Easy Teppanyaki at Home: Japanese Dinner on a Griddle or Pan

Teppanyaki (鉄板焼き) is a style of Japanese cuisine where food is grilled on a flat iron griddle, or teppan. The word itself breaks down to teppan meaning “iron plate” and yaki meaning “grilled” or “pan-fried.”

While it originated in Japan, teppanyaki gained massive popularity worldwide thanks to theatrical “hibachi” restaurants, where chefs dazzle diners with flaming onion volcanoes and flying shrimp. Funny enough, though, hibachi (火鉢) translates to “fire bowl” and refers to a small, round or square container, originally used for heating and sometimes cooking with charcoal or wood. It doesn’t actually have anything to do with teppanyaki in Japan! But at its core, teppanyaki is about simple, high-quality ingredients cooked over high heat – no tricks required.

Besides being delicious, teppanyaki is interactive and fun – great for dinner parties or date nights at home! Each bite is perfectly seared and often paired with simple dipping sauces like garlic soy, yum yum sauce, or spicy mustard. It’s a meal that invites everyone to gather around the stove or griddle, sharing food straight off the heat.

With minimal prep and fast cooking time, teppanyaki offers that satisfying “restaurant feel” without ever leaving your kitchen. If you have an actual teppanyaki griddle, too, it’s fun to cook everything at the dinner table. Otherwise, you can definitely cook everything on a pan, too, and the food will still taste great!

What Should I Cook On My Teppanyaki?

Proteins:

• Thinly sliced ribeye steak or filet mignon
• Shrimp
• Chicken thigh or breast
• Scallops
• Salmon or other fish fillets
• Tofu, firm or extra firm

Vegetables:

• Onion slices
• Zucchini or yellow squash
• Bean sprouts
• Bell peppers
• Mushrooms (shiitake, button, enoki, oyster, etc.)
• Cabbage

Sauce Ingredients:

My teppanyaki sauce is a Japanese classic with simple, staple Japanese household ingredients. It was made to pair beautifully with steak, but honestly, it tastes amazing with any protein you toss on the teppanyaki grill – chicken, shrimp, tofu, or scallops.

Here’s what each ingredient brings to the table:

• Grated Onion: Adds natural sweetness and thickens the sauce.
• Ginger: Fresh and slightly spicy, it balances the richness and adds brightness.
• Soy Sauce: Brings salty, umami richness that ties everything together.
• Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way; it adds a nutty aroma and traditional Japanese flavor.
• Sesame Seeds: For texture and toasty flavor, they add a nice finishing touch.
• Garlic: Provides a savory kick and deep flavor that rounds out the sauce.
• Sugar: Balances the saltiness and enhances the natural sweetness of the onions.
• Chili Crisp (Optional): If you like a little heat and texture, I recommend adding a little!

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