New Jersey is known for its vibrant food scene — from boardwalk bites to five-star dining — but some of the best meals start right in your own kitchen. If you’re looking to bring bold, delicious flavors to your table with minimal fuss, we’ve got two standout recipes that deserve a spot in your weekly lineup.

These easy, flavor-packed dishes come from Jersey Girl Cooks, a local food blog that’s all about delicious home cooking with Jersey pride. Whether you’re craving something savory and sizzling or sweet and comforting, these recipes hit the mark — no reservations needed.

Ready to cook like a local? Check out even more great recipes from the Garden State in our Explore New Jersey Recipes section.

🔥 Bring the Sizzle Home with Hibachi Vegetables

If you’ve ever gathered around a hot hibachi grill, you know it’s not just about the theatrics — it’s about the flavor. And while the steak or shrimp might get the spotlight, the vegetables are the real showstoppers. Buttery, garlicky, and perfectly seasoned, hibachi vegetables are the unsung heroes of Japanese steakhouse dining.

With Jersey Girl Cooks’ simple and satisfying Hibachi Vegetables recipe, you can recreate that same restaurant magic right at home — no flaming onion volcano required. This quick-cooking dish combines fresh zucchini, mushrooms, and onions in a buttery soy-garlic sauce that packs a savory punch.

It’s the perfect side for grilled meats, noodles, or even on its own over rice. And with just a handful of ingredients, it’s weeknight dinner gold.

Hibachi Vegetables

If you’ve ever sat around a sizzling hibachi grill, you know the vegetables are just as crave-worthy as the steak or shrimp. These hibachi vegetables are buttery, garlicky, and perfectly seasoned—bringing that Japanese steakhouse flavor straight to your own kitchen. This quick, flavorful side, is a must-make recipe.

Our local hibachi restaurant is always a good time. The chefs put on a show, the food never disappoints, and everyone has their favorite part—whether it’s the fried rice, the Yum-Yum sauce, or the sizzling steak and shrimp. But me? I’m all about the vegetables. They’re buttery, garlicky, and packed with umami flavor, with just the right balance of tenderness and crunch. I could honestly eat a whole plate and skip everything else.

The good news is, you don’t have to wait for a special night out to enjoy them. Hibachi vegetables are surprisingly easy to make at home and pair well with so many meals. Whether you’re serving grilled chicken, teriyaki beef, or just want a quick veggie stir-fry, this recipe is a great one to keep in your weekly rotation.

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Ingredients

Olive Oil – Or use your favorite light, neutral flavored oil.
Garlic – Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. Mincing it finely helps it distribute throughout the dish.
Onion – A yellow or white onion works well. Slice it into even strips so it cooks at the same rate as the other veggies.
Carrots – Julienne or thinly slice for quick, even cooking. Pre-cut matchstick carrots can save time.
Mushrooms – White or cremini mushrooms both work. Slice them evenly so they brown nicely without getting soggy.
Broccoli – Cut into small, uniform florets so they cook quickly but still have a little bite.
Soy Sauce – Adds that classic umami flavor. Use low sodium if you’re watching salt intake, or tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
Unsalted Butter – Butter gives the veggies a rich flavor. I prefer to use unsalted butter because soy sauce can be quite salty.
Sesame Seeds – Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty crunch. They’re optional but add a nice finishing touch.
Salt and Black Pepper – Season to taste at the end. Start light if your soy sauce is salty.

See recipe card below for exact quantities and instructions.

Instructions

Step 1: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Vegetables are cooked in a cast iron skillet until crisp tender.

Step 2: Add sliced onion and carrots, cook for 2 minutes.Then add mushrooms and broccoli. Stir-fry for another 4–5 minutes until tender but still crisp.

Soy sauce and other seasonings are added to sautéed vegetables.

Step 3: Add soy sauce and butter. Stir everything well until the butter melts and coats the vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Hibachi-style vegetables are served with a spoon.

Step 4: Sprinkle veggies with sesame seeds and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve while hot. This is great next to grilled meats and/or rice.

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Hint: Slice all the vegetables to uniform sizes for even cooking.

