How to Make Japanese Omelette: Detailed & Easy-to-follow Recipe

Embark on a flavorful journey into the heart of Japanese cuisine with our guide on How to Make Japanese Omelette. Whether you're a kitchen novice or a seasoned chef, our step-by-step instructions will empower you to recreate this beloved dish with ease. From the sizzling sounds of a hot pan to the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen, join us on Kiichin Kitchenware as we unravel the secrets to crafting the perfect Japanese Omelette.

1. What is Omurice? (オムライス)

Omurice (オムライス) is a popular Japanese dish that combines Western-style Omelette with Japanese fried rice. This dish is a delightful fusion of flavors, bringing together fluffy scrambled eggs enveloping a savory filling of seasoned fried rice. Omurice is not only known for its delicious taste but also for its charming presentation, often featuring creative designs on the Omelette's surface.

Omurice is a delightful Japanese dish, blending fluffy Omelette with savory fried rice inside

The name "Omurice" is a portmanteau of two words: "Omelette" and "rice." This dish has become a staple in Japanese home cooking and is a beloved comfort food enjoyed by people of all ages. It is particularly favored by children for its appealing taste and the fun aspect of its presentation.

2. How to Make Japanese Omelette? (Omurice - オムライス)

2.1. How to Make Japanese Omelette: Fried Rice

Despite being called "chicken rice," the dominant flavor in this dish is the tomato sauce, creating a sweet and aromatic contrast to the layer of egg custard on top. For your version of Omurice, you might prefer homemade tomato sauce to introduce a more nuanced and slightly less sweet taste compared to store-bought alternatives. However, if you're seeking that classic flavor, the bottled option is a suitable choice. On the other hand, if tomato sauce isn't to your liking, fear not; you can prepare Omurice with any style of fried rice. For a more in-depth guide on achieving the perfect fried rice, you can refer to our Yakimeshi recipe. If you're interested in exploring Japanese Omelette recipe, consider incorporating techniques from traditional Omurice preparation.

Although we typically advocate the use of chicken thighs over breast meat, there are exceptions, and this is one of them where chicken breast works equally well. Just exercise caution to avoid overcooking, as it may result in toughness.

In addition, we enjoy sautéing onions to enhance the rice's overall flavor. We also incorporate a touch of oyster sauce as a substitute for soy sauce, imparting a more flavorful umami taste that helps counterbalance the sweetness of the tomato sauce. While some individuals prefer incorporating additional vegetables such as carrots and peas into chicken rice, we find them unnecessary unless you're aiming to include more veggies for nutritional reasons. We often serve this dish with a side salad.

*Ingredients:

• Cooking oil
• 1/2 finely chopped carrot (60g / 2 ounces)
• 1/2 finely chopped onion (80g / 2.8 ounces)
• 1/3 finely chopped green bell pepper (45g / 1.6 ounces)
• 80g smoked ham (2.8 ounces), like Strasburg meat, finely diced, or minced beef, pork, or chicken
• 2 cups cooked, cooled rice (short or medium grain)
• 1 tablespoon ketchup (or more, if not using the above demi-glace sauce)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon regular soy sauce (e.g., Kikkoman)
• 1 tablespoon rice wine (mirin)

Related Post: Traditional Japanese Breakfast: What Do Japanese Eat For Breakfast?

*How to Make Japanese Omelette: Fried Rice:

Step 1: Heat a skillet and add cooking oil. Sauté carrots, onions, green bell peppers, and smoked ham until all ingredients are cooked.

Fried Rice: Step 1

Step 2: Introduce the rice and rice seasoning, stirring well for 1 to 2 minutes.

Fried Rice: Step 2

Step 3: Turn off the heat. Cover with foil or a lid to maintain rice warmth while preparing other components.

Fried Rice: Step 3

Step 4: When it's time to present the dish, mold the rice into small mounds using a small bowl. Invert the serving plate onto the bowl and gently flip, removing the bowl in the process.

Fried Rice: Step 4

2.2. How to Make Japanese Omelette: Oval Shape Omelette

Japanese style Omelet rely more on cooking technique than ingredients, but I prefer using eggs with vibrant yolks to achieve a golden hue. Adding a touch of cream contributes richness, balancing the acidity of the rice. For an indulgent twist, consider incorporating grated cheese into your egg mixture.

*Ingredients:

• Cooking oil
• 6 eggs (3 eggs per serving)
• Salt

*How to Make Japanese Omelette: Fried Rice:

Step 1: Whisk the eggs in a bowl, ensuring a smooth texture by sieving them. This step is crucial for a seamless Omelette. Add a pinch of salt.

