Hibachi on a Budget: Tips for Affordable Hibachi Cooking
Everyone deserves to have their taste in hibachi, but not everyone can afford the extravagant New York hibachi party that everyone expects you to have. But even if money's tight, you can still have a New York hibachi at-home party.
Anyone can have a backyard hibachi party at home. All it takes is a reasonable budget, creativity, and effort.
Tips for Affordable Hibachi Cooking
Hibachi doesn't always have to be so expensive. However, if you still need to figure out where to start, here are some tips you can follow to help you create a New York hibachi at-home party.
1. Use alternatives or shop for pre-loved cooking equipment
Only some people have the space and money to have a traditional hibachi grill. So, as an alternative, you can use a simple flat top such as an electric griddle or even a cast iron skillet. Cast iron is handy because of its exceptional heat-holding capacity, which is convenient for hibachi cooking.
However, if you want to buy a traditional hibachi grill, wait for a new one if you're in a pinch. Instead, look for cheaper and discounted sellers from secondhand markets and thrift stores like eBay or Facebook Marketplace.
2. Use budget-friendly meats
One of the reasons why people flock to hibachi restaurants is because of the food. Meats and seafood are one hibachi staple that should always stay on the menu. However, with inflation penetrating everyone's wallets, it cannot be easy to throw a party when its main staple is meat.
Luckily, specific cuts and alternatives will only break the bank available at some people's disposal, such as pork, tofu, and chicken thighs, reasonably priced substitutes for more expensive meats like steak and seafood.
Meanwhile, if you want to add a few seafood-based dishes, consider using frozen shrimp. It's excellent and cheap, and you can cook it quickly, making it perfect for hibachi.
3. Consider buying in bulk
Everything's cheaper when you buy it in bulk, which also applies to hibachi ingredients. So, consider buying your ingredients in bulk or keeping an eye out for sales so that you’ll stay within your budget.
Pork and beef are sometimes on sale at retailers, especially if you buy larger servings that you can freeze and use for later.
Hibachi Cooking on a Budget
Hibachi cooking might seem highly expensive with its pricey equipment and ingredients, but it doesn't have to be, especially if you know how to move your money around and use your resources well.
Batch Cooking
One way to save money and time is to cook meals in multiple batches. Make extra fried rice or noodles and store the leftovers in the fridge or freezer. You can avoid having to cook again by simply reheating them for a fast lunch later in the week.
Use leftovers
Leftover food is a great way to cook on a budget. Have any chicken leftover from dinner last night? Place it on the grill and quickly sauté it with vegetables and soy sauce. Using leftovers helps you use less food and get more out of your ingredients.
Plan your portions
Planning your portions is essential, especially when on a tight budget. After all, you don't want to waste food by making more than what should be done. You can plan your portions by carefully measuring your ingredients and cooking only what you need.
Let Awesome Hibachi Give You a Budget-Friendly Hibachi Experience
You don't have to break the bank if you want to throw your New York hibachi at home party. With the right equipment, affordable ingredients, and creativity, you can enjoy all the flavors and fun of a hibachi meal without worrying much about how it costs.
However, if you want to throw your party but need help knowing where to start, let Awesome Hibachi guide you.
With Awesome Hibachi, you get quality Hibachi catering NY that serves only the best meals, and it'll help you organize your own party that fits your budget and needs. Book a private NY hibachi chef now and let’s fire up that grill!
