Japanese omurice is a popular comfort food that combines tomato-flavored fried rice with a soft, golden omelet. The rice is mixed with chicken, onions, mushrooms, and peas, then wrapped in a delicate layer of cooked eggs.
A little ketchup and dried parsley complete the dish, giving it an appealing appearance and familiar flavor. This recipe makes three servings and is suitable for lunch or dinner.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Preparation time: 10–15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20–25 minutes
- Total time: Approximately 35–40 minutes
- Servings: 3
Ingredients
For the Tomato Fried Rice
- 100 g onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 150 g chicken meat, cut into small pieces
- 40 g button mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon white cooking liquid
- 200 g cooked Japanese short-grain rice
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon green peas
- 1 pinch dried parsley
For the Omelets
- 6 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- A little cooking oil for the pan
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Dice the onion, cut the chicken into small pieces, and thinly slice the mushrooms. Measure the seasonings, ketchup, and peas before cooking. Prepare the cooked rice and gently separate any large clumps with a spoon.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Vegetables
Heat a frying pan over medium heat. Add 2 teaspoons of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of butter. Once the butter melts, add the onion and stir until soft.
Add the chicken and mushrooms. Pour in 1 tablespoon of water and continue stirring until the chicken is completely cooked and the mushrooms become tender.
Step 3: Make the Tomato Fried Rice
Add the cooked rice to the pan. Break apart any clumps and mix it with the chicken and vegetables.
Season with salt and black pepper. Add 3 tablespoons of ketchup and 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. Stir until the rice is evenly coated.
Add the green peas and dried parsley. Cook for another minute, then remove the pan from the heat. Divide the rice into three portions and keep warm.
Step 4: Prepare the Eggs
Place 6 eggs into a large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of milk and 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Whisk for approximately one minute until the mixture is smooth.
For a finer texture, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve. Divide it into three equal portions, using approximately two eggs for each omelet.
Step 5: Cook the Omelet
Heat a small nonstick frying pan over medium heat. Add a little cooking oil and spread it evenly across the surface with a paper towel.
Pour in one portion of the egg mixture. Gently stir with chopsticks or a spatula as the eggs begin to set. This creates soft, fluffy curds.
Tilt the pan occasionally to spread the uncooked egg toward the edges. Keep the heat moderate to prevent the eggs from browning too quickly.
Step 6: Add the Rice and Fold
When the eggs are partly set but still soft on top, place one portion of fried rice in the center. Shape the rice into an oval.
Use a spatula to loosen the omelet from the pan. Fold one side over the rice, followed by the other side. Avoid pressing too firmly, as the egg may tear.
Slide the spatula underneath and carefully turn the omelet onto a plate, placing the folded side underneath. Gently adjust its shape if necessary.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Repeat the process with the remaining egg mixture and fried rice.
Drizzle ketchup over each serving and sprinkle with dried parsley. Serve immediately while the eggs remain warm and tender.
Helpful Cooking Tips
Use rice that is not too wet, as excess moisture can make it sticky. Avoid overfilling the omelet because a smaller portion is easier to fold. If the egg does not completely cover the rice, simply place the folded side underneath when transferring it to the plate.
Final Thoughts
Japanese omurice is a simple and satisfying meal that combines flavorful fried rice with a delicate egg covering. Preparing the rice first and making the omelets individually helps keep the cooking process organized. With a little practice, we can create an attractive homemade dish that brings warmth and variety to everyday meals.
Japanese Home Cooking | Omurice (Omelette Rice with Ketchup Chicken Rice)