Oval Shape Omelette: Step 1

Step 2:

Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat until sufficiently hot for the eggs to bubble up upon pouring. Coat the pan evenly with cooking oil.

Pour the beaten eggs onto the pan, cooking until the edges (approximately 3 mm / 0.12 inches) are set. Another indicator is the formation of air bubbles in the middle of the pan, aiming for slightly larger bubbles.

Oval Shape Omelette: Step 2

Step 3: Once the Omelette is 85% cooked, place a portion of fried rice in the center and spread it evenly.

Oval Shape Omelette: Step 3

Step 4: Fold the edges of the Omelette toward the rice, creating a snug blanket around it.

Oval Shape Omelette: Step 4

Step 5: Gently maneuver the egg, sliding and flipping it from the pan onto the serving plate. Alternatively, position the serving plate over the Omelette rice and invert the pan. Ensure there is no residual oil in the pan to prevent any accidental burns.

Oval Shape Omelette: Step 5

Step 6: Use cooking foil (or parchment paper) to mold the Omelette into an oval shape. Exercise caution as the Omelette rice may be hot.

Oval Shape Omelette: Step 6

Step 7: Drizzle the demi-glace sauce (or ketchup if you haven't made the sauce) and serve.

2.3. How to Make Japanese Omelette: Demi-Glace Sauce

When it comes to making Japanese Omelettes, the usual accompaniment is tomato sauce. However, at times, it is also enjoyed with a more flavorful sauce such as the one derived from Hayashi Rice (Omuhayashi - オムハヤシ), Japanese Curry (Omukarei - オムカレー), or Meat Sauce (Omumeato - オムミート). For the latter, you can even exclude the rice and incorporate spaghetti, transforming it into Omusupa (オムスパ). As you can see, there are numerous opportunities for creativity in this culinary realm, including exploring the art of creating a fluffy Japanese Omelet.

In this article, we will introduce you to the savory world of Demi-Glace sauce. While traditionally associated with French cuisine, Demi-Glace has found its way into Japanese culinary creations, adding a rich and velvety dimension to dishes like Omurice. This sauce, characterized by its deep umami flavor, is crafted by reducing a mixture of brown stock, Espagnole sauce, and wine to create a concentrated and luscious base. If you're aiming for the perfect combination of a fluffy Japanese Omelet and a decadent sauce, experimenting with Demi-Glace could elevate your culinary experience to new heights.

*Ingredients:

• 1.5 tablespoons cooking oil
• 1 tablespoon plain flour
• 5 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon regular soy sauce (like Kikkoman)
• 1 tablespoon Tonkatsu sauce or regular soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of honey or brown sugar
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup milk

*How to Make Japanese Omelette: Fried Rice:

Step 1: Mix ketchup, soy sauce, Tonkatsu sauce, honey, water, and milk in a bowl or large measuring cup. Set aside.

Demi-Glace Sauce: Step 1

Step 2: Heat a frying pan, add cooking oil and flour. Cook over medium to medium-high heat until the mixture darkens (about 5 to 7 minutes). Stir occasionally and then reduce the heat to low.

Demi-Glace Sauce: Step 2

Step 3: Pour the sauce from step 1 into the pan and stir well. Increase the heat and cook over medium-low to medium heat until the sauce thickens (approximately 8-10 minutes). Stir frequently. Set aside.

Demi-Glace Sauce: Step 3

3. Tips on How to Make Japanese Omelette

Omurice, a versatile Japanese dish, invites you to unleash your culinary imagination. While conventionally prepared with chicken-flavored fried rice, don't hesitate to explore alternatives such as pork, prawn, or even opt for a vegetarian version without meat.

Enhance your Omurice experience by incorporating a playful touch, using ketchup to create charming patterns

Dive into another delightful rendition known as omusoba. As the name suggests, this variation substitutes fried yakisoba noodles for rice as the filling, offering a distinct and flavorful take on the classic Omurice. If you're curious about how to cook Japanese Omelet variations like omusoba, you can experiment with the noodle-filled version to add an exciting twist to your culinary repertoire.

Achieving the ideal rice for Omurice, and any fried rice creation, involves a clever trick. Utilize leftover rice stored in the refrigerator. This aging process reduces stickiness, making the rice perfect for frying and adept at absorbing a myriad of flavors.

When preparing Omurice for someone special, consider adding a personal touch. Elevate the visual appeal by using ketchup to draw patterns or write playful messages on the Omelette's surface. It's a common and delightful practice that adds a whimsical charm to the dish.

And that's the whole process of How to Make Japanese Omelette. For more culinary inspiration and helpful tips, head over to Kiichin. Dive into the world of cooking and explore new flavors.