them aside.
2. In the same skillet or wok, add another teaspoon of oil if necessary. Toss in the frozen peas and carrots and stir-fry them for 2-3 minutes.
3. Add in the cold cooked rice and break up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry the rice with the vegetables, ensuring everything is evenly heated.
4. Drizzle the soy sauce over the rice, followed by the sesame oil (and oyster sauce, if using). Mix well to coat the rice in the sauce.
5. Add the scrambled eggs back to the skillet, then add the cooked chicken pieces. Toss everything together so the flavors marry perfectly.
6. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed. Cook for another minute, then remove from the heat.
7. Transfer your Yakitori Chicken Fried Rice to a serving bowl or plate, and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. If you’d like, serve with a side of pickled ginger for a sharp, refreshing contrast. Enjoy it while it’s hot!

Tips for the Perfect Yakitori Chicken Fried Rice

• Use Cold Rice: Freshly cooked rice can be too sticky for frying, so it’s best to use cold, day-old rice for the perfect texture. If you’re using fresh rice, spread it out on a sheet pan and let it cool in the fridge for about 30 minutes before frying.
• Control the Heat: Cook the rice on medium-high heat so it fries evenly without becoming soggy.
• Customize the Veggies: While traditional recipes often use peas and carrots, feel free to add diced bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, or your favorite seasonal vegetables for extra flavor.
• Enhance the Umami: Add oyster sauce or a splash of dashi broth to elevate the dish’s umami.
• Marinate Longer for Tastier Chicken: If time allows, marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight. It will enhance the flavor and make the chicken even more tender and juicy.
• Don’t Overdo the Sauce: Remember, less is more when it comes to sauces! Add a little at a time to prevent the fried rice from becoming too wet.

What to serve with

Ajinomoto Yakitori Chicken Fried Rice is already a satisfying and flavorful dish, loaded with tender chicken, umami-rich rice, and colorful vegetables.

1. Miso Soup: A warming bowl of miso soup makes a perfect light starter for this Japanese-inspired meal. Made using miso paste, tofu cubes, wakame seaweed, and green onions, it’s packed with umami and complements the fried rice beautifully.
2. Edamame (Steamed Soybeans): Lightly salted edamame is a healthy and simple appetizer that pairs well with the rich flavors of fried rice. These tender soybeans are easy to prepare and keep your guests satisfied without overpowering the meal.
3. Japanese Gyoza (Potstickers): These crispy-on-the-bottom, tender-on-the-top dumplings filled with minced pork or vegetables are an excellent pairing. Serve with a soy-sesame dipping sauce to add depth to your meal.
4. Seaweed Salad: Vibrant and refreshing, a seaweed salad made with wakame seaweed, sesame seeds, and a light soy-vinegar dressing provides a crisp contrast to the hearty fried rice.

Ingredients Substitutes

Cooking at home often requires flexibility with ingredients. Luckily, if you don’t have certain items on hand for making Ajinomoto Yakitori Chicken Fried Rice, there are plenty of substitutes you can use without compromising the flavor.

Chicken Thighs or Breasts

Substitute:

If you don’t have chicken thighs or breasts, try these options:

• Turkey: Turkey breast or thighs can serve as a lean, tender protein.
• Tofu or Tempeh: For a vegetarian or vegan alternative, use extra-firm tofu or tempeh, cut into small pieces. Marinate and cook the tofu/tempeh the same way as the chicken.
• Shrimp: Cooked shrimp (fresh or frozen) is also a great substitute for chicken, adding a slightly sweet and savory flavor.

Soy Sauce (for the Yakitori Marinade)

Substitute:

• Tamari: A gluten-free option that tastes very similar to soy sauce.
• Coconut Aminos: Slightly sweeter than soy sauce, but a great low-sodium alternative.
• Fish Sauce: In small amounts, it can also replace soy sauce for a salty, savory flavor, but it’s stronger in flavor. Mix with a little water to mellow it.

Mirin (Sweet Rice Wine)

Substitute:

• Rice Vinegar + Sugar: Combine 1 tablespoon rice vinegar with ½ teaspoon sugar to mimic the sweet, tangy flavor of mirin.
• Dry Sherry or White Wine: Use a splash of dry sherry or white wine if mirin isn’t available, and add a pinch of sugar to balance it out.
• Apple Juice: Unsweetened apple juice can also serve as a substitute, adding a mild sweetness to the marinade.

Sake (Japanese Rice Wine)

Substitute:

• Rice Vinegar: Use diluted rice vinegar (1:1 with water) if you’re looking for an alcohol-free option.
• Dry White Wine: A dry white wine can stand in for sake and has a similar sharpness.
• Water + Sugar: Mix 2 tablespoons of water with ½ teaspoon of sugar as a non-alcoholic option to replace sake.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it—your very own homemade Ajinomoto Yakitori Chicken Fried Rice! With balanced flavors, crispy fried rice, and tender glazed chicken, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your household.

More Rice Recipes:

• Copycat Trader Joe’s Chicken Fried Rice Recipe