“Teppanyaki” comes from two Japanese words — teppan meaning “iron plate” and yaki meaning “grilled.” It’s a cooking method where food is grilled directly on a hot metal plate, often right at the dining table.
This technique is believed to have originated at sea, discovered by Spanish sailors on their way to Japan. Without pots or pans on board, they simply heated an iron plate and cooked fish on it — a method still known in Spain today as plancha.
Today, teppanyaki is an essential part of Japanese cuisine, popular in restaurants and homes around the world — including Singapore, where dining is as much about experience as it is about flavour.
What Is a Teppanyaki Grill?
A teppanyaki grill is used to cook food gently, with minimal oil and fat — making it both flavourful and healthy. Because of its flat design and high heat distribution, it’s perfect for quick cooking.
You can prepare meat, seafood, vegetables, or even tofu with a teppanyaki grill. This method keeps ingredients tender, crisp, and full of nutrients, ideal for anyone who enjoys a light, vitamin-rich meal without compromising on taste.
What Makes a Good Teppanyaki Grill?
When choosing a quality teppanyaki grill, look for:
-
A durable, non-stick surface:
The best options are Teflon-coated or stainless steel.- Teflon heats up quickly and cleans easily.
- Stainless steel is more scratch-resistant and retains heat longer.
-
Ample cooking space:
Enough room lets you cook multiple ingredients side by side — perfect for sharing. -
Adjustable temperature settings:
Useful for keeping food warm without overcooking. -
Easy cleaning:
A detachable drip tray or smooth surface helps you wipe away grease effortlessly.
A good teppanyaki grill combines function, safety, and ease — making it a favourite for family gatherings or weekend dinners.
Must-Have Accessories
You can use standard kitchen tools, but to enjoy the full teppanyaki experience, consider a few essentials:
- Spatula: for flipping or moving food easily.
- Splash guard: to keep your cooking area clean.
- Cooking dome (cloche): for steaming ingredients in their own juices — this also helps distribute heat evenly.
Choose heat-resistant stainless steel tools for durability and authenticity.
Teppanyaki Recipe (Serves 2)
Ingredients:
- 200 g mushrooms (shiitake, oyster, or enoki)
- 200 g seasonal vegetables (pumpkin, peas, or asparagus)
- 400 g beef (e.g. 2 rib-eye steaks)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (canola or sunflower)
Sauce (makes ~400 ml):
- 100 ml red wine
- 100 ml soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 75 g sugar
- 1 tbsp miso paste
- 50 g apple (peeled and diced)
- 50 g onion (diced)
- 2 garlic cloves
- 25 g fresh ginger
- 3 tbsp chilli oil (or sesame oil with chilli)
- 3 tbsp sesame seeds
Rice:
- 200 g rice
- 200 ml water
- A pinch of salt
Preparation
- Peel and dice the apple, onion, garlic, and ginger.
- In a small saucepan, bring the red wine to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat and add soy sauce, honey, sugar, and miso paste. Stir well.
- Add the diced ingredients, sesame oil, and sesame seeds.
- Simmer until the apple softens, then blend into a smooth sauce.
Grilling (Approx. 30 minutes)
- Wash and slice the vegetables.
- Heat the teppanyaki grill and drizzle oil over half of the surface.
- Grill the vegetables and mushrooms for 3–4 minutes per side.
- Place the beef on the other (dry) half of the grill and sear until golden brown (about 4–5 minutes).
- Serve everything with freshly cooked rice and drizzle with the teppanyaki sauce.
Enjoy your homemade teppanyaki — restaurant-quality, right at your dining table!