Variations/ Substitutions

Add Zucchini – Zucchini is a popular hibachi veggie that cooks quickly and absorbs flavor well. Slice into half moons or strips.
Use Bell Peppers – Red, yellow, or orange peppers add color and sweetness to the mix.
Swap the Sauce – Try teriyaki or a drizzle of hoisin sauce instead of plain soy sauce for a different flavor.
Spice It Up – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha for some heat.
Make It a Meal – Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to turn it into a main dish.
Add Baby Corn or Snow Peas – For a more stir-fry style dish with added crunch.

🌱 Want to give it a try? The full recipe is right here: Hibachi Vegetables Recipe
Or browse more in our Explore New Jersey Recipes for other ideas!

🍌 Cozy Up to Banana Bread Overnight Oats

Now let’s talk breakfast. If you love the comforting flavors of banana bread but don’t have time to bake in the morning, these Banana Bread Overnight Oats are a total game changer. Creamy, naturally sweet, and full of warm cinnamon spice, they taste like dessert — but they’re built for your busiest mornings.

This no-cook, make-ahead breakfast is as practical as it is delicious. Simply mix ripe bananas with oats, milk, a touch of cinnamon, and maybe a few walnuts or chocolate chips for extra flair. Let it chill in the fridge overnight, and by morning, you’ve got a grab-and-go breakfast that feels like a treat.

Great for meal prepping and easy on the wallet, this is a healthy start to your day without sacrificing flavor or time.

Banana – I like to use a ripe banana with some brown spots. They have a natural sweetness and are easy to mash.
Old Fashioned Oats – Choose rolled oats for the best texture. Quick oats will be mushier, and steel-cut oats won’t soften enough.
Milk – Any milk works! Whole milk makes it creamy, while almond, oat or soy milk are great dairy-free options.
Pecans – Chop them for a bit of crunch in every bite. Walnuts or almonds make great swaps, or skip nuts altogether if preferred.
Maple Syrup – Go for pure maple syrup for the best flavor. Honey or agave syrup can be used instead.
Vanilla Extract – A little pure vanilla enhances the banana bread flavor.
Ground Cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice. A pinch of nutmeg can be a nice addition.
Coarse Sea Salt – Just a small amount balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Step 1: Place the banana in a small bowl and smash it well.

Step 2: Add the milk to a mason jar and add the oats to the milk.

Nuts are scooped into a jar with other ingredients.

Step 3: Add the banana, syrup, vanilla, salt, cinnamon, and chopped nuts to the jar.

Overnight oats are mixed in a mason jar.

Step 4: Stir well and secure the lid on the jar. Place in the fridge to chill overnight or for at least 4 hours (I like it best overnight). Stir before eating or heat it up if you prefer.

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Hint: I prefer to use wide-mouth jars. It’s easier to add the ingredients and easier to get your spoon in it to get all of the goodness!

Variations/ Substitutions

Add Chocolate – Stir in some mini chocolate chips for a little extra sweetness.
High Protein – Add a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder and an extra splash of milk to keep the texture creamy.
Nut-Free – Skip the pecans or swap them for sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, chia seeds or shredded coconut for crunch without nuts.
Berries – Mix in fresh or frozen blueberries, raspberries, or chopped strawberries for a fruity twist.
Nut Butter – Swirl in a spoonful of peanut butter or almond butter for extra creaminess and protein.
Dairy-Free – Use almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk to keep it completely dairy-free.
Warm It Up – Heat it up in the microwave for 30-60 seconds before eating if you prefer a warm breakfast.

🥄 Make mornings easier: Get the Banana Bread Overnight Oats recipe here
And if you’re always on the hunt for new, local-inspired meals, don’t miss our Explore New Jersey Recipes collection!

Why We Love Cooking Jersey Style

Here in New Jersey, we’re proud of our food — and for good reason. From farm-fresh ingredients to multicultural influences, our local flavors tell a story. With these two recipes, you’re not just cooking — you’re connecting with that Jersey spirit of flavor, creativity, and homegrown pride.

Whether you’re turning up the heat with hibachi-style veggies or easing into the day with banana-infused oats, these recipes show that delicious doesn’t have to be complicated.

So grab your apron, stock your pantry, and let’s get cooking — Jersey-style.

Want more local recipes that celebrate all things New Jersey? Head over to our Explore New Jersey Recipes section for dishes that bring the taste of the Garden State right to your